See what our franchisees have to say
It?s all about the back-up - that's the advice of former surveyor Chris Knight who has got off to a record start after buying into a Blazes franchise following the National Franchise Exhibition in 2005.
An intensive and aggressive marketing campaign provided by Blazes helped Chris get his Surrey showroom to a flyer and, despite a heat wave during the summer launch, his sales were quickly well ahead of his business plan.
"Blazes have been first rate right from the off," says Chris. "They've put a lot of time into the business model and a lot of investment into the brand. I've had regular visits from Michael the Managing Director and Stuart the Marketing Director and there's always somebody there to speak to seven days a week at whatever time of day I need them.
"I feel they've taken a real interest in me because my success is their success., Blazes are with you every step of the way and I’m incredibly optimistic about the future."
David Naylor, who previously ran an electrical engineering business for ten years, took on a Blazes franchise in Chesterfield which he now runs with his son Chris.
David explains: "I decided to become a franchisee after reading an article about franchising in a national newspaper. I'd been thinking about changing my career path as I felt that the time had come to make a fresh start.
"I went to the Franchise Exhibition in Manchester and was generally disappointed with the companies on offer until I eventually came across Blazes. Straight away I thought - that's perfect! The funny thing is that I needed a fireplace in my own home so I knew that they'd be popular on the high street.
"So far everything has gone really well. Apparently it's been a tough year in retail but thanks to Blazes effective marketing campaigns we haven't noticed here in Chesterfield."
Bryan Rawstron, a former regional manager in the hotel and catering industry, discovered Blazes at the National Franchise Exhibition in 2006 and hasn’t looked back since after finding what he believes is his perfect business.
Explains Brian: "I met the company's directors last year and was immediately impressed with their vision for the franchise and their enthusiasm for helping and supporting new franchisees.
"It was no surprise to me when Blazes recently won 'Best Franchisee Launch Programme' at the Franchise Marketing Awards. As a new franchisee they've done lots of in-depth research into the local market here in Norwich and have helped ensure that I've got all the tools I need for success at my disposal.
"They've also committed to an intensive investment in a local press ad campaign for my new showroom which should really help get the business off to the best possible start.
"I'd absolutely recommend Blazes to anyone wanting to run a successful showroom based franchise. "They really are one of the best!"
