History and Origins

Rohan was founded by husband and wife Paul and Sarah Howcroft in the Yorkshire dales in the early 1970s. Poor outdoor clothing on the market inspired them to take a radical step and they decided to develop their own. From their kitchen table came hand-machined samples which brought a new view to textile technology and garment design. Their success soon came to fruition, with local climbing clubs and as the word spread, their success started to develop nationally.

In the early 80s, the first store opened and as the company continued to expand, the head office was relocated to Milton Keynes. As the company grew, the word spread about the quality of the products and at times the supply struggled to meet demand. Rohan was bought over by C & J Clarks in 1988 and a successful management buy in was completed in 1996.

Today, Rohan remains an independent company with innovative views on how a successful organisation should operate. Rohan Designs have over 40 stores around the UK and have identified a further 20 to 30 areas in which they wish to open franchised Rohan outlets.

The Franchise Package

Rohan provides everything that is necessary for an effective launch at a new franchise location. The essential ingredients to our package include:

• Site Selection - we will liaise with you on possible locations and assist in the negotiation of rental lease terms.
• Training Programme - initial two weeks at head office focusing on all aspects of the operational method ensures the franchise owner has a competent grasp on the business.
• Launch Programme - this will be tailored specifically to the store, comprising of local press advertising, database search and mailing of vouchers. An Area Manager will provide hands-on help throughout the launch period.
• Corporate Dress - an allowance towards corporate branded clothing.
• IT System - bespoke IT system provided on a licence to use agreement.
• Premises Project Management - store design and layout as well as help on staff recruitment.
• Operations Manual - complete operations manual available on loan.
• Licensing Rights - the franchise owner is granted the rights to trade under the Rohan corporate identity and benefit from receiving full back-up and support services from the franchisor.

The franchise package for a single unit costs £19,750 + VAT. Additional expenditure is required for shop fit, signs and till, plus working capital. The total investment is c. £35,000 + VAT.

Support Services

Rohan is committed to providing all of its franchise owners with comprehensive support, to provide them with an excellent opportunity to grow and develop their Rohan Designs business. These include:

• manufacture of quality assured bespoke products
• warehousing sufficient stock to ensure stores receive orders within 48 hours
• placement of correct balance of stock in retail premises
• guidance on how to display goods in premises
• provision of bespoke software which fully automates stock ordering and delivery
• maintaining and updating complete customer database and carry out monthly mailings
• on-location visits by Area Managers
• continued research and development to ensure Rohan remains at the forefront of developments in the sector

The Next Step

Rohan are appointing franchise owners who meet the basic criteria of the selection process. We consider the following factors to be important for owning and running a successful Rohan franchise:

• desire to build customer relationships
• commitment to following the Rohan business system
• enthusiasm and passion for the Rohan brand and products
• ambition and desire to build a successful brand
• enjoy working in retail
• operating to the Rohan corporate standards of professionalism

If you respond positively to the above points, we would be pleased to speak with you - please complete the short form below.