Business Franchise articles from December 2007

Business Franchise archives from December 2007

SMEs desert Royal Mail.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RESEARCH FROM the British Chambers of Commerce suggests that over half of SMEs have already switched, or are considering switching, from Royal Mail to use private delivery companies. Eighty-eight per cent of those...

Most enterprising area in Britain.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... AN AREA once dubbed the worst place to set up a company has reversed its fortunes and is now named Britain's most entrepreneurial. The North Staffordshire Regeneration Zone beat off competition from 11 other areas to win the Department for...

OFT urged to press banks on card processing costs.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... Retailers are urging the Office of FairTrading 4000 0012 3456 7899 to pressurise hanks into reducing card transaction costs. The British Retail Consortium claims hanks are trying to kill off cash in a 'self-serving attempt to raise millions...

Over-50s make Britain enterprising.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... A SIXTH of all new businesses are founded and run by people over 50, according to research commissioned by Yellow Pages. The average turnover of these firms is 67,500 [pounds sterling] per year, although 10 per cent had turnovers in excess of...

Start-up costs dropping.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SETTING UP a business in Europe is getting cheaper and easier, according to new figures from the European Commission. It claims that the average cost of starting a new firm within the EU stands at 382 [pounds...

New insurance targets female entrepreneurs.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... GIVEN THAT 27 per cent of self-employed workers are female and that there are 620,000 majority women-owned firms in the UK, generating 130 million [pounds sterling] turnover, it is not surprising that an insurance company has decided to...

Human and financial cost of crime.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE VALUE of goods stolen from shops is at a ten year high and violent acts against retail staff have increased by 50 per cent in a year, according to the British Retail Consortium's (BRC) 2007 Retail Crime Survey....

Risk-takers get richer.(Need to know)
December 1, 2007... THE WEALTHIER the entrepreneur, the greater the risks they have taken. This is the finding of new research from Barclays Wealth who discovered that 60 per cent of the world's entrepreneurs with assets of over $1 million have made their...

New e-learning courses.
December 1, 2007... Budding entrepreneurs and business owners across the UK can now benefit from three new courses developed by the British Library. The e-learning programmes cover topics related to information retrieval, research techniques and data analysis...

Creative sectors should be encouraged.
December 1, 2007... Brand analyst Mark Borkowski says that businesses within the creative sector deserve more encouragement and incentives. In particular, he claims that London should be the focus of key investment decisions to promote media, communications, art...

Tax changes criticised.
December 1, 2007... The Federation of Small Businesses has attacked the proposed change to capital gains tax taper relief, saying it will hit entrepreneurs in their retirement as well as in the normal course of business. Many business owners depend upon the sale...

Home start-ups account for 60% of new business.
December 1, 2007... Home-based businesses make up nearly a quarter of the OK workforce according to BT Business. These ventures contribute 36.4 billion [pounds sterling] to the economy each year and 60 per cent of all new businesses are started at home. BT's...

Emin: it's a wrap.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... TOTALLY DYNAMIC has undertaken an exclusive wrap project for four Fiat 500 cars using original designs from Turner Prize-shortlisted artist Tracey Emin. In a feat that has quite literally taken Tracey's work out of the gallery (or the...

Franchises win slice of success.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... TWO SUCCESSFUL PIZZA franchises have been awarded by the Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Association (PAPA). The results of the 2007 annual awards were announced at a ceremony held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London, in November. In the...

James recognised as a Prospect.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... RECOGNITION EXPRESS, one of the UK's most established and successful franchising organisations, has just announced the winner of its fourth annual Recognition Award designed to acknowledge outstanding effort and enthusiasm in the workplace....

Editor on the run.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BUSINESS B FRANCHISE editor Rob McKinlay is taking to the Capital's streets next year for the 2008 Flora London Marathon. D-day is April 13 and Rob is raising money for Arthritis Care, the UK's largest voluntary...

'Mumpreneurs' the word.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... JULIE RYDER, founder of TalkFirst Baby Signing, has been short-listed in the first annual Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award. Julie, 37, from Bacup in Lancashire, has been recognised for her aspirations to franchise TalkFirst to mums...

Chorley is the Business.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... PRONTAPRINT CHORLEY has been crowned the 'Print Business of the Year' at the annual British Association for Print and Communication awards. The prestigious title was presented before a competitive line up of print industry heavyweights...

The need for speed.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... WITH THE help of his team at Raccoon Hampshire, Sam Williams has just turned the world's fastest road-legal vehicle--the Caparo T1--into a gleaming example of his team's specialist skills. Says Sam: 'I love fast cars, so when we got the...

ScenicBlue rebrands.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... SCENIC BLUE, the company that pioneered the UK's first landscape gardening franchise is to be rebranded 'Marshalls Gardens & Driveways' with immediate effect. The move follows Marshalls plc acquisition of Scenic Blue in December 2006 and...

Mr Clutch opens Supercentre.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LEADING VEHICLE services chain Mr Clutch Autoceutres has opened the doors of its new Supercentre in Durham, continuing the franchise's expansion throughout England. Following a six-figure investment, the Dragon...

The new wave: the British Franchise Association's 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Birmingham on Thursday December 6. Business Franchise catches up with the Association and finds out there are changes afoot.(bfa NEWS: This issue's news round up from the bfa the franchise sector.)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NIGEL TOPLIS, the outgoing bfa Chairman, marked the end of his reign by reviewing the Association's achievements during his two years as Chairman at the AGM in Birmingham. Nigel (pictured, above right)...

Reigning in the pounds.(MARKET FOCUS: Fitness & health franchises)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The fitness franchise industry is worth about 10 billion [pounds sterling] each year, with 6 per cent annual growth projections. With the government and various medical bodies intent on tackling obesity--not to...

Driving ambition: 20-year old Jack Brown is one of the newest additions to the Car Medic team, having joined back in June this year and covering the Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes area.(Car Medic)(Cover story)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What did you do before you became a Car Medic operator? I left school at 16 and started working at a waste management station in Dunstable. I was promoted to foreman when I was 17 and after that, to a sales...

First class: John Bensalhia meets a group of franchisees who have all been with their respective businesses for about a year. He finds out their stories and asks what progress they have made ...(SPECIAL FEATURE)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RussWood Esquires Coffee Rouse AFTER SETTING up his own manufacturing business, and running it for a number of years, Esquires franchisee Russ Wood decided that he wanted a change in his life and career....

A quirke of fate: the stars of tomorrow are waiting in the wings at The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts. John Bensalhia speaks to co-founder and Pauline's husband, Steve Sheen about the financial and personal gains at stake ...(NEW LAUNCH: The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I remember my old school plays well. The prospect of playing Napoleon the Pig in Animal Farm was a daunting prospect for a 12-year-old John. However, when I actually got on stage, I experienced a weird...

Self management: Jane Self's future looks rosy. The TaxAssist Accountants franchisee for Portsmouth and Southampton has set up a system for herself that allows a profitable future for both herself and the company. She tells John Bensalhia all about it ...(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: TaxAssist Accountants)
December 1, 2007... With a history in accountancy, it was little wonder that TaxAssist Accountants franchisee Jane Self turned to this particular franchise in November 2002. Jane is now responsible for both the Portsmouth and Southampton offices. Having...

Mark's swap for the top: a Sandler star is now living the dream. Former publisher Mark Wormald turned over a new chapter in his life two years ago and has never looked back.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Sandler)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mark Wormald, 48, discovered the Sandler Sales Institute on the internet and was so impressed with the unique sales training programme that he quit his high-powered job and set up his own Sandier franchise. Now...

Anything hose: the top fluid transfer solution provider, Pirtek, plans to expand even further in the next 12 months, including a hunt for more franchisees. John Bensalhia speaks to business development director Alistair Wiggins.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Pirtek)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Need an emergency on-site hose replaced? Then it's time to call in Pirtek. The market leader in this field, Pirtek is one of the veterans of franchising, having originated in 1989 in the UK. It has twice won the...

Just what the Doctor ordered: right now, Countrywide Lawn Doctor is offering 5,000 [pounds sterling] off the regular cost of its industry-leading franchise package! Read on to find out more about this fabulous deal ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Countrywide Lawn Doctor)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A Proven product, major earning opportunities--and now a special 5,000 [pounds sterling] reduction in its franchise package--it's no wonder that Countrywide is acknowledged to be one of the franchise industry's...

Chocolate is the secret to success: Tim Walker of Walkers Books is another success story, as he with his father Philip Walker run seven bookshops, four of which have a Thorntons franchise. Ruth Brown meets with him at his Oakham head office to find out more ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Thorntons)(Interview)
December 1, 2007... When did you become a Thorntons franchisee? About 1993, we opened our first Thorntons franchise in our branch in Stamford. Where are your shops? We have seven shops. The four with Thorntons in are Market Harborough, Oakham,...

Work in progress: Terry Hargrave liked working for GreenThumb so much that he ended up being one of its latest franchisees. Along with his wife Helen and step son John, he is in charge of the Lichfield area. John Bensalhia speaks to Terry about his progress.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: GreenThumb)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Do you like your job well enough to start up a franchise? That's probably not the reaction that a good portion of us feel as we trudge like zombies into work, especially at this time of the year when Christmas...

North by north west: get a head start in business at The British Franchise Exhibition, Manchester.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
December 1, 2007... The British Franchise Exhibition arrives at Manchester Central on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 January 2008. As the leading franchise event in the North West providing a superb choice of business opportunities, expert advice and informative...

A dream start in business: Business Franchise reports on the franchisees that found the Manchester Exhibition a launchpad for the future.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW: The British Franchise Exhibition: 25-26 January 2008 / Machester Central)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Andy and Shelley Stewart DREAM DOORS, DORCHESTER APPROACHING HIS 40th birthday, Andy Stewart (pictured, with wife Shelley) knew that he no longer wanted to work for someone else. So he and his wife Shelley...

Leading business to success: the latest Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference takes place in Manchester in January alongside The British Franchise Exhibition.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW: The British Franchise Exhibition: 25-26 January 2008 / Machester Central)(Conference news)
December 1, 2007... Featuring speakers: Lisa Tse of Manchester's Sweet Mandarin restaurant and promoter of entrepreneurship [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jennie Johnson, award-winning entrepreneur behind Kids Allowed, the multi function baby/ child and...

Cruise control: 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: Mobile Car Valeting (MCV))
December 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...

Perfect fitness: helping to get women slim and healthy, Gymophobics gyms are ideal for those wanting to start a franchise that benefits others. One such franchisee Joanna Welton tells John Bensalhia about her experience.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Gymophobics)
December 1, 2007... With Christmas just around the corner, gyms around the globe will be rubbing their hands with glee in anticipation of the rush in business at the start of 2008. However, some people may think twice about paying a visit, simply because they...

Let's talk about Mexx: Global fashion retailer Mexx is continuing its franchise expansion at pace. With another store just opened, John Bensalhia looks at why this opportunity is perfect for a dedicated follower of fashion ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Mexx)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] When it comes to fashion, Mexx, the international fashion brand, is right at the forefront of its kind. With shops in 65 countries worldwide, at least 10,000 selling points and with more than 20 years of...

A secure future: John Bensalhia finds out about Safe And Secure's 24 product, which is a Guardian Angel for its customers. MD Chris Hampton explains why the company is looking for new franchisees to boost business even further ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Safe And Secure)
December 1, 2007... One great thing about modern technology is the greater level of help that it affords. Years ago, if someone was in trouble at home, all they had to fall back on was a telephone for which they could dial 999. But what about the people that...

Flower power: 'I want everyone in the country to know they can have their flowers preserved!' So says Hilary Jones, managing director of Flowers Forever, who talks about marketing a product that is only 3000 years old.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Flowers Forever)
December 1, 2007... 'The Egyptians used to preserve flowers in the sand,' says Hilary. 'So you might imagine that most people would know that flower preservation is available in the UK today--in a more advanced form obviously. So many special occasion flowers...

A matter of skill: choosing the right business to match your own skills is the secret being a successful entrepreneur.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Kendlebell)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rod Macrae has been finding out that when it comes to buying a franchise, you need to look at yourself as well as the type of business you are launching. There's a dizzying appeal to starting a new business and...

Quality care provision throughout the UK: as the fastest growing care franchise in the country, Bluebird Care franchises are now opening all around the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Business Franchise reports.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Bluebird Care)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Franchise director Simon Dalziel puts the exceptional growth of the Bluebird Care network down to two main things. 'Firstly, we have an extremely successful business to franchise. Our franchisees are developing...

Hire and higher: with franchise resales all the rage, it's little wonder that this source is actively driving growth at Driver Hire.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Driver Hire)
December 1, 2007... Two in five new people come in to franchising as a result of purchasing a franchise resale, according to the latest NatWest/bfa Franchise Survey. That's not really surprising given the number of mature franchisors now operating in the UK. The...

In for the Prokill: the first ever franchisee for pest control experts Prokill, Andy Chowdhury, talks to John Bensalhia about his experiences so far.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Prokill)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Andy Chowdhury, Manchester franchisee for pest control franchise Prokill, has the honour of being the first ever franchisee to join. Having previously worked for a company that was about to swing the axe with...

Networking and mentoring: in the last issue Fiona talked about supporting her local community through fundraising and sponsorship activities. This month we look at how she benefits from the support of fellow franchisees and her franchise consultant in growing her business.(FRANCHISEE DIARY: Domino's Pizza)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the key benefits of being part of a national franchise system is that you not only have the backup of a brand, but you are also able to call on the support of other franchisees. For me, networking has played...

Time's up.(Q&A)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As I need to give enough warning for my current job, how long does it take to become a franchisee? Diana Boucher, Hartlepool * Peter Williams replies: Diana, I can't give you a specific answer because...

Loan ranger.(Q&A)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I am thinking of taking out a homeowner loan to finance a potential franchise. Is this a wise move? Shane Lowe, Victoria * Cathtyn Hayes replies: Whilst a homeowner loan can initially seem to be an easier...

Everybody hurts.(Q&A)
December 1, 2007... Is the franchisor liable for any accident or injury sustained at work? Michelle France, Bucks * John Pratt replies: The question does not make it clear whether the accident or injury was sustained by a franchisee's employee or...

Arbitrate or Mediate--don't Litigate: Manzoor Ishani looks at the four main mechanisms for resolving disputes outside of court proceedings ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Court disputes)
December 1, 2007... Alternative Dispute Resolution is all the rage. Settling a dispute outside court proceedings is now seen by many franchisors and their franchisees as not only desirable but more readily achievable than previously. Recent reforms to our legal...

Buying a franchise--think before you jump: Jenny Cheung, franchising manager of Menzies Chartered Accountants, explains why you should never run before you try to crawl when it comes to buying a franchise ...(Hot Topic)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Buying a franchise is a huge commitment, both financially band in terms of the time involved. Given the extent of this commitment, it is surprising that many people looking to buy a franchise fail to conduct the...

Because you're worth it: Richard Watson attempts to quash any fears that you might have about the future in seven simple stages ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Future fears)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's been a rotten year so far, and next year doesn't look much better. The stock market has fallen, interest rates are higher, and the streets are full of hooligans and gangs. There's trouble in the Middle East,...

Reaping the rewards: after his first year and a half as a TaxAssist franchisee, Gary Jacks has been nominated for this issue's Franchisee of the Month.(FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH: TaxAssist Accountants)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sarah Robertson, business development director of TaxAssist Accountants is pleased to put forward Gary Jacks as franchisee of the month. Sarah says: 'After a phenomenal first year and a half of hard work and...

Recognition Express.(RESALE OF THE MONTH)
December 1, 2007... First impressions really do 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 been...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
December 1, 2007... The following franchise listings are a comprehensive reference guide to help you find the franchise opportunity that's right for you. They are listed alphabetically and cover all business sectors. Information for these entries is provided by...

The name of the game: it would be of passing interest to the franchisees to know what they were called by their prospective franchisors. It is important that they should know what sort of an attitude the franchisor has towards the franchisee, So here are some of the more interesting introductions to franchisees and Bill Ewbank's interpretations ...(LAST WORD)
December 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Guys--you can see we want the same thing, but we seem to be coming apart. A plea for more tolerance and generosity is required. Very occasionally a girl would be included in the word guys; she is very honoured in...