Reaching new heights
More Than Loft Ladders is solidifying its position as a leading franchise in the industry, making it into the prestigious Elite Franchise 100 for 2025
More Than Loft Ladders 99
TWO years ago, multiaward-winning More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL) embarked on a new chapter with Liam Hobbs, a former franchisee with nine years of experience, at the helm. Since then, the company has undergone a remarkable transformation, solidifying its position as a leading franchise in the loft solutions industry. This article explores the impressive achievements of MTLL over the past two years, highlighting the key strategies and innovations that have fuelled its success.
Liam Hobbs’s vision for MTLL was clear from the outset: to build upon the company’s strong foundation and elevate it to new heights. His deep understanding of the business, gained through nearly a decade as a franchisee, provided him with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector. He recognised the importance of empowering franchise partners with the tools and resources they needed to thrive.
But Liam’s ambition extended beyond simply improving the existing framework. He had experienced firsthand the potential of the MTLL model, having successfully expanded his own franchise operation across three territories with five installation vans and a high-street showroom/ office. This thriving enterprise employs 10 people and turned over in excess of £1 million per year. Driven by a desire to share this “magic formula” with like-minded entrepreneurs across the UK, Liam was determined to replicate this
success across the entire MTLL network.
One of the first major initiatives under Liam’s leadership was the implementation of a new CRM system. This streamlined operations, improved communication, and enhanced customer relationship management across the network. The introduction of ‘The Loft,’ an online operations portal, further revolutionised the way MTLL franchise partners conduct business. This comprehensive platform provides a wealth of information, including manuals, training materials, and marketing resources, ensuring that franchisees have access to the support they need, whenever they need it.
Liam’s commitment to franchise partner development has been a driving force behind MTLL’s success. He firmly believes that investing in the growth of individual franchisees is crucial to the overall success of the network. By fostering a culture of collaboration and providing ongoing training and support, Liam has created an environment where franchise partners can flourish. This focus on individual growth has led to the emergence of multi-van franchise units, a testament to the scalability and profitability of the MTLL model. In 2024, Liam’s ambitious plans
began to bear fruit, with five new franchise partners joining the MTLL network. This expansion strengthens the company’s presence in the UK market and demonstrates the attractiveness of the franchise opportunity under Liam’s leadership. The addition of these new partners brings fresh perspectives and energy to the network, further fuelling MTLL’s growth trajectory.
And it’s not just internal recognition driving MTLL forward. The company has been awarded the prestigious Which? Trusted Trader accreditation, further enhancing the brand and giving potential customers the assurance that MTLL is a name they can trust. This independent endorsement highlights MTLL’s commitment to customer satisfaction and quality workmanship.
The success of MTLL over the past two years is a testament to Liam Hobbs’s vision and leadership. By focusing on franchise partner development, implementing innovative technologies, and fostering a culture of collaboration, he has transformed MTLL into a leading franchise in the loft solutions industry. As MTLL continues to grow and evolve, the company is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.
Key achievements
• Proven business model: Liam’s own UK success story serves as a blueprint for franchisees
• Implementation of a new CRM system: Streamlining operations and enhancing customer relationship management
• Launch of ‘The Loft’ online operations portal: Providing franchise partners with a comprehensive resource hub
• Focus on franchise partner development: Fostering a culture of collaboration and supporting individual growth
• Emergence of multi-van franchise units: Demonstrating the scalability and profitability of the MTLL model
• Addition of five new franchise partners in 2024: Expanding the MTLL network and strengthening UK market presence
• Which? Trusted Trader accreditation: Providing customers with confidence and peace of mind
Looking ahead
MTLL’s commitment to innovation and franchise partner development positions it for continued growth and success. The company’s focus on providing high-quality loft solutions, coupled with its strong franchise network, ensures that MTLL will remain a leader in the industry for years to come.
As MTLL continues to expand its reach and enhance its offerings, it is poised to reach even greater heights across the UK.
THE LOFT ART A FRANCHISE OF RUNNING
Loft conversion franchise More Than Loft Ladders is well established and creating a growing network of specialists across the UK. We spoke to one such franchisee about making the move from installer to business owner…
THINGS may mostly be up and down in the loft ladder business, but for Fin Shaw, taking the next rung up from employee to business owner was not just a career move but a lifelong ambition realised.
After years of honing his skills as an installer and operations manager at More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL), Shaw is now the proud owner of the Nottingham East/Lincoln franchise, a role he describes as both challenging and rewarding.
More Than Loft Ladders, established in 2007, has carved a niche in the home improvement market, offering loft ladders, boarding, insulation, and storage
solutions. With a blend of national brand recognition and local expertise, the franchise has built a reputation for customer satisfaction and innovative services.
Shaw’s journey from employee to franchisee typifies the company’s commitment to empowering its network members.
The path to ownership
Reflecting on what drew him to MTLL, Shaw explains: “I have always had a drive to progress, and running my own business has always been a goal of mine.”
While researching franchise opportunities, Shaw discovered MTLL offered not only a proven business model but also the support needed to succeed.
“As most people do when looking into franchises, I spent hundreds of hours looking at the various franchises on the market. All I knew was I wanted to build a business that could support me and my young family,” he adds.
Shaw’s previous roles within the Nottingham franchise gave him a unique advantage. As an installer and later as operations manager, he gained firsthand knowledge of the business’s operational requirements.
“The experience was highly valuable to me as I was learning the ropes of what it takes to run the operations of a More Than Loft Ladders franchise,” Shaw adds.
He credits the firm’s franchise leaders for nurturing his potential and inspiring confidence in his abilities.
“Having worked with Liam for a while, I gained a great understanding of his leadership style. It felt like a great combination of ‘get out there, give things a go, use the tools and skills you’ve
gained, and I’m here for support when and if you need it.’ That gave me the confidence to know that the support was there,” he says.
Qualities for success
What makes someone well-suited to running a More Than Loft Ladders franchise? Shaw believes the key is a certain amount of drive combined with a willingness to learn. “More Than Loft Ladders is well-suited to a driven and ambitious person who isn’t afraid of taking advice and learning from others,” he explains.
Adaptability and collaboration is also important, he maintains.
“The network is full of likeminded franchisees who want the best for one another, which means sharing lessons or advice from their own operations to benefit others. The most successful franchisees are the ones who can adapt to changes and delegate tasks, utilising the network’s useful tools, systems, and relationships,” he explains.
The network is full of like-minded franchisees who want the best for one another
Overcoming challenges
Transitioning from employee to franchise owner wasn’t without its hurdles. For Shaw, the toughest part was embracing the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. “The biggest challenge for me when making the transition was not knowing how things would turn out,” he admits.
He credits his support system - both at home and within the franchise network - for helping him overcome those doubts.
“I overcame this by talking with family and with Liam. The advice given to me was, ‘What you put
THE SUPPORT FROM THE NATIONAL BRAND HAS BEEN A MASSIVE CONTRIBUTOR TO MY JOURNEY SO FAR AS A FRANCHISEE
into it will reflect what you get out of it. Everything you need is there; you just have to put the work in.’
That filled me with confidence because I knew I had the work ethic to make it work,” he says.
Support and growth
Shaw is quick to acknowledge the vital role MTLL’s national brand support played in his early success. “The support from the national brand has been a massive contributor to my journey so far as a franchisee,” he says.
From ongoing mentoring to behind-the-scenes innovations, Shaw says the network’s efforts continually enhance the franchise experience.
“There is continual development happening behind the scenes, from building relationships that will be
useful for the network to finetuning the MTLL brand,” he adds.
Three months into his ownership, Shaw is already planning for growth. “The goal for my business is to create a company that is desirable to work for,” he says. He envisions employing additional installers and eventually involving his partner in the business.
“We want to build a thriving business to support our growing family and give us a much better work-life balance,” he explains.
A customer-centric approach MTLL’s commitment to costeffective, accessible storage solutions resonates strongly with customers, according to Shaw.
“My customers’ reactions are a main driving force for me. They are consistently stunned by their loft
transformations, and even at the quote stage, I’m often told the value for money is excellent,” he says.
The company’s focus on quality and professionalism also sets it apart.
“We are loft professionals, and we can confidently back this up by installing high-quality products with great care and attention to detail, creating a seamless and pleasant loft transformation for our customers,” Shaw adds.
Advice for aspiring franchisees
For those considering an MTLL franchise, Shaw offers some straightforward advice: “Be confident, ask questions, and talk to people—the right people.”
He believes in building trust through conversations with existing franchisees and the franchise leadership team. “The chances are, if you’re looking at investing in an MTLL franchise, you have a decent understanding of what it may take to be successful and how MTLL can help you get there,” he says.
“I am very grateful and proud to be part of the MTLL network. It’s the best professional decision I have made,” he concludes.
As he continues to grow his business, he sees immense potential for both his franchise and the MTLL network.
“The future for MTLL is very promising,” he says.
With a focus on maintaining strong relationships, delivering exceptional service, and supporting franchisees, MTLL is poised for continued success.
For Shaw, the journey from employee to franchise owner has been transformative, serving as a testament to the opportunities franchising can provide to those willing to put their foot on the first rung.
