A Q&A session with Ableworld

Paul Boniface, franchise director, on the franchisees that have made the life-changing decision to join the superstore brand Ableworld. Founded in 2001, Ableworld provides products and services – such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, riser-recliner chairs and stairlifts – at affordable prices for the growing elderly and disabled market. Ableworld was founded in 2001, awarded its first franchise in 2008 and has UK-wide expansion plans.

“Where you want to open and run your business is an important factor in deciding which franchise to invest in. For the country’s leading mobility retailer, Ableworld, it is not just a question of which town but also where in the town. Ableworld has given a lot of thought over the years as to where the best locations are for its one-stop mobility superstores.

“We want our franchisees to benefit from the experience we have had in opening our stores and learn from what works best."

Whereabouts in the country you want to open is often a personal choice. Two recent examples of Ableworld franchisees show very different approaches.

“James and Leanne Studdart from Cardiff have always lived in South Wales and chose to open in their home city. James was previously in sales and marketing and Leanne had worked for many years as a hairdresser. After a year’s trading they decided with their business partner, Conway Davies, to open a second store in Bridgend, so still staying close-to-home.

“Contrast James and Leanne’s choice with that of Jack Alldredge and Kamie Berry who identified an Ableworld franchise as something they wanted to invest in from Texas, in the US! On a visit to the UK during a trip to Europe they totally fell in love with Scotland. When they decided it was time for a relocation, Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands, was the top of their list!

“As the ageing population continues to grow, the market for Ableworld’s products is set to grow rapidly over the next few years. Ableworld plans to award more franchises this year.”