EXCLUSIVE: Leading mobility franchisor congratulates Easy Living Mobility for “following in our footsteps” ahead of its own franchise offering re-launch
Following the launch of Easy Living Mobility’s own franchise model in its bid to become “the major supplier” of mobility aids nationally, Ableworld, the UK’s leading mobility franchise operator, has congratulated the West Midlands retailer in adopting a franchise model.
Speaking to THIIS, Mike Williams, Managing Director of Ableworld, commented: “It is flattering to see someone else following in our footsteps where other franchise groups have tried and failed. We believe in the entrepreneurial spirit of franchisees to help drive growth in the mobility sector and it is good to see Easy Living sharing this passion.”
Following a period of consolidation within its own franchise network, Ableworld is currently in the process of reviewing its franchise offering.
Announcing its re-launch plans at the Ableworld Business Conference in March, the company affirmed that its successful franchise operation will go from strength to strength.
Boasting 34 stores across the UK, the national mobility retailer says it has invested substantial time and money developing its franchise business support structure, ensuring it covers the key areas of business operation.
Having overcome initial challenges, the established mobility franchisor confirmed to THIIS that this investment has been a success, pointing to its first franchise store to have recently reached over £1million annual turnover as evidence that hard work and dedication, backed by professional support, is the key to success.
The store’s success stands in contrast to the current broader retail environment, with a string of high-profile stores disappearing from high streets in 2018 and continued Brexit uncertainty dampening spending. The result is a challenging landscape for even the most established retailers, let alone newcomers considering entering the market.
Discussing Ableworld’s franchise network, Mike told THIIS: “As the leading and most successful mobility franchise operator in the UK, retailing is in our DNA.
“With a senior management team with over 150 years of combined retail experience – many of which is from the mobility sector – Ableworld is uniquely placed to provide franchisees with a strong foundation on which to grow their business.
“We understand franchise owners invest large amounts of their own money and time in their business and that selecting the most suitable partner to assist in this journey is vital.”
Alongside franchise owners seeing Ableworld as a good fit, Mike highlighted that the company also carefully chooses who it works with to ensure they are right for the industry.
“Similarly, the choice of franchisee is important for us as franchisor,” he continued.
“Our franchise business partners come from a variety of backgrounds, including armed forces, teaching and construction, yet they all have one thing in common, their caring and ethical approach when wanting to improve customer’s lives.”
