Q. Franklins is very much a family affair – how have you made that work? A: Thankfully myself and my brother Laurence have a good working relationship, and our wives and several of our children have followed us into the business. We all have our strengths, and we try to make use of our different skills as we move the business forward. Q. How have you adapted to the challenges of 21st century retailing? A: Retailing is all about change – if you stand still you’ll be left behind! Jason, Nathan and George (the younger Franklin generation) are in charge of developing the digital side of the business, such as the website and social media. They have also secured a selling slot on the shopping channel Create & Craft which is a great way of selling to people who can’t necessarily visit our shops. We also have a business sales department which sells machines to schools, hospitals, industrial laundries and colleges such as St Martin’s School of Art, and theatres like the Mercury and the New Wolsey.
Q. What about the success of The Great British Sewing Bee? Have you seen an uptake in business from that? A: The morning after the first episode we had new customers coming in to buy sewing machines – so yes! – it’s really given home dressmaking a boost. For many viewers it was an inspiration as it was the first time they had seen how clothes are designed and created. Series three finalist Lieutenant Neil Stace gives public displays of his sewing at our Salisbury store in his spare time, and all the Franklins staff love to discuss the technical merits of machines that they use in each series. Q. You’ve been an insurance client of Scrutton Bland for many years – have you ever had any unusual or significant claims? A: We’re well looked after by Dan Bligh and his colleagues at Scrutton Bland. Touch wood we’ve never had a major disaster, but we know that they’re there to help and advise us with the most appropriate and best value policies on the market. Plus I race against Dan in the Colchester half marathon. He beat me this year so I’m determined to even the score in 2017!
Franklins is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a range of classes, events and special offers in stores and online. See their website www.franklinsgroup.com or their Facebook page for more information. If you own or manage a retail business it is important to ensure that you have the right policy in place to protect your business. If you carry specific or high value stock lines such as fashion, jewellery, IT, wine etc then you may need additional or specialist cover. Scrutton Bland acts as insurance broker for local, regional and national retail businesses, and can provide expert guidance and advice. Contact Dan Bligh on 01206 838400 or daniel.bligh@scruttonbland.co.uk
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