Fantastic £1m grant opportunity for budding business owners

UK property maintenance franchise Fantastic Services will give 200 new business partners £5,000 each.

Fantastic £1m grant opportunity for budding business owners

UK property maintenance franchise Fantastic Services will give 200 new business partners £5,000 each.

With lockdown starting to ease in the UK, Fantastic Services has launched an ambitious plan to attract 200 new business partners into the company. Titled ‘Covid-recovery grant programme,’ Fantastic Services has set aside £1m to be split evenly among the new franchisees. The company says each £5,000 grant will cover most of the costs associated with starting a Fantastic Services franchise.

This scheme is especially aimed at those looking for a change of career following the ravages of Coronavirus. Anton Skarlatov, co-founder and chief executive of Fantastic Services, explains: “This is a real opportunity for people or businesses affected by the pandemic to start a newbusiness. 

“Our grant programme has been designed to help those who lost their jobs, and are maybe self-employed tradespeople. They may have already run small businesses within the service industry, but were negatively impacted by the pandemic. The grant covers most of the expenses for starting a ‘working franchise‘ with Fantastic Services.

“Covid has changed the business landscape across the UK, with many people and businesses struggling to recover from heavy losses inflicted by multiple lockdowns. However, demand for property maintenance has boomed. We have already witnessed a tremendous expansion with more than 20 new areas launched across the country over the past 12 months.”

Fantastic Services, which began trading 12 years ago, is a leader in the property maintenance industry and can boast of a global network of more than 550 franchise partners across the United Kingdom, Australia and United States. They specialise in cleaning, gardening, handyman, pest control, removals and other property services.

They are the winner of numerous awards, and were recently ranked the No 7 franchise in the UK by Franchise Direct 2021. Among those franchise giants that earned a lower ranking than Fantastic Services were: Subway, Burger King and Starbucks.

Rune Sovndahl, joint co-founder and company chairman, added: “Since the start of the pandemic, we have looked at ways of giving back to the community, offering free services to the NHS and frontline workers. Through our new grant programme, we are providing a viable alternative to employment through franchising. It’s an opportunity to restart your career in a high-demand sector.

“It is suitable for tradespeople or technicians with experience in the services sector. Those with a background in other industries, and have customer service skills, may also be keen to switch their careers. In order to qualify for a full grant, you will need to be eligible to work in the UK and pass a DBS check. You’ll need to be fluent in English and have good customer service experience. At least one member of the team should have a driving licence

“A Fantastic Services‘ ‘working franchise‘ involves running a single unit or managing several local teams. It’s ideal for local service providers or self-employed tradespeople. Depending on your experience, you will be provided with further training. Once you start trading, you will be expected to deliver high-quality services in line with brand standards.”

Fantastic Services will provide franchisees with a constant flow of customers, thanks to the company’s 24/7 call centre. Business partners receive support with equipment, vehicles, recruiting team members and marketing, as well as having access to various technological solutions (apps & CRM system).

From their UK headquarters in Tooley Street, south-east London, a team of 500 will generate the majority of sales leads, which allows franchisees to focus on delivering excellent customer service.  The company has invested £20m in bespoke technology platforms, making it easier for potential customers to book job slots. For more information, and to apply for a grant, please click here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Swales
Andy Swales
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