Always Wanted to Work in the Kitchen Industry? Here Are 4 Franchise Options to Consider.

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 08/09/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Always Wanted to Work in the Kitchen Industry? Here Are 4 Franchise Options to Consider. — Photo © kitchen-store.jpg

The kitchen industry offers lots of exciting franchise opportunities. Here, we take a look at the best kitchen franchises out there and how the kitchen industry is faring. If you're looking to open a kitchen store, this is the guide for you.

It’s a well-known fact that home improvement businesses are doing well at the moment. As homeowners opt to save money by renovating their houses instead of moving, businesses that offer kitchen products and installations are in a good position to maximise their sales. Let’s take a closer look at the kitchen industry.

In 2018, the value of the UK fitted kitchen sector exceeded £4.2 billion and it’s set to grow even more over the coming years. But it’s important to remember that there are many elements to the kitchen industry – and franchising has a presence in most of them. The sector is actually made up of a diverse array of businesses that aren't necessarily competing for the same market share.

Kitchen industry sub-sectors

The UK kitchen market can be separated into several different sub-markets, each of which covers a different aspect of kitchen design and renovation. For instance, the kitchen furniture manufacturing sector generates around £2 billion in revenue each year and employs over 15,000 people.

Within this category, the luxury kitchen market sells products and consultancy services for high-quality, fitted kitchen equipment and design services. It generally works with products worth at least £12,000 and is a lot smaller than the manufacturing sector, although it still generates substantial revenue.

£4.2 billion The value of the fitted kitchen sector in the UK

Then there's the kitchenware and gadgets industry. This sector encompasses all the businesses that manufacture or sell equipment for your kitchen. It’s worth approximately £1 billion, and this figure is expected to grow in the coming years.

When you’re deciding which sector to get involved in, take some time to think about the sort of service you’d like to provide and the type of business model that would best suit your lifestyle and requirements.

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Franchise opportunities in the kitchen industry

We’ve rounded up some of the best franchising opportunities in the kitchen renovation sector. These thriving businesses harness timeless style and industry trends to attract a large customer base and ensure consistent turnover.

Historically, the kitchen was a functional space that was usually hidden from sight, but today, it’s a social space where people spend a lot of time. Aesthetics have become much more important, standing alongside functionality as a key consideration when customers approach kitchen renovation companies. By joining one of the exciting franchise opportunities below, you can capitalise on the increasing importance of the kitchen in our homes.

These kitchen franchises understand what consumers want; take a look below to find out more about them.

1. Schmidt

About the franchise: Founded in 1934, Schmidt has been designing, manufacturing and selling innovative kitchen and bathroom products for a number of decades. Its kitchen designs are constructed in the franchise’s six factories across Europe and displayed in its 710 showrooms that span 25 countries worldwide.

Becoming a franchisee: When you join Schmidt, you’ll become part of a business that generates a turnover of more than £425 million. What’s more, you won’t have to deal with stock, as orders are shipped directly to customers from the factory.

The investment: Now, the international kitchen and bathroom retailer is looking to expand further in the UK. To become a Schmidt franchisee, you’ll need to make a total investment of £450,000. In return, you’ll be enrolled onto a fourteen-week induction programme as you set up your franchise unit and complete both theoretical and practical training.

2. Dream Doors

About the franchise: Dream Doors began life in 1999 and adopted the franchise model in 2002. It has since expanded to encompass 75 franchise units and receives around 78 franchisee applications a month. The franchise is the UK’s largest kitchen renovations retailer and specialises in kitchen doors, worktops, sinks and appliances. In recent years, it’s consistently been in contention for the British Franchise Association’s (BFA) “Franchisor of the Year” award. Between 2006 and 2014, the franchise also managed to win seven “Best Online Marketing Campaign” awards.

Becoming a franchisee: The ideal Dream Doors franchisee is passionate about the industry and demonstrates excellent communication skills. Every franchisee receives high-quality training and can utilise the excellent franchise support system.

The investment: To become a franchisee, you'll need to raise around £55,000. Approximately 50 to 70 percent of this amount can be borrowed from a mainstream lender, and the rest must come from the franchisee's personal assets.

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3. Trend Transformations

About the franchise: Initially founded in 1996, Trend Transformations has a long history in the kitchen design industry and is well respected for its expertise and experience. The business specialises in selling countertop surface tiles that fit over your existing kitchen units with minimum fuss. Trend Transformations gives customers the power to tailor their kitchen design to meet their needs.

Becoming a franchisee: The business is looking for franchisees who are driven, determined, and have a firm grasp of business essentials. Ongoing support and guidance are provided by the central franchising team, and all franchisees will receive financial, marketing and business management guidance throughout the set-up period.

The investment: To become a franchisee, you'll need to raise an investment fee between £25,000 and £42,000. However, there's also the option to transform your existing home makeover store into a Trend Transformations franchise unit. In return for your investment, you’ll receive a turnkey business model and all the training required to implement it.

4. Magicman

About the franchise: Magicman is a dominant force in the UK kitchen market, but it also provides bathroom and general home repair services. The franchise was established in 1993 and specialises in hard surface repairs. It renovates different types of surfaces and can repair numerous materials. This makes it ideally suited to kitchen-based work.

Becoming a franchisee: Franchisees can benefit from the opportunity to sell their products and services to a wide range of clients and customers. These include homeowners, hotels, builders, tradesmen, kitchen fitters and even cruise lines.

The investment: Franchisees will need to raise approximately £25,000 and can borrow up to 60 percent of this amount from a mainstream lender. All franchisees need to be energetic, passionate and able communicators. Once you’re on board, you’ll be enrolled onto a comprehensive training programme and receive all the assistance necessary to launch your new business.

>> Read more:

Join the kitchen industry

The kitchen industry is a diverse and varied market. The franchises covered here all offer something a little different. Whether you’re looking for a kitchen design specialist, surface repair business or a countertop retailer, this industry has franchise opportunities to suit every ambition, requirement and budget.

To view our whole range of kitchen franchises, just click here.