Business Franchise articles from February 2011

Business Franchise archives from February 2011

The big 200.(EDITOR'S COLUMN)
February 1, 2011... The early 90s brought us Britpop, the Eurotunnel, Compact Discs, the end of the Gulf War, a revival of Dr Martens and the internet was on the verge of changing our lives forever. The UK was also in the middle of a recession and when we launched...

Rush hair triumphs at British Hairdressing Awards.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * RUSH Hair has been awarded Artistic Team of the Year and Southern Hairdresser of the Year at the prestigious British Hairdressing Awards. Presented by Jonathan Ross and now in its 26th year, the awards ceremony is the 'Oscars' of the...

Stat-O-meter statistics from office space providers business environment:.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... Main grievance at work: Dislike their boss 21% Dislike their workload 21% Most annoying grievance against fellow employees: Dislike others talking loudly on the...

ChipsAway offers new franchise package.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * New ChipsAway franchisees will now enjoy an enhanced range of benefits, including ongoing consumer advertising, marketing and business development support, for a single set price of 29,995 plus VAT. The franchise will also become royalty...

Cash converters opens 600th store in Kent.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * Cash Converters International has opened its 600th store in Sidcup, Kent. The new 1,300 sq ft store, operated by franchisees Paul Saunders and Paul Brisenden, will see an investment of [pounds sterling] 250,000 and has created three new...

More Orange franchises.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * Orange to launch another three franchises in the UK. New Orange franchises will open in Leeds, Letchworth in Hertfordshire and Caerphilly in south Wales and will be run by local entrepreneurs who have successfully run franchises in the...

From the franchisee: how easy was it to find retail premises?(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * Peter Morrison, Granite Transformations "With a retail offering, the showroom location and window displays are critical. In fact, product display is a key part of lead generation, so finding the right premises in the right catchment area is...

Top Pizza chain.(News Shorts)
February 1, 2011... Domino's Pizza has been crowned the country's top pizza delivery chain by the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association (PAPA). The PAPA awards recognise the industry's leading takeaways, restaurants and suppliers. Andy Hirst, head of franchise...

Fully interactive.(News Shorts)
February 1, 2011... TaxAssist Accountants has been voted 'The Best in Class' for the financial services category in the Interactive Media Awards. Sarah Robertson, business development director commented: "This is a fantastic achievement, and as well as the...

Marketing Awards.(News Shorts)
February 1, 2011... The Franchise Marketing Awards 2011 (FMA) are now open to entries and the winners will be announced at The British & International Franchise Exhibition in London on 18 March. Supported by the British Franchise Association (bfa), the...

New launch.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * Appy Feet, a business that offers an organic alternative to standard pedicures, has launched its first franchise in Preston. Appy Feet offers a unique skin treatment to remove dead skin from feet using Garra Rufa fish. Former sales...

It could be you: the camping and caravanning club, Lynn and Bill Sayer.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * After 27 years of running his own training consultancy, Bill Sayer was semi-retired and, as he put it, 'bored'. Bill's wife Lynn, an account director of a call handling company, also had ideas of doing something different. Started out: "We...

Coffee Republic opens flagship central London bar.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... * Coffee Republic is to open a new flagship bar in Tottenham Court Road and has pledged to donate all of the profits from its first day of trading to the Teenage Cancer Trust. This opening marks a major milestone in Coffee Republic's planned...

New board members.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... The bfa has announced a number of newly-elected board members and regional chairmen at the annual general meeting. The new board is outlined below: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] bfa Board of Directors Continuing Full Member Positions ...

Bfa and DWP join forces.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... The bfa has partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to increase awareness of franchising to those looking to start their own business. Featured as a prominent link on the government's main DirectGov website, the new information...

The next conference.(NEWS)(Conference news)
February 1, 2011... The bfa will be hosting its annual conference on 16 & 17 June 2011. Being held at Heritage Motor Museum just outside of Warwick the conference will yet again join forces with the bfa HSBC Franchiser of the Year Awards, supported by Express...

Bfa working with the UN.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, was recently appointed to the UN's advisory group on its World Investment Report. Brian Smart said: "As the only franchising representative appointed to the group I am hugely proud that the bfa is seen...

The back up trust receives [pounds sterling] 6,000.(NEWS)
February 1, 2011... A cheque of more than [pounds sterling] 6,000 was presented to the Back Up Trust at the 2011 chairman's dinner. The donation was raised by the golf day earlier in the year, sponsored by a number of members including the two main joint sponsors,...

Perfect match: it is essential you consider all the relevant factors before making a decision that could change your life. Carl Reader advises on picking a franchise.(Franchise ADVICE)
February 1, 2011... The first thing you need to consider is whether the franchise opportunity is right for you. This might be a simple decision, if for example the franchise operates in an industry that you do not wish to be involved in. However, some deeper...

Multiple reasoning: if your ambition is to run more that one franchise unit, Manzoor Ishani.reveals what life could be like and what you need to look for in your franchisor.(Franchise ADVICE)
February 1, 2011... Multi-unit franchisees cost a good deal less per franchise unit opened than individual franchisees, thereby saving the franchisor valuable management time and expense. After all, the franchisee has done it before, is familiar with the...

Q&A.(Franchise Q&A)(Interview)
February 1, 2011... [Q] On average how long does it take to secure money for a franchise investment? How many meetings can it involve and what are the different stages? [A] The length of time taken to obtain a loan varies according to the complexity of the deal...

The grass route: GreenThumb founder Stephen Waring has 56 million reasons to be smiling this year as Britain's biggest lawn care company celebrates 25 years in business.(Cover story)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 28,500 For Stephen Waring and his 203 franchises in the network, he will be toasting a quarter of a century of sustained growth, which has seen his business expand from a one-man operation into a [pounds...

New lease of life: redundancy is a word we've heard too often in recent times. As tough as it can be, it is a chance for people to turn their lives around. Vesna Siljanovska speaks to five franchisees who have made the transition from redundancy to franchising.(Special Feature)
February 1, 2011... In 2010 alone, some 473,000 people were made redundant, according to the Office of National Statistics, and with more than 2.5 million people now unemployed in the UK and further public sector cuts looming, redundancy is still on the horizon. ...

200th issue special back in time: to celebrate the 200th issue of Business Franchise, Alison Ledger looks back 20 years and learns how five franchisees have survived and thrived in tough times.(Market Focus)(Interview)
February 1, 2011... This time 20 years ago, Brian Smart had just come through his first year with the British Franchise Association (bfa) as its director. "In 1990, we were in the middle of a recession that was just as bad and, for many, worse than the financial...

Back to school: with an AA Driving School franchise you will receive an exclusive [pounds sterling] 1,500 discount on franchise fees during your first six months.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 2,500 If you're interested in becoming a driving instructor and running your own driving school, look no further than the AA Driving School, which is accredited by ORDIT, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA)...

Energy efficient: thousands of homes have already benefited from the installation of an EnviroVent PIV unite. Here's your chance to have a fresh start.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 18,950 As we make our homes more energy efficient with improved building features such as insulation, double-glazing and draught proofing, natural ventilation is reduced. The end result is air with high...

Silver lining: originally a US company, the Kwicksilver UK master franchise was bought in 2007 by Daniel Alanson. Having already run a wheel refurbishment business for seven years, he is now looking for franchisees.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 15,000 Kwicksilver is an alloy wheel specialist, which can straighten and repair wheels either on location or at customers' homes. Daniel explains: "Around 75 per cent of our trade is the motor industry and...

Take care: Karp Plus offers you a choice of three franchise packages where you can choose domiciliary, nursing or both sectors for your business.(Franchise Focus)
February 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...

In demand: Dublcheck has a 17-year track record of getting sales for franchisees - this is your opportunity to join an industry worth more than [pounds sterling] 3 billion.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]13,750-[pounds sterling]190,750 With Dublcheck franchise you don't need to do any selling unless you want to. Dublcheck obtains all the business for franchisees, enabling them to concentrate on looking after...

Empower yourself: former mechanic and depot manager, Colin Smith, found that his engineering background gave him a great foundation to qualify in 2007 as a gas-elec engineer.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 16,500 "The experience of being a depot manager meant already had customer care skills, as well as experience in running a business," explains Colin. Colin read about gas-elec in a national daily...

Cleanup up! Domestic cleaning is one of the strongest franchise sectors in recent years and, despite the downturn, is still seeing growth. Here's why you should consider managing a Molly Maid franchise.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 16,975 The domestic cleaning market in the UK is currently worth around [pounds sterling] 1.6 billion. "There are more households where both partners are at work and as a result they've no time to do the...

Hot off the press: why Business2Business has become an attractive franchise opportunity for other would-be publishers.(Franchise Focus)
February 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...

Expanding horizons: in 2000 Andy Darby started as a 'man and a van' franchise, but today operates a busy ChipsAway CarCare Centre, two ChipsAway mobile workshops and a team of four employees across three territories. His take-home earnings are around three times more than his previous salary.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 22,500 Last year franchisee Andy Darby celebrated 10 successful years with leading minor automotive paintwork repair specialist ChipsAway. A former soldier with the Royal Engineers, Andy was looking for a...

Clean start: former locksmith David James is in his element. Less than six months into his new Ovenclean business, he is already earning the equivalent of his previous salary and says there is great potential for further growth.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling]14,995 David James is thoroughly enjoying being out and about meeting new people and says the satisfaction of being his own boss is just great. "In some ways I was reluctant to leave my job because I'd been...

Zip it up: unfasten a new business opportunity with The Zip Yard - a fast growing garments alteration franchise in the UK and Ireland.(Franchise Focus)(Company overview)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 40,000 In today's fast-paced world, people no longer have the time nor the skills to sew on a button or adjust even the simplest of hems, let alone risk damaging a favourite or expensive garment. As a...

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.(Franchise Focus)
February 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...

Brand power: Recognition Express has been operating franchises in the corporate recognition and promotional products sector since 1979.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 30,000 Recognition Express is the most successful franchise network in its sector in this country, with more than 45 franchisees in the UK and Europe. Supplying branded business gifts and personalised...

Techno kids: ComputerXplorers has been in existence for more than 20 years, has taught more than three million classes worldwide and remains a ground-breaking franchise.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 29,500 ComputerXplorers sets a standard for franchised businesses in the 21st century and dovetails with the requirements of many modern business owners. These include: * Working from home * Modest...

Get hold of this: are the ever-increasing powers of the Health and Safety Industry really starting to concern you? Are you worried about the economic climate and its impact on you? Then discover the GlobalGrip anti-slip flooring franchise.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 15,000 - [pounds sterling] 35,000 The economic downturn holds no worries for GlobalGrip as it's a legislation driven business. All floors in public areas must comply with the Health & Safety Executive's...

On trend: Noa Noa has been selling classic vintage women's wear in Denmark since 1981. It is now sold in more than 18 European countries and in Canada, and is now franchising in the UK.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 25,000 - [pounds sterling] 40,000 Noa is situated in picturesque Denmark in a beautiful old farm building originating from the 19th century. From this site Noa Noa designs, develops, markets and sells its...

A caring career: after a short spell as a care manager, Joanne Stocker change her path to one than better suited her own ethos. Here she looks back on her first six months as a Blue Ribbon Care franchisee.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... Since becoming a Blue Ribbon Care franchisee in August last year, Joanne Stocker has built up a home care business she is proud of. "I liked Blue Ribbon because it's a young and dynamic company run by people with lots of experience in the...

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.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 20,000--[pounds sterling] 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....

Perfect fit: Tailor Made is a fast growing clothing alteration franchise in the West Midlands. Get your business career sewn up with this franchise.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 20,000 - [pounds sterling] 50,000 The Tailor Made franchise model has been carefully developed by its founder and master tailor John Tilley. "We have worked hard to establish an excellent reputation for...

Property empire: this year property franchise Northwood UK will be celebrating 15 years of business. In that time it has seen its network of franchises expand consistently and steadily and now has 74 offices across the UK.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 39,950 What has stood Northwood in such good stead throughout its lifetime and given its franchisees a platform for success is its combination of three franchises in one; combining residential property...

Top service: full bfa member Minster Cleaning Services is one of the country's most successful franchises with annual sales of [pounds sterling] 30 million. If you want to build a big business, this franchise is for you.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 28,000 A franchise is a tried and tested business model where failure rates are significantly lower; no need to worry about creating the brand or setting up systems - the framework of the business is in...

Get into property: Country Properties handles all price bands in both sales and lettings - discover how you can take advantage of all market conditions, plus the 'crossover' business can be huge!(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 50,000 - [pounds sterling] 110,000 Established in 1974 and franchising since the early 80s, Country Properties is a highly respected brand in estate agency. It is recognised as a symbol of reassured...

Moving made easy: in the last 25 years, Two Men and a Truck has changed the removals market in the US and now it's set to do the same here in the Uk. Here's why it needs good managers.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 50,000 - 100,000 Two Men and a Truck is a business involving some vital muscle power: but for the franchise investor the only hands-on hard graft required is the ability to manage people in what is very...

A new start: how a MetroRod franchise helped a military veteran find job satisfaction.(Franchise Focus)
February 1, 2011... INVESTMENT LEVEL: [pounds sterling] 50,000 - 100,000 After 24 years of distinguished service in the military, Will Duncan MBE never thought he would find a new position that compared to the rewards of a life in uniform. Yet his last three...

The price is right: how do you know what is being sold is actually worth its value? Derrick Simpson advises on how to establish the true cost of a franchise resale.(FRANCHISE RESALES)
February 1, 2011... Now the new year is behind us, it is time to turn your attention to the process of acquiring an existing business to take over and secure your future income. In these turbulent times many will decide to set up their own business rather than...

Franchise resales listings.(FRANCHISE RESALES)(Directory)
February 1, 2011... T: 01562 881 023 info@franchiseresales.co.uk www.franchiseresales.co.uk [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FRANCHISOR AVAILABLE - FOR SALE This is a rare opportunity to become a franchisor and grow your own franchise network in the Childrens'...

Resales explained.
February 1, 2011... 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 reflect the scale of...

Recognition express: exceptional resale opportunities.(Resale of the month)
February 1, 2011... Recognition Express is a major UK Franchisor and very proud of our franchising credentials: * bfa member since 1980 * Franchisor of the Year award winner * Extensive marketing collateral * Centrally managed appointment generating...

Resale opportunities with: Cheshire.(NEW TO MARKET)
February 1, 2011... The current Franchise Owners are based in the Stoke area and own both the North Staffordshire and Cheshire franchise territories. Having started with the North Staffordshire business in 2007 and still living in the territory the Owners have...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
February 1, 2011... Please send details or amendments to: production@businessfranchise.com or call 020 8394 5272 The following franchise listings area comprehensive reference guide to help you find the franchise opportunity that's right for you. They are...

Franchise services.(Directory)
February 1, 2011... Sponsored by Franchisornews Business Options is one of the UK's leading franchise consultancy accredited by both the British and Irish Franchise Associations. We specialise in helping companies to franchise both in the UK and/or...

Queen bee: Philippa McQueen is buzzing with happiness since leaving a 30-year teaching career to run a health insurance franchise with WPA.(Franchisee of the month)
February 1, 2011... "Moving from the public to the private sector is not as daunting as you might think," says Philippa McQueen who, until two years ago, had a 30-year career in teaching before joining WPA, a not for profit medical insurer. Just after a few...