As part of the Hunter Douglas Group - the world's biggest blindmaker - Apollo Window Blinds is the UK's largest retail blind store chain. With over 70 outlets throughout the UK and Ireland, Apollo enjoys unrivalled nationwide coverage through our network of stores and approved agents.

In a market worth over £1.2 billion anually, Apollo provides all types of window covering products from vertical, venetian, roller and pleated blinds, to curtains, tie backs, tracks and poles, And with steady growth predicted for the next decade, this could be the ideal franchise for a sales orientated business professional, who is comfortable dealing with both the retail and commercial customer.

Apollo was one of the founder members of the British Franchise Association and has been franchising for over 28 years, so when it comes to support, you can be sure that you are in the best possible hands. The Apollo aim is quite simply to provide high quality products at outstanding value for money prices, By utilising the enormous strength of the parent Company, Apollo is able to provide top quality products to it's franchisees at highly competitive prices.

Franchising with Apollo means you benefit from the group's massive investments around the world. Fashion and product development are continually under scrutiny, allowing each and every Apollo franchisee to benefit from global creativity.

Joining Apollo - The First Steps.

1. The First Step.

No one single method of getting into franchising suits everybody, that's why there are two ways of joining 'Apollo'.

1. As a standard 'Apollo' franchisee you will be awarded  a designated geographic area or town and run a showroom selling the full  range of window coverings supplied by the 'Apollo' manufacturing unit.
2. A Super Franchise provides the opportunity to operate with an 'Apollo' "Master Licence", giving the aspiring businessman a larger geographical area and the ability to appoint agents and licensees operating in the territory.

2. Recruitment.

After 28 years in the franchise business, Apollo has learnt that the first step
to creating a successful business is to find the right people. That's why you
will have to satisfy us at the very highest level to be awarded an Apollo
franchise. Our sophisticated selection criteria involves personal interviews coupled
with the latest profiling techniques, to ensure that your abilities match the requirements 
of the role.

3. Funding.

The first stumbling block for many new businesses is finding the necessary financial backing. That's why 'Apollo' has established excellent credentials with all of the leading "franchise" banks. Up to 70% of the initial outlay can be provided for the right person and the 'Apollo' team are there to find those people. Professional advice and guidance will be given to help you prepare a proper business plan and the appropriate documentation.

The Support Systems.

1. Establishing Your Operation.

As an 'Apollo' franchisee you would benefit from the following services;

Property specialists experienced in the analysis, selection and siting of retail establishments.  Training in all aspects of product knowledge, marketing and business management. Equipment and extensive sample collections prepared for your use. Marketing plan prepared and implemented for your business.

2. Long Term Back Up.

Advice and support for all areas of your business are available through the full-time professionals working in the business. Additionally, experienced operations Managers operate constantly around the country to provide on-the-spot consultation and advice to all franchisees, as well as constant updates to keep up with fashions changing trends.

3. Training.

We at Apollo believe that good training is vital to establishing a successful
franchise. By teaching you to avoid the pitfalls and problems which we have
identified over the last 28 years, we can significantly increase your chances
of running a profitable business. That is why all of our training is 'tailored' to
meet the differing needs of each new franchisee.

During our comprehensive induction training in our purpose built factory, we
will teach you how to manufacture and repair the full range of Apollo blinds.
Thereafter, we will construct your personal training plan to ensure you
receive exactly the right knowledge and guidance to help you achieve your
aspirations. Indeed you could say our training is "made to measure" exactly!

4. Marketing.

'Apollo' is a company driven by marketing and sales, that's why so much investment has been made in establishing a strong dynamic marketing team, which provides many services direct to each franchisee, including;

Professionally written advertisement copy and press releases for use in your local newspapers and /or trade magazines  Creative graphic advertisements prepared for use when promoting special prices, sales and seasonal offers Innovative point of sale materials such as fabric samples and pattern books Fully co-ordinated colour sales literature, including leaflets, stationary and brochures,

• Creative, professional colour photography of the full range of 'Apollo' products
• High profit Yellow Pages advertising.

5. Operations, Technical and Sales Management.

Our field management team is strategically based across the UK to provide initial support following your training. The Regional Operations Managers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the technical, sales, marketing and operational details of running an 'Apollo' showroom. New franchisees are always reassured to know they can call on someone experienced to help them with their day-to-day problems.

The Retail Franchise.

Here is a breakdown of how a typical franchise would be run;

1. Your Business

From your retail base, centered around an agreed geographical territory, you will typically employ at least one member of staff to manage the showroom, deal with administrative procedures and look after the customers directly. The majority of your time will be spent away from the showroom divided between following up commercial and private sector enquires and generating new "sales leads" through a range of marketing activities, including generating relationships with other local business such as conservatory manufactures or building firms.

2. Your Base.

The location of your base will depend upon several factors. The 'Apollo' team will conduct a critical analysis of your area and use their expert knowledge to determine the best possible location.

Your retail store will portray the 'Apollo' corporate image and so it is necessary to equipe it to show the whole range of 'Apollo' products off to an advantage. At all stages of the procedure the 'Apollo ' team will be there to help work out the best deal for you, within your budget limitations. Our experts will guide you through the legal procedures, organise and oversee the shop-fit and assist in the merchandising of your store, to ensure you create the right impression from day one.

3. Your Future.

How far and how fast the business expands depends upon your own abilities and ambitions. 'Apollo' will offer incentives and comprehensive support to your business expectations. By developing the business to its full potential you will return the investment and effort made by the company. You can look forward to the following rewards;

• A UK market currently worth £1.2 billion and growing. 
• A partnership with a world leader in the window coverings business.
• Direct contact with your customers.
• An appreciating asset with undoubted growth potential.
• A good standard of living with unlimited potential in the future.

4. YOU.

Success in any business depends heavily upon the dynamic qualities of the people involved, the window blind business is no different. Ask yourself the following Questions;

• Am I hungry for Success ?
• Am I self motivated with enough drive to make a business thrive and develop ?
• Can I be proactive and compete for business in a fierce marketplace ?
• Do I have sales experience or a desire to work in a sales and marketing led business ?
• Have I got good organisational skills and the ability to cope with a wide variety of tasks ?
• Do I enjoy interacting directly with the public ?

A positive response to these questions will lead you to the next step in the process applying for more information.

The Next Step

For more information contact Graham Mylchreest on

01429 851500

Apollo Window Blinds Ltd
10B Parkview Industrial
Hartlepool
TS25 1PE

Tel:(+44) 01429 851500
Fax:(+44) 01429 851529
E-Mail: gm@apollo-blinds.co.uk
Website: http://www.apollo-blinds.co.uk

Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number when requesting a brochure
Or if you would like us to arrange for a brochure to be sent to you email us with your Name, Address & Telephone Number

or return to site

The Franchise Business, 6 Wight View, Bembridge Drive, Hayling Island, Hampshire. PO11 9LU
Tel: (+44) 023 9246 2111 Fax:(+44) 023 9246 3555