Franchisee Training: The Key to Flooring Design’s Success

At Flooring Design, the success of each franchise begins long before a store opens its doors. Managing Director Jeremy Yeoman emphasises that effective training starts at the very first conversation with a prospective franchisee, continuing through recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development. “We see training not just as a set of courses, but as a journey that equips our franchisees for sustainable success,” Yeoman explains.

Comprehensive Initial Training

Flooring Design’s initial franchisee training typically runs for two weeks and is designed to give new franchisees a thorough understanding of the business. Training begins at head office, where franchisees are introduced to the support systems, digital resources, and the teams they will work closely with—Marketing, Commercial Support, Business Development, and Admin. Practical, hands-on learning forms a core component of the program, with in-store training taking place at a long-term franchisee location to demonstrate real-world application of the systems. A long-term buddy system further ensures ongoing guidance, while product and technical training equips franchisees with the knowledge to confidently manage operations from day one.

Training is delivered primarily in-person, reflecting Flooring Design’s relationship-centric culture. Phone and video conferencing supplement in-person sessions, allowing franchisees to maintain regular communication with head office and their mentors.

Preparing for Operations

Support extends beyond training to operational readiness. Franchisees receive guidance on site selection, lease negotiation, or acquiring an existing business, often using outsourced expertise and detailed analysis of shortlisted sites. They are provided with a full operations manual, including annotated software screenshots and step-by-step instructions for store systems. Pre-opening marketing support is also a critical element, with co-created launch campaigns ensuring new franchisees start generating customer interest immediately.

Ongoing Support and Development

Flooring Design emphasizes continual learning and connection. Franchisees participate in supplier training courses, quarterly workshops with independent experts, and monthly virtual meetups to share experiences, strategies, and lessons learned. Staff management is another key focus, with manuals covering recruitment, onboarding, and team development, supported by one-on-one guidance. Financial management is addressed through practical workshops on budgeting and understanding cash flow, giving franchisees the tools to maintain profitability from day one.

Measuring Readiness

Before opening, franchisees must meet tangible and intangible criteria through detailed checklists and assessments. This process also helps identify areas where franchisees may need additional training or support, allowing Flooring Design to tailor guidance to individual needs. By customising training and ongoing support in this way, franchisees are fully prepared to manage their stores successfully and continue to grow within the network.

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