{"id":24124,"date":"2025-01-29T14:29:20","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T14:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/?p=24124"},"modified":"2025-01-29T14:30:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T14:30:57","slug":"a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/","title":{"rendered":"A Family Affair: The Blackburns&#8217; Kitchen Makeover Success Story"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #101010;color:#101010\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #101010;color:#101010\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#combining-strengths-for-business-success\" >Combining Strengths for Business Success<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#revolutionising-kitchen-renovations-in-the-uk\" >Revolutionising Kitchen Renovations in the UK<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#the-benefits-of-the-kitchen-makeovers-model\" >The Benefits of the Kitchen Makeovers Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#attracting-franchisees-and-delighting-customers\" >Attracting Franchisees and Delighting Customers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#building-a-business-and-a-stronger-relationship\" >Building a Business and a Stronger Relationship<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#the-rewards-of-running-a-kitchen-makeovers-franchise\" >The Rewards of Running a Kitchen Makeovers Franchise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#a-bright-future-for-kitchen-makeovers-cambridge\" >A Bright Future for Kitchen Makeovers Cambridge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/a-family-affair-the-blackburns-kitchen-makeover-success-story\/#advice-for-aspiring-franchisees\" >Advice for Aspiring Franchisees<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6462c80 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6462c80\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n<p>After successfully launching Kitchen Makeovers Cambridge in August 2023, Colin Blackburn took a bold step in 2024 by blending family and business, welcoming his wife, Michelle, as his new business partner in a full-time capacity.<\/p>\n<p>Now, the couple not only share the joy of raising their three sons but also the responsibilities of running their growing business.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"combining-strengths-for-business-success\"><\/span><strong>Combining Strengths for Business Success<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While at first glance this may seem like a challenge, this perfect pair are no strangers to running a business together. From managing a B&amp;B to operating a self-catered apartment company, they\u2019ve undertaken several small ventures over the years. However, none have matched the seamless success they\u2019ve found with their Kitchen Makeovers franchise, and since Michelle officially joined the team, sales have skyrocketed!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter working together for 25 years, bringing Michelle into Kitchen Makeovers with me was effortless because we already knew our individual strengths and roles. Michelle\u2019s exceptional communication skills, developed through her experience as a psychiatric nurse and business owner, perfectly balance my straightforward, no-nonsense approach, having spent many years in the army. This, combined with our shared work ethic, has truly been the recipe for our business success,\u201d said Colin.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"revolutionising-kitchen-renovations-in-the-uk\"><\/span><strong>Revolutionising Kitchen Renovations in the UK<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Founded in 2018, Kitchen Makeovers introduced the UK to the future of kitchen renovations. As one of the home improvement sector\u2019s most innovative franchise brands, Kitchen Makeovers has established itself as an exciting, highly profitable opportunity through identifying and leveraging a gap in the market. This trailblazing approach, evolving with the demands of the sector, is helping franchisees provide customers with a long-awaited, modern, cost-effective and sustainable service up and down the country, breathing new life into the heart of their homes.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" td-center aligncenter wp-image-24138 size-full\" title=\"colin michelle 2\" src=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2.jpg\" alt=\"colin michelle 2\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-300x254.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-1024x867.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-768x650.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-496x420.jpg 496w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-992x840.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-150x127.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-600x508.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-696x589.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle-2-1068x904.jpg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-benefits-of-the-kitchen-makeovers-model\"><\/span><strong>The Benefits of the Kitchen Makeovers Model<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>For the hard-working couple, the benefits of the Kitchen Makeovers model, coupled with their complementary skill sets, would stand them in good stead as they found their groove as business partners turned franchisees.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhile Colin is out doing the physical jobs, I\u2019m usually in the home office managing admin, leads and bookings. Thanks to our hard work and consistent advertising, sales have more than doubled since April! Our growth has come naturally through involvement in the local community, regimented ad campaigns and consistency. Since launching, we have allocated a considerable budget to advertising, which has been worth every penny. Most importantly, we don\u2019t overanalyse things \u2013 if something works, we stick with it!\u201d added Michelle.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"attracting-franchisees-and-delighting-customers\"><\/span><strong>Attracting Franchisees and Delighting Customers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Kitchen Makeovers attracts both first-time franchisees and seasoned entrepreneurs looking to move with the times, thanks to an impressive infrastructure designed for scalability and a revitalised approach to customer experience in the home improvement sector. Franchisees are encouraged to fully exploit the success they can achieve within their territories by building a local network of expert tradespeople.<\/p>\n<p>Kitchen Makeovers&#8217; approach of championing exceptional customer service is continuing to reap rewards in a sector that has traditionally delivered below-par customer experience. Through recurring income streams, low overheads, an impressive scope for growth and ongoing development, the opportunity for franchisees is huge.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"building-a-business-and-a-stronger-relationship\"><\/span><strong>Building a Business and a Stronger Relationship<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cThe best thing about working with your partner is the unwavering support you receive every step of the way. Being on the same page with shared goals and targets makes a huge difference because we both want our business to thrive for the same reason: to provide a great future for our family.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOver the years, we\u2019ve developed clear roles, which has been a game-changer for efficiency and harmony. We\u2019ve also learned to step away from work and enjoy time together without always discussing business. The shared experiences mean there\u2019s no need to rehash our days \u2013 we already understand what the other has been through. Even our sons pitch in when they can, which brings us closer as a family. It\u2019s a unique privilege to build something together and see the rewards benefit those we love most,\u201d added Colin.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" td-center aligncenter wp-image-21263 size-full\" title=\"colin km 1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1.jpg\" alt=\"colin km 1\" width=\"1200\" height=\"796\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-696x462.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-1068x708.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/colin-km-1-633x420.jpg 633w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Kitchen Makeovers has established itself as a leader in a market previously lacking a cost-effective and hassle-free solution. With over 30 franchisees and sophisticated branding, systems, and operations, the company has filled a critical gap for homeowners. This commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in nearly 1,000 glowing five-star reviews across reputable online platforms and an impressive average score of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustist. This focus on exceeding expectations is what truly sets Kitchen Makeovers apart from the competition.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-rewards-of-running-a-kitchen-makeovers-franchise\"><\/span><strong>The Rewards of Running a Kitchen Makeovers Franchise<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cRunning our own Kitchen Makeovers franchise has truly transformed our lives. With the freedom that comes from running our own business, Colin can indulge in his passion for sports as he coaches our son&#8217;s football team and boxing in his free time. For me, the school run doubles as my commute and daily dog walks with my friend are a great way to recharge.<\/p>\n<p>While some calls spill into evenings and weekends, the flexibility of working from our home office allows us to fit work around our lifestyle. This balance has even let us treat ourselves \u2013 a new kitchen at Christmas and a trip to the Maldives later this year to celebrate my 50<sup>th<\/sup>. It\u2019s the rewards of the life we\u2019ve built!\u201d said Michelle.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a-bright-future-for-kitchen-makeovers-cambridge\"><\/span><strong>A Bright Future for Kitchen Makeovers Cambridge<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Colin and Michelle see endless potential for Kitchen Makeovers Cambridge and plan to continue their venture until retirement. With their extensive entrepreneurial experience, they much prefer running a franchise over starting a business from scratch, as the support from head office is invaluable. Will and Matt\u2019s ongoing investment and development in the business, combined with the collaborative advice and support from fellow franchisees, create a strong foundation for their continued success.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"advice-for-aspiring-franchisees\"><\/span><strong>Advice for Aspiring Franchisees<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>\u201cIf you\u2019re thinking about investing in a franchise, it\u2019s crucial that you leave your ego at the door. Don\u2019t buy into the business and then question everything \u2013 follow the model, and you\u2019ll succeed. Remember, you\u2019re all in it together; other franchisees are allies, not competitors.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor couples considering a business venture together, keep your roles clear \u2013 know who\u2019s responsible for what to avoid confusion. Don\u2019t both tackle the same tasks, and set aside time for an official meeting every week. From our experience, this approach has been nothing but positive. By fostering open communication and respecting each other\u2019s roles, you can build not only a successful business but also a stronger partnership,\u201d concluded Colin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After successfully launching Kitchen Makeovers Cambridge in August 2023, Colin Blackburn took a bold step in 2024 by blending family and business, welcoming his wife, Michelle, as his new business partner in a full-time capacity. Now, the couple not only share the joy of raising their three sons but also the responsibilities of running their [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":24137,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1548],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24124","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-home-improvement-franchises","category-kitchen-makeovers"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/colin-michelle.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24124"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24124\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24137"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.franchiselocal.co.uk\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}