Robertson has franchise spin-out plans covered

ROBERTSON Technologies, an IT support business launched from a student flat less than six years ago, has outlined plans to become a major UK player with a target of 40 franchised spin-outs in three years.

The Edinburgh-based firm - set up by Hamish Robertson to offer full IT cover for firms with up to 100 staff - already has four franchisees signed up.

It now plans a concerted push south of the Border after agreeing franchise deals in Shropshire and the Thames Valley.

Robertson, crowned Edinburgh's Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008 and shortlisted for this year's Shell Livewire contest, said the focus would be on gaining critical mass around Birmingham, London and Manchester.

The expansion is expected to bring in revenues of about 3 million from the franchise arm in three years. "We are probably one of the UK's fastest growing IT franchises," said Robertson, adding that an individual franchise cost 19,500. Within year one, a franchisee would be expected to take on one employee full-time, rising to five or six over five years.

Overall head office staffing will rise by 10 to 15 from the current nine as the franchising side achieves its goal. Three staff were taken on during the year to March, another was added over the summer and three employees are expected to he hired between now and next March.

Robertson said the company's client portfolio had grown by 30 per cent to 130 over the year while revenues for the first quarter of 2010/11 were "on target".

He added: "We have to carefully manage the inquiries that come in. It's our brand at the end of the day - there is no point awarding a franchise just to make a quick bit of money."