Investment in manufacture and showrooms to drive multiple franchise ownership

The Trend Group held its first international Granite Transformations franchise in Florida, with delegates attending from the UK, Australia and across the US. 

UK franchisor chief operating officer Danny Hanlon addressed the convention on the opening day and announced record sales figures in Britain and Ireland for May 2014, representing 8% year-on-year growth. 

The four-day event was opened by Trend Group president and international CEO, Andrea Di Giuseppe with a keynote address on ‘change’. He said: “Change makes us better, change makes us stronger. Since our inception, we have always been a company on the move and, after 18 years, we are still the only organisation to do exactly what we do. Our products, our system, our manufacturing methods and our people are unique. We value competition and we constantly change to make it harder for our rivals.”

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Di Giuseppe revealed a $3million investment in an automated cutting line, the in-house manufacture of diamond polishing equipment for agglomerate slab, and the achievement of an export contract to China. 

International frenchise COO and Tred USA head, Paul Lane also addressed the delegates by announcing the average franchise revenue has climbed from $1.7million to $1.8million. He also suggested one of his objectives would be to construct a programme that encourages multiple franchises. And Lane pointed out  the company was working with a high profile interior designer on a new showroom layout, so each store has the same look and offers the same brand experience. He declared: “The time has come for us to rebrand.”

Danny Hanlon commented: “I always enjoy coming to the US conference, but the fact that we could do one together made it even more special. Clearly some important initiatives have been announced, which suggest there is a very exciting future ahead for the Granite Transformations franchise network.”