As part of the Hunter Douglas Group – the world's biggest blindmaker – Apollo Window Blinds is the UK's largest retail blind store chain. With over 75 stores throughout the UK and Ireland, Apollo enjoys unrivalled nationwide coverage through our network of stores and approved agents.
In a market worth over £250 million annually, Apollo provides all types of window covering products from vertical, venetian, roller and pleated blinds, to awnings, shutters amd insect screens. And with steady growth predicted in this millennium, this could be the ideal franchise for a sales orientated business professional, who is comfortable dealing with both the retail and commercial customer.
Apollo was one of the early members of the British Franchise Association and has been franchising for over 30 years, so when it comes to support, you can be sure that you are in the best possible hands. The Apollo aim is quite simply to provide high quality products at outstanding value for money prices. By utilising the enormous strength of the parent Company, Apollo is able to provide top quality products to it's franchisees at highly competitive prices.
Franchising with Apollo means you benefit from the group's massive investments around the world. Fashion and product developments are continually under scrutiny, allowing each and every Apollo franchise to benefit from global creativity.
Joining Apollo
Recruitment
After more than 30 years in the franchise business, Apollo has learnt that the first step to creating a successful business is to find the right people.
That's why you will have to satisfy us at the very highest level to be awarded an Apollo franchise.
We will conduct a series of multi-stage interviews, which will enable us to build a profile of each other and establish whether we can work in tandem to develop an already successful brand and a profitable new business in the territory.
We have learnt that for the franchise to be successful, we need complete honesty and total commitment from both parties. That is why we are confident that you will find our approach to recruitment interesting, stimulating and refreshing.
Support
Planning
Starting your own business can be a daunting thought. Early in the process you will be faced with a host of critical decisions to make, which will determine the success or failure of your enterprise. Everything from, where to site your premises, to registring for V.A.T and deciding how much cash you need, will have a 'make or break' impact on your business.
At Apollo, we guide you through the process of getting started. We will be actively involved in all stages of the planning process; helping you to construct an effective business plan which will drastically increase your chances of success. Indeed we believe that a good business plan is critical to ensuring success. After all, if you do not know where you are going, how do you know when you get there?
Training
Training plays a fundamental role in the Apollo franchise. By teaching you to avoid the pitfalls and problems which we have identified over the last 30 years, we can significantly increase your chances of running a profitable business. That is why all of our training is 'tailored' to meet the differing needs of each franchisee.
During our comprehensive induction training in our purpose built factory, we will teach you how to manufacture and repair the full range of Apollo blinds. Thereafter, we will construct your personal training plan to ensure you receive exactly the right knowledge and guidance to help you achieve your aspirations. Indeed you could say our training is 'made to measure' exactly!
Marketing
Perhaps, the biggest single reason why most new businesses end in failure is due to poor or low levels of marketing. At Apollo our marketing team are constantly striving to ensure you are provided with:
The latest products
Exclusive fabrics and finishes
Unique and exciting consumer promotions
Leads from centrally controlled national accounts
Bespoke adverts
A strong retail identity
By combining our central marketing activity with our techniques for local marketing, you can be sure that your business will have the best possible chance of success. Through our combined efforts we can help turn your plan into reality.
The next step
What next?
Franchising is not right for everyone. But, it makes sense to find out as much as you can, before you start your business.