Business Franchise articles from April 2007

Business Franchise archives from April 2007

Chasing rainbow.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
April 1, 2007... A TEAM of disaster recovery specialists from Rainbow International is tackling a 1000-mile cycle ride to help raise more than 50,000 [pounds sterling] for charity. A 15-strong team will cycle from John O'Groats to Lands End in IO days...

Caffeine rush.(FRANCHISE NEWS)(Company overview)
April 1, 2007... CAFE2U has started 2007 with a severe caffeine rush, as the Australian-born organisation has announced the opening of four new franchises in the UK. The Cafe2U mobile coffee franchise was established in Sydney in 2000 and is now successfully...

A Fit-ting franchise.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
April 1, 2007... DORSET-BASED company FitKid has launched its first two FitKid franchises, with a special plea to help combat the new government statistics on UK childhood obesity which are estimated to be as high as 35 per cent by 2010. FitKid's first...

Pizza and whine.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
April 1, 2007... FOLLOWING IN the footsteps of such illustrious realityTV' stars' as Jade Goody and Kate Lawler, Big Brother 7 contestant Nikki Grahame (pictured) is spearheading a TV advertising campaign for Domino's Pizza's Meateor pizza, which is also...

WRAP launches recycling trials for SMEs.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
April 1, 2007... A SERIES of feasibility trials to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to recycle their waste have been launched across the UK, funded by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme). The overall aim of the trials, which will run for...

Green Autosheen.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
April 1, 2007... AUTOSHEEN HAS been accredited the Quality Management Systems (QMS) 9001:2000 ISO 14001 ISO 9001:2000 award. ISO 9001:2000 is the most commonly used international standard of quality assurance that provides a framework for an effective...

Five million mark for ChipsAway.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
April 1, 2007... CHIPSAWAY INTERNATIONAL has celebrated its five millionth customer in style, by presenting a bouquet and a bottle of bubbly to Kay Wellings, who had her damaged paintwork repaired by Lichfield-based ChipsAway franchisee, Ian Byrne. The...

Famous Brands consumes Wimpy.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
April 1, 2007... SOUTH AFRICAN company Famous Brands has acquired a 75 per cent stake in Wimpy UK, thereby achieving the group's stated strategic intent to enter the first world branded QSR/Casual Dining market via acquisition. The remaining 25 per cent...

Bfa launches broadband TV channel.(bfa NEWS)
April 1, 2007... THE ASSOCIATION is proud to announce the launch of the official on-line TV channel of the bfa. Created by CRE:8 Multimedia Ltd, www.franchisesuccess.tv was launched will be viewable throughout the world on any PC with a broadband connection....

Bfa new members.(bfa NEWS)
April 1, 2007... FOR THOSE considering franchising, bfa membership provides a degree of knowledge that the franchisor has been positively accredited against the bfa's code of ethics in franchising. Membership is achieved only by meeting the standards set...

Grow your business through franchising.(bfa NEWS)
April 1, 2007... THE LATEST NatWest/bfa survey highlights that 54 per cent of UK franchise systems have a presence in East Anglia and franchising contributes 0.41 billion [pounds sterling] to the region's implied annual turnover. In recognition of the...

Consumers prefer franchising: new research on public opinion of franchising reveals that the public would prefer to buy goods and services from a franchised business over a non-franchised business.(FRANCHISE NEWS: Special report)
April 1, 2007... THE RESEARCH, conducted by independent research house BDRC on behalf of the British Franchise Association (bfa), polled a representative sample of 1235 UK residents aged between 18-55. Respondents were asked about their preferences for...

Franchises on the wing.(MARKET FOCUS: INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISES)
April 1, 2007... Most people buying into a franchise today are looking for a radical change, something that will inject their day-to-day existence with new challenges, a better income and a little excitement. But what if you're looking for more than just a...

Follow the Dublcheck system: the Dublcheck franchise has met with positive responses from its franchisees. Find out how this cleaning services franchise can offer the opportunity of a lifetime.(DUBLCHECK: Commercial and domestic cleaning services)(Cover story)
April 1, 2007... Dublcheck, founded in 1993 and having been named one of the UK's fastest growing companies, according to The Sunday Times and Virgin Fasttrack 100, is still going from strength to strength. Carol Stewart-Gill, founder and chairman, is still...

The market place: the votes have been cast. The judges' shortlists are in. All will be revealed at this year's Franchise Marketing Awards, which takes place on 23 March 2007 at the Marriott Hotel, London.(FRANCHISE NEWS: Marketing Awards)
April 1, 2007... THE SHORTLIST of finalists for the Franchise Marketing Awards has been announced. Judged by an independent panel of experts, the Franchise Marketing Awards recognise and reward companies that have raised their public awareness and, as a...

Minority report: Asian communities have the highest rate of self-employment in the UK, and more ethnic groups than ever before are joining the franchise industry. Alison Ledger reveals why franchising is the ideal vocation for the ethnic population.(SPECIAL FEATURE ETHNIC MINORITIES: Franchising)
April 1, 2007... Stepping into self-employment can be a daunting decision, yet it's one that 7.8 per cent of the British workforce has chosen. In particular, 8.3 per cent of those self-employed are of Asian descent--a pattern that can be attributed to a...

Flying high: tired of hotel rooms and a stressful commute as a high-flying IT analyst, Dave Gibson sought an alternative career and started to consider franchising. After a long search, he discovered that TaxAssist Accountants ticked all the right boxes.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
April 1, 2007... Finding a franchise can be a stressful and time-consuming process. However, shopping around will pay off, quite literally, just as it did for Dave Gibson. Dave spent nearly three years researching and looking for a change of vocation. He had...

Belfast business boom: following a successful inaugural event in 2006, The Franchise Exhibition returns to Northern Ireland in May, hoping to build on the event's considerable success of last year.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
April 1, 2007... Thinking about branching out on your own in business or looking for a new start as your own boss? If so, The Franchise Exhibition at Belfast's Odyssey Arena in May, with its large selection of superb start-up opportunities, is a must attend...

The ideal solution: without a solid marketing plan, any business is prone to disaster. Enter D&R The Solution, who can give businesses the best marketing plans possible. In order to expand, D&R has set up its franchise network. John Bensalhia speaks to managing partner David Dean about the possibilities that this franchise can offer ...(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2007... A business without marketing is like having a canoe without a paddle. You might be able to paddle a couple of inches by hand, but otherwise you'll make as much progress as a snail towing a car home. Similarly, if a business tries to make...

Resale results: franchisors, pay attention! If you have any franchisees wishing to resell their business, help is at hand in the form of Franchise Resales Ltd. John Bensalhia speaks to co-founder Derrick Simpson to find out what it can offer.(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2007... According to a recent NatWest/bfa survey (drawn from a poll of around 800 franchisors), there are between 1300 and 1500 sales of existing businesses each year. This, however, causes potential problems when it comes to resales. Most...

A family affair: welcome to PlumbXpress--a company looking to expand its considerable business by franchising. Founded by mother and son, Angela and Dan, the company has several attractive prospects in store for franchisees.(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2007... The Royal Holloway and Bedford New college has, in its time, paid host to various well-known alumini such as bearded botanist David Bellamy and songstress KT Tunstall. Not to mention Business Franchise's assistant editor Alison Ledger. Or...

Clear drinking: the dream of beating Mother Nature in the time she takes to produce clean drinking water is now an affordable reality with enormous environmental implications. A franchise with EnviroSource could help you take advantage ...(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2007... The creation of pure water from the air surrounding us would turn any alchemist's frown into a grin. That dream has now become commercially realised with an EnviroSource digital technology atmospheric water generator, which looks no...

A marriage made in heaven: Global fashion retailer Mexx is launching in the UK and Ireland, a stunning franchise opportunity not to be missed for serious investors.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... The already established Dutch born brand Mexx is becoming more and more familiar with discerning and fashion-conscious clothes shoppers around the UK and Ireland, sitting alongside the likes of Reiss, FCUK, Mango and Zara on the high street....

Hitting the high life! Self-confessed 'car nut' Sandip Kalkat has achieved a high quality of living thanks to his ChipsAway franchise--not to mention his own Maserati sports car ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Sandip Kalkat promised himself that by the time he was 30, he would own a Maserati sports car. That, he felt, would be the ultimate symbol of success. But by the time he was 28, it had become clear to Sandip that he was never going to make...

Law unto yourself: read all about X-Press Legal Services' rapid progress which has boosted company's profile considerably in this last year.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... When X-Press Legal Services, a specialist provider of property searches and reports, launched its franchise at the Birmingham exhibition in October 2005, the company hoped to recruit eight franchisees in the first year, in line with its...

Slim chance: with daily reports of alarming increases in obesity levels, it seems that by 2010, more than 13 million Britons could be obese. One franchise, is however, combating this problem. John Bensalhia finds out about SureSlim's revolutionary offering from franchisee Del Carnell.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... There's a regular problem that's cropping up day after day in this country. The level of obesity rates is increasing, and a recent Department of Health report has warned that unless the trend isn't bucked, then more than 12 million adults and...

Franchising--why do it? A very good question. Fortunately, Manzoor Ishani of Sherrards has all the answers for you in this special feature which details the advantages of running your own business under the guidance of a well-known brand.(LEGAL FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Over the many years during which Sherrards (Solicitors) has been involved in franchising, Manzoor Ishani has seen successes and failures. He says: 'We have acted for franchisors of all sizes, from multinationals to small businesses. We have...

Photo opportunity: with more than 21 years' experience in the UK high street and 150-plus stores nationwide, Snappy Snaps, the photo and digital specialist, is at the forefront of the photography market with thanks to its successful franchise model.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)(Company overview)
April 1, 2007... Since it was founded in 1983, Snappy Snaps has changed and evolved considerably. Along with straightforward photographic services such as real photos from digital in one hour, reprints, enlargements and photo restoration, the Snappy Snaps...

Invest in success: with more than 200 outlets in the UK, master franchisees in Australia, Southern Ireland and mainland Europe, Ovenclean has become the first choice in bringing a sparkle to customers' kitchens.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Surveys reveal that cleaning the oven is one of the domestic chores people hate most: more Britons than ever are getting professionals to clean their household ovens. The homeowners' reluctance to do this task has led to a boom for Ovenclean...

Earn the hunters: with an entry in The Sunday Times Best 100 Companies, Hunters has a strong reputation and limitless potential with its franchise offering. That's what franchisees Steve and Carol Crowe found out, as they tell their story to Business Franchise.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... 'Having run a successful training and management consultancy for the past 12 years, we wanted to start a business to run alongside. About 18 months ago we saw an advert for an estate agency franchise, but not the usual "set up in a shed"...

A Thorntons recipe for success: to learn more about what it means to be a Thorntons franchisee here is an interview with Kay and Gareth Tatcher-Cotes, franchisees for West Kirby and Heswall.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)(Interview)
April 1, 2007... Thorntons, established in 1911, is a widely recognised brand with a reputation of superb quality, innovation, excellent customer service and the finest chocolate recipes from around the world. Thorntons currently operates around 360...

The great and the Goodchilds: if you want to be your own boss and have an eye for property, then a franchise with Goodchilds could be the right move for you.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... You may often have thought that you would like to run own business but deciding what type of business and how to do it often leads to little action. If this is the case then it may be that franchising is for you, Franchising has something for...

The name above the door: the name above the door is very important, says Apollo Blinds' Patrick Harrison. But having a door to hang it above is the key to the company's success.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
April 1, 2007... We have invested heavily to create a brand that oozes style and sophistication. And we are confident that it reflects the quality of our products and our ability to provide inspiring ideas that are expertly delivered. We launched the new...

Explorers of the future: ComputerXplorers completes its second stage pilot programme--all home-based--offering a significant commercial opportunity at a low cost.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... 'If you can operate a business that generates the same revenue as a retail or office location but with a fraction of the overhead, why wouldn't you want to work from home?' asks Nigel Toplis, managing director of ComputerXplorers. Owning...

Smart move to Woolies: in a UK franchise first, Woolworths and Smart Cartridge have launched their inaugural in-store ink refill cartridge concessions, as Business Franchise reports.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... SMART CARTRIDGE Printer cartridges, retail, office supplies In a unique move for the UK printer cartridge franchise sector, Smart Cartridge has teamed up with high street retailer Woolworths to offer in-store Cartridge Refill Station...

A cut above the rest: Nicenstripy is the UK's premier professional, domestic residential and commercial lawn cutting and garden maintenance franchise, with more than 11 years' business success. Business Franchise examines its franchise proposition ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Currently, nicenstripy is the only franchise in the garden services industry to have been awarded membership of The Guild of Master Craftsmen, which recognises the company's commitment to work with skill and integrity, and its agreement to...

Time to shine: Wimpy, the UK's largest independent restaurant franchise, is rolling out a modern and stylish new design format following extensive trials across the country.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... The new-look Wimpys have updated their image, but it is still very much in keeping with the company's 50-year British heritage. Wimpy's 'freshly cooked' message remains the brands USP and the new menu appeals to both its existing customers...

'Now I have everything to look forward to!' Voluntary redundancy gave ex-civil servant David Roper the chance to reconsider his working life. And that's when the chance of a PCC franchise turned his future around ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... When civil servant David Roper was offered voluntary redundancy, it focused his mind on what he really wanted from life. He admits that he had been rather bored with his desk bound job and so decided that this was a chance too good to miss...

Go for gold: here it is: the perfect opportunity for mums who want the chance of a fulfilling job and a good wage. Go for it with a Raring2go franchise, the latest brainchild from Nigel and Sue Botterill ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Being a great mum is tough for women who want a fulfilling job and need to earn a decent income too. But with a new local magazine and website franchise that provides mums with flexible hours and challenging stay-at-home work, that's a thing...

The ultimate management franchise: running your own multi-van operation: the UK's leading mobile vehicle valeting company, Autosheen, requires the management of specialist, professional valeting services for hundreds of corporate and residential customers each and every day, all across the country.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Peter Butler, Autosheen's CEO, says: 'Demand for our services outstrips supply on a regular basis and we currently have exclusive UK territories waiting to be filled, with jobs waiting to be done. Autosheen is celebrating its 23rd birthday...

Father to son: business services franchise Mail Boxes Etc has been keeping it in the family, and proving that blood can be thicker than water when it comes to efficiency in the workplace.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Sons are joining their fathers in franchised businesses, In the old days, traditional skills were handed down from father to son for generations but today many franchisees are themselves relatively new to the businesses they own, most having...

Ten of the best: multiple-award-winning management franchise Swisher offers unlimited earning potential and now a decade of experience in a burgeoning market.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)(Company overview)
April 1, 2007... This year, Swisher marks the company's 10-year anniversary. Established in the UK in 1997, Swisher is now recognised as the leading brand within the washroom, cleaning and franchising sectors and is regularly used as the benchmark by...

Full throttle: Eddie Mulrooney's first four months with MCV were so successful he bought the master franchise licence for Southern Ireland, took Christmas off and went on holiday. Alison Ledger gains an insight into Eddie's life-altering 18 months.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... There aren't many franchises where you can finish your training on a Saturday and have money rolling in by the Tuesday, but with Mobile Car Valeting (MCV), Eddie Mulrooney, 40, did just that. He says: 'I was a retail manager for a nationwide...

Go 'West: NatWest's national franchise manager Mark Scott explains how and why the bank has been a long-standing supporter of the industry.(FINANCE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... In 1981, NatWest was the first UK bank to recognise the potential of franchising by appointing a franchise manager and dedicated team. The team has grown considerably since that time and as a result NatWest has consistently been the market...

Thebestof: E-Company of the Year: the accolade of Best E-Company of the Year at the Sharp Edge Awards was another successful achievement for thebestof in 2007--a company that really is the best to work for.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... The successful online business directory and community website franchise, thebestof, has been voted the Best E-Company of the Year at the Sharp Edge Awards. Almost 500 companies vied for the top slots at the awards with thebestof beating off...

A first-class opportunity: Business Franchise explores the benefits presented by Prontaprint for its resale opportunities and talks to two franchisees to find out their progress ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Prontaprint has a strong selection of attractive business opportunities for potential new franchisees. More than 20 centres are currently available at a range of locations across the UK, including five in London and the South East, and...

The green generation: last year, GreenThumb Edinburgh franchisees Peter, Daphne and Brent Hogarth won the Business Generation award in recognition of considerably upping their customer base. Brent talks to John Bensalhia about his family's time with the lawn treatment franchise ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... A great deal of hard work and dedication ultimately paid off for GreenThumb's Edinburgh franchisees Peter, Daphne and Brent Hogarth when they won the Business Generation award last year. This was in recognition of the considerable achievement...

Sunbelt shines: John Bensalhia speaks to Sunbelt franchisee Tony Woodward, who has turned his working life around thanks to a combination of first class training, support and a tried-and-tested methodology.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... The largest business broker network in the world: An impressive feat for Sunbelt, and last year, Tony Woodward, Norfolk franchisee, commenced work to get a taste of its success. Tony had been a finance director for about 15 years in...

The drain brains: John Bensalhia finds out what makes Metro Rod the ultimate in drainage solutions, and speaks to Bristol franchisees Maureen and Clive Newport to get a picture of what's in store for potential candidates ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Here's a game for you. The next time you walk down a street, see how many of the sights you spot on your way are linked with franchising. For example, you may feel peckish--say you have a hankering for a burger. That's one franchise link...

Home sweet home: 2.7 million households spend about 11 billion [pounds sterling] every year on domestic help. With more than 10 years business success and a client base that stretches to thousands of satisfied repeat customers, Myhome is one of the UK's leading residential cleaning businesses.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Key to Myhome's success, for both franchisee and franchisor, is the comprehensive training and development programme that it provides its franchise partners. One of the main reasons that people buy a franchise, rather than setting up their...

A-Z list of exhibitors.(The British & International Franchise Exhibition)
April 1, 2007... A-Z list of Exhibitors All entries correct at time of going to press Absolute Fun Casino D940 Action International A110 Agency Express F220 Antal...

Exhibitors by category.(The British Franchise Exhibition)
April 1, 2007... All entries correct at time of going to press ACCOUNTANCY/FINANCIAL ADVISORS Assist Financial Solutions Ltd E120 Mortgage Force Ltd E730 AUTOMOTIVE Autosheen ...

London pride: franchising hits the Capital on March 23 and 24, as Olympia hosts the British & International Franchise Exhibition. Director General of the bfa Brian Smart explains why it's not to be missed ...(The British & International Franchise Exhibition)
April 1, 2007... Welcome to the British & International Franchise Exhibition at London's Olympia. Franchising in London and Southeast England contributes more than 3.4 billion [pounds sterling] to the UK franchise sector's annual turnover. The number of...

Raising the capital: the British & International Franchise Exhibition is back in London, providing the best in business opportunity from all over the world ...(The British & International Franchise Exhibition)
April 1, 2007... More than 200 UK and international companies from a diverse range of industries will be offering franchise opportunities to suit all tastes at The British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London on Friday 23 and Saturday 24...

Your A-Z exhibitor guide.(The British & International Franchise Exhibition)(Directory)
April 1, 2007... All entries correct at time of going to press Absolute Fun Casino D940 Action coach A110 Contact name: Sally Thorne ...

A presentation with punch: what is the key to effective public speaking? Richard Holden, head of the Lloyds TSB franchise team, talks you through the vital points.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
April 1, 2007... My job as Lloyds TSB's head of franchising means that I do my fair share of presentations. But whether you're a banker or best man, student or small business, there will come a time when you'll need to stand up and present to a group of...

The Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference is a comprehensive source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs ... leading entrepreneur Adam Hildreth welcomes you to the 2007 Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference at London's Olympia.(GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS exhibition & conference)
April 1, 2007... The Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference, taking place at London's Olympia on March 23 and 24, will be a comprehensive source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs with leading expert business advice and novel ideas for all...

A-Z list of exhibitors.(GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS exhibition & conference)
April 1, 2007... A-Z list of Exhibitors All entries correct at time of going to press Better Business GYOB300 British Telecommunications GYOB160 Business Link For London GYOB80 Businesslink.gov.uk GYOB120...

Your A-Z exhibitor guide.(GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS exhibition & conference)(Directory)(Company overview)
April 1, 2007... All entries correct at time of going to press Better Business GYOB300 Contact name: Sophie Chalmers Tel: 01291 641222 Fax: 01291 641777 Website: www.better-business.co.uk Free...

Top marques for Dent: all of you 27 million drivers: beware! You could be at risk of damaging your car when you least expect it. Fortunately, help is at hand from Dent-Technique, which is offering franchisees the chance to make a difference ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Now there are 27 million cars on the UK's roads, it's inevitable that some will get damaged. People who are unlucky enough to get a dent in their cars--especially brand new ones--want it put right immediately. Drivers expect a first-class...

Refurbishment revolution: Surface Doctor, the leading bathroom and kitchen resurfacing franchise in the United States, has more than 20 years' proven business success and is now available as a franchise throughout the UK.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... Choosing your franchise is a big step and it's likely that you'll be looking for a franchise that services a vast market. Surface Doctor may provide the solution you've been searching for, as literally every property in the UK with a kitchen...

Laser sharp: the printer consumables franchise Lasertech is looking for more franchisees to spread its success throughout the country. Find out what you can obtain from this company's deals ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... LASERTECH Printer consumables The office products industry has grown to more than 10 billion [pounds sterling] a year in 2006. The demand for printer cartridges has also grown dramatically recently with the advent of affordable...

Now you're talking: when Katie Mayne discovered sign language was a way to communicate with her baby before he could talk, a new franchise idea was born.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... TINYTALK Child communication Just like all the best franchises, it started as a single good idea. As a business based on just one good idea, Tinytalk has been a runaway success--and franchisor Katie Mayne has been doing her best to...

Ward perfect: Business Franchise meets Derek Ward, the York and Harrogate franchisee for Molly Maid, whose expectations of the business have definitely been met ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... MOLLY MAID Domestic cleaning Derek Ward, Molly Maid franchisee for York and Harrogate says that joining up is the best thing that he's ever done. 'After being employed for 30 years, I wanted to work for myself but I wanted the...

Jordan's races ahead: if the idea of working for a property company that's growing at a phenomenal rate appeals, then ask yourself this question: Is a Jordan's franchise the business opportunity for you in 2007?(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... JORDANS Residential lettings Jordan's Residential Lettings is the fastest growing lettings specialist in the UK. Established by Robert Jordan in 1990, the current president of ARLA (Association of Residential Lettings Agents), the...

A Miller's tale: Business Franchise tells the tale of Car Medic franchisee Greg Miller who, on seeking 'true success' for himself and his family, found great value for money, un limited work potential and an improved quality of life with his franchise.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... CAR MEDIC Mobile automotive services Greg Miller worked as a finance analyst on a respectable 35,000 [pounds sterling] a year until last June when his wife Alison became pregnant with their first child. On analysing his own finances,...

Ignite time! Fire up your business potential with Blazes, Britain's biggest fireplace and heating specialist.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2007... BLAZES Fireplace and heating centres 'It's all about the back-up.' That's the advice of former surveyor Chris Knight who got off to a record start by buying into a Blazes Fireplace and Heating Centre. Blazes is Britain's biggest...

No such thing as bad publicity: Gay Turner, head of franchise PR specialists GTPR, reveals the secrets of achieving good public relations for franchisors ...(Hot topic)
April 1, 2007... What are the secrets of achieving good PR? Like most businesses, there are lots of 'tricks of the trade' but too many to list them all in a short article. PR for franchisors is the vitally important process of telling people about the...

A bad experience.(Q&A)
April 1, 2007... I have shown an interest in a franchise company, but a friend has advised me not to join as be says he has had a bad experience with them. How much notice should I take of my friend's advice and how much research do I need to do before taking...

A losing battle?(Q&A)
April 1, 2007... I would like to join a franchise company, but am scared about the financial situation. What would happen if I lose more than I earn? Harry Slocum, Norfolk Cathryn Hayes replies: Franchising offers a business format and...

Spread the word.(Q&A)
April 1, 2007... I am in the first stages of my now franchise business and want to spread the word as much as I can. What advice would you give me with regard to advertising--should I invest in radio/ TV/printed adverts? Anita Botcherby, Twickenham ...

Meet 'n' greet.(Q&A)
April 1, 2007... What are the main consideration in meeting and assessing franchisors? Anita Cavali, Chelmsford Brian Smart replies: Despite the obvious legal and commercial aspects to the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee, you...

The next steps: there are many choices to make when setting up your own business and it's easy to make mistakes, so avoid the pitfalls by following Manzoor Ishani's step-by-step guide to getting your franchise off the ground.(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Franchising tips)
April 1, 2007... You have made one of the most important decisions in your life, which is whether or not to start a business of your own. The next decisions is just as important--what sort of franchise business to go into. And once you have selected a...

Taking the 'P': Richard Watson minds his Ps and Ks (and Rs and Fs) as he explains the right way to go about marketing your franchise ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Marketing)
April 1, 2007... Each trade and profession has a favourite letter. Computing loves the ever-expanding K. In education we plump for the triple R, although how Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmatic assist our understanding of spelling is a mystery. Franchising is...

A woman's touch: sex entrepreneur Julia Gash tells Business Franchise why Kirsty Quinn should be Franchisee of the Month since launching her York-based Gash store--a contemporary lingerie and erotic lifestyle retail chain.(FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH)
April 1, 2007... GASH Lingerie and erotic lifestyle retail chain NAME: Kirsty Quinn AGE: 27 FRANCHISE AREA: York HISTORY: Opened a Gash outlet in December 2006 NOMINATED BY: Julia Gash, founder of Gash Gash is a cool and...

Recognition express.(RESALE OF THE MONTH)
April 1, 2007... First impressions really to count. It is crucial that the image companies project is both positive and enduring. Every organisation needs to be instantly recognisable in today's highly competitive market place. Recognition Express has...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
April 1, 2007... Key terms * Number of outlets Current number of franchise units in network * BFA member status Franchisor's level of BFA accreditation * Initial franchise fee Initial amount paid to franchisor to purchase a franchise *...

Losing your bottle: in the complex world of franchising, it's essential to have symbiosis in all your dealings while preventing the parasites from feeding on the fruits of your labour. Bill Ewbank raises his glass and wishes you good luck.(LAST WORD)
April 1, 2007... The NatWest Bank produces a highly respected annual survey of the franchising industry--I wonder if this year I might persuade it to include some statistics on what I will call here 'alcohol consumption' within the industry? Let's...