Slique is a treatment range to restore, preserve and protect all types of natural and man-made stone and tile surfaces.

Each one has been developed for specific stone types and formulated at the cutting edge of chemical technology.

It’s a physical job, but it’s also highly technical, says managing director Garry Phillips. Franchisees will be trained on aspects of geology and chemistry as well as the technical processes to do the work so we’re looking for good brains as well as a bit of brawn.

Slique opened its first branch in Auckland in January 2004 then a second branch in Sydney in September 2005. By this time, the owners had 14 years’ industry experience, including the multi-million dollar renovation of hundreds of metres of basalt in the Grand Atrium of the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

They then spent over five years developing the technical systems, processes and expertise into a franchise structure. Rather than launch in the middle of an economic downturn they waited; the first franchises are available now.

An investment of $35,000 plus GST is needed, along with the equipment. This includes two weeks of training in the office and special training lab followed by three to four weeks on-site and ongoing sales and technical support.

Slique franchisees need just one job a fortnight to break even, or one job a week to make a comfortable living, says Phillips. As their office will be based at their home it’s a great way to combine an excellent living with lifestyle.