Business Franchise articles from April 2008

Business Franchise archives from April 2008

Fire sparks hard lessons.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE IMMEDIATE aftermath of the devastating fire in Camden in February was bad enough for the small firms concerned but now comes a warning from the Insurance Claims section of Grant Thornton that things could get...

Brits take the credit.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
April 1, 2008... Britons are twice as likely to have a credit cad as people in any other Western European country according to market analysts Datamonitor. The average Briton has 1.4 credit cards--twice as many as second-place Norway. At the other end of the...

Small firms have WEEE problem.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MANY SMALL business owners are unaware of environmental regulations that could save them money. One year after they were introduced, only 12 per cent of SMEs could name the regulations in the Waste Electrical and...

Small shops get help.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
April 1, 2008... A BILL before Parliament hopes to help small retail premises stay open. The Retail Development Bill seeks to make local authorities establish support schemes for struggling 'class one' shops that would otherwise close. The government would...

Every Crime, Every Time.
April 1, 2008... The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a campaign to increase the reporting of crime against businesses. In partnership with the Coalition Against Crime, the Every Crime Every Time scheme encourages thousands of firms to record and...

Duty calls.
April 1, 2008... The Health and Safety Executive has reminded employers of their legal duty to ensure, as far as reasonably possible, the health and safety at work of all employees. The warning follows the Executive's prosecution of a Dudley firm after an...

No, Minister.
April 1, 2008... The government's promise to put small businesses at the centre of its enterprise strategy has come into question following the departure of Competitiveness Minister, Stephen Timms, in the last cabinet reshuffle. Mr Timms represented the...

Crunch time for SMES.
April 1, 2008... The British Chambers of Commerce predict hard times for SMEs in 2008. Its Quarterly Economic Forecast is particularly concerned about the effect of a 'credit crunch' on small firms. The figures look bleak: Year-on-year Gross Domestic Product...

Enterprise network for small firms.
April 1, 2008... A new enterprise network has been established across Europe to provide services and support for the small business community. The Enterprise Europe Network comprises more than 600 contact points and over 4000 staff, making it the largest...

Government wants no claims.
April 1, 2008... AN ADDITIONAL 37 million [pounds sterling] of government money is being allocated to prevent workplace disputes escalating into claims at employment tribunals. The funds will be used by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)...

World service.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With post office closures looming and postage costs rocketing, customers can now find a straightforward, cost-effective alternative to the Royal Mail's parcel service at 50 of Cartridge World's stores nationwide. ...

Big in Belfast.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On Friday March 7, O'Briens Sandwich Bars opened its largest store in the world, a 180-seater outlet in the new Victoria Square Shopping Centre in Belfast. The new store features the full made-to-order and pre made...

Positive energie.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The women only health club chain, energie Fitness For Women, has just announced that it now offers a 100 per cent money back guarantee to new franchisees, offering peace of mind to new entrants. The cast iron...

The final Coutts.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... Property search specialist, X-Press Legal Services, has been shortlisted for The Courts Prize for Family Business 2007/8 and is the only franchise to have been nominated. These prestigious awards are the only regional programme in England and...

Five point health-check for franchisors.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] British Franchise Association member law firm, Pannone LLP, has devised a health-check for franchisors and potential franchisors to help them examine a franchise from five key perspectives. Duncan Vaughan, who...

Drain achievement.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Drain Doctor Plumbing franchise in Cambridge has become the company's first million-pound business in a national network that provides domestic and commercial drain clearance and emergency plumbing services...

Raffle rousers.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pirtek UK Ltd sponsors drivers Mike and Andrew Jordan who race for Team Eurotech in the BTCC. Throughout 2007, Pirtek ran raffle competitions at each round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)....

Baby love.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Suzanne Stinton-Heeley from Barrett & Coe in Herefordshire was awarded the prestigious Barrett & Coe Franchisee Of The Year award at a seminar and workshop attended by over 70 of her peers and held in Birmingham on...

Signs Express goes the distance.(Franchise news)
April 1, 2008... Charity Marie Curie has looked to Signs Express to help promote its Sahara trek and raise money for local hospice in Penarth. By working closely with Ad Taxi, signage specialist Signs Express (Cardiff) has produced three vehicle wraps for...

bfa 2008 seminars.(bfa news)
April 1, 2008... IF YOU are looking to start your own business and become your own boss using a tried and-trusted business formula then thorough research is the key. The British Franchise Association's (bfa) one-day franchising seminars are a good place to...

bfa newly elected chairman.(bfa news)
April 1, 2008... Mike Goddard, proprietor and chief executive of Belvoir Lettings has been elected as the new chairman of the British Franchise Association MIKE IS a strong advocate of business format franchising and has supported the bfa through regional...

Edible enterprises.(Food sector)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The food and beverages sector in the UK is worth about 30 billion [pounds sterling] a year with current growth estimated at around 4.3 per cent, a sizeable chunk of which is dominated by the franchise sector. Since...

Dublcheck it out: Dublcheck: the franchise where you don't need to sell.(Cover story)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dublcheck is the franchise where you don't need to be able to sell. It obtains all the business for you, so you know exactly what turnover you get. You can start with the minimum turnover of 14,400 [pounds sterling]...

Make your market: the third Franchise Marketing Awards is about to take place on April 4, 2008 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Gate, London. The shortlist is in, so read on for the finalists ...(FMA Preview: FRANCHISE MARKETING AWARDS 2008)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE FINALISTS for the 2008 Franchise Marketing Awards have been announced. Those honoured include both well-established and newer players within the industry. Companies featured in the shortlist range from the Myhome...

Know good advice: with the annual London exhibition taking place in April, many of you will be thinking about joining a franchise. Here are some sound words off advice from top franchisors and franchisees.(SPECIAL FEATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sharron Davis, Kingsmaid, franchisor Choose a franchise that will offer you a blueprint for running your business including clear guidelines and advice to help you make a success out of it and tips to help you...

Morris chance: Business Franchise meets TaxAssist Accountants' Trevor Morris, franchisee for Whitehaven, who outlines the background to his successful operation ...(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Trevor Morris joined TaxAssist Accountants nearly five years ago, in May 2003 deciding that it was time to take control of his own destiny. 'The last three years before I set up here in Whitehaven, I had worked...

Star connection: could you be the one to discover the next Girls Aloud? With Pop Star Parties, a franchise with a difference, you can bring stardom to others and success to yourself.(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Recognition Express Group, franchisor of distinction since 1979, has launched a third franchise. The group currently runs two franchise businesses--Recognition Express itself (past winners of the British...

Making dreams come true: 'I feel just like a Fairy Godmother, bringing fun, excitement and the chance to make dreams come true,' says Accessible Travel & Leisure franchisee Tracy McFall. This is no ordinary franchise scheme ...(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Accessible Travel & Leisure (ATL) was created 10 years ago--with the vision to offer quality holidays, specifically designed for the less mobile. The company was started by three wheelchair users on the premise that...

Anything hose: launching a new 'round the clock' franchised service business is a leap of faith and launching it in a leap year gives the BMI Hose team the chance to go one better.(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BMI Hose (UK) Limited opened their pilot depot in Dudley in November and their second depot opened its doors on February 4 in Newcastle on Tyne. BMI compete in the 24-hour emergency on-site hose replacement...

Activ-ly involved: many more small businesses in the UK could soon have their own internet presence thanks to the launch of Activ Web Design--an exciting new franchise opportunity.(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] According to latest statistics only 50 per cent of Britain's sole traders and smaller companies have websites and of those sites only a small percentage have been professionally designed. Activ Web...

Building for success: online builders merchant Building Supplies R Us has recently launched its franchise operation and believes it is an opportunity not to be missed for those in the trade.(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Building Supplies R Us (BSRUS), the UK's leading online builders merchant, has launched a new franchise business with a van-based, onsite, online facility for the building and construction trade. The company is...

Gold Rush: Award-winning hairdresser Rush already has a chain of 19 company owned salons, but is aiming to stretch its brand across the UK through franchising.(NEW LAUNCH)(Company overview)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Rush group was founded 14 years ago by two lifelong friends, Andrew Phouli and Stelios Andrew. Since then, their award-winning salon has not only received worldwide acclaim but also spans across London, Surrey...

Dining Tiffin-style: do you dream of running your own restaurant? With a new franchise opportunity from modern Indian restaurant chain Tiffinbites, it could be easier than you think to realise your ambition.(NEW LAUNCH)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tiffinbites is a 21st Century concept in Indian restaurants, providing a unique and authentic eating experience with a contemporary take on traditional Indian cuisine. Based on the concept of fast, casual and...

Showing loyalty: UK Websaver--the loyalty card scheme which was one of the fastest growing franchises of 2007--has recently received another boost to its marketing drive after scoring highly in an independent assessment of franchising opportunities.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] UK Websaver was awarded nine out of 10 by the due diligence company, which has more than 14 years' experience assessing franchised businesses. Other franchises with a similar investment level to UK Websaver...

The best of both worlds: Toby Lewis had been looking for a change of direction from his previous vocation, and found it with his Worcester and Cheltenham franchise for Interlink.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Toby Lewis bought the Interlink Express Worcester and Cheltenham franchise in February 2004 after returning from a six-year stint in the US where he helped run his father's exhibition and conference business. ...

Find the answers to your franchise questions: Myhome International has issued a new, free Franchise Buyers Report that poses a series of important questions.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)(Report)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] A new, free, Franchise Buyers Report has been produced by Myhome International Plc, the UK's leading multi-services, multi-branded franchise operator. Entitled 'Nine Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before...

Sign of the times: a top player in the signage and graphics industry, FASTSIGNS has attracted franchisees from all quarters, and with 23 successful bases in the UK, will you be the next one to join up?(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FASTSIGNS[R], one of the biggest names in signs and graphics, is a franchise organisation with 525 sign and graphics centres worldwide. The company has been consistently recognised as the sign industry's leading...

In the 'fast lane: since 2005, plumbing and drainage franchise ReactFast has gone from strength to strength. Business Franchise suggests it could be time you got on board.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ReactFast has been into plumbing and drainage for years. The company knows the industry inside out and that is one of the reasons its franchise offering has been so successful since launching in early 2005. There are...

Fulfilling dreams and saving the earth: Business Franchise meets Cartridge World, a top player in the printer cartridge industry, and looks at the growth and earnings potential out there for its franchisees.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Advances in technology over the past decade have completely transformed the way we communicate and the way we use computers, printers and digital cameras both in business and at home. Back in the early 1980s...

Brand of gold: there are four easy routes to join Prontaprint, the print-on-demand franchise with a stunning success story.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A market leader for 35 years, Prontaprint is the largest and best-known print-on-demand franchise in Europe and the first print business to achieve 'Business Superbrand' status. With four different routes into the...

The sunshine business: unique in its field, with a solid 20-year track record from fledgling start-up to multi million pound business--it's a sunny outlook with the Resort Group.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The song rifle 'Here comes the sun' can't help but bring a smile to most faces, for a whole host of reasons. For a whole host of reasons too, you can see that same sunshine smile on the faces of Resort Homes...

Roll with it: drum up the investment and you could be singing your way to the bank with a RockMasters franchise, Business Franchise tunes up ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You know its only rock n' roll, but you like it! At this year's British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia there is a deal to be done to buy into the world of music that won't involve meeting the devil...

There's a diet going on: do you love exercise and want to run your own business? If so, why not consider running a franchise with the UK's largest diet and fitness group, Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs is the only national slimming organisation in the UK to offer exercise as well as dietary advice in the same class. Its franchisees have the freedom to run their own business...

The chance to spread your wings: NBC Bird and Pest Solutions--the market leader in deterring nuisance birds--is looking for more franchisees to take off with a successful business.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Birds and pests in our cities and towns are becoming an increasing concern for both commercial and domestic markets. Not only are there health and safety issues to consider but also financial implications, like...

Countdown to XTC: one year on since XTC Sheffield was formed, and Nigel Freeman--the first franchisee in the XTC 'family'--reports a whirlwind year of success and achievement.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Having undertaken three months' training with the DJs at XTC's home base of Nottingham in 2006 and then undertaking DJ-ing assignments on his own in Nottingham for XTC for the remainder of 2006, Nigel was ready to...

Enjoy walking outdoors? Let's talk business.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The TruGreen franchise provides you with a unique package, where each facet complements and enhances your ability to succeed. The franchise system takes the risk of failure out of being in your own business. ...

Motor roller: one year on from the launch of his ChipsAway franchise, Rob Hussey declares he can't believe just how much his life has changed, even though he spent 25 years of his working life in the motor trade.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 'I have so much flexibility now and I'm earning great money,' Rob says. 'I work hard, so I like to play hard too--in the last year I've taken four holidays, which definitely would have been out the question before,...

Max power: say hello to the word 'yes' and goodbye to the word 'no' with Sandier franchisee Max Anderson, who has helped a business doctor to maximise his potential.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sandier Training is fast becoming the number one choice with discerning businesses around the UK, looking for effective sales training that will play a key part in enabling them to maximise the company's potential....

Your Xpress route to success: leading plumbing and drain specialist, PlumbXpress kits you out with all the tools of the trade--and more--to turn you into a successful franchisee ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PlumbXpress is one of the UK's leading rapid-response plumbing and drain specialists, providing 24-hour emergency and regular maintenance services. Established in 2005, PlumbXpress is now in the process of developing...

Many a skip: as MPs recently took part in a skipping challenge, Skip2bfit is aiming to bring more franchisees on board for its ever-burgeoning business. Business Franchise investigates how this franchise can benefit today's youth ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On Wednesday February 6, 2008 at Portcullis House, Westminster, MPs faced a slightly different challenge to the ones that they're normally accustomed to... Never mind the standard legislation debates, the MPs...

The SMART answer: for many, the caravan is one of the highest value possessions, so a cost effective method of keeping it looking good is welcome! Enter Caravan Medic ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Car Medic is the longest established independent SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Techniques) repair franchise in the world. It is also the UK's and Europe's largest SMART repair franchise, with over 300 individual...

Cutting it: business is blooming spectacularly for Myhome Lawn Cutting and Care franchisees in a number of different ways.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Myhome Lawn Cutting and Care is the UK's premier, professional, domestic lawn cutting and garden maintenance franchise with over 11 years' business Success. The company already has thousands of satisfied, repeat,...

Building on the foundations: a Spettro franchisee earns back half his franchisee fee in first week of trading, as Business Franchise discovers how Spettro partners can help rebuild properties and build their profits.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last summer's floods reportedly cost UK insurers around 3 [pounds sterling] billion and the RAF undertook the largest search-and-rescue operation ever to be attempted in the UK. It was no surprise that Spettro was...

The generator gain: John Bensalhia looks at the opportunities that a Cash Generator franchise affords new franchisees and examines the outlets of support available.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Like it or not, there's no getting away from money. Imagining life without money is like eating salad without lettuce. Money can bring you happiness, it can bring you misery most notably when there's none in the...

Pole position: window shopping for the right franchise? Then ensure that your business is an instant success with Myhome Window Cleaning.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Residential cleaning is one of the UK's fastest growing market sectors with 2.7 million households spending around 11 billion [pounds sterling] every year on domestic help. With four years of success, thousands...

Electric stock: ElecXpress offers a professional domestic and commercial electrical service, ranging from regular maintenance and full installation services through to 24-hour emergency call outs.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ElecXpress has been launched to provide the same premium service, customer care and proven business methods already in place and established through our highly successful plumbing franchise PlumbXpress. ElecXpress...

Polished performance with PCC: Scottish ex-police officer, Douglas Wilson is one of the latest franchisees to join the expanding Professional Car Cleaning (PCC) network. He only launched his business in November last year and yet insists he is already confident that he's on to a winner.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Douglas was with the Police Force for five years before deciding that he wanted to be his own boss. He wanted to see direct rewards for working harder and being prepared to put in extra hours. Within three months...

Move on up: with moving house listed as one of the most stressful experiences, a franchise is out there to take the hassle out of moving, Feel right at home with Medics on the Move.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They say the worst experiences in life are death, divorce and moving. Luckily, it is possible to take the stress out of moving with careful planning and meticulous organisation. But not everyone has the time nor...

Blades of glory: Business Franchise meets two former retail workers who have ditched the long hours for the advantages of more profit and more quality time with their families.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Heartbroken, Kevin Toomey listened as his four-year-old son, Scott, sobbed down the phone, 'Where are you, Daddy?' As usual, Kevin was at work. His demanding job as a deputy manager for supermarket chain Safeway...

Successful franchising is all about following a proven system: Business Franchise meets Oxford-based Myhome Residential Cleaning franchisees Gurmukh and Rajinder Randhawa.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In March 2005, Oxford based Myhome Residential Cleaning franchisees Gurmukh and Rajinder Randhawa ordered their first van and employed their first two cleaners. Today, with eight vans and 17 cleaners, Gurmukh and...

A-Z list of exhibitors.(EXHIBITION FLOORPLAN)
April 1, 2008... A-Z list of exhibitors ActionCOACH Business Coaching A110 Agency Express F220 All Mobility (Weststream) F230 Antal International Networks E140 Apollo...

Exhibitors by category.(EXHIBITOR LISTINGS)
April 1, 2008... Exhibitors by category AUTOMOTIVE Autosheen B300 ChipsAway International B300 Professional Car Cleaning B300 Revive! Auto Innovations (UK) D220 BANKS/BUILDING...

Capital gains: Olympia is the venue for London's biggest franchising event on April 4 & 5, as The British & International Franchise Exhibition comes to town. Director General of the bfa Brian Smart extends his welcome ...(EXHIBITION FOREWORD)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Welcome to The British & International Franchise Exhibition at London's Olympia Franchising in London and Southeast England contributes more than 32 billion [pounds sterling] to the UK Franchise sector's annual...

London bridges the gap: whether you are merely thinking of franchising or already know you want to do it, The British & International Franchise Exhibition is a shop window of national and international opportunities.(EXHIBITION INFORMATION)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hundreds of UK and international companies will be offering franchise opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets at The British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London on Friday 4 and Saturday 5...

Your A-Z exhibitor guide.(EXHIBITOR LISTINGS)
April 1, 2008... Your A-Z exhibitor guide All entries correct at time of going to press ActionCOACH Business Coaching A110 Contact Name: Benjamin Croft Business Coaching/ Tel: 01234 392805 ...

Welcome to growing your own business: keynote speakers Nick Jenkins and Steve Leach welcome delegates to the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April at Olympia, London.(EVENT PROGRAMME)(Conference news)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Steve Leach, CEO of bigmouthmedia, the search engine optimisation and internet marketing specialist new media agency Building a business isn't easy'. From the moment you first begin thinking about it to the day...

Conference programme.(EVENT PROGRAMME)(Calendar)
April 1, 2008... Friday, April 4 10:30-11:00 OPENING ADDRESS What makes an entrepreneur unique? * Virtues that will help you build a better business * Skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur in today's marketplace * Key obstacles to...

Business Link--information and advice for businesses.(EVENT PROGRAMME)
April 1, 2008... When it comes to highly qualified information and practical advice to help small and medium sized businesses, Business Link should be your first port of call. Business Link is government-funded, which means all of its advice is free of...

Your A-Z exhibitor guide: GYOB.(EXHIBITOR LISTINGS)
April 1, 2008... Better Business GYOB80 Contact name: Julia Stockdale Tel: 0191 461 8001 Fax: 0191 461 8001 Website: www.better-business.co.uk Starting or running your own business? Get Better Business for inspiration, fresh ideas and...

Variety is the spice of life: so says Steve Sleigh, Mail Box Etc's franchisee in Colchester, Essex. Business Franchise caught up with him to find out how his franchise has been keeping him busy over the last few months ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 'As well as our regular work, we print increasing numbers of Christmas cards and calendars every year for businesses and local people. We get plenty of packing and shipping orders from those wanting to send presents...

Menzies at work: with a significant growth in franchising, appointing an accountant with experience in this field can prove useful. Menzies Chartered Accountants explains what it can offer ...(Franchise accountancy)
April 1, 2008... The UK franchising industry has been growing at twice the rate of the UK economy, and is currently worth over ten billion pounds. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The average amount borrowed by franchisees now stands at 50,500 [pounds sterling]....

Prime Minster: Business Franchise looks at a quarter of a century of Minster Cleaning Services--one of the most successful franchises and also one of the UK's top cleaning companies.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Looking back on a 25-year trading history, Minster founder Alan Haigh can feel proud of his achievements. Today, Minster is one of the most successful franchises and among the UK's top cleaning companies; annual...

A real Pro: ProLawnCare was established due to an ever-increasing demand for a high-quality, reliable lawn care company ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ProLawnCare is managed by Richard Salmon who is a qualified agronomist. He has over 20 years of technical, sales and marketing experience in the agrochemical sector and coupled with his knowledge of the lawn care...

King of the world: if you have the requisite determination and fire to make a business succeed, then the Burger King[R] fast food restaurant franchise wants to hear from you right now.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It starts with the Burger King brand, one of the strongest and most recognised in the world. It's a brand that celebrates individuality and choice, so much so that 'Have it Your Way' isn't just a slogan, it's part of...

FLEXA appeal: build a career in the children's furniture market--a unique UK franchise opportunity.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FLEXA's brand statement, 'because children grow', reflects its product concept of high-quality furniture that can be customized as the child grows. The concept is tailor-made to meet the needs of diverse family...

Do the homework before choosing a franchise: Smart Cartridge director Suzie McCafferty explains why becoming one of this company's franchisees may be the Smartest career move you'll ever make.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sometimes choosing a franchise seems like a lottery. What criteria do you use to pick one which will be a profitable and sustainable business? Our golden rule is to do your research thoroughly before committing...

Direct action: when Guernsey businessman Darren Duquemin wanted a career change, travel agent Holiday Direct ticked all the boxes.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Darren Duquemin was looking for a new opportunity that would bring him both personal and financial reward. Darren always had a love of travel and knew that there was a gap in the market in Guernsey for a travel...

Woman's work: Keeley Davison proves you don't have to be male to run a successful automotive franchise, as Snap-on Tools will testify.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The sphere of four wheels the motor car--whether it's design, engineering and production, the motor racing arena, or BBC's Top Gear--has one particular recurring theme, it's male-dominated. Despite the inexorable...

Phat controller! Kelly Guy and Steve Baker discuss their perfect Phat Van business opportunity ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Steve says: 'As soon as I saw the Phat Van, I just knew this was different to the standard snack vans that visited. The Phat Van created a real buzz, with everyone talking about the cute little camper van. The real...

The money programme: Head of Lloyds TSB's franchise team, Richard Holden explains the financial options available to you and ensures you are on the right channel in the quest to fund your franchise.(Franchise banking)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many people choose franchising as their preferred way of setting up in business and it's not hard to see why With an established franchise you are investing in a tried-and tested business model and a recognised brand...

Building a global empire: a challenge not to be taken lightly: thinking of international expansion? Paul Tough gives the lowdown on how to successfully build an international franchise.(Hot topic)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] International expansion is not a decision to be taken lightly the move to franchise internationally is an incredibly important decision to any business and one that has to be done for the right reasons. If you think...

Award winners?(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Q&A)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How much notice should I take of award-winning franchises? Are the ones that don't win just as worthy? Dayna Tarrant, Surrey * Peter Williams replies: seems that award ceremonies have almost become a growth...

Turning over a new leaflet.(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Q&A)
April 1, 2008... Jenna Blake, Powys With copyright, where do we stand in relation to printed franchisor copy, eg leaflets and pamphlets? * John Pratt replies: Unlike other intellectual property rights such as trademarks, patents or registered designs,...

Count the cost.(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Q&A)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Why are some franchise fees more expensive than others? Caroline Avon, London * Cathryn Hayes replies: The British Franchise Association's (bfa) ethical standards indicate that the initial fee should not...