The Editorial Team , writer
If you love all things automobile, then you’re not alone. A massive 76% of households have access to a car or van according to the National Travel Survey 2017. This is because driving has now become a necessity rather than a luxury in the fast-paced world in which we live in.
So with 38.2 million vehicles on the roads in Great Britain, of which 31.5 million are cars, starting an automobile franchise business is a pretty safe bet. Not only are there lots of opportunities in the automobile manufacturing and distribution sectors but also a large variety of other franchises are also available for investment.
According to the Vehicle Licensing Statistics 2017, the average age of a car is 7.8 years. This means that a whole host of automobile franchises are needed to maintain and repair cars to keep them safe and roadworthy.
Here are our top five automobile franchise opportunities you may want to consider:
Revive!
Revive! Auto Innovations are specialists in repairing unwanted scuffs, chips, bumps and marks on alloys. The franchise has grown rapidly since being established in 1994 with more than 70 franchises and over 130 vans on the roads right now. Revive! also recently won the 2018 HSBC Franchise Support Award for the effort that the franchisor puts into helping and guiding franchisees.
Revive! is different from many other van-based franchises in the fact that each franchisee is assigned a territory that's intended to accommodate at least three vehicles. If you’re interested in investing in this franchise, you’ll have plenty of opportunities and will be encouraged, to expand to realise the full potential of your territory. Therefore you should only apply if you’re incredibly motivated, determined and driven to succeed.
If you think you’ve got what it takes, you'll need to raise an initial investment of £27,500 plus VAT. Of this amount, at least £10,000 must be a personal investment. You don’t need to have any previous experience in the automobile industry however excellent communication skills, a willingness to learn, and the desire to thrive as the owner of your own business are a must.
Optic-Kleer
Optic-Kleer is the UK's leading windscreen repair specialist. The franchise, founded in 1991, has developed a unique business model that enables its franchisees to set up business outside of supermarkets and shopping centres all over the country. This provides customers with a convenient and hassle-free service. Currently, there are around 50 franchise units in the UK, with the franchise looking to expand into profitable new markets with the help of new franchisees.
If you’re interested in this flexible and profitable franchise opportunity, you’ll get to use the latest tools in the industry to fix windscreens while your customers’ shop. Typically, repairs take as little as 20 minutes and repairing just five windscreens a day will generate a monthly turnover of £5,460. You’ll be required to invest a minimum of £15,000 to become a franchisee. In return, you’ll be provided with training as well as ongoing marketing and sales support. You’ll also be taught all the administrative and managerial skills required to make a success of your new business.
Wheel Wizard
Wheel Wizard is the largest wheel and bodywork repair specialists in the UK. As another van-based franchise, it’s relatively affordable and will provide you with a great deal of flexibility. The original business was founded in 1993, though it wasn’t until 2005 that it adopted the franchise model. It has since partnered with Dent Wizard and Flying Colours to provide a complete set of repair and refurbishment services.
If you love driving this could be the franchise for you, as you’ll get to travel extensively throughout your territory while responding to callouts on a daily basis. Whether the customer needs work to standard, split, dual colour, or custom rims, Wheel wizard have the tools to deal with the situation. The franchise also works closely with dealerships, auction houses, and commercial customers to ensure individual vehicles and entire fleets are kept in the appropriate condition.
A total investment of £20,000 is required to become a Wheel Wizard franchisee. Once on board, you’ll receive eight weeks of technical training and business management coaching. You’ll also have access to ongoing support and guidance as and when it’s necessary.
Autosmart
Autosmart was started in 1979 and quickly became the UK’s leading provider of professional vehicle cleaning products. The franchise network now consists of more than 150 UK franchisees, as well as a considerable international contingent, too. With over 35 years of experience, Autosmart has developed and improved their franchise model to make it an excellent opportunity for investment.
As an Autosmart franchisee, you’ll be responsible for the delivery and demonstration of more than 200 automobile cleaning products to a wide array of customers. This product range includes deodorisers, hand cleaners, paints, and maintenance products, among other things. As Autosmart is a van-based franchise, you’ll experience lower overheads and have greater flexibility to fit your business around other commitments.
The minimum investment required is £15,000. However, the cost of owning a franchise in your desired territory may be considerably more expensive. Autosmart is renowned for its franchisee support system, and you’ll receive all the training to need to make your new business a success.
BP
BP Connect is a convenience store that is often located beside BP filling stations. This globally recognised brand was first introduced to the UK in 2000 and now has over 300 locations, and a further 200 in the US; and are currently focused on continuing this growth. To aid this expansion, BP is looking for prospective franchisees with a passion for quality and service. So, if you’re business minded, are good with numbers, have sales experience, a desire to succeed, and have significant funds available, then this could be the franchise for you.
The considerable investment costs are to be expected for a brand this size. If you’re interested in becoming a BP franchisee, then you’ll need to invest around £2,000,000, with an estimated liquid capital requirement of approximately £800,000.
If this is out of your price range, then there are automobile franchises to suit all interests and budgets.
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The Editorial Team , writer