Apollo Blinds is the UK’s largest franchise network and is part of the Hunter Douglas Group. 

Its franchise business model is based on manufacturing and supplying window coverings to franchisees from Hunter Douglas Group businesses or other approved suppliers.

Apollo Blinds’ success is down to the entrepreneurial nature of its franchise network. This is actively encouraged and supported by the management team at the company, which has its administrative function in Bradford and its head office within Eclipse Blinds in Glasgow. 

New franchisees can get very busy very quickly, and the most-successful franchisees have learned the importance of taking a little bit of time to plan their days effectively. For example, they plan sales appointments and installations in the same area on the same day to reduce costs and travel time and to increase productivity and profitability.

Support every step of the way

Franchisees enjoy the benefits of the network, which include:

• Head office support – members of its admin team respond to all day-to-day queries and questions – such as updates on delivery times
• Dedicated area managers – its area managers help franchisees in their areas to grow their businesses strategically, working closely alongside them
• Dedicated product trainers – from answering queries on particular products to assisting with installation issues, its product trainers are specialists in answering technical questions
• Marketing experts – its experienced marketing team know exactly how to target customers and present its products effectively, which is why franchisees rely on them for marketing support at all stages of their business growth
• Peer support – there is a strong sense of camaraderie right across the network. Everyone is friendly and is happy to share their knowledge and experience of products – as well as their experience of running busy businesses

Reaping the benefits of being in a franchise network

Apollo Blinds franchisees benefit from:

• Using Apollo Blinds’ range of expertly created marketing and branding collateral
• The competitive trade prices that Apollo Blinds receives as part of the Hunter Douglas Group
• A centrally managed website and an online presence that deliver a strong flow of appointments and enquiries across its network
• Access to a range of detailed yet accessible documentation, including training guides and operating manuals
• Training tailored to suit the specific needs of a growing window blinds business
• The breadth of its ranges. Apollo Blinds franchisees often have window covering solutions that their local competitors don’t have access to – or don’t choose to promote because the selling and installing of some products require specialist knowledge and training
• The confidence to sell and install high-value items – Apollo Blinds has invested heavily in ensuring that its franchisees don’t just sell and fit core products but are also comfortable and confident with high-end products, which have strong profit margins

Apollo Blinds is actively recruiting prospective franchisees from inside and outside the window coverings industry.