Mortgage franchise Rams Home Loans plans to double its franchise distribution network within the next two years to cater for increased demand from its target market of first home buyers, self-employed and property investors.  

Melos Sulicich, ceo of Rams, said since the brand’s acquisition by the Westpac Group in January 2008 it had grown its customer base to more than 15,000.  

“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 every experienced by the Rams franchise distribution channel,” Sulicich said.  

He revealed the network had received 7,000 leads in March, which he described as “phenomenal”.  

The support of the major bank reassures customers, he added, while the Rams’ strength remains its position as an alternative, specialist lender.  

“From the feedback we have received from our franchisees, this strategy works well,” he said. “From a corporate perspective, being supported by Australia’s largest bank helps us gain some scale by tapping into resources that suit our needs such as supplier relationships; we now have access to greater purchasing power.”  

As reported in the May/June issue of Franchising magazine, the home loans company has recently overhauled its franchise model, and introduced a more flexible system with a more competitive, performance based commission structure and improved scalability.  

There are investment options upfront too and franchisees can now work as mobile for 12 months before setting up a Rams shop but they need a branded vehicle from day one.  

The first franchise under the new model is expected to start mid July.  

“Overall a new franchise model, an expanded product range and clearer direction has brought greater stability to our Rams franchised network and business,” Sulicich said.