FRANCHISE PROSPECTUS Welcome to one of the most exciting franchises in the UK today
www.greensquare.co.uk
Contents
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Page 3
Introduction
Page 4-5
Overview of Green Square Renewable Energy
Page 6-7
The Green Square Management Franchise
Page 8-9
Answering Some of Your Questions
Page 10
The Support Package
Page 11
Franchise Summary
Page 12-13
What Happens Next
Page 14
Contact Us & Mission Statement
Page 15
Notes
www.greensquare.co.uk
Introduction
Welcome to Green Square Renewable Energy Ltd, a brand new and exciting business providing renewable energy solutions for multiple sectors, from home-owners to house builders and small business owners looking to reduce fuel costs.
All our products are sourced from European leaders in manufacturing. We deal primarily with our associated company Specflue Ltd on core products, helping to ensure a commercial and competitive edge.
With the government’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions, the wave of legislation and financial incentives within the renewable sector, now is the right time to enter this industry. Establishing a network of easy to access showroom outlets throughout the UK, allows customers to visit and discover the opportunities available to them in reducing fuel bills and CO2 emissions and insuring them against rising fossil fuel costs whilst giving them a financial reward for doing so.
Not only do we offer a complete turn-key business in this exciting and growing sector, we also provide our Franchise Owners with continuing support through our external national business development support team and engineers.
Green Square has been developed over three years but unlike a traditional franchise business, we have built from the top down. With the wealth of experience from our two established associated companies, we have built a bespoke training division, complete with three modern classrooms and four separate training rooms, 18 live working systems, a manufacturing division and design software. All support European market-leading products exclusively and are unique to Green Square.
Currently in the UK there is no brand within the renewables market widely recognised by consumers. The size of the market is massive, and we hope you can see the huge potential in becoming a Green Square Franchise Owner, and together we can build the largest recognised renewables brand in the UK. I hope you find our franchise offer as exciting as we do.
Richard Hiblen Richard Hiblen Franchise Director, Green Square Renewable Energy Ltd
Tel: 0845 263 7474
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Overview of Green Square Renewable Energy The Green Square concept
The industry background
As a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, we supply and install renewable energy technology for homeowners and small businesses. Green Square helps consumers find a sustainable energy solution that meets their requirements and takes them through each step of the process, from initial analysis to installation and after-sales service.
The UK is committed to achieving an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, thanks to the 2008 Energy Climate Change Act, endorsed by the coalition. The UK government has made a concerted drive to promote renewables with a raft of legislation and incentives for consumers and businesses. The renewables sector is central to strengthening the green economy and the government has asserted that:
What is renewable energy? We are all familiar with solar panels and wind turbines, but renewable energy is much more than this. The Energy Saving Trust defines it as ‘energy from any source that is naturally replenished when used’. There are four main areas from which we can source such energy: • Sun • Earth, air and water • Plants grown for fuel • Movement of water and wind All these energy sources can be harnessed to deliver sustainable heating and energy for our homes and workplaces. Indeed, it is recognised by the Energy Saving Trust that new homes should use almost no energy from the grid. It is hoped that every suitable home should be fitted with renewable energy generation and storage. This makes it a highly appropriate time for the growth of Green Square.
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“Renewables will be a key point of the decarbonisation of the energy sector necessary by 2030… the goal is to ensure that 15 per cent of our energy demand is met from renewable sources by 2020 in the most effective way.” • The size of the renewables market in the UK is £5b and has witnessed a 6.5 per cent growth between 2008 -2013. • The industry currently employs more than a quarter of a million people and is predicted to reach half a million by 2020. • Scotland is expected to account for the country’s largest share of renewable energy in terms of installed capacity and generation.
Relevant organisations Energy Saving Trust www.energysavingtrust.org.uk RIBA Royal Institute of British Architects www.architecture.com Architects Registration Board www.arb.org.uk National House Builders Federation www.hbf.co.uk Federation of Small Businesses www.fsb.org.uk British Chambers of Commerce www.britishchambers.org.uk
The right time for Green Square The current commitment from the UK government makes this a hugely exciting time for the renewables industry and it forms a central position in driving the UK economy towards a sustainable green economy as laid out in the UK Renewable Energy Roadmap. “The transition to a green economy presents significant growth opportunities for UK- based businesses.” At the centre of the government’s commitment to renewable energy is the establishment of the UK Green Investment Bank, the first of its kind in the world with £3 billion of funding from the government to invest in sustainable projects. Other legislation which presents opportunities for the growth of Green Square is the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) which will be introduced for domestic homeowners in spring 2014.. Expanding your market, householders will be able to claim retrospectively on RHI-eligable work carried out at any time after July 2009. It is hoped that these incentives will encourage the take-up of biomass boilers and associated products.
Our market There are many market indicators which demonstrate that this is a good time for Green Square. With our diverse range of customers, we can deliver our services across a wide range of markets. Most typically these are: • Homeowners – There are currently 23.4 million homes in England and Wales. This represents enormous opportunities for all our potential franchisors in all geographical locations in the UK. Homeowners are increasingly aware of rising energy costs and are looking for new ways of heating their homes through self-generated sustainable energy.
• House builders – In December 2006 the government announced its proposals for all new homes to be ‘zero-carbon’ by 2012 and the overall strategy was set out in the policy document, ‘Building a Greener Future: Towards Zero Carbon Development’. Green Square can work with local house builders to build relationships and strive to become a preferred supplier • Architects – The UK’s 30,000 architects are increasingly aware of the role buildings and design play in reducing our carbon footprint and as such they present Green Square with great opportunities for working in partnerships. RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) and ARB (Architects Registration Board) provide directories of British architects. • SMEs - At the start of 2012 there were an estimated 4.8 million businesses in the UK. This number presents Green Square with an almost unlimited number of potential customers who can be advised about renewable energy solutions. Local knowledge will be a great asset for each new territory franchisee. Organisations like the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) and British Chambers of Commerce offer directories of members and offer a full programme of networking events.
Our vision Green Square has a vision which is in keeping with this dynamic sector and we have an ambitious plan to establish a national framework of local branches, each run as a franchise operation to provide a full range of services and products while offering the highest levels of customer care and product expertise. The accessibility and reliability of our brand have been encapsulated in our street sign logo which denotes that we are easy to find and provide an accessible, uncomplicated option for the homeowner looking for new energy sources. Our fully trained staff, industry accreditation and interactive website assure customers of our expertise in what can be a complex area.
Tel: 0845 263 7474
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The Green Square Management Franchise As a business development system, franchising has consistently proved itself over the years. This is confirmed by the fact that governments, banks, the business community and public at large generally recognise franchising as a business vehicle with a dependable track record. Having developed our concept to the point where it can be used successfully by others, Green Square Renewables are now seeking suitable individuals with the drive to develop their own businesses using our proven established systems. For the reasons stated above, we decided that franchising would be the most reliable way of finding potential business partners of the required calibre.
What franchising offers
Our Franchise Owners
Any successful business system offers benefits to all parties. While the Franchisor gains individuals with local knowledge and the enthusiasm and drive to build their own businesses, Franchise Owners benefit from:
You will have strong project management skills, combined with a high level of customer service. You will provide the local service to local customers whilst building the Green Square brand and developing your business through building a small dedicated team using sub-contractors or your own fitting team.
• Operating an already proven business system • Customers having confidence in a local business backed by a national organisation It is now recognised that a franchised business has more credibility than a ‘stand alone’ operation, and a greater chance of success! So it makes sense to choose the system that works best for those who will be operating it at local level.
Roles and responsibilities of our Franchise Owners include: • Local marketing and PR • Sales processing • Procurement • Surveys • Project management
Why choose the Green Square Franchise? The reasons are comprehensive and convincing:
As part of a growing network, you must be a team player, be prepared to share experiences, and have a genuine desire to provide the very best service to your customers.
• General demand – With bills for traditional gas and heat rocketing as much as 10 per cent each year, customers are looking for an alternative sustainable heating solution.
Back-up will always be there
• Product demand – Our portfolio includes products from leading European manufacturers, alongside British-built technology, all protected with exclusive agreements.
One certainty however, is that you will never be on your own. Behind you will be the full experience of the Green Square team. As your Franchise Partner we will not only supply you with an established business system, but provide all the help you need to run it. Advice and guidance will be no further than a phone call away.
• Training – You will receive unrivalled training and certification in the operation of your Green Square business, all within our in-house 10,000sq ft renewable training centre and modern classrooms. • Supported by legislation – With the UK government committed to reducing CO2 emissions and increasing the use of renewable products, there currently are great financial incentives for customers making the move to a renewable solution from both an ethical and a cost-effective viewpoint. • Leads – A growing supply of customer leads via our website and the associated, well-established System Designer © platform. • Support – With two well-established associated companies supporting you in training, product supply and heating system design, you have an unrivalled support network in a new and growing industry. This is a business opportunity with great potential!
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www.greensquare.co.uk
You will receive a full turn-key business package, complete with everything you need - training, marketing materials, business stationery, IT items and a complete back-up service. Remember – You will be operating your own business using the Green Square system and reaping the rewards.
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Answering Some of Your Questions You will have questions. Set out below are some questions that you might be thinking about at this stage, with our short answers providing some initial insight.
Who are Green Square’s competitors? Competitors are largely independent local installers of one or two technologies. There are very few showroom outlets that deal with the broad range of technologies; most are commercial consultants working from home using sub-contractors, or specialists in Solar PV, a sector which experienced a surge in 2011. There is only one other national competitor with regional branches (around 12) who deal independently with different suppliers. You will have a leading edge both in terms of the training we provide and access to unique products with a competitive pricing structure.
What is the lifecycle of the Green Square business? The Green Square business model is driven by three main factors – 1. Government Carbon reduction roadmap and targets – financial incentives 2. Rising fossil fuel costs (gas/oil/electricity) 3. Consumer control of own power generation – self-sufficient
What are the current financial incentives for customers? There are a number depending on the customer type or technology type. Currently for commercial customers there are Feed in Tariff’s (FiT’s) for electricity generating products and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for heat generating renewable products. The FiT is also available for homeowners and the RHI for domestic customers becomes operational in the spring of 2014. Financial returns on small projects in green home heat vary from 100% - 500%, depending on the technologies chosen. In other words, payback times can be as short as one or two years. A powerful sales message for you to share with your prospects!
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www.greensquare.co.uk
The main driver is of course the carbon reduction targets set by the UK in 2008. These set out to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% by 2020 with the overall target to reduce by 80% by 2050. With demand for fossil fuels rising, and supply depleting, this further raises fossil fuel costs, again driving change. Renewable energy is a long-term strategy and has decades of strong growth to meet the high, legally binding targets set by the UK government.
What skills do I need? We are looking for people that have the energy and motivation to create a strong customer base in a short period of time. You must be keen to run your own business, manage your own employees, focus on success and be prepared to put in the necessary time to make it happen, You must also have an interest and affinity with the services we provide. It is not necessary for you to have all the skills to operate the Green Square Franchise, as you will be provided with the necessary knowledge during training.
What are the initial set up costs? Detailed figures will be made available, but your investment will range from £90,000 to £120,000 depending on certain local costs and personal requirements. As is usual with Franchise operations, part of your investment can often be funded through the high street banks and grants in your local area. Because of the success rate of Franchising, they are invariably keen to support this type of business.
Will my business succeed? It should be successful if you follow the system provided, but in business there are never guarantees of success. However, there are certain things you can be sure of: • The Green Square business system works. • Based on experience gained to date, the business has considerable potential. • There is a ready supply of potential customers.
What will be my earning potential? The potential is substantial and will depend upon a number of factors, including your own enthusiasm and determination to succeed. Earning potential is something we would prefer to discuss with you face to face when we will make available detailed information for your consideration.
• Those granted the Green Square Franchise will be individuals considered able to develop it successfully. • Because we have a vested interest in your success, we will support you in every way. You should remember, though, that an established system and a ready supply of potential customers will not be enough, without your total commitment and willingness to put in some hard work, especially in the early stages. Put all these things together and you will have a recipe for success!
Tel: 0845 263 7474
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The Support Package The training package
Continuous back-up
You will be supplied with a training package that will cover everything you need to operate your Green Square Franchise:
• Technical and product
To help keep you moving along on the right lines and to assist with the growth of your business, our Business Development Manager will pay you regular visits. In this way your operation will be carefully reviewed, with continuous advice and guidance being provided to help you build your business.
• Marketing and sales
Plus, we will provide:
• Operations
• Continuous business development training
• Business administration
• Newsletters to keep you informed of developments
Comprehensive manuals will also be provided for your guidance and reference for all aspects of running your business for operating it at a local level.
• Back-up from our central support team in all matters relating to your business
• Induction to Renewable Energies
Getting you off to a good start A special launch programme will be designed to assist you in finding your first customers. This launch programme will include local advertising, a fully managed PR launch campaign along with a number of other local marketing activities.
Continuous marketing and promotional programmes We will teach you how to market your business in your territory and provide guidelines and marketing and promotional material for your use. You will also benefit from both our national website and your local website which will be geared towards driving customers to you. As we develop, we will organise national marketing by means of our National Marketing Fund.
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www.greensquare.co.uk
Future business development Our aim is to develop Management Franchises across the country to replicate and build on the existing Green Square business.
Franchise Summary Here are just some of the advantages of becoming a Green Square Franchise Owner:
• Exclusive products with a commercially competitive edge • Nationally recognised qualifications • All in-house training tailored for Franchisees • Associated manufacturer with unique design and quotation software • One-stop shop mentality – specialists in all micro-renewable technology • Central distribution centre for all deliveries to site • Specialist business software for MCS projects • Unique trade mark and intellectual property • National website with strong Google rankings • Streamlined supplier network – only a handful of suppliers • Installer training and contract design • Low-overhead model • Unique branded educational storyboards and videos • Turn-key business concept • A local website that will help to drive customers to you • Management with considerable know-how to guide you • The strength of a national network as it develops • The shared knowledge and experience of fellow Franchisees as the network develops • In control of your own future • Profit potential
Tel: 0845 263 7474
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What Happens Next? Excited? Good… that is what we would hope, now that you have read about us. Are you keen to know more? Could this be the Franchise for you? From what you have learned so far, can you visualise: • The substantial number of potential customers out there? • The substantial potential of Green Square as a business concept? • The clear advantages that the Franchise formula provides to everybody involved? If you can, then the Green Square Franchise could be the business opportunity you are looking for.
Are you the right person for us? You will need to convince us that you: • Have a strong and genuine desire to do what it takes to build and run your own business • Possess the drive and personal motivation to make your business successful • Are both determined and capable of being your own boss, and at the same time, a team player who can be part of our Franchise team If you recognise yourself from the above, and are keen to move to the next stage, we very much look forward to hearing from you.
What you have to do The next stage is an exploratory face-to-face meeting with no obligation on either side. You will learn about the Green Square Franchise opportunity in more detail, and it will also be a chance to get answers to the questions you will invariably have. Ultimately, this will be an occasion for us both to explore if the chemistry is there to work together as a team. Please therefore complete and return the enclosed Initial Enquiry Form and we will contact you to arrange our first meeting. We very much look forward to meeting you.
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www.greensquare.co.uk
Tel: 0845 263 7474
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Contact Us Head office Green Square, 574 Kingston Road, Raynes Park, Merton SW20 8DR
T: 0845 263 7474 F: 0845 130 7555 franchise@greensquare.co.uk
Mission Statement To engage, empower and innovate within our market and become the customer’s first choice. Core Values: • Strive for transparency and honesty in all our communication • Providing a ‘Best Value’ solution to customers at all times • Quick and effective response to all enquiries • A consistent, polite and professional approach • If we don’t know the answer – we say as much. We will always find out and the communicate our learnings to the customer The culture within the Green Square team is also vitally important. It sets us apart from our competitors and supports our innovative approach.
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www.greensquare.co.uk
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Tel: 0845 263 7474
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Green Square • 574 Kingston Road • Raynes Park • Merton • SW20 8DR
T: 0845 263 7474 • www.greensquare.co.uk