Mail Boxes Etc | Franchise Information

MAIL BOXES ETC OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES

Business services specialist, Mail Boxes Etc (MBE), is unique in UK franchising with its network of over 100 High Street "one-stop" centres in major towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. Serving local companies and consumers, MBE offers a wide and diverse range of reliable, fast and cost-effective services.

A full member of the British Franchise Association, MBE enjoys a reputation as the most convenient provider in its sector, both for the scope of its services and availability. All the outlets are based in town centres, with opening hours to suit the needs of modern business owners.

Demand is growing fast across all sectors and from all types and size of business. The internet continues to create a wealth of opportunities for MBE's primary service, the safe and secure packaging and despatch of parcels all over the world. MBE ships valuable antiques across the globe for auction house customers, packs students' possessions and return them back home and sends people's holiday luggage in advance to their destinations.

Other key services are: high quality printing and copying for all types of document; designing and producing business stationery, posters and brochures; mail box rental; secure postal service; office supplies and stationery; fax and on-line communications.

Now MBE is seeking new franchisees in the next phase of its development programme. Franchisees do not need previous experience because MBE's comprehensive four week training programme covers everything they need to know and equips them to be successful business people. It includes all aspects of running a small business, from sales and marketing and man-management to the practicalities, such as book-keeping.

In addition, MBE keeps track of all developments in the market place to introduce new ideas and refinements to the network so that franchisees can widen their offering to their own customers.

MBE was set up in the USA in 1980 and today is the world's largest network of independently owned and operated business, communication and shipping centres, with around 6,000 outlets across the globe. UPS, the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, acquired MBE in 2001, thus combining the strength of two powerful brands.

Established UK franchisees are from all walks of life and from a wide range of backgrounds and experience, many with sales, marketing and senior management experience and some who have been Board members of large corporations.

MBE is seeking people who are enthusiastic and open-minded, with both a willingness and ability to learn new skills and to adopt a new business ethos. They also need plenty of drive and a determination to succeed.

MBE's training and support package includes site selection and design, shop fitting, equipment and initial local marketing. Typically, the investment starts from around £60,000 of which up to about 70 per cent can usually be financed by one of the leading banks, all of whom have excellent working relationships with MBE.