A new year means new beginnings for one in-toto Kitchens franchise in Birmingham, as the studio comes under new management.

Tom Plant has recently become the new manager of in-toto Birmingham through the company’s management buy-out scheme, taking over the kitchen design studio on Navigation Street.  A dynamic young kitchen designer, Tom is passionate about creating stunning, but functional kitchens, and turning his clients dreams into a reality with spaces that reflect their personality and lifestyle.            

“After much enjoyment working in the kitchen industry, I was looking for a way to turn my passion for design into a profitable business, become my own boss and create a name for myself within the KBB industry.  With a tried and tested business model, and high-quality, desirable products, in-toto was the best option and I knew it would be worth the investment,” says Tom about why he chose the in-toto franchise.

“Clear franchise guidelines are there to provide a support framework and to help grow your business, without being too intrusive.  You feel confident in running your business day-to-day, but there’s a comfort in knowing that you have the expert advice of a franchisor with over 35 years’ experience in the industry readily available to you, and that gives you the assurance to keep pushing to reach your goals.”

Tom has joined the successful kitchen franchise through the company’s management buy-out option, which offers talented and ambitious individuals in the kitchen industry with an attainable route into owning their own in-toto Kitchens Design Studio.

“After much deliberation I felt I couldn’t meet the financial target needed to start my own franchise, but the Management Buy-out model gave me the helping hand I needed to move forward.  As well as having the most knowledgeable and committed partner of all – the franchisor - it also says a lot about in-toto as a business because it proves that they are committed and invested in their franchisees’ success.”

As well as experienced business backing, in-toto continually supports its network with a superb training package and regular reviews with their dedicated field team to identify and address any additional training requirements.

“Even though I had previous kitchen experience, in-toto provided me with a six-week training programme within a flagship in-toto studio, a marketing induction, and in-depth software training.  Since then, I have received weekly in-store visits from my Area Sales Manager and this will continue on a weekly basis during my first six months with the franchise.”

A day in the life of an in-toto Studio Manager…

“A typical day at in-toto Birmingham consists of meeting clients, planning, surveying and designing kitchens, providing customer quotes, and scheduling marketing activities to promote the studio.  So far, I have learnt that there is a lot to cover other than just selling kitchens!  Raising awareness of the in-toto brand around a large city has so much lead generation potential, and although advertising is an aspect of the business that is completely new to me, I am enjoying the challenge and I have received plenty of support from the Marketing team at in-toto Head Office.”

in-toto is one of the UK’s leading kitchen franchises, established over 35 years ago, allowing it to offer franchisees a wealth of valuable retail and business experience.  Its strong brand recognition and excellent high-street reputation for quality and service is what makes in-toto a solid choice for consumers and franchisees alike.