AN award-winning roofing firm is set to scale new heights with the launch of a pioneering UK franchise venture.

Brighouse-based Ploughcroft Building Services has set up RooferMan, offering prospective roofers the chance to set up a man-in-a-van business without the usual risks associated with going into business.

The move comes just a month after Ploughcroft was named Employer of the Year at the Examiner Business Awards to mark its commitment to training and rewarding its employees and providing facilities for training to its industry rivals.

Managing director Chris Hopkins said the RooferMan scheme aimed to extend its quality standards across the country to deliver “a new national generation of highly trained roof repair and maintenance personnel”.

Under the scheme franchisees will get intensive training at Ploughcroft’s purpose-built training academy on Owler Ings Road.

The training will cover subjects such as practical roofing techniques, repair and maintenance methods and installing “green” technologies like solar panels.

In addition, a support package will include regular visits from a franchise manager, a mentoring programme, top-up training as and when required, performance benchmarking and regular networking meetings.

Mr Hopkins said: “Having started trading as a father-and-son operation I know only too well the risks associated with going it alone.

“However, I also know that as a well-established company now we often struggle to look after clients wanting smaller roof repairs, leaving a real niche to be filled.

“There are considerable opportunities in the roofing market for smaller businesses whose personnel are properly trained and able to be flexible and work to a proven system.”

He added: “The RooferMan franchise venture provides the ideal answer because franchisees benefit from the full backing of our head office, which takes care of all the paperwork.

“Also, all jobs go through a centralised call centre and are then forwarded by text to the franchisees in the regions.

“This means roofers are not disturbed while working on the roofs.

“By providing training and support we are not only helping small businesses get off the ground but are also giving property owners a recognised UK brand they can rely on for consistent quality work and great customer service.”

Mr Hopkins said that in the current economic climate many homeowners were looking to repair and maintain their homes rather than put them on the market.

More homeowners were also looking for ways to modify their homes in order to become more cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long term.

, with measures such as installing solar roof panels.As well as scooping the Examiner prize Ploughcroft won the National Home Improvement Council’s national award for innovation in training last year and was top specialist contractor in the Best Places to Work in Construction Awards 2008.