HiQ LAUNCHES HiQ-IN-A-BOX CONCEPT

iQ, the national fast-fit network, has launched its HiQ-In-A-Box concept with a new centre in Maidstone.

The concept, the latest business model innovation from the HiQ franchise, is designed to give franchisees an accelerated expansion route to market by delivering a turnkey ready-made centre. Explaining the initiative, Mark Widdows, HiQ National Franchise Manager, says: “HiQ-In-A-Box is pretty revolutionary in the fast-fit franchise world.

“We work with property consultants to identify and secure suitable locations for a HiQ centre with the maximum market potential. We fund the operational set up, pull together a business and marketing plan, design and set-up everything from reception kit out, systems, signage and garage equipment. The business operator can literally walk in on day one and start trading.

“Essentially it is presented as an out-of-the-box business. Of course we then work collaboratively with the franchisee to evolve the plans, but it does give entrepreneurs the opportunity to take on a business that has been fully qualified and part-funded, enabling them to have a much faster route to reaching break-even point and building a successful operation.”

The first HiQ centre to evolve from the HiQ-In-A-Box model is located in Maidstone. The centre is run by Jason Harding, who operates two other HiQ centres in West Wickham and Belvedere. He commented: “Maidstone is busy and growing and I’ve wanted to bring a HiQ to town for a while. As a part of the HiQ-In-A-Box model we’ve refurbished the building and installed brand new equipment, which is a joy to use.

“The location and our customer service is our big point of difference. We’re not on the fast-moving one-way system and we’re right beside the train station. Within the town centre, there couldn’t be anywhere easier to get to.

“Our site is quite large and offers a lot more parking space than you would imagine. As a result, we can take customers’ cars in the morning for MOT, tyres or repair and they make the two minute walk to the train station and then pick up their car on their way home.”

According to Harding, the HiQ-In-A-Box model has allowed him to bring a HiQ franchise to Maidstone much more quickly. “I could see there was an opportunity in Maidstone, but it was crucial to find the right location and of course, sourcing cash within the existing business to fund such a capital expenditure can be a challenge.

“The HiQ-In-A-Box concept enables me to grasp the opportunity much more quickly, get the business up and running as fast as possible and begin trading literally within days. It means this new franchise has started to contribute to my overall business almost immediately, without the often fairly long period of investment that eats into cash reserves before you start generating a return.”

HiQ is identifying a number of sites across the UK to bring the HiQ-In-A-Box concept to both existing and potential franchisees. Widdows adds: “We know there is an appetite for this model – we receive a lot of enquiries and requests within our own franchisee base, but we have also received enquiries from outside the industry.

Erich Fric, Managing Director Goodyear Dunlop UK & Ireland, commented: “It is testament to the demand for this out-of-the-box style concept, which allows entrepreneurs to take advantage of franchise business opportunities in their local market through a qualified and part-funded operation, with the full backing of HiQ’s innovative marketing and consultancy support.”