Business Franchise articles from December 2006

Business Franchise archives from December 2006

Admin needs a rocket.(NEED TO KNOW)
December 1, 2006... SMALL COMPANIES are urged to get on top of their administration and paperwork through better planning and organisation in order to release more time to make their business flourish. A survey from Mind Your Own Business has found that a...

First enterprise capital fund opens.(NEED TO KNOW)
December 1, 2006... A MULTI-MILLION pound government scheme to address the equity gap for SMEs has been launched with the first Enterprise Capital Fund, Seraphim Capital. This is a 30 million [pounds sterling] venture capital fund supporting UK-based businesses...

New minister for enterprise required.(NEED TO KNOW)
December 1, 2006... A NEW government ministerial department dedicated to people who want to run their own business should be created, says business group Enterprise for All Coalition. It suggests that there is still a significant under-representation of women,...

Sandwich students could benefit small firms.(NEED TO KNOW)
December 1, 2006... SMALL BUSINESSES are being told they are missing out by not engaging with universities and seeking student talent on sandwich courses. Recruitment firm Placement Solutions suggests that SMEs are unaware of the benefits that students on...

SMEs cautious about UK economy.(NEED TO KNOW)
December 1, 2006... THE LATEST Small Business Economic Confidence Survey from the Bank of Scotland reveals that 81 per cent of UK entrepreneurs believe their business performance will be the same or better in 2007--a drop of four per cent over 2006. 17 per cent...

New services directive.
December 1, 2006... Britain will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the EU's Service Directive with billions of pounds added to the economy, according to the Department of Trade and Industry. What's more, a Europe with easier access to new markets promises...

Firms not blogging enough.
December 1, 2006... Businesses are aware of the power of blogging to increase traffic to their websites, but very few intend to harness it for themselves, a new poll has revealed. Online hosting provider Fasthosts has found that half of small firms believe that...

Bank holidays: too much of a strain.(BUSINESS NEWS)
December 1, 2006... INCREASING ANNUAL Dank holiday entitlement to include the eight UK permanent public holidays would put an unnecessary strain on SMEs, according to the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce. In its response to a Department of Trade and Industry...

Google power.(BUSINESS NEWS)
December 1, 2006... FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS in the East of England are putting themselves on the map thanks to a Google-powered project, which plots the locations of the region's new businesses. So far. 300 firms have been mapped on the Enterprising Women website....

Age discrimination law could hit small firms harder.(BUSINESS NEWS)
December 1, 2006... NEW AGE discrimination regulations which became law last October may nave a disproportionate effect on SMEs. warns Reynolds Porter Chamberlain. Recruitment advertisements used to be able to state a preferred range of experience such as 'two...

Train to retrain.(BUSINESS NEWS)
December 1, 2006... EMPLOYERS IN smaller firms need to offer the right training to retain staff and boost productivity, as nearly a million workers in the UK are voting with their feet and moving to companies who will invest in them. The warning comes from City...

Proving subcontractor safety.(BUSINESS NEWS)
December 1, 2006... THE HEALTH and Safety Executive has welcomed the launch of an initiative by two major industry bodies, which helps member contractors meet health and safety requirements. The Electrical Contractors' Association and the Heating and Ventilating...

New Peter.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... DTT PLC, owner of Driver Transport Training and Driver Supply, the UK's largest driver training and recruitment franchised company, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary company, DTT (Franchising) Ltd, has awarded Peter Fraser the...

Raise the Ruth.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... LASERTECH HAS announced the departure of Ruth Brown, who has been with the company for the past four-and-a-half years with the last three years as its franchise manager. Ruth leaves Lasertech to join Thorntons Chocolates as its new franchise...

Monkey business.(CHARITY NEWS)
December 1, 2006... WES SMITH, the Epping-based franchisee of On My Doorstep Ltd, recently completed a 7k run in support of The Gorilla Organisation. Wes, a long time marathon runner and animal fundraiser, donned a gorilla suit when he joined 1,000 runners in...

Dynamic reasons to be cheerful: one, two, three.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... ADRIAN ROPE, founder of specialist vehicle wrapping franchise Totally Dynamic, has at least three reasons to be cheerful at the moment: an incredibly successful debut at the National Franchise Show in Birmingham; the launch of two new...

Lawn free.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... HAVING ESTABLISHED the core business of lawn care over the past seven years Supagrass Ltd has decided to offer for a limited period a number of lawn treatment franchise packages completely free of charge, that is no up front fee whatsoever....

Myhome's milestone.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... MYHOME International plc has received congratulations from the chairman of the Trade and Industry Select Committee on awarding its 300th franchise. Myhome currently provides five key residential services via the group's Myhome,...

Signs express moves mountains.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... SIGNS EXPRESS (Glasgow) has been instrumental in a vehicle rebrand for Iron Mountain, the global leader in information protection and storage services. Signs Express has been working with Iron Mountain Europe for the past nine years,...

The plugs don't work.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... 22 PER cent of office workers in the UK are tuning out their workplace with MP3 players, according to a survey by Woods Bagot London. 'Workers are spending an average of three hours per day listening to music and podcasts,' says Simon Pole,...

King of the sands castle.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2006... HEALTH AND BEAUTY specialist Sands Franchising Ltd has won Retailer of the Year at the Startups Awards 2006. Sands Franchising Ltd was established in November 2005 and in its first year opened an unprecedented 13 salons. The directors...

Think ink.(PRINTING FRANCHISES)
December 1, 2006... Today, most domestic and business premises in the UK have at least one computer. Due to the expansion of the internet and our ever-increasing reliance on technology, in the last two decades computer and printer purchases have steadily...

New bfa members.(bfa NEWS)
December 1, 2006... THE BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION (bfa) was set up in 1977 as a voluntary self-regulating body for the franchise sector. Its aim is to promote good, ethical franchising practice in the UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence...

New year ... new start.(bfa NEWS)
December 1, 2006... 2007 IS fast approaching and you may be considering a career change for the New Year. Franchising provides individuals with the opportunity to be their own boss with the backing of a franchisor support team and proven business system. ...

Brand of gold: if you have an eye for fashion and an eye for business, look no further than worldwide fashion phenomenon Esprit. Business Franchise reports.(Cover story)
December 1, 2006... Esprit continues to expand its global presence in the franchise sector. Since 1976, Esprit has been at home in Europe and over the years the international brand has become a legend in terms of lifestyle, image, design, markets and products....

A new breed: franchising is changing. Many franchisees are no longer content with being a small fish in a big pond and are becoming multi-unit and even multi-brand owners. Alison Ledger chats to four franchisees about that life-changing decision.
December 1, 2006... As rock 'n' roll and flower power descended upon the UK in the 1950s and 60s, franchising was emerging within the business world. Since then, the industry has evolved dramatically. This year, for the first time in its history, its annual...

Delivering success: leaflet and marketing specialist Distribution Unlimited has kicked off its franchising division successfully, with two new recruits ...(NEW LAUNCH: DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: Initial franchise fee 22,000 [pounds sterling] + VAT Website: www.distributionunlimited.co.uk Contact: Derek Wilson, director Phone: 0845 466 4656 Franchise classification: Distribution specialists and...

Rural retreat: twenty years ago, the idea of emigrating to rural France was associated with retirement. Now, with more people moving abroad to work, one English couple are launching a franchise to help others make the life change they did.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: ORBIT)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: 25,000 [euro] + VAT Contact: Chris Adamson Phone: +33 (0) 5 53 91 46 52 Franchise classification: Home technology installation IMAGINE WAKING to peaceful picturesque views of the French countryside, sipping...

Ten nails it: a brand new nail care franchise has hit the high street, intending to have 200 outlets by 2010. Business Franchise looks at a polished operation.(NEW LAUNCH: TEN NAIL CARE)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: Total investment--80,000 [pounds sterling] (30,000 [pounds sterling] can be offset by leasing) Website: www.tennailcare.co.uk Phone: 01273 621171 Franchise classification: Nail bar A NEW force in nail care...

Fantastic four: some great franchise opportunities are hitting the UK market. Howarth Franchising takes you through them ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: HOWARTH FRANCHISING)
December 1, 2006... Moving up in Comfort Domiciliary care is one of the world's fastest growing franchise sectors. In England alone, local authorities spend 8 billion [pounds sterling] on personal social care services, and private spending on these services...

Your fun-key to financial freedom: Funky Monkeys has had a year of fast and furious trading, with candidates queuing up to buy into its fun and lucrative franchise. Matt Pigott talks to franchisor Zoe Hearn and franchisee Kevin Tomlinson to find out what the big attraction is.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: FUNKY MONKEYS)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: 90,000 [pounds sterling] Website: www.funkymonkeys.co.uk Phone: 07974 784169 or 01926 409007 Email: rnanagement@funkymonkeys.co.uk Franchise classification: Children's play centre LAUNCHED JUST 10...

'The right mix': one of the most prominent figures in the franchising world, Derrick Simpson is set to make another significant contribution. John Bensalhia finds out what ...(FRANCHISE PROFILE: DERRICK SIMPSON)
December 1, 2006... TO SAY that Derrick Simpson is one of the most familiar faces in the franchising community is a bit like saying that the sun provides light. Derrick has had his fingers in various franchising pies since 1988, has served on the board of the...

Vend for yourselves! If you fancy a slice of the 4 billion [pounds sterling] sandwich and savoury market, team up with legendary snack brand Ginsters by taking on a Vendsetters mobile delivery franchise.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: VENDSETTERS)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: 19,950 [pounds sterling] + VAT Website: www.vendsetters.co.uk Phone: 02392 415 005 Franchise classification: SNACK DELIVERY/VENDING GINSTER IS a famous, trusted brand with the highest consumer loyalty and...

Manchester matches: kick off 2007 with a visit to the first British Franchise Exhibition of the Year, which takes place at Manchester's G-MEX on the January 26 and 27.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
December 1, 2006... The British Franchise Exhibition 26-27 January 27 | G-Mex MANCHESTER THE NORTH WEST will come alive with business opportunities at The British Franchise Exhibition at the G-MEX in Manchester on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 January, when...

Diary dates.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)(Calendar)
December 1, 2006... THE BRITISH FRANCHISE EXHIBITION Incorporating the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference G-MEX, Manchester, January 26 & 27 2007 THE BRITISH & INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION Incorporating the Growing Your Own...

Franchise match-making zone.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
December 1, 2006... A new feature for The British Franchise Exhibition Manchester in 2007 is the Franchise Match-Making Zone, which has been especially created to help match visitors to their desired businesses. Visitors will be presented with a list of the...

The natural next step.(Myhome)
December 1, 2006... Steve Cannan currently heads up Myhome's successful Henley-on-Thames office. He previously held a variety of senior sales and marketing roles within the UK drinks industry and was looking for a change of direction and a fresh and exciting...

The way forward.(ChipsAway)
December 1, 2006... Just over two years ago, John Sherlock left his job at Halfords to launch a business of his own. He'd been considering several franchise options, including ChipsAway International, the automotive paint repair specialist. However, at that...

Using the knowledge.(Antal International)
December 1, 2006... Marston Manthorpe found Antal International, the executive recruitment company, during a visit to The British Franchise Exhibition, Manchester, in 2005. 'I knew I wanted to start my own business but I had no idea what! I didn't want to...

Repeat business.(Pauline May)
December 1, 2006... British Airways cabin crew member Samantha Leigh-Jones of Treuddyn in Mold, Flintshire, was keen to work for herself but didn't know where to start. The attraction of a franchise business, offering a ready-made, tried-and-tested platform to...

Something exciting.(Threshers)
December 1, 2006... Threshers, the high street off-licence chain, is just one of many new exhibitors which, having exhibited at The National Franchise Exhibition for the first time, decided to sign up for The British Franchise Exhibition in Manchester based on...

Thinking inside the box: from its beginning in the early 80s to its blooming business in the UK, the box 2 franchise offers great potential for all those that join. Business Franchise investigates ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: BOX 2)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: Franchise fee--30,000 [pounds sterling]; plus approx 70,000 [pounds sterling] investment in premises and stock Website: www.box2.co.uk Phone: 01444 882727 Emil: nicky@box2.co.uk Franchise classification:...

A fairy tale story: the baby swimming sector has increased by an incredible 85 per cent in just two years, Alison Ledger talks to the couple that pioneered this trend and two of their franchisees who have chosen to take the plunge with Water Babies.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: WATER BABIES)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: 21,000 [pounds sterling] + VAT Phone: Paul Thompson 01297 20757 Franchise classification: Baby swimming AFTER A tropical storm destroyed their home in the Caribbean, Jess and Paul Thompson returned to London to...

Thresher fields: here at Business Franchise, we would like to propose a toast. Would you raise your glasses to the Thresher Group franchise, which has enjoyed a triumphant 2006. John Bensalhia is your toastmaster.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: THRESHER GROUP)
December 1, 2006... Investment level: Initial investment 20,000 [pounds s sterling] Website: www.threshergroupfranchise.com Phone: 08700 841377 Franchise classification: Specialist drinks retailer TAKE A specialist drinks retailer. Add a dash of...

A free country ... Countrywide's unique no-cost Lawn Care franchise has generated a huge number of enquiries. Business Franchise talks to Simon Stott, managing director, to find out more.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: COUNTRYWIDE)
December 1, 2006... Website: www.countrywidelawndoctor.com Phone: 0161 485 6666 Email: franchise@countrywidelawndoctor.com Franchise classification: Lawn care 'WE EXPECTED a big response to our offer, but we never could have anticipated quite...

Think TUPE when franchising!(HOT TOPIC)
December 1, 2006... As the franchising route to setting up in businesses continues to grow in popularity, Shaista Anjam, employment specialist at Birmingham-based law firm Shakespeares, reminds both franchisors and franchisees to be aware of the legal rights of...

Q&A.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
December 1, 2006... Franchising is a complex business and it is often hard to know where to turn for reliable advice. Help is at hand--ask our selected panel of industry experts, who offer invaluable advice on franchising in every issue of Business Franchise ...

The hard sell? Your first sales presentation is an important event. Here, presentation guru Richard Watson guides you through every single aspect, step by step ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
December 1, 2006... At the tender age of 15, I had plucked up enough courage to ring a girl for a date. 'Hello... D-D-Do you want to go to the pictures on Saturday? YOU DO?! OK, I'll see you at 7.27 outside the Futurist.' It was my first successful...

Global warning: following the international boom in franchising, Manzoor Ishani explains why buying a foreign franchise needs to be undertaken with due diligence.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
December 1, 2006... As with other forms of commerce, franchising has now become truly international. However, unlike other forms of commerce, the emphasis on uniformity in franchising sometimes makes some franchise concepts less recognisable as having their...

The Ceramic experience.(FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH)
December 1, 2006... DETAILS NAME: Karen Thornton AGE: 38 AREA: Loch Lomond HISTORY: March 2006 NOMINATED BY: Anna St. Clair, founder of The Ceramic Experience KAREN THORNTON spends each day wellyboot painting and making sea-life...

Franchise focus international: Spain.
December 1, 2006... As trade boundaries around Europe, and to a lesser extent around the World, are broken down, it becomes easier to move and/or do business across national borders, Franchising is no exception, so throughout 2007 Business Franchise will be...

Recognition express: the corporate recognition specialists that produce name badges, signs, plaques, corporate gifts, plus personalised promotional items.(RESALE OF THE MONTH)
December 1, 2006... RESALE SUCCESS Existing franchises are sold for various reasons--retirement, ill-health, moving abroad, etc. Some franchise companies operate networks comprising hundreds of franchisees and more than one entry in the listings may simply...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
December 1, 2006... A-Z Franchise Directory Key Terms * Number of outlets Current number of franchise units in network * BFA member status Franchisor's level of BFA accreditation * Initial franchise fee...

Everyone's a winner: Bill Ewbank looks at the advantages of the annual award ceremonies, one of which was closer to home this year, thanks to Antony Tagliamonti's win for Domino's Pizza.(LAST WORD)
December 1, 2006... IT WAS my intention this month to eulogise on the results of October's Franchisee of the Year awards. Antony Tagliamonti of Domino's Pizza won what was described as a very close race. Perhaps there are some among you who are unaware of this...