In a UK property market which is expensive to get into and moving is more expensive than ever a huge number of people choose to stay put and improve what they have rather than up sticks to something bigger and better.
And in this competitive home improvement market, Tess Stobie has found her niche as a franchisee with Raison Home, a European kitchen design brand expanding into the UK.
Stobie, who retrained in interior design at University Arts London, joined Raison Home in 2022, becoming one of the first UK franchisees for the brand.
“I set up my franchise in 2022 but the business model is over 20 years old and proven in Europe,” Stobie says. “The business model has always been to design from the convenience of your home. I’m not tethered to a showroom or manufacturer which gives us freedom to do what’s best for our clients.”
Raison Home currently has over 120 franchisees across Europe, with seven in the UK, including two who completed initial training earlier this year. The company’s growth in the UK market comes at a time when home renovation costs are high and household budgets are tight.
Opportunities to earn
Stobie’s decision to join Raison Home was driven by a desire to expand her own opportunities to earn. “I wanted to widen my revenue stream and kitchens and bathrooms were an obvious direction,” she explains. “It’s important to bear in mind that a kitchen will last 15-20 years so most people don’t have experience in designing a kitchen. Many clients think the big decision they need to make when designing their kitchen is around the colour and style of cabinetry but in reality, getting the layout right is vital and that takes experience and care.”
The franchise model provides comprehensive training and ongoing support, which Stobie says is crucial to her success.
“Raison Home UK gave me brilliant training in the nuts and bolts of kitchen design,” she says. “You need to get to know each manufacturer you work with and understand their niche in the market. Now when I work with clients I can match the right manufacturer to what each client wants.”
One of the key advantages of the Raison Home model is the support provided by the master franchise.
“The master franchise of Raison Home takes care of the relationships with manufacturers meaning I can do what I do best – designing a cracking kitchen,” Stobie explains.
“The training is on-going and takes different topics, from business management and marketing to new product developments and supplier updates. The master franchise is hugely supportive and always there, ready to help with advice and support whenever a franchisee needs.”
In-home kitchen consultations
Raison Home’s business model focuses on in-home consultations, which Stobie believes gives them a competitive edge. “I bring samples and the design into the home where it will be installed. My clients see how their kitchen will look in their own space,” she says. “All my designs are available on VR headsets so my clients can see exactly how their space will look. It’s convenient and more relaxed.”
Her client base is already diverse, ranging from young families to retirees. She recently completed a project for an elderly client, demonstrating the company’s ability to cater for specific needs.
”We designed her new kitchen so everything was easy for her to reach while still keeping lots of storage. Pull down fittings in the wall cupboard. Kick-out plinths steps. And a side-by-side fridge and freezer set onto low pan drawer which meant everything was in easy reach.”
Despite the challenging economic climate, Stobie remains optimistic about the business prospects. “The overall market is hugely challenging with high renovation costs and household budgets tight,” she acknowledges. “However, a renovation is something people plan and save for. I work with my clients to help them manage their budget and get the best result for their spend.”
Stobie’s approach extends beyond design to project management. “I find or recommend all the trades and often manage projects from start to end, reducing stress and keeping the project on track,” she explains. “I can shop the market for appliances and worktops so clients don’t need to. I take time to understand why they are asking for certain solutions so we get all the details right.”
Looking ahead, she has plans to expanding by taking on more while trying to spot the latest trends kitchen design to offer to clients.
“I’m looking forward to growing my business and taking on new projects for both new and returning clients,” she said. “I keep ahead of the trends and keep improving my skills so I can continue to offer the best service for my clients.”
As Raison Home continues its expansion in the UK market, franchisees like Stobie are positioning themselves to capitalise on the demand for personalised, high-quality kitchen design services, despite the challenging economic environment.
This article comes courtesy of Raison Home, with a proven business model and support system specialising in interior design projects, custom designed kitchens, living rooms, storage solutions, walk-in wardrobes, bathrooms and more.
