Spa operator Urban Retreat, which has sites at upmarket UK department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols, has launched a new franchise model.

Urban Retreat At Home will be rolled out over the next three years and will offer beauty therapists the opportunity to become independent franchisees and deliver Urban Retreat-branded treatments at clients' homes.

Speaking to Spa Business George Hammer, founder of Urban Retreat, said: "We're building on the experience of having been at Harrods for 10 years and this franchise opportunity is open to all mobile therapists.

"Up to now, mobile therapists have often been considered second rate, badly trained and inconsistent. What we're doing is harnessing all the good parts about being a mobile therapists and creating an up-market offering rather than a discount, cheap offering.

"Most mobile therapists work on the basis that they are cheaper than a salon - we're working on the basis that At Home treatments will be either at salon price, or above, by making it a premium experience."

As part of the franchise deal, each mobile therapist will be given an Urban Retreat-branded, fully equipped Audi A1 car; an MP3 player; candles; robes and scented tea.

The cost of obtaining a franchise will be £12,000 and franchisees are required to have at least an NVQ Level 3 qualification or a Cidesco certificate.