How the ChipsAway & Ovenclean network is giving their franchisees unparalleled flexibility

What are your main focuses as Managing Director of these two franchises?

Our main aim is to continue actively expanding the ChipsAway and Ovenclean franchise systems. We’re constantly looking to recruit new franchisees, improving their quality and helping them to grow their businesses. We believe that by supporting our ambitious franchisees any way we can, we’ll help them grow their profits, which will be beneficial for everyone involved.

The two brands are a perfect example of a symbiotic relationship, and we have to ensure our brands work for our franchisees financially.

Why are ChipsAway and Ovenclean such lucrative business opportunities?

Both of the brands operate tried and tested business models that our franchisees can follow to succeed. Franchisees also have the unlimited support of dedicated marketing and business development teams who know the franchises inside and out.

For ChipsAway, there are approximately 35 million vehicles on the road. Based on YouGov findings, we estimate that around 23 million of these require our services. For Ovenclean, recent studies also show that in a cash-rich, time-poor economy, a staggering 1 in 3 households now hires some kind of domestic help, which is great news for our franchisees.

What is the most common praise ChipsAway and Ovenclean receive from customers?

We have a 5* rating on TrustPilot for both of the brands, which we are extremely proud of. Both of the services are completely transformational in how they can make a customer feel about their car or their oven, from being upset or embarrassed, to feeling proud and ecstatic that the dirt/damage has gone. By helping to take that worry and stress away for our customers, they can continue with their routine without having to think about it.

What would you say are the biggest plus points of owning a franchise?

Our network would tell you that they enjoy a flexible lifestyle, where they have control over their own diary, earnings and future. A franchise business model is completely tailored to the individual, meaning you can work as often as you like, when you like, in a routine that suits you and your ambitions. Both brands also benefit from a scalable business plan, so when a franchisee is ready to expand their business we can help them with the process of buying a second territory, more vans, taking on staff and, for ChipsAway, investing in a Car Care Centre.

In what ways do Ovenclean and ChipsAway support their respective franchisees?

We do everything possible to support new franchise owners in the successful launch and development of their business. The franchise package includes business mentoring from an experienced franchisee and ongoing franchise development from a dedicated team, along with full marketing and advertising support. All franchisees benefit from centrally driven national advertising campaigns, such as our TV advert and investment in online channels. Over the years, this large-scale promotion has helped grow the brands to become the most recognised in their sectors.

What do you look for in a prospective franchisee?

The attribute all of our successful franchisees have in common is that they are not afraid of hard work. They know that in order to reap the rewards, they need to put in the effort to establish their local business. They have varying backgrounds, so prior experience is not an issue, and we provide all the technical and business training they need. But it is also key that they are able to communicate with us regularly, which means we can continue helping them to make their business a success.

What are your long-term goals for ChipsAway and Ovenclean?

Large-scale growth is our ambition. We’ll continue to grow our brand awareness and national coverage through recruiting and supporting successful franchisees.

How are Ovenclean and ChipsAway changing their respective industries for the better?

We are always investing in training to improve the standards of service our customers receive. Being honest and transparent with our consumers is another key part of how we are driving change in our respective industries.

Are the industries facing any major challenges at the moment? What are these?

For ChipsAway the advent of autonomous cars is a distant uncertainty. Having said that independent experts are predicting the market will still be worth $4bn in 2030 and beyond. Furthermore consumer needs are ever evolving and we will continue to adapt our service and brand to new buying habits as the times change.