Business Franchise articles from April 2011

Business Franchise archives from April 2011

Merlin magic?(EDITOR'S COLUMN)
April 1, 2011... Project Merlin feels like the deal we've all been waiting for. At last the Government and the banks have joined forces to offer SMEs up to [pounds sterling] 76 billion in 2011--fantastic news for franchising. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Peter...

Major banks promise [pounds sterling]76bn for SMEs.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... The latest reports from businesses in franchising * The UK's four biggest banks have agreed to lend [pounds sterling] 190 billion of new credit to business in 2011. HSBC, Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group, plus...

STAT-O-METER Domino's Pizza's results for 2010.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... 63% Increase in online systems sales 25.7% Increase in basic per share 19.3% Increase in system sales 27.3% Increase in profit before tax 11.9% Increase in like-for-like sales

Domino's hits the road.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... * Domino's Pizza is set to open up to 43 sites on the UK's motorways as part of a new deal with motorway services operator Moto Hospitality. The first two stores, due to open in the spring, will be on the M4 at Leigh Delamare East in...

Simply franchised.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... * Midlands-based sandwich bar chain Simply Eat is to take its franchise offer to market. Simply Eat currently has its own managed outlets in Wolverhampton, West Bromwich, Halesowen and Derby and has selected the franchise route for business...

Swept off your feet.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... * Newbury's Wilkins Chimney Sweep, founded in 1895, has launched its franchise opportunity. Franchisees will benefit from full training, both in running the business and in the practical aspects of sweeping chimneys and fitting cages, caps...

Calling all high-level investors.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... * The British & International Franchise Exhibition will be hosting a high investment VIP lounge specifically for people with 50,000 or more in liquid capital at Olympia on 18 & 19 March. The High investment VIP Lounge is designed to...

It could be you.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... * A Bright and Beautiful franchisee In June 2010, single mum-of-two, Faye McDonough, 31, was working three jobs in order to look after her young family. Now she's a successful franchisee. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Started out: Following...

Go wild.(News Shorts)
April 1, 2011... The Creation Station, one of the UK's leading children's activity franchises, recently provided activities at Chessington World of Adventures Resort to entertain children during half-term week. Chief Explorer at Chessington, David Smith,...

Nearing 200.(News Shorts)
April 1, 2011... Auditel, a cost and purchase management specialist, had a bumper intake of franchisees this January. Its team of consultants now stands at more than 190. This represents growth of 190 per cent since 2005. Laurence Knott, Auditel's head of...

Quote of the month.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... "It's well known that brands with both corporate and franchise outlets actually do better than the networks with just coyporate outlets." Tom Endean, marketing manager of the British Franchise Association on food franchises. See page 31.

Food on your doorstep.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... * Doorstep food delivery company Good Taste Foods is moving to Birmingham for a larger distribution depot and to be near the M5 and M6 junctions. The aim is also to attract a wider catchment area as the company looks to double its...

ComputerXplorers wins contract with BP.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... * ComputerXplorers south-west Scotland has been commissioned by BP to hold a series of 10 alternative energy workshops for school children following the success of a pilot course held at Dykehead Primary School in Shotts, Lanarkshire, last year....

Comment: top tips on visiting a franchise show.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... "With the franchise exhibition coming up it's a great opportunity to get information--in one hit--from a wide range of franchised business. There is lot of information to take in so it is good to plan. Take the opportunity to ask questions, ie,...

Top UK Franchisors invited to celebrate their success.(NEWS)
April 1, 2011... The bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards are now open for entries. Franchisors that have innovated, grown and excelled in 2010 are being encouraged to tell their story and see their efforts recognised by entering the leading industry awards....

Close examination: the devil is in the detail. A cliche? Possibly--but not a bad one to have in mind when considering buying a franchise.(ADVICE)
April 1, 2011... Any prospective franchisee should proceed with a degree of caution when weighing up different franchise opportunities. Don't be afraid to ask searching questions to ensure you really know what the business will demand of you, both financially...

Pay day: successful cash flow management can be the difference between business success and failure. Thankfully there are steps you can take to ensure your business's finances remain on track says Richard Holden.(ADVICE)
April 1, 2011... If you offer credit to your customers, it pays to vet them first. The checks you make on any customer will depend on the amount of credit being offered relative to your overall business turnover. If it's a relatively small order the...

Q&A.(Franchise)(Interview)
April 1, 2011... [Q] What are the pros and cons of franchising? Ben Richardson, London [BIO] ELISE BILLY is a specialist franchise consultant, A j and founder of EXB Direct. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [A] Franchising can be particularly attractive in...

Refine your search: a franchise exhibition is a great way to meet a vast number of franchised businesses and learn everything there is to know about the industry all under one roof. Here's how to make the most of your visit.(ADVICE)
April 1, 2011... If you are toying with the idea of self-employment, franchising could be a superb route. With its tried-and-tested business model, an established brand and extensive training and support in all areas of your business, a franchise can help to get...

Funding for franchises: a new fund worth [pounds sterling] 100 million has been created by NatWest and RBS to support people who want to start their own franchise business.(Advertorial)
April 1, 2011... With the public sector facing serious cuts, opportunities in the UK's franchise sector look set to play a significant role in sustaining economic activity. Peter Ibbetson, chairman of small business for NatWest and RBS, says: "Everybody wants to...

Big business: with Dublcheck's 18-year track record of getting sales for franchisees, this is your opportunity to join a huge industry worth more than [pounds sterling] 3 billion. here's what a few Dublcheck franchisees have to say.(Cover Story)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 14,000--[pounds sterling] 190,750 Dublcheck is the franchise where you don't need to do any selling unless you want to. Dublcheck obtains all the business for franchisees, so they know exactly what turnover...

Big plans, small budget? The average start-up cost for a franchise is almost [pounds sterling] 47,000, but if you're on a tighter budget, fear not! There are many great low-cost franchises around. Carol Davis selects a handful of ventures under [pounds sterling] 10k.(Special Feature)
April 1, 2011... Far too many prospective franchisees are put off by start-up costs, since initial franchise fees and minimum investment can be beyond some budgets. But the good news is that there are many low-cost franchises around, with affordable initial...

Recipe for success: fast food joints, coffee shops, ice cream parlours, organic food delivery, vending machines and more--food and drink is one of the largest, most established and successful franchise sectors.(Market Focus)
April 1, 2011... If asked to name a franchised brand, the average man or woman in the street is pretty likely to point to their local fast-food operator. Among others, McDonald's, Burger King, Wimpy and KFC all operate franchised outlets, have a big presence on...

Exhibitor list: Use the tick boxes to plan which exhibitors you want to meet.(Show Guide)
April 1, 2011... 0800 Repair D150 2i Partnership E40 ActionCoach Business Coaching A65 Agency Express G30...

Change your life: the British & international franchise exhibition is the perfect one-stop shop to explore the of franchising.(Show Guide)
April 1, 2011... A visit to The British & International Franchise Exhibition will take you right in to the heart of the industry. Taking place at Olympia, London on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 March 2011, it is packed with more than 100 franchise businesses,...

Franchising "is not the result of luck".(Brian Smart)
April 1, 2011... Since last year the economy has remained tough for many businesses. However, time and again, whether in tough or prosperous times, franchising comes through as a robust and successful business model. Its powerful partnership between the...

Take advantage of the free educational features.(Guide)
April 1, 2011... Careers Clinic (J10) Do you want help managing your career? Do you need to define your talents and abilities? Do you know your career goals and objectives? Take advantage of the FREE Careers Clinic facilitated by Personal Career...

Keynote speakers.(Show Guide)(Calendar)
April 1, 2011... Listen to first-hand experiences from inspiring entrepreneurs and executives at the top of their field, who can provide you with invaluable tips to help you towards running or growing your own business. Keynotes include: Friday 18 March 2011...

Comprehensive conference programme.(Calendar)
April 1, 2011... Whether you are considering investing in a franchise or are taking the first steps to franchising your business, these free seminars will offer essential advice on how to make a success of your new venture. Friday 18 March 2011 bfa...

Plan your journey.(Show Guide)
April 1, 2011... Olympia is easily accessible by road, rail, air and bus for exhibition visitors. Olympia has its own dedicated underground and mainline train station (Kensington Olympia). By tube On the London Underground take the District Line to...

Exhibitor profiles.
April 1, 2011... 0800 REPAIR D150 Contact: Emma Steel Other Tel: 07833 091 843 Email: emma.steel@tjmcontracts.com Web: www.0800repair.com bfa Status: Associate Established: 1984 Outlets in UK: 6 Areas Available--Nationwide Start Up...

Maid in business: franchising offers the best chance of achieving long-term security with minimal risk. Started in the UK in 1984, is a professional domestic cleaning company that rose to prominence in the early 1990s.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 16,975 Molly Maid offers a management franchise, where franchisees are managers who employ staff to carry out the cleaning service. It operates in a secure business sector with high growth potential,...

Healthy choice: have you got what it takes to be a WPA franchisee and sell healthcare solutions to individuals and companies?(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 7,500 The ideal WPA franchisee has high ethical standards and the ability to build up long-term relationships with customers and customer introducers such as accountants and solicitors. They also have the...

Take care: Kare Plus offers you a choice of three franchise packages where you can choose domiciliary, nursing or both sectors for your business.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 15,000 Kare Plus started life as a nursing agency and has now expanded with market demands to cover both nursing and domiciliary care. Franchisees reap the rewards for hard work while providing an essential...

New territory: one of the UK's longest established lawncare providers, Lawnkeeper, is now offering franchise territories across the UK.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 15,000 Lawnkeeper offers a professional lawn care service for domestic and commercial customers, and this currently in its 19th year. The increasing demand for its high quality services has led to the...

Big ambition: Little Impressions is a business with a big impact. Read on to see what this financially and emotionally rewarding franchise can offer you.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM [pounds sterling] 7,500 Little Impressions is a home-based business that creates and frames unique plaster cast impressions of babies' and infants' hands and feet, as well as glass and acrylic products. "Our unique...

Sweet success: Nigel Simpson has taken on two Snack-in-the-Box franchises in 10 years and is now enjoying spending more time with his family. With three price packages available, there's something for everyone.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 25,000 A franchisee for more than 10 years, family man Nigel Simpson has enjoyed the flexible work-life balance he always craved. He is quick to credit Snack-in-the-Box and its operations team for the help...

Power forward: Gas-elec marks a milestone this year by celebrating its 15-year anniversary. Since 1996, this company has pioneered the provision of combined safety inspection services in the UK.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 16,500 Gas-elec is a leader in its field, operating in a [pounds sterling] 2 billion market and, despite numerous global recessions, the company has weathered the storm and continues to report an increase...

Go green: recognised for its dynamic business, EnviroVent won The Queens Awards for Enterprise and Innovation, and is looking for people to grow its green network.(Focus)(Travel narrative)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 18,950 Award-winning franchise EnviroVent is a home-improvement franchise that provides energy saving ventilation products for homes. Its products can reduce heating costs and eliminate condensation and...

Team work: Emily and Ian Balm are some of the newest recruits to the Ovenclean franchise network. Since their launch in November, they have been continually busy, with new bookings increasing steadily month by month.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 16,995 "We're very happy with the pattern of repeat business and feel really positive about our future," Emily says. "The business model is ideal for us because we have a young son and the flexible working...

Going global: Jakki Hatton from Lancashire explains how joining Travel Counsellors three years ago has been the best career move she has ever made.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 10,000 Jakki Hatton joined the Travel Academy three years ago when she made the decision to relocate with her family Lito Lancashire. Having previously run her own business she still wanted to be her own...

Hot off the press: why Business2Business has become an attractive franchise opportunity for other would-be publishers.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 13,250 Business2Business is a local newspaper for a local business community, published monthly in full colour and mailed directly to thousands of decision makers. It has proved an essential source of news...

Come fly with me: Robertson technologies's latest franchise is taking off in the Heathrow area and for high-flying franchisee Tim Maycock the sky is the limit.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 19,500 Accomplished IT practitioner Tim Maycock, 50, opened for business at the beginninc of January and has already landed a prestigious customer. He says demand for robertson technologies's acclaimed...

Fancy a brew? Clear Brew is a beer-line cleaning franchise that ensures cellars are in tiptop condition for that perfect pint.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 10,000 Clear Brew has been operating from its base in Cornwall for more than four years, providing a regular dedicated beer line cleaning service to the licensed trade, including public houses, social...

The revival: Revive! UK provides a paint repair service to vehicles with minor damage. Last year saw the company win a number of accolades including the prestigious Franchisor the Year Award for Franchise Support.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 19,995 Despite the economy, snow and deflated consumer confidence, Revive! UK emerged from 2010 with record network sales. Operations Director Terry Mullen speaks of the company's outstanding achievements...

New turf: Phil Parldock bought a Greensleeves lawn care franchise for his son in 2005 and loved the concept so much he took the opportunity to invest in the business, becoming a partner three years ago. Here's his story.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM [pounds sterling] 19,500 Following a career in engineering, Phil Paddock H took on a Greensleeves franchise five years ago with his son Robert, who had just graduated with a degree in environmental science. After two...

Caring careers: Jason Virasinghe started trading as a Blue Ribbon Care franchisee in February and has everything in place to launch a successful home care business.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 22,500 Jason Virasinghe chose Blue Ribbon Care because he felt that in the midst of an uncertain economic climate, finding a lucrative franchise with minimal risk was imperative. "From a business point of...

Branded gifts: from branded business gifts and corporate promotional products to name badges, staff awards, signs and personalised corporate clothing, the recognition express range is huge and the market massive.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 30,000 Recognition Express--the badge to business gift franchise and bfa Franchisor of the Year Award winner in 2003--is renowned for its high level of ongoing support, advice and programmes, particularly...

Chocolates for almost 100 years: did you know that Thorntons has been making chocolates for almost 100 years? In fact, its very first shop was opened in Sheffield and there are now 380 stores and 220 franchises nationwide.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 20,000--50,000 Today, Thorntons is based in Derbyshire, employing 4,000 chocolate lovers around the UK and is proud to be one of the best-loved and oldest names on the high street. Thorntons is now the...

Teach it: ComputerXplorers is part of the world's largest education franchise network providing high quality technology education for children.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 29,500 ComputerXplorers is a home-based franchise delivering classes in a range of locations including nursery schools, playgroups, schools, holiday clubs, after-school clubs and other community venues. ...

Home service: building on extensive experience within the caring profession, Bluebird Care believes it has revolutionised the way care is delivered by focusing on high quality customer service.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 32,500 For Bluebird Care, one of the most experienced care franchises in the UK and Republic of Ireland, 2010 was a fantastic year in terms of business growth and franchisees' success. Franchise Director...

Professional finish: Minster has become one of the country's biggest and most successful cleaning franchises. Today, with an annual turnover of [pounds sterling] 30 million, it is recognised as a leading force in office cleaning.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 28,000 It is the quality of Minster franchisees that has made it the company that it is today. "Since 1990, when founder Alan Haigh identified franchising as the route for sustained growth through a network...

Born in the 80s: the UK's biggest lawn care franchise, Green Thumb, celebrates its 25th anniversary this spring--here is how the story started.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 28,500 In April 1986, 19-year-old Stephen Waring set up the business after a trip to Florida where he discovered that homeowners were happy to pay for a professional to feed and weed their lawns. Mixing...

Good chemistry: Chemex International is the largest franchised chemical and biological product distribution business in the market today. Franchise opportunities exist across the UK--including a limited number of resales.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 24,500 Chemex franchisees enjoy a reputation as suppliers of high quality, cost-effective, easy-to-use products, solutions and systems to clients in many market sectors, all of whom need clean and hygienic...

Sporting success: Bar Sport is the UK's first genuine sports bar franchise, offering franchisees a complete turn-key package to set up and operate their own American-style sports bar and grill.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 35,000 Bar Sport is a successful chain of venues initially started in the Midlands with the sole aim of providing an environment for everyone to enjoy. It offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, supplies...

Up and away: Plumbing and drainage franchise Drain Away offers a lucrative opportunity that requires no previous plumbing experience.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 26,995 Jason Carpenter has built up Drain Away in the past 20 years on the principal 'we never say Uno'. Combined with his forthright approach to customer service, he now has a very loyal following of...

Beauty therapy: Biocare Estetika is proud to be Europe's most comprehensive beauty franchise, opening more than 150 new centres in under three years.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 21,500 Now operating in the UK, under license from Bristol born businessman Barry Oakhill, Biocare Estetika is embarking on strategic growth throughout the UK. Non-invasive treatments are now worth some...

Ready to roll! International snack food retailer Auntie Auntie's is well known for its soft freshly baked pretzels, boasting more than 1,100 stores across the US and 23 countries worldwide.(Franchise Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 35,000--[pounds sterling] 60,000 Auntie Anne's sells a delicious range of sweet and savoury freshly baked pretzels, and a variety of drinks, including freshly squeezed original lemonade and a full range of...

Stitch craft: unfasten a new franchise opportunity with The Zip Yard, one of the fastest growing garment alteration franchises in the UK and Ireland.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 32,500 The Zip Yard's success has beer built on the back of quality, speed, convenience and value--together with a network of hard-working franchisees. When times are good more and more people buy new...

Flying start: Pa Harding recently launched his Parkers franchise, one of the brands under the Xperience umbrella, in Cirencester. Just two weeks after opening, he was making a trading profit.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 25,000 "Thanks to the pre-launch work and training that Xperience did with me, the start has been better than I could have hoped for," says franchisee Paul Harding. "The branding is very strong and I have...

Coffee break: do you want to be a part of a [pounds sterling] 3 billion market with the backing of a company that has an outstanding 100-year track record? Discover why success is brewing at Ringtons.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 28,950 Ringtons is a unique home delivery service of world-class teas, coffees and biscuits. It's a van franchise based at home, serving your local community giving you freedom from the boss and an enviable...

Future in finance: Finance 4 Business is one of the largest and most innovative commercial finance master brokerages in the UK and enjoys excellent relationships with all reputable UK lenders.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 24,995 Finance 4 Business is a specialist arranger of commercial mortgages, development finance, bridging finance, cash flow finance and asset finance. This in itself offers fantastic earning opportunities....

Got the drive? MOT2U promises to make the motorist's money go further, which is one reason why this franchise is one of the fasting growing in the UK.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 25,000 At a time when fuel prices are hitting a record high, motorists should remember one key fact: if a car doesn't have a valid MOT certificate or has not been serviced for more than a year, it is...

Homing in: with more government spending cuts on the horizon, many vulnerable people will be left without the care they need. However, the Access Care franchise network is positioned to meet rising demands.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 29,500 Following the recent announcement of Primary Care Trust (PCT) closures in 2012, cutbacks for frontline healthcare and plans to inject [pounds sterling] 162 million in homecare to shorten discharge...

Spread your wings: the NBC Bird & Pest Solutions offers outstanding commercial potential in an industry that's services are a necessity in any economic climate.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 37,500 The increasingly mild climate and the advent of bi-weekly waste collections have contributed to an increase in pest populations, which has generated a growing, recession-proof market worth in excess...

Rock solid: in 2010, the Granite Transformations UK franchise network recorded impressive revenue growth of 23 per cent, making it an investment prospect well worth watching.(Focus)(Financial report)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 65,000 When considering a franchise opportunity and investing in your potential future business, rule one is to look at the figures. Is the brand's sales revenue showing consistent growth, are the existing...

Good grounding: Envirocare offers year-round grounds maintenance services tailored to the commercial property market. Its flexible maintenance programmes include cutting, edging and strimming grass, de-weeding and maintaining hedges.(Franchise Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 43,000 Founded in 2005 by David Yates and Philip Harrington who have 40 years' combined experience in grounds maintenance, the business franchised in February 2010 and today has 10 franchises across the UK....

Tailor your future: with an annual turnover of [pounds sterling] 5.1 million, Tailor & Cc performs 500,000 clothing alterations per year and 40 per cent of its franchisees now own more than one store.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 37,000 Since launching its franchise network in Barcelona in 2000, Tailor & Co offers a fast, professional and high quality clothing alterations service. And with 37 years' experience in alterations and...

The perfect repair: ChipsAway continues to grow as motorists invest in repairs. You can get your career on the right track with this automotive repair franchise.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 22,500 0ne franchise benefiting from the challenging economic climate is leading automotive paintwork repairer ChipsAway, whose franchisees are reporting increased business as motorists decide to keep their...

Made to measure: with two successful showrooms in London and Northumberland, handcrafted furniture retailer Delcor is looking to expand throughout the UK.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 40,000 Delcor is launching a new retail franchise selling handcrafted sofas and chairs, following the success of its two showrooms, in Northumberland and on the Kings Road in Chelsea, London. ...

Make a difference: with an ageing population and the government-funded care system under serious strain, demand for specialist services offered by care franchise Home Hnstead Senior Care has never been greater.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 32,500 Home Instead Senior Care has more than 80 offices across the UK, however potential franchise owners go through an extensive selection process as Home Instead only partners with individuals who have...

On the move: Two Men and a Truck has arrived in the UK with plans open 70 branches. See how you can loin this removals franchise that's going places.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 50,000--[pounds sterling] 100,000 The UK's removal industry is getting an image boost with the arrival of the US's 'careful mover' Two Men and a Truck. The customer-friendly company plans to open 70...

Business centre: AlphaGraphics UK business centres have achieved an average annual turnover of more than [pounds sterling] 1.1 million. This is a pure business-to-business management franchise for the commercially-minded executive.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 97,000 When searching for a franchise, choose a company with a proven track record and a system that encourages you to 'work on' rather than 'in' the business. Ensure the company is evolving to stay at the...

Pick & mix store: in the current economic climate Cash & Cheque Express, is proving popular for forward thinking individuals as it meets increasing customer demand and enables franchisees to tailor their own store to suit their needs.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 55,000 Franchisees can choose from eight H core 'Pick & Mix' business income streams including, buying and selling high quality pre-owned goods, traditional pawn-broking, third-party cheque cashing,...

Tasty in Thatcham: Southern Fried. Chicken, the retail brand and franchise of FFS Brands, has continued its expansion programme with the opening of its latest store in Thatcham, Berkshire.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 80,000--[pounds sterling] 120,000 As well as having a UK client base of more than 4,000, Southern Fried Chicken also has numerous international clients spanning 68 countries worldwide. Southern Fried...

Property matters: Country Properties handles all price bands in bat sales and lettings--discover how you can take advantage of all market conditions, plus the 'crossover' business can be huge!(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [desta] 50,000--[desta] 110,000 Established in 1974 and franchising since the early 80s, Country Properties is a highly respected brand in estate agency. It is I recognised as a symbol of reassured professionalism and high...

Piping hot: Tricia and George Craig's Metro Rod business is expanding as they take on new staff to meet demands. Now they have been named franchise of the year.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [delta] 50,000--[delta] 100,000 At the start of 2010, the economy was in a tough state, with many small businesses struggling to survive. However, 12 months later, even as the downturn continues to bite, Tricia and George...

Tool time: Mike Szewciw became a Mac Man in August 2010, after meeting the Mac Tools team at The British & International Franchise Exhibition in Olympia.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [delta] 50,000 Born and bred in west London, Mike left school at 16 and went on to become a mechanical engineer apprentice before joining the police force at 21 where he spent 13 years as a 'bobby'. Mike was 34 years old...

Plug the gap: in this digital era online marketing is on the rise--you can capitalise on this with Plug and Play.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 50,000 0nline marketing has grown and expanded despite the recession, according to the Advertising Association, which has resulted in a rising demand for web design. Plug and Play operates within the mid...

Show time: after celebrating its 30th anniversary last year, In-toto has more than 50 beautifully furnished, premium kitchen showrooms featuring the traditional, contemporary, high-gloss, wood, laminate and handle-less kitchens.(Focus)(Company overview)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 70,000 With the launch of one new and two extended product ranges for 2011, all In-toto studio displays are receiving a significant investment to ensure the latest kitchen trends and styles are on show to...

Premier product: Premier European manufacturer of contemporary furniture, Gautier, has more than 60 stores worldwide and is looking to develop its franchise network in the UK.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 150,000 Gautier has carved out its position internationally in the last 50 years through constant innovation, diversification in design and a high quality product offering. Gautier brand means warm...

Cashing in: the discount retailer, Cash Generator, plans to expand and develop its established buy, sell and loan concept by introducing new financial services.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 70,000 Cash Generator has more than 130 stores in the UK. In the course of the last two years, the discount retailer has opened 54 new stores, 24 of which in 2010 alone. Future expansion nationwide is...

Making dough with Domino's: looking to take your career in a tasty new direction? Offering one of the best franchise opportunities available, Domino's Pizza, is the ideal proposition for anyone wanting to start their own business.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 280,000 Franchising can be the perfect route for people who are keen H to set up their own business but have never done anything like it before. With more than 660 stores across the UK and Ireland, and a...

Hole in one: Nevada Bob's Golf is offering the chance for enthusiastic people to become part of an instantly recognisable and acknowledged brand in the golfing industry.(Focus)
April 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 225,000 Nevade Bob's Golf offers an exciting opportunity for franchisees that enables them to share in the success of a well-established and respected market leader. The chain plans to open an additional 30...