Steve goes from military man to businessman
Steve served 17 years in the Airforce as an Aircraft Electrical Technician working on a selection of fast jets and helicopters in both active squadrons and maintenance bays up and down the country.
“I dodged rockets in Iraq, sipped cocktails in Cyprus and endured cold winters guarding the gates in Scotland.”
Steve’s military career was flying high when sadly an accident forced him to make a career change.
“My career was ended by a skiing accident during winter training that injured my spine and left me with neurological issues. Finding work as a civilian was hard, new industries all wanted experience and I was too old to be an apprentice. I was offered some very nice opportunities offshore and several good placements away from home. But my heart was set on going back to Norfolk with my family and my injuries would never allow me to take on a physically demanding role.”
"Finding work as a civilian was hard, new industries all wanted experience and I was too old to be an apprentice"
In a stroke of luck, Steve’s father-in-law was working for S:CRAFT on our historic John Lewis contract which opened up an opportunity.
“My Father in Law was working for S:CRAFT covering the John Lewis contract for the East of England. One day he told me to jump in the van and open some boxes for him. Over the following weeks, months, and then years I had picked up the tricks of the trade and was fitting shutters to a high standard. Andy was happy too because he was finally getting home in time for diner nearly every night!”
“When the John Lewis contract came to an end we decided we should take on the area for ourselves. We took out a £25k business loan and went for it. My focus is running the company and handling the administrative side, whilst Andy carries on as normal as our fitter. When the job is too big for one man, I am always on hand to make sure we can get the job done.”
“We have now had the Norwich franchise for two years. We have nearly paid off that loan and have been living comfortably. More importantly, we have been building up a great reputation in the area and our lives are our own. I work from home and get to be part of my family every day. If my health is suffering I have no one to answer to.
We already had the experience and we are very proactive, but for those who need more guidance, the Shuttercraft franchise team is there for you. I would definitely recommend a Shuttercraft franchise to veterans looking to get a foot hold in civilian live and start a family business.”
"I work from home and get to be part of my family every day. If my health is suffering I have no one to answer to"
Shuttercraft are one of the UK’s leading window shutters franchise companies offering highly profitable franchise opportunities in selected parts of the UK.
In 2016 Shuttercraft re-launched the franchise (established in 2012) and made a considerable financial investment into re-branding the business, implementing “next generation” IT systems and investing in key staff to take them to the next level.
They made this investment due to the extraordinary growth of the UK shutter market and felt that by investing now they would future proof the business. As a company they have grown by 30% each year, which is extraordinary since the UK shutter industry is still in its infancy.
As a Shuttercraft franchisee you will not be fitting shutters; your role is to effectively manage the business on a day to day basis, managing one to two fitters while you will focus on developing relationships in your local area.
Ideally you will already have some management and sales experience. However, Shuttercraft do offer full training and support to help franchisees develop their sales and marketing skills.
Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential and franchisees must be prepared to work hard, follow our system and be fully committed to getting the business off the ground in their assigned exclusive territory.
You will benefit by having the on-going support of a fantastic, industry leading brand, and a highly effective head office support team which includes:
- Specialist multi-level franchise support
- Outstanding marketing & sales training
- A dynamic logistics and Customer service team
The Market
Shutters are the fastest growing and most on-trend window coverings segment available today in the UK. In the U.S. one in every six windows is covered with a shutter whilst in the UK it is estimated that the plantation shutter market is now worth approximately £60-80m per annum.