Satellite wish

Amid rising demand for satellite services, digital television and other home entertainment products, The Satellite Shop, a Kent-based business with 20 years' experience in the sector, has announced plans to franchise its system.

The Satellite Shop currently has a retail showroom in Tunbridge Wells and a team of installers, who visit customers' homes and consult with them on their technology choices. It is this system that will now be deployed in franchise zones in the south-east of England and across the UK.

Besides offering dish and receiver products, The Satellite Shop specialises in home entertainment systems, plasma TVs, DVDs, Sky and Freeview. The business offers a personal service to customers, including a home visit when they recommend electrical and home entertainment systems that fit their space, family and budget.

The company says that all franchisees will undergo a training programme at head office in Kent. Franchisees will be given a chance to experience the business first hand, shadowing some of the expert technicians as they visit clients in their own homes. After onsite training, franchisees will be supported through an operations manual, which contains all the information required to succeed, plus telephone support and regular meetings. The company's dedicated marketing and PR department will also be on hand to assist with a launch campaign.

The company sees considerable growth potential. "We hope to have 30 franchises in operation by 2012 to meet the demand from the national digital switchover, but that is not the only growth area," says Phil Millington, The Satellite Shop's managing director.

Sky, Sky Plus or Sky High definition receivers will become more popular, he says, as it is anticipated that more people will subscribe to Sky services. Installing multiple receivers and TV points has become increasingly popular as different members of the family want to communicate with different people in different ways.

"Significant demand for our services has been generated through the digital switchover," says Mr Millington. "With 24.9 million households in the UK, this demand will be dramatically increasing as we approach 2012."

Another growth area is expected to come in foreign residents wishing to receive overseas channels from different satellites using a dish and receiver. The demand for this service has grown considerably over the past few years with the expansion of the EU and the growth in immigration.

"Our customers like the flexibility we offer. They can come to us and get everything in one place and deal with the same people throughout. It is vitally important that our customers get this predictable service every time," he says.

One of the benefits to potential franchisees is that they will automatically become an authorised Sky agent through the Satellite Shop's agency agreement with Sky. This offers a definite advantage, says the company, as it can be difficult to become an authorised Sky agent.

The franchise also covers the areas of servicing out of warranty systems and offering extended warranties. The Satellite Shop also sells accessories, remote controls and cabling which can make a significant difference to the franchisee's bottom line.

The Satellite Shop says it is looking to recruit franchisees who have an interest in cutting edge entertainment technology and imparting this to their customers through a great retail environment and personal service.

The Satellite Shop franchise costs £40,570 including initial franchise fee, training, launch, legal costs, opening stock, and shop fitting. For a prospectus, contact Mr Millington on 01892 548468 or email him at phil@satshop.co.uk.

Classification: Retail
Investment level: £40,570 plus VAT
Website: www.satelliteshop.co.uk
Email: phil@satshop.co.uk
Phone: 01892 548468