Interview of Liam Hobbs, Franchisor of More Than Loft Ladders
Liam Hobbs is the Franchisor of More Than Loft Ladders, a franchise that helps home owners take advantage of unused space in their homes by offering high quality loft solutions; they make homes bigger at a fraction of the cost of a builder. Like many people, Liam spent years moving from job to job, trying to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. It wasn’t until he was 46 years old that he finally found his lifelong career path. In this interview, Liam shares his story of how he went from a delivery driver to owning a UK-wide franchise business.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Like many people, I spent years moving from job to job, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. It wasn’t until I was 46 years old that I finally found my lifelong career path. In this interview, I will share my story of how I went from a delivery driver to owning a UK-wide franchise business.
The Early Years: After leaving school, I started working in the motor trade and was content there for eight years. However, in 2001, I switched gears and became a delivery driver at TNT (now FedEx), where I gained my HGV license. I worked my way up to middle management, but the corporate life and it’s politics were not for me. So, I decided to quit and work as a security guard at my local Tesco.
Finding My Footing: After a brief stint at Tesco, I put my HGV license to use and became a delivery driver for Warburtons. Although the job was not my lifelong ambition, it paid well, and it gave me time to plot my future. At 35, I was starting to mature and think seriously about my career path.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: In 2013, I discovered a franchise opportunity with More Than Loft Ladders. The concept of turning unused space into cost-effective storage appealed to me, and I worked hard to build up the business in Nottingham over three years. Eventually, I expanded the franchise to Derby and Sheffield, and we had six vans on the road.
Owning the Company: In 2021, I seized an opportunity to buy the More Than Loft Ladders business from the franchisor. By October 2022, the deal was done, and I was now the owner of a UK-wide company at the age of 46. More Than Loft Ladders is now a franchise with a conscience, and my job is to support other entrepreneurs as they begin their journey.
What I’ve Learned: My journey to finding my lifelong career path was not easy, but it was worth it. I learned that it’s never too late to change your career path, and it’s okay to take detours along the way. Being an entrepreneur has allowed me to fulfil my passion and help others do the same. So, as you navigate your career path, remember that it’s not about finding the perfect job, but about finding a career that aligns with your passions and values.
Can you tell us about More Than Loft Ladders
The business started in 2007 and was franchised by then owner in 2011, in 2022 I took over MTLL with the aim to grow the network and give support to franchisees. Currently there are 7 franchisees.
We offer loft access and storage solutions for homeowners who need more space. High demand due to current cost of living issues.
Why is your franchise a great investment for potential franchisees?
We are in a growing industry with high demand for our services, we also have a proven model of moving franchisees from a one man and a van business to managed multi vehicle businesses.
What differentiates your franchise from the competition?
We hold quarterly franchise development days as well as launching an ‘Accelerator’ programme for franchisees for 2024.
What is the role of one of your franchisees?
To sell and install loft access and storage solutions.
What qualities do you look for in a franchisee?
A semi-skilled tradesman with an entrepreneurial spirit or a keen DIY’er looking for a new challenge. Someone with a keen eye for detail with a customer satisfaction-based outlook. Someone with the hunger and determination to grow a business.
What other challenges have you had to overcome and adapt to over the years in your franchise and the industry in general?
Most recent challenges such as Covid and the cost of living only had a short-term impact on our business and in the long run play into our hands as homeowners are looking to increase their space rather than buying a larger property.
What have been the company’s biggest achievements/successes to date so far?
3 of the 7 franchisees have multi vehicle businesses. Loft Installer of the year 2021, 22, 23.
What does the future hold for the business? What are your growth targets?
Looking to grow the network by between 4-8 franchisees per year and increase current franchisees turnover by 15% per year.
What expansion plans have you got nationally and internationally?
Spread further across the UK and into the Republic of Ireland
Interested and want to know more about More Than Loft Ladders?
The More Than Loft Ladders profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
