Smart Cartridge looks to US franchises to fill the coffers

The group, which was launched in the Capital in 2000, already has a strong growth record, having built up a network of 60 franchisee-owned outlets across the UK, Ireland, Portugal and Spain.

And the group has just established its second outlet in the Dominican Republic.

That has helped Smart Cartridge, whose core business was based on refilling and remanufacturing ink cartridges for copiers and fax machines, hit an annual turnover of 6 million.

But Suzie McCafferty, the firm's international development director, said the group has been inundated with franchise applications and hopes to see units opening up in countries such as Germany, Italy and France.

Entry to the massive US market is also a key goal for the firm, which founder Graham Little launched as a single-store business in Haymarket in 2000.

"We have just opened our second franchisee operation in the Dominican Republic and we have enquiries daily from all over the world," said Ms McCafferty.

"During 2007 we intend to expand our presence in Europe and also gain a significant foothold in the North American market.

"The US is something we've planned for over the last couple of years. The problem lies in each state having different franchise laws. It's a difficult market to get into and we had to be very well prepared."

Having proven the success of its early business model, the company has expanded its product and service portfolio to cover repair and reconditioning of printers and laptops, the supply and sale of photographic and speciality papers, and digital photography and computer consumables.

The company has also pioneered the development of Smart Cartridge filling kiosks that can be set up in shopping centres.

Smart Cartridge invested around 250,000 to develop its business last year, including investment in new head office staff - taking the firm's payroll to 12 full-time employees, as well as cash to develop its own-brand products and help it build the training, supply and distribution side of the business.

This year, Ms McCafferty said Swanston-based Smart Cartridge expects to funnel a further 500,000 of investment into the company, to help it increase brand awareness in the UK domestic and corporate markets and to recruit to its growing global franchise network.

Ms McCafferty also sees scope to boost the staff ranks in Edinburgh by around 25 per cent as the business grows this year.

"I think our strong branding, proven profitable business model and multiple range of products and services have been key to our success in the UK and overseas," Ms McCafferty said.

"The last five years have been about putting in place procedures and infrastructure. The next few years will really see the business grow."