Franchise your business

Brian Kielt, director and co-founder of the Zip Yard, explains how he turned his business into a franchise.

The Zip Yard is a clothing alterations franchise. The first shop opened in Belfast in 2005, and the first franchise store opened the following year. Zip Yard stores can now be found throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. The Zip Yard franchise has plans to enter new markets including Europe, the United States and Australia.

Here Brian explains how he started the Zip Yard, and the support offered to new franchisees. He shares his experience of running a franchise - including the importance of offering training, signing a franchise agreement and having a strong business brand.