Franchisee Mark Holmes wanted to provide a secure future for his growing family and since opening his in-toto Kitchen Design Studio in Tunbridge Wells just over a year ago, he has never looked back. 

A former employee of a large national kitchen retailer, Mark had spent twelve years designing kitchens when an in-toto Kitchen Studio opened up nearby and diverted his attention. 

Mark was impressed by the in-toto kitchen ranges, saying “there is so much choice for the customer, with kitchens available in lots of sizes and colour options – it was so much more flexible than my current employer”.

It was at this point that Mark realised he wanted a change and he made some enquiries about becoming a Franchisee with in-toto and running his own business.

So impressed was Mark by the in-toto offering that it was the only franchise company that he considered.  After spending a few months researching the products, visiting the Studios and getting great feedback about the in-toto franchise from speaking to other in-toto Franchisees, Mark’s dream was realised when his friend offered support and they joined forces to secure a new Studio in Tunbridge Wells in November 2012.

With a two-year old son and a new baby now on the way, Mark expected the biggest challenge would be the demands of a new business balanced with his family life but in his first month of trading, Mark sold £90,000 of kitchens and has gone on to even greater success, ending his first year with £750,000 overall sales and a growing sales team of four staff!  “The best thing about being an in-toto Franchisee”, says Mark, “is knowing that everything I put into my business, I benefit from.  We are really proud of where we have got to in only one year.” 

Choosing a franchise with a strong support system in place is crucial to your success and Mark believes “the commitment from the in-toto National Franchise Manager has been so important to us in our first year – he always does everything he can to help us develop”.  As well as the support package and experienced advice from the Franchise team, Mark believes location and product are the other key factors in determining success.  “At our Tunbridge Wells Studio we have a brilliant, high street position and we me make sure we display modern, up-to-date kitchens in our showroom.  My favourite product is Vitus from the in-toto in-line range - a glass-fronted handleless door that looks fabulous and has been the most popular with my customers.”     

Beginning his second year of trading, Mark is full of enthusiasm for the future: “I still get an amazing buzz when I sell a kitchen – I bounce around the showroom for hours!  Starting an in-toto franchise has enabled me to provide a secure future for my family and I wake up every morning with a smile now!”