right time to consider moving into different areas of the market. One opportunity recently discovered by PE is in the lighting field, specialising in the supply, fit and maintenance of lighting products to commercial premises, industrial units and offices.

In all these areas the loss of lighting due to faulty lamps, fittings, bulbs or tubes can be close to catastrophic for the building owner: production has to be stopped, a sales floor is plunged into darkness or the shop has to be closed for health and safety reasons. Therefore ensuring lighting is of high quality, energy efficient and in perfect working order is now seen as a vital part of most businesses.

A light touch
Kwiklite is a service that focuses solely on replacing lamps, bulbs and tubes of all types in the industrial, commercial, retail and business sector. Its success, according to founder managing director Peter Hurford, "has been built on providing a prompt and efficient service with a very high level of repeat business which means you get a regular income."

For those with technical know-how and the expertise that comes from working in the electrical trade it might be seen as a logical step - a chance to be your own boss with the support of an established company whose model is tried and tested.

Kwiklight is a member of the British Franchise Association and offers comprehensive training and support to ensure a smooth transition.

Conversion
Dave Etheridge, a qualified electrician and service engineer, is one recent convert. "I am getting lots of repeat business and customers are over the moon with the service which makes the job very satisfying." he said, "From a business point of view I didn't really have a clue at the start but the support I've had from Kwiklite has been tremendous and made everything so much easier."

The Kwiklite package focuses on helping franchisees set up their business and find customers. The training and support programme is designed to help the franchisee develop sales and marketing skills to complement their technical ability. For John Madden, who has just started in Scotland, this was one of the key questions. "Everyone needs good lighting and the Kwiklite concept is tried and tested," he said. "I am getting new customers every week and lots of repeat business so I am very pleased with how the business is shaping up."

"Lighting is universal so customers really are everywhere," adds Peter. "There is nothing worse than a flickering tube over a computer desk or exterior lighting that's on the blink so visitors and staff have to pick their way across a car park - these are just two examples of simple but annoying problems that Kwiklite deals with every day.

Peter notes: "Car showrooms, warehouses, shops, offices and factories all need good lighting to optimise the working environment and we are just a telephone call away."

Professional Electricain Magazine


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