Who are we?

We’re the country’s biggest franchised flooring retailer, with 85 franchised stores already established and more opening all the time.

We are based in Rotherham, and we were a family run-firm until we listed on the Stock Exchange in 2005. Our brand and reputation are built on superb service, great deals and high-quality products.

We’re big but friendly – and we know our franchise model works. We’ve developed and refined it over 14 busy and very successful years.

A safe pair of hands

Running your own business can be a big step – and having a safe, trusted, experienced and hugely successful partner will make all the difference.

We help thousands of people every week to buy high-quality carpets, vinyls, laminate flooring and even beds at great prices.

Our promise of superb value has always been backed up by fantastic service - and we’ll continue to invent new ways to attract customers to your store.

We know the key to running a successful franchise is by working in partnership. That’s why you’re never on your own when you’re one of our franchisees – we’ll give you all the support you need to make your store a profitable success.

Keep your eye on the ball, say successful franchisees Joanne and John

For Joanne and John Horgan, the secret of a successful franchise is simply never taking your eye off the ball.

They have had the United Carpets and Beds store in Doncaster for 12 years, and have turned it into a huge success by working hard to improve it constantly.

Joanne said: “Last year we were offered the chance of an upgrade to our bed area, which would turn the area into a proper department that was much more attractive to customers and better for our sales people.

“We wanted to make sure the department was ready in time for our Boxing Day sale, and we finished late at night on Christmas Eve getting everything ready. It was worth it, because our bed sales have tripled.”

John and Joanne say it’s crucial to continuous improvements in what you offer customers, and they are always coming up with new ideas.

Neither she nor John have a retail background, but thanks to the United Carpets training scheme and plenty of hard work, they set up their Doncaster store with immediate success.

United Carpets and Beds plc is the UK’s biggest franchised flooring retailer, with 85 franchised stores already established and more opening all the time. We have a strong brand and reputation based on good service, great deals and excellent products.

Our franchise model has been developed and refined over 14 successful years, and offers a wealth of support including offer a fast track start-up programme with high-quality training and ongoing support.

The ready cash requirement is only £30,000 for a £99,000 full investment, and franchisees get full support with their business plan and site acquisition with low interest funding.

The price includes £10,000 worth of advertising to launch the store, and we give full marketing support, including TV and radio advertising and local store marketing.

We also take care of payroll, VAT returns, annually audited accounts, and Profit and Loss provision for our franchisees.

“We have set up a number of initiatives to ensure quality and boost our business,” said Joanne. “For instance, we have invested in a Mystery Shopper scheme to make sure our customers get what we think they are getting when they come into our store.

“We also have a Privilege Card system which gives customers special deals in the store, bringing them back to us again and again.

“We’re proud of the United Carpets and Beds brand, and proud to be part of that brand.

“With the help of our excellent staff and the hugely valuable support from head office, we know our business will continue to prosper even in the face of these tough trading conditions.”

What’s our franchise offering?

Here are ten great reasons to invest in a United Carpets franchise:
• 100% return on your investment is projected at just 18-24 months
• £80,000 + potential earnings is proven within our network
• Excellent supplier credit terms
• We’re an A.I.M Stock Market listed company with full BFA Membership
• We offer a fast track start-up programme with high-quality training and ongoing support
• The ready cash requirement only £30,000 for a £99,000 full investment
• Full support with your business plan and site acquisition with low interest funding
• The price includes £10,000 worth of advertising to launch the store
• We give you full marketing support, including TV and radio advertising and local store marketing.
• We take care of payroll, VAT returns, annually audited accounts, and Profit and Loss provision for you.

Our franchise owners come from a wide range of backgrounds and have a variety of experience. We seek new franchise owners that are able to interact with suppliers, general public and staff in a confident manner. You will need to access £30,000 of your own funds, allowing us to support you in gaining adequate funds to secure your business. A sales, business or commercial background would certainly help you in the day to day running of your store.

Case study

Jeff Banks took over the franchise at Mexborough, South Yorkshire, in August 2010 after working for United Carpets for many years as Area Brand Manager.

He’s just moved to brand-new converted premises, and is getting a great response from local people.

“I thought taking on the franchise to run the store was a great opportunity to be in business for myself – and because I know the town so well, I was sure I could hit the mark with what people want and need.

“United Carpets is a superb well-known brand that people recognise for combining good quality with excellent price deals.”

Our main focus on development is centered on the TV regions of Granada, Central East & West, and Yorkshire.