Zerodrytime Franchising are officially live in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE!
This is a monumental achievement that we’re extremely proud to announce, as no other UK service-based franchise has achieved this in the Middle East.
Our Launching Ceremony at the Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski, Cairo, saw the UK Ambassador to Egypt attend as our premium guest, along with dozens of guests, including government and financial investors from across the Middle East, new potential franchisees, the Press and Media.
We’re looking forward to the future as Zerodrytime Franchising continues its growth trajectory, which incorporates this aggressive expansion across Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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We’ve had our first franchise resale last month! The resale of Swindon and Cirencester completed after Danny Williams had finished his training at the Zerodrytime Headquarters.
Anyone purchasing a Franchise Resale will not have to develop the brand from the outset in the local territory. The previous franchise owner will have done the difficult work in establishing the brand locally.
The business will usually have been trading for a while and will have a documented track record of sales, customer lists and, potentially, existing contracts in place with customers. This track record allows a purchaser to make informed business decisions based on actual historic figures rather than anticipated projections.
A purchaser of a Franchise Resale should have much greater visibility of the history of the business and its chances of success in the future. This situation is, generally speaking, more attractive to banks as they can make their credit assessment on the basis of actual trading data.
Rather than starting from scratch, winning customers and only then being able to generate any turnover, buying a Franchise Resale often means that there will be established income from the first day of trading from existing customers of the franchise business. The purchaser’s main task is then to ensure that he or she builds on this to grow the business.
We have Franchise Resale opportunities around the UK. If you would like to find out more, please get in touch.
If you’ve ever dreamt of starting your own business and becoming your own boss, but you’ve been deterred by the costs and risk involved in building a company from scratch, then franchising could be right for you.
Franchising has been a popular method of expansion for decades. Brands like McDonald’s, Subway and KFC have enjoyed massive global growth and success by adopting a franchising model.
Franchising success isn’t just limited to the fast food industry, though. Cleaning franchises have become increasingly popular in recent years as the demand for cleaning services, both domestic and commercial, has accelerated. Starting a cleaning franchise can be a highly profitable venture, not to mention an enjoyable and rewarding career choice.
Here’s why cleaning franchises are such a great investment.
Why is the cleaning sector in such a strong position, you ask? A big reason is because cleaning services (particularly domestic cleaning services) are no longer seen as a luxury expense for the upper classes, but a growing necessity of modern life. With people working longer hours and leading busier lives, they either don’t have the time, or they’d rather spend their precious time away from work enjoying life with their loved ones, doing leisure activities or resting and recharging, not breaking a sweat doing the housework.
The cleaning industry has proven to be robust, too. While the UK has experienced a number of economic downturns and periods of uncertainty over the last decade, more recently so during the pandemic, the sector has weathered these storms and enjoyed continued growth. Since 2010, industry turnover has increased by 21%, compared to just 17% for the rest of the economy.
Thanks to all the benefits that it offers, Zerodrytime’s proven business model, ongoing training and support, less risk, our franchise model carries higher rates of success compared to start-ups. According to a recent survey by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and NatWest, 93% of franchises are profitable. Additionally, more than two-thirds of franchises that have been operating for five years or longer report being either “substantially profitable.”
Failure rates for franchises remain very low, with less than 1% of per year closing down due to commercial reasons. Comparatively, data shows that approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first 10. Only 25% of new businesses make it past the 15-year mark.
Franchising offers a higher return on investment (ROI)
A cleaning franchise can be a highly profitable investment, especially considering the relatively low start-up costs involved (see below). Obviously, it’s hard to pin an exact figure on how much your cleaning franchise could make, but the aforementioned survey from the BFA and NatWest found that 60% of franchised units turn over more than £250,000 per annum.
If you need help in raising the funds to start a Zerodrytime cleaning franchise, many high-street banks have dedicated franchising units that specialise in lending to franchisees. Being part of a strong franchise network makes it even easier to raise the funds that you need.
A cleaning franchise is a saleable asset
Franchises are a sale-able asset, offering even greater value to your investment. Once you’ve grown your own profitable Zerodrytime cleaning business, you have the option to sell it on and cash in on your investment, potentially achieving long-term financial security for you and your family. (You may have to wait a certain number of years before selling, depending on the terms of your franchise agreement.)
If you would like to learn more about starting your own cleaning business franchise, please let us know. Simply complete our contact form, drop us an email, or call us direct on 0191 691 4700 and see if your local area is available.
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As you all know, we’re a regular at The National Franchise Exhibition, but just like last year, we’re doing things a little different, showing our Zerodrytime franchise opportunity in a “virtual” environment!
Attending a franchise exhibition is an important step in the research process for any potential franchisee. To ensure you don’t miss out on this crucial step of your journey in the current climate, the UK’s flagship franchise exhibition will be virtual!
Join us on 21st and 22nd May 2021, and discover how you could gain the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss, with the benefit of our established brand behind you at the second virtual National Franchise Exhibition.
Log in from the comfort of your own home to chat with our representatives, David and Dean. Listen to a packed programme of free presentations and get expert 1-to-1 advice to help you take the next step on a Zerodrytime franchise journey.
Whatever desires you have for wanting to own your own business, franchising offers an advanced route to success. Investment in a franchise secures a proven blueprint for launching and operating a successful venture, plus the ongoing support provided by the Zerodrytime brand and network of existing franchisees.
The event is also supported exclusively by the British Franchise Association (bfa), ensuring each business demonstrates it runs a genuine business format, for added reassurance in your investment.
COVID-19 is causing a huge impact on new Upholstery orders. However, Zerodrytime can help save you money and time, by restoring your much loved, comfy leather furniture back to as good as new!
The COVID-19 pandemic has sent shock waves through society and up-rooted life as we know it. Social distancing measures are being put in place, businesses are running at limited capacity, and people are staying home more than ever before.
With a significant increase in time spent at home, consumer behaviour is changing as people are investing in the comforts of home such as DIY, home entertainment, and specifically, home furniture.
While upgrading the comfort of your home is a great idea during this uncertain time, unfortunately, the furniture industry has not completely by-passed the ramifications of the pandemic that many institutions and businesses are currently facing.
During this time, the furniture industry is experiencing a backlog in the supply chain, ultimately contributing to an overall delay in furniture delivery times. Simultaneously, furniture retailers are noticing a major surge in demand.
People are spending more time at home than ever. We are working from home, kids are learning from home, and with a shutdown or decreased capacity of restaurants, bars, and theatres, we are entertaining ourselves at home too.
Many of us think there is no better time than now to invest in making your home a comfortable and safe space to spend time in.
You may find yourself watching more TV than usual and are getting sick of sitting on the couch with worn-out cushions. Speaking of TV, why not upgrade your home theatre while you’re at it?
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Home projects, home renovations, and furniture upgrades are on the rise at this time causing a major surge in demand in the furniture industry.
Setbacks in Production
Furniture manufacturers are experiencing difficulty keeping up with this demand. It is proving difficult to produce furniture at the rate that orders are coming in. Not only are manufacturers struggling due to high demand, but production plants are still experiencing delays as they attempt to work their way through the backlog caused by plant shutdowns.
Although plants are now back up and running based on social distancing guidelines, this has not been an easy process. Plus, many workers do not yet feel comfortable returning to work. With this, plants are attempting to get back on track while being understaffed, and as a result, functioning at limited capacity.
Finally, while furniture production plants are dealing with barriers of their own, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing an overall suspension in the supply chain. More specifically, production plants rely on China for many parts and materials used in the making of their furniture. Although China is recovering from the pandemic, this is also contributing to the setbacks in furniture production.
Delays in Furniture Delivery
The delays seen in the supply chain and manufacturing plants are now rippling through the rest of the industry.
Given that furniture is not being made as quickly as it typically would prior to the pandemic, furniture retailers are experiencing a significant delay in receiving products to their warehouses. As a result, furniture is taking much longer to reach the doorstep of customers.
How can Zerodrytime help?
With COVID-19 being a global pandemic, no furniture retailer is alone in experiencing these changes to the industry.
This is where Zerodrytime come in to help, with our Leather Upholstery Restoration and Recolouring services
Our technicians all undergo intensive training at head office
One of the world’s largest furniture retailers is also facing these new challenges presented by the pandemic including extreme delays in delivery.
“We recognise that, despite our best efforts, there have been long wait times, delays, and cancellations, due to the unprecedented surge we’ve seen in online orders. Our normal ways of working have been disrupted and this is true for our service providers who are also experiencing unprecedented volumes. We truly regret any inconvenience caused and our teams are working hard every day to address these issues.”
A new leather suite can cost thousands of pounds. Restoring or recolouring your existing leather sofa will cost significantly less, and leaves a surface essentially the same as the original factory finish, giving you many more years of use.
Most of our customers who discover our Leather Upholstery Restoration service didn’t even know it could be done.
Plus, our specialist techniques gives us a distinct advantage as we can clean and restore your leather upholstery in your own home or at work, saving you the expense, time and inconvenience of being without your furniture
Results of any leather furniture restoration will, of course, greatly depend on it’s current condition.
Before we can give you an accurate quote, we will always need to arrange a visit so we can physically see and test the condition of your leather furniture. You will get an honest, realistic opinion of what is achievable and what you can expect from us.
So if you are considering replacing your leather sofa, STOP! Give Zerodrytime a call or drop us an email to find out how we could help give you many more years use out of your existing sofa, and potentially save you thousands of pounds!
Covid-19 has taken the world by storm and completely changed all of our lives, but thankfully, there are many essential services that are still allowed to operate during this global pandemic.
Carpet cleaning is an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic since carpets can easily contain the virus once it is spread to areas of a home or workplace from cough droplets. The powerful yet safe and environmentally friendly products and techniques provided by Zerodrytime can help kill the virus on these frequently used surfaces.
Day-to-day life during this pandemic is already stressful, with more frequent cleaning required to avoid the possibility of transmitting the virus to surfaces within our home or workplace. Professional dry carpet cleaning not only reduces your overall workload but can also provide the necessary procedures capable of killing the virus if it is transmitted to carpets.
Can Covid-19 survive on Carpets?
Covid-19 is spread through contact that allows an infected person to breathe the virus into or near the airways of another person. In addition to this direct contact, the virus can also be spread through cough droplets that can easily be deposited onto any number and type of surfaces, including carpet.
According to Harvard University, coronavirus can spread to objects and surfaces and live on these surfaces for 3 to 4 days. It is also reported that the type of material does not affect whether or not the virus can survive for 3 to 4 days on a surface.
This can be a problem with carpets. If an infected person coughs downwards or even into the air, these virus droplets can fall on to your carpet and remain active for days.
Can Covid-19 survive on Upholstery?
Perhaps even more worryingly, this virus can survive on your upholstery for days. Simply applying disinfectants to these surfaces can be ineffective and only short-term, not to mention potentially cause damage to your favourite sofa or chair!
Effective cleaning with professional products and procedures can help to ensure that the virus is eliminated from these surfaces, and the structures are kept free from potential damage.
Zerodrytime provides expert care with cleaning solutions that are both highly effective and safe. Our products can help eliminate the virus on carpets and upholstery without causing damage. This also ensures that not only is the virus destroyed, but your upholstery is deep cleaned, sanitised and deodorised.
What makes Carpet Cleaning an Essential Service?
An essential service is a service needed by the public that ensures basic necessities are available (doctors, food markets, financial institutions), and also provide services that may be necessary to negate the effects of COVID-19 – this is where carpet cleaning services come into play.
Since the virus has proven to be capable of surviving for a period of time on a wide variety of surfaces, carpet cleaning offers powerful equipment, products and procedures that can help kill the virus and clean your home in the process.
Currently there is not enough scientific evidence available to support store-bought cleaning products. Beyond standard disinfectants, not much is known about which products can kill the virus once it is transmitted onto a surface.
Our dry carpet cleaning and sanitisation technique is one way to help destroy any bugs and viruses. Additionally, our products are environmentally safe and non-toxic, which means that we can provide a deep and safe clean to surfaces.
Is it safe to have Cleaners come into my home?
Social distancing is the safest way to reduce the transmission of Covid-19. This can be achieved by keeping distances of at least 2 metres between every person and wearing a mask covering at all times with no exceptions.
It is important to remember that this virus is spread by person to person contact through breathing, as well as through placing skin on infected surfaces. Therefore, as long as social distancing, face covering and regularly washing hands or wearing gloves is observed, there is very little risk involved with having cleaners come into your home.
That said, governing mandates regarding social distancing must be still be respected to keep our customers and technicians safe.
Now, more than ever, we recommit our dedication to excellent customer service during this extraordinary time. We ensure our services are always at their best, and also address the threat of coronavirus on surfaces such as carpets and upholstery.
Allow our team of professionals to help keep your home or workplace healthy and clean with our innovative cleaning and sanitising services.
As you all know, we’re a regular at The National Franchise Exhibition, but this year we’re doing things a little different, showing our Zerodrytime franchise opportunity in an all new “virtual” environment!
Attending a franchise exhibition is an important step in the research process for any potential franchisee. To ensure you don’t miss out on this crucial step of your journey in the current climate, the UK’s flagship franchise exhibition will be virtual!
Join us on 2nd to 3rd October and discover how you could gain the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss, with the benefit of our established brand behind you at the first ever virtual National Franchise Exhibition.
Log in from the comfort of your own home to chat with our representatives, David and Dean, listen to a packed programme of free presentations and get expert 1-to-1 advice to help you take the next step on a Zerodrytime franchise journey.
Whatever desires you have for wanting to own your own business, franchising offers an advanced route to success. Investment in a franchise secures a proven blueprint for launching and operating a successful venture, plus the ongoing support provided by the Zerodrytime brand and network of existing franchisees.
The event is also supported exclusively by the British Franchise Association (bfa), ensuring each business demonstrates it runs a genuine business format, for added reassurance in your investment.
Buying a franchise can be a life-changing experience. Make sure it’s a positive and rewarding experience by doing your research before signing a franchise agreement. A properly designed and executed franchise system can be an exceptional method of expansion, but franchise systems that are poorly designed or not well managed are to be avoided. Below are the top 10 reasons to consider if you’re thinking about investing in a franchise.
1 An Existing Franchise Is a Turnkey Business
Many entrepreneurs have the skills to run an existing successful business but don’t have expertise in all it takes to get a business up and running, whether that’s obtaining financing or negotiating lease terms.
Buying an existing franchise in a well-designed system can eliminate much of the hard work: choosing a territory, finding a location, negotiating a lease, finding reliable contractors to complete a build-out on time and on budget, establishing vendor relationships, etc. You may also be able to start a business with trained staff already in place.
However, you still need to do your homework. Aside from the transfer fee, your fees and terms may be substantially different than the sellers.
When you buy a franchise, you buy a system – an entire method of doing business. Franchises have an established system in place that you must follow to distribute the franchiser’s products or services using the franchiser’s trade or service marks. Having a proven system already in place eliminates the guesswork and errors a common business owner would normally face.
In addition to exercising some control over franchising operations and the franchisee’s adherence to brand guidelines, the franchiser provides the franchisee with franchising leadership and support.
If you buy into a franchise system that is already established, the corporate image and brand awareness is already recognised. Customers are usually more comfortable purchasing items they are familiar with and working with companies they already know and trust.
In the consumer’s mind, a franchiser’s brand equals the company’s reputation. Great franchisers want to ensure that their customers are satisfied every time they shop at a franchised location and that the franchisee delivers on the franchiser’s brand promise.
Buying a franchise is very different from starting a totally new business. Since there is an already established system in place, there is a higher likelihood of success. If you invest in a proven franchise opportunity and follow the system the franchiser has put in place, you should be on your way to running a successful business.
Lenders are usually very comfortable financing the purchase of a franchise because franchises already have a proven track record. Bankers usually look at successful franchise chains as having a lower risk of repayment default and are more likely to loan money based on that premise. In addition, some franchise systems will provide in-house financing and/or leasing options.
Most franchise companies offer a training program that is typically held at their corporate offices, plus additional training that occurs at the actual franchise location before the grand opening. The franchiser will train you to run your franchise the same way their other franchised locations are run. It will ensure that you are running your business efficiently, and will help to eliminate any common mistakes a new business owner usually faces.
When you buy a franchise, you have the support of the franchiser and the support of knowing you are part of a growing system. You will always be able to pick up the phone and ask questions of the franchiser or even other franchisees. Established franchisers typically also have field staff who can visit your location to provide coaching and consulting if needed.
The franchiser typically takes care of handling the system marketing; these costs are covered by an Advertising Fund (sometimes called a Brand Fund). The franchisee is also usually required to spend a certain amount on local marketing. The franchiser should have an outline for you to follow, will supply graphics and marketing material templates, and sometimes will have specific vendors for you to use.
When you buy a franchise, you are usually also buying an exclusive territory, or a protected territory, in which to do business. Franchisers only allow a certain amount of franchises to be open within a certain geographical region. You will usually be entitled to a certain area, and no other franchises (within your franchise system) can be open within that area.
10 Own Multiple Locations
Being a part of a franchise can offer you more opportunities to grow within their system. Once you’ve become a successful single-unit franchise owner, you may want to consider the opportunity to expand and become a multi-unit franchise, managing your own fleet.
If you’re interested in joining our growing number of franchisees, come and see us at one of our next events. We’re at Franchise Opportunities Scotland 2019 , Glasgow on Wednesday 12th September, and The National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham on 4th and 5th October!
As the cost of living continues to rise, furniture poverty grows behind closed doors.
Around 14 million homes across the UK cannot afford one or more essential household goods at any one time. Schemes for families who can’t afford sofas and basic furniture are experiencing unprecedented demand as households continue to struggle.
There is real dignity in owning the basic items that make home life possible. We should not dump our unwanted furniture and instead pass it on to a local reuse scheme.
Established in 2016, Orange Box North East is a community led business that responds to a variety of issues faced by local people, one being furniture poverty and the lack of affordable, quality furniture for those on a low income.
Orange box North East is a not for profit organisation, with all funds going directly back into the company, both to support their running costs and offer employment to local people. They collect and re-distribute unwanted furniture received from the general public, as well as statutory and private sector partners and businesses.
Zerodrytime are supporting Orange Box North East, helping them recycle leather sofas back into the community, primarily to those on a low income and in greatest need.
The company’s leather recolouring and restoration workshops run throughout the year where Zerodrytime franchisees, staff and volunteers work together to restore furniture that may have been neglected. This opportunity gives attendees the chance to learn new skills, or spruce up on existing techniques, while also taking great pride in giving donated items a new lease of life and then recycling them back into a much-needed home through Orange Box North East.
Zerodrytime Managing Director, David Muirhead says “When the furniture comes into the workshop, it’s a bit battered but we see the potential it has, and we restore it to something beautiful again.
Leather is a soft, natural material and if not cared for using the proper products, its life span can be greatly reduced. By using our expertise and products to effectively coat the leather with a protective barrier that repels stains, reduces fading, and prevents wear and tear on the surface, we can revitalise tired leather sofas, so they look as good as new”.
Charities, community projects, and up-cycling schemes are desperate for our old furniture, with sofas being among the most in-demand pieces. By donating to Orange Box North East, not only will you be keeping your sofa out of landfill, but you will also be providing a worthy organisation with a donation that they can use to further their cause.
By donating sofas you no longer need, you’re helping provide a better home life to someone who needs it.
In today’s fast paced world, businesses encounter demanding challenges with increased risk and often, high uncertainty. Anyone considering their long-term business strategies and goals should minimise their exposure to these factors as much as possible.
In the last four years, the UK franchise industry has grown by an incredible 10%, meaning this sector now contributes over £15 billion pounds to the UK economy. However, despite this impressive growth and over 550,000 people now employed in the franchise industry, a franchise business tends to come as an afterthought for many business people and would-be entrepreneurs.
Despite this lack of consideration, why is franchising becoming such a popular option? Really it comes down to three things; reducing risk; a wide variety of business opportunity and an increased chance of success. This is all achievable provided you’re prepared to put the work in.
A diverse future ahead
Franchising has evolved significantly over the last 30 years. While it was once renowned with fast food giants such as McDonalds and Subway, there are now thousands of franchise brands that cover an abundance of business models and styles.
Today, franchising also goes beyond just selling physical products. Services such as cleaning and consultancy are all rapidly growing opportunities, as are home-based businesses. Our own story here at Zero Dry Time is testimony to the rising popularity of franchising in the Cleaning services sector.
The UK has in excess of 26 million households and many hundreds of thousands of businesses that require carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Founder of Zero Dry Time, David Muirhead ran and operated a contract cleaning company before turning his hand to carpets and upholstery. Having worked as a carpet cleaner testing and trying every possible method, David identified a new huge potential market. He invested the time to discover ways to give people what they really wanted, travelling the world to source and develop the right machines and cleaning products.
In 2006, the Zero Dry Time Franchise business was launched. Utilising the latest technology and David’s advanced knowledge of the industry, the franchise business continues to grow year on year – there are currently 72 franchisees across the UK and Northern Ireland, with more businesses due to sign up in the coming months.
Proven successful track record
Investing in a business with a demonstrable demand for its product or service and a history of success, significantly reduces a franchisee’s exposure to risk. Successful franchise companies tend to be those with clear business processes that consistently deliver positive results to their customers. Over the years, Zero Dry Time’s franchisees have built up a track record for success that demonstrates the impressive, realistic potential for a new franchisee. Equally, our franchisees are proud of this achievement, and the company actively encourages people considering joining the Zero Dry Time franchise to speak to existing franchisees and support these claims.
An established brand
Anyone who has built a business from the ground up will at some point mention developing a strong brand. This can be a slow and exhausting process. One of the biggest advantages of franchising is that you are buying into an already well-established brand that has a perceived value in the eyes of their consumers.
Again, this increases the business’s likelihood of success and subsequently reduces the risk factor.
Training and support
Sometimes people forget that it’s in the company’s interest to give it’s franchisees the greatest possible chance to succeed. Most people who set up their own business must learn through trial and error, or at the expense of a business coach. However, Zero Dry Time’s proven franchise business model is perfectly positioned to teach new and existing franchisees the secrets of success. The team based at the company’s head office and training centre in the North East ensure new franchisees get on the road to a successful future with a series of mandatory training programmes that new franchisees must complete before hitting the road. They need to understand and learn the franchise’s values, business model and processes.
New franchisees don’t need any carpet cleaning experience – the Zero Dry Time team, headed up by David, train you in every part of the process. Most importantly, new franchisees are given real life training in customer’s homes and business premises, so they can see the Zero Dry Time System first-hand, learning all the parts including tips and terminology of the trade.
Beyond initial training, a good franchise continues to support its franchisees, helping them building better, more profitable relationships as they go. Zero Dry Time are continuously launching new products and marketing strategies to further support franchisees, making more sales collateral available, allowing franchisees more time to focus on building their customer base.
Like any other business, franchises can’t predict situations beyond their control, such as Brexit, fluctuating exchange rates and market volatility, but they are an excellent option for people interested in starting a new business, who want to reduce their risks and significantly increase their chances of success.
Keep in touch