SafetyQuip building profitable businesses around the country
Making workplaces safer is a big focus for many Australian businesses, however, for SafetyQuip they’ve taken it to a whole other level.
Founded as a home-based business in the early 90s by CEO Gary Shearer and his wife Joan, the business is now a national network of 13 franchises. Growth is on the agenda in 2017 and SafetyQuip are looking to expand their cohort of fully-trained franchisees who not only understand but, specialise in personal protective equipment & site safety.
Bricks and mortar shops serve as one popular option for customers to explore the range and, a single fully-stocked Mercedes Sprinter sales van visits workplaces direct. This flexible, affordable business model helps franchisees start-up with a small stock depot – then expand onto the permanent trade shop within 12 months. Or, if you have the capability, you can develop your mobile and trade shop business simultaneously.
Gary believes a significant part of the SafetyQuip longevity is the franchisees themselves. “I have to give credit where it’s due – to the dedicated, hard-working franchisees who are unsurpassed in their drive to deliver superior products and services to their customers.”
One of his former franchisee success stories, Patrick Carmody highlights that communication is a pivotal part of the brand’s strengths: “The franchisor is very accessible. In fact, telephone communication with the franchisor or his staff was almost daily. I also had access to a very functional intranet that provides forums for discussion on ranges of topics, a library of information 24/7 to run my business and open communication channels to the franchisor and all franchisees.”
Patrick is a clear example of capitalising on the benefits a SafetyQuip franchise offers. In 2006, he purchased a SafetyQuip franchise and substantially grew the annual sales year on year. In 2014, he sold the business for a significant capital gain. “In my last financial year, we traded with over 600 account customers and had many additional counter sale transactions. This level of customer base reflects the opportunities out there. And there are plenty more.”
Find out more about SafetyQuip: HERE
