Activ Web Design has launched in Spain.

The rapidly growing web design franchise, which only launched in March 2008, is keen to capitalise on the untapped potential on the Iberian Peninsula. With 70% of Spanish SMEs not having their own website, the company is confident of replicating its UK success, which saw it shortlisted for a Nectar Business Small Business Award.

Madrid-based master franchisor Kevin Grist is looking to recruit 50 franchisees this year.

Activ director Simon Rickett says: “The potential market for our services is actually larger than in the UK, where at the time of our launch last year, around 50 percent of British SMEs were without a website. By launching in Spain now we are getting in right at the start.”

Activ, which through its network of franchisees offers businesses fixed-price website development, is also confident its business model will be well received by Spanish business owners.

Adds Rickett: “In Spain, having a website built can run into thousands of euros and the process can be complicated, so our simple, jargon-free approach will be most welcome there.”

Leicestershire-based Activ believes the entrepreneurial among the Spanish will be as enthused by the franchise opportunity as were the 100 franchisees who joined the UK network.

“Since we launched in March 2008 Activ has enjoyed continued success despite the recession, with UK-based Activ franchisees such as Peter Slegg turning over nearly £30k in his first year,” says Rickett. “In Spain as in this country, all franchisees will need to do to make their business work is market their area as a web designer, take orders and use our in-house software to develop the sites.

“The simplicity of our business model allows us to replicate it across the globe and the plan is to recruit more master franchisees and gradually roll out more Activ franchises in other countries.”

Activ, which offers UK customers a standard website for £499 and an e-commerce site for £999, is charging Spain-based businesses €599 for its basic package and €1,299 for an ‘online shop.’

“Kevin Grist originally bought the Madrid franchise to operate there but following the high levels of interest received he wanted to find out more about Activ’s growth strategy and repeat what myself and co-director Dillon Boivin have achieved here.

“It’s a very exciting move and we look forward to attracting more master franchisors and more new territories in more new countries in the near future.”