We are situated just a few yards from the beach in the lovely sunny town of Weymouth in Dorset, venue for the Olympic Sailing events of the 2012 Olympic Games.

During the winter we are only open at weekends but from Good Friday to the end of October we are open 7 days a week.

After over 6 years of successful trading Shakies have now developed a Franchise Package to allow others to share in its success.

This is a ground floor opportunity to develop a sustainable and profitable business at a relatively low start up cost.

We are currently looking for Single Unit Franchisees who wish to be hands-on and open and run a Shakies outlet, or a Master Territory where Franchisees will take on a managerial role and develop an agreed number of Shakies outlets.

The Franchise Cost
A single unit franchise will cost around £35,000. This figure includes all equipment, store fittings, initial stock, full training, a custom-made launch marketing programme and ongoing support. You will also need some finance for the lease of the premises, which will vary according to location. Merging with an existing café/restaurant business will be cheaper depending on circumstances.

Master Territory Franchises are available where you will operate a number of Shakies outlets.

The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for franchisees that are driven and motivated to successfully operate their own business. You must be organised, able to follow the Shakies business format, manage and motivate your staff and have a positive attitude when dealing with customers. No previous retail experience is required!

Shakies provides exceptional support from an experienced team. We want to ensure that when you launch your new Shakies outlet, you don't feel alone. You will benefit from the following areas of support:

• Sourcing a property location and negotiating the lease
• Shop design, branding and fit-out (includes signage and all equipment)
• Negotiated rates with suppliers
• Full training, including retailing skills, product knowledge and training
• Launch Assistance, including a Field Executive on-site during launch week
• Launch Marketing Programme
• Ongoing technical and marketing support through regular newsletters, franchisee meetings and personal visits
  

The Earning Potential
With Shakies standard milkshakes selling for £2.50 and the supersize version selling for £3.50, the gross profit margin is over 70%. With typical Shakies outlets having a potential turnover of £400,000, and a gross profit of over £280,000, the Shakies franchise opportunity is a lucrative one.

Shakies set up in rural locations with the owners running the business, can make a satisfactory profit and living with a turnover of only £125,000