| RAMS set to extend franchise distribution to South Australia |
|
|
|
|
RAMS Home Loans today announced plans to expand its national franchise distribution network including opening new home loan centres in South Australia for the first time. The Australian specialist lender said the move was necessary to cater for increased demand amongst its target market of first home buyers, self-employed people and property investors. RAMS Head of Franchising, Clive Kirkpatrick said that despite the challenging market conditions, RAMS has grown its customer base to more than 15,000 and is performing well beyond original targets set when it was acquired by the Westpac Group in January 2008. “In the past three months, RAMS home loan settlements have reached the highest amount in its 14-year history, with last month achieving the biggest settlement month ever experienced by the RAMS franchise distribution channel,” Mr Kirkpatrick said. “RAMS customer call volumes from South Australia has doubled since October 2008 when the First Home Owners’ Grant boost was first introduced. “While customers can access RAMS Home Loans over the telephone, we are keen to establish a local South Australian brand presence with mobile loan writers and dedicated service centres to provide face-to-face assistance.” Currently, RAMS is recruiting several new franchisees in South Australia. Initially, the plan is for mobile franchisees and these will expand into local RAMS Home Loan Centres offering personalised, expert home loan advice and high level customer service supported by a wide range of simple, competitive products. Mr Kirkpatrick said he was excited about the opportunities this would bring for small business and the community in terms of greater competition and jobs. “We have created realistic expansion plans to achieve our targets and we look forward to playing a much more direct and active role in servicing the South Australian market,” he said. RAMS recently introduced a new franchise distribution model, which replaced the original franchise business implemented more than six years ago. The new, more flexible model had a more competitive, performance-based commission structure and improved scalability. Mr Kirkpatrick said: “Overall, a new franchise model, broad home loan range and clearer direction has brought greater stability to our RAMS franchise network and business.” For further information about RAMS Franchising, visit the recruitment website at www.ramsfranchising.com.au |
