THE Big 5 2009 in Dubai is set to be the launch pad of “the world’s first franchise for pre-insulated ductwork”. The construction-based initiative, named DuctFlow, is the brainchild of Dubai-based DuctWork Solutions, which describes it as “the total solution to all ductwork needs”.

The benefits of being a DuctFlow franchisee are “enormous”, according to the parent company’s director, Kevin Sewell, a 25-year veteran of the ductwork industry in both the UK and the Gulf.
“There will be a completely customised factory – built by us, equipped by us, branded by us, and with a workforce trained by us. The franchisee will also benefit from our international contacts and buying abilities, securing the lowest possible costings. In short, DuctFlow provides absolutely everything required to set up a state-of-the-art ductworks fabrication facility,” he says.
Designed as a road map, the DuctFlow franchise guide includes “everything from site selection advice and approved suppliers through to marketing, customer relations and report formats”. Sewell explains: “There is an initial inventory featuring all relevant machinery, computer hardware and software, custom tables, tools and even uniforms. The franchise has multiple tiers to suit all budget and production requirements and also includes enough material to produce a generous first batch of quality, finished ductwork.”
 “We truly believe we’ve thought of everything,” says Sewell. “The DuctFlow franchise is so user-friendly that it’s not only construction companies we expect to become franchisees. We’ve already had potential investors saying they want a business that’s going to work and that they don’t have to worry about. That’s DuctFlow in a nutshell.”
“Incidentally,” he continues, “the name DuctFlow has nothing to do with the flow of air as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) professionals might think. It’s about making the whole business and process of ductwork flow effortlessly, from start to finish. And it does – because that’s what the DuctFlow franchise delivers.”
DuctWork Solutions is also delivering “something special” to The Big 5 exhibition in order to launch the DuctFlow franchise with maximum effect. “Let’s just say it’s something far removed from your typical exhibition stand. We believe that a unique product deserves a unique approach. Franchising is an interactive business so we’re providing an interactive experience for potential franchisees, something they’ll find entertaining as well as informative,” Sewell promises.
DuctWork Solutions claims to have developed “a completely new methodology for the fabrication of pre-insulated ductwork”, which is expected to progress the HVAC industry across the Middle East. The company expects to be the international market leader within five years.
The company’s confidence stems from “the most exhaustive review of the ductwork sector ever undertaken, resulting in a completely new template for producing pre-insulated ductwork. DuctFlow is the result of that. It is not only a unique franchise opportunity in the world’s biggest ductwork marketplace. It is a road map to efficiency, productivity and profitability,” Sewell concludes.