Want to buy an existing franchise? Pirtek could be right for you.

Known for being one of the leading engineering franchises in the UK, Pirtek specialise in repairing burst and damaged hydraulics and piping and operate in a diverse array of industries. The franchise’s astounding success is demonstrated by the fact that all UK and Ireland territories are now occupied, and the only way a unit can be acquired is via a franchise resale. Here, we take a look at what has made them such a popular investment opportunity and why you might want to consider becoming the newest member of the Pirtek team.

Franchise background

Pirtek was originally founded in Australia but was introduced to the UK market in the 1980s. Since then, it has expanded to encompass more than 80 franchise units in the UK and many more in other international markets, including Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. Historically, Pirtek has focused on providing hydraulics-related products and services to a wide range of commercial customers. These include business in the agriculture, automotive, defence, environmental, manufacturing, mining, transport, and utilities sectors. Over the years, Pirtek has worked hard to ensure that they're considered the first stop for those businesses with hydraulics, piping, and coupling problems.

Industry Context

In terms of engineering-type franchises, there has been a recent explosion in the number of ‘one man and a van’ styled franchise opportunities. The Pirtek franchise network has resisted this approach and adopted a business format – where the franchisor is responsible for a team of technicians and specialists who actually provide the services. This allows the business to deliver high quality, specialist services in an environment that's ideally suited to this type of work. While Pirtek serves clients operating in many different industries, the franchise is known as the go-to hydraulics specialists, and they have developed a reputation for excellence.

Pirtek basics

Pirtek specialises in providing fluid transfer solutions, products, and services to clients that require assistance with hydraulics and piping. As a business format franchise, every franchisee operates at least one service centre, as well as van-based mobile service for jobs on the go. This allows them to offer their service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Much of the work that Pirtek do on a day to day basis involves repairing and replacing damaged hydraulic hoses and systems. The majority of customer enquiries will be resolved by the business' mobile technicians, and the franchise aims to dispatch someone to urgent call outs within one hour of being contacted. This not only maintains Pirtek's excellent reputation for customer service, but it also helps to maximise revenue by reducing downtime between jobs.

What is the minimum level of investment required?

To become a Pirtek franchisee, applicants will need to raise an initial investment of at least £70,000. However, this figure can rise to more than £100,000 depending on the unit's location and size. Pirtek is accredited by the British Franchising Association (bfa) and, due to their reputation as an established franchise, franchisee financing options are readily available. Pirtek estimates that potential franchisees should be able to borrow anywhere up to 70% of the initial investment from several mainstream, reputable lenders. Depending on the size of the operation, there can be substantial differences in the level of investment required and the way the business is set up, so it’s worth discussing your personal preferences with the franchisor first.

What do you receive in return for your investment?

In return for your investment, franchisees will be granted the right to trade under the Pirtek name and utilise its brand image and trademarks, as long as it’s in keeping with the guidelines established in the franchise contract. As the franchise has already opened the maximum number of units possible in both the UK and Ireland, all Pirtek acquisitions are now franchise resales. This means that much of the necessary business infrastructure, equipment, and expertise is already in place and ready to be utilised by the new franchisee. This is an incredibly attractive proposition for many investors, as a lot of problems associated with the early stages of business development have already been resolved.

Pirtek also enrols new franchisees on a comprehensive training programme that covers all the basics required to succeed as a Pirtek business owner. This training takes place at a dedicated training centre in Birmingham and generally requires two to four weeks to complete. It will provide you with administration, accounting, training, recruitment, and management skills, while also ensuring you have some technical understanding of the work being carried out by Pirtek. Ongoing support and guidance are available from the franchisor's management team, and marketing materials and supplies are also provided. Pirtek aims to arm you with all the expertise necessary to ensure that your new business venture is profitable from day one.

What kind of franchisee is Pirtek looking for?

Pirtek is a management franchise, meaning the franchisor is predominately responsible for managing the business and staff, not carrying out front line work on a day to day basis. Consequently, franchisees need to have a firm grasp of management techniques, an understanding of essential business and accounting practices, and an ability to motivate and inspire their staff. The franchise also requires you to have a little knowledge of hydraulics and the industry in general. Pirtek is looking for franchisees that are willing to work in line with the company’s tried and tested methods. The ability to communicate well with staff and customers, the determination to succeed, and a long-term commitment to the franchise are all also desirable qualities.

Conclusion Over the years, Pirtek has accumulated a great deal of expertise and experience. They are now the leading hydraulics and piping specialists in the UK and operate according to a proven business model. The level of support they offer franchisees is second to none, and franchisee satisfaction ratings are high. With a wealth of high profile, committed clients, there’s no doubt that Pirtek franchisees are provided with everything they need to make their new business venture an unqualified success.