Aspray Ltd: The franchise opportunity

Franchise name: Aspray Ltd
Description: Claims management
Started in: 2005
No. of franchisees: 60+
Coverage: United Kingdom
Average cost per franchise: £37,500
Website: www.asprayfranchise.co.uk

Established in 2005 and directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Aspray is led by managing director James Whittle.

Whittle is supported by a wealth of experience within financial services from the senior management team. This team has driven the company to the heights it has achieved in recent years.

As a quick timeline of Aspray’s history, in 2006 it acquired BDMA Accreditation for induction training, in 2007 won permissions to hold clients’ money, and in 2008 appointed its second director Andrea Loasby.

From 2010 to present day, Aspray has won a series of awards including Best Property Insurance Management Firm UK at the Construction and Engineering Awards in 2010 and 2012, was a finalist for Third Party Claims Management Team of the Year at the Insurance Times Claims Excellence Awards in 2011 and 2013, and was recently named a finalist at the Claims Excellence Awards 2017 and CIII Claims Management Awards

Moving into franchising

So how did you move into franchising?

Whittle has over 30 years’ experience within franchising and business development. He realised there was a gap within the market within claims management to work on behalf of the policy holder, then Aspray was born.

Where did the business open its first franchises?

Aspray’s first franchise was in Edinburgh, since 2005 Aspray now has over 60 franchisees across the UK. 

The franchise opportunity

What makes the franchise different/unique?

Aspray works with a wide range of introducers to help smooth the claims and repair process for both residential and commercial property owners. We can help our customers save time and ensure they receive a fair settlement from their insurer.

As an appointed representative of Aspray you will manage Property Damage Insurance Claims, with using vetted contractors on each claim. As an appointed representative of Aspray you will ensure that each property is reinstated to its previous condition as swiftly as possible.

How big is the market opportunity?

It is difficult to imagine a better time to join the insurance industry in a claims management capacity as there has been regular controversy around how insurance claims are handled in recent years.

Aspray’s service is a much-needed support for many policyholders, causing the government to bring out a new act, Insurance Act 2015 which came into play 2016.

Insurance claims vary from small household claims to much larger commercial claims.

How many franchisees do you  have today?

60+

How is the brand marketed?

Aspray head office use a range of marketing from business development managers, PR and social media, with everything in-between.

When you join the Aspray network you will be provided with several resources to launch your business. You will receive a sales and marketing strategy, in the field training with a business development manager, as well as, access to the marketing platforms Aspray use.

How do you divide the regions?

Each Aspray territory is divided up via postcodes.

Each territory has a minimum number of households and commercial businesses within each area breakdown.

The perfect franchisee

What do you  look for in potential franchisees?

Within Aspray’s network we have franchisees from wonderful backgrounds, some with little experience initially within claims management.

However, all induvials within Aspray’s network have the key attributes to make a successful franchisee:

1. Self-motivated
2. The ability to relate to others
3. Professionalism
4. Effective communication skills
5. Active listening skills
6. Ability to problem-solve
7. Ability to influence others
8. Assertiveness

So do franchisees work from an office, or are they home-based? Is it part-time or full-time?

Many of Aspray’s franchisees are home-based in order to keep profit margins larger, however once you grow the business to a substantial level you may wish to move to an office based environment.

What do you offer franchisees that sign-up?

Aspray have developed a franchisee “first year marketing strategy and action plan.” This is a guide to help you perform the activities needed to help you grow your business.

Aspray have a sales team who dedicate a considerable amount of time to seeking out new national account introducers for the benefit of the network as a whole.

Training and support we offer:

1. Launch meeting at head office
2. Attending induction course
3. In the field ‘hands on support’
4. Launch event, hosted by an Aspray representative
5. Regional meetings
6. National conference
7. CPD 35 hours per annum

How much do franchisees pay and what are the ongoing franchise fees?

The franchise agreement term is five years, there is a small fee for renewal and this is discussed within the recruitment phase.

Success and growth

How is the brand looking to grow?

Continued growth and improvement to the Aspray service, James would also like to export the brand overseas in the near future.

What awards has the business won?

• Claims Excellence Award FINALISTS – 2015, 2016, 2017
• Construction & Engineering Awards – Best property insurance claims management company – WINNER – 2015, 2016, 2017
• CIII Claims Management Awards 2017 – SHORTLISTED – Loss Assessor/Adjuster of the Year 2017
• UK Financial Services Experience Awards – FINALIST – 2016, 2017
• Franchise Marketing Awards (FMA) – FINALIST – Best Overall Marketing Campaign – 2013
• The Negotiator Awards – BRONZE – Online Marketer of the Year – 2014

To what extent are the founders involved today?

James Whittle is based within Aspray head office daily and continues to play a hands-on role within the network. When investing within Aspray, Whittle is not a stranger.

Finally, is the company a British Franchise Association (BFA) member?

Yes, full members.