Written by The Daily Express added to the archive on 22nd May 2008

Hammer Out A Deal - 19th May 2008

A slowdown in the property market means that instead of investing in a new house, people are staying put and spending their money on improving the home they already have, boosting the home improvement sector into the bargain.

Home improvement franchises range from garage conversions and landscaping services to driveway makeovers and interior design.

Many of them are management franchises, where the work is carried out by experienced professional staff and managed by the franchisee. The Garage Conversion Company is a management franchise that converts unused garage space into useful rooms - from offices and playrooms to extra bedrooms and home gyms - and offers a complete service from the planning stage to the finished room, ready for decorating and furnishing.

Franchise Director Richard Benning says that the last few months have been extremely busy for the 31 franchisees, and things are about to get even busier. He said "This is an exciting time for the Garage Conversion Company as we are about to sign a major deal with one of the biggest home improvement retailers, which will sell our products nationally:

The company is looking to expand the franchise network and says ideal candidates are people with an interest in property development, a background in sales and some project management experience.

Mr Benning added:- "We are finding that husband and wife teams often make perfect franchisees, as they tend to have the right blend of technical and softer communications skills."

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