Business Franchise articles from February 2012

Business Franchise archives from February 2012

New year, new start.(EDITOR'S COLUMN)
February 1, 2012... Happy New Year! Could this be one of change for you and a future in franchising? The last few years witnessed an array of changes take place across the industry and the coming twelve months are set to continue the trend. The recession in 2009...

Domino's online hit.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... * A Domino's pizza delivery franchisee has created an online video to increase sales, which so far has had more than 100,000 hits. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To increase sales and online traffic, Anil Patil turned to the power of online video...

Stat-o-meter: latest findings from the NatWest bfa franchise survey.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... 27% The percentage of franchisors acting as a landlord to some or all of their franchisees 47 The average age of franchisees 8% The percentage of franchisees operating their business from a van 897 The number of franchise...

New launch: organic opportunity.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... * Organic Digital, the award-winning web design and digital marketing agency, has launched a new franchising programme. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Glasgow-based company is giving entrepreneurs the chance to share in its fortunes by owning...

Meet & Eat online.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... * Greene King has launched a new website where customers can look up where their nearest Meet & Eat pub is. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The site, www.greenekingmeetandeat.co.uk, can be accessed from a computer as well as a mobile phone. ...

Hot leads for Ovenclean.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... * Since the launch of a new website from oven cleaning franchise, Ovenclean, new customer leads have been rising like hot cakes. According to marketing director, Robin Auld, figures have risen to 70 per cent, generating work thought to be...

It could be you!(FEBRUARY 2012)
February 1, 2012... Name: Rick Cartner Franchise: Footytotz Having entered the insurance industry straight from school and staying for over a decade, Rick Cartner, 35, decided on a change of career. After training as a coach, he is now a franchisee with...

Lettings franchise scoops prestigious award.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... Lettings franchise Martin and Co has been awarded 'Franchisor of the Year' at the recent Negotiator Awards. The annual awards celebrate entrepreneurialism and innovation in the residential estate agency sector. The company - no strangers...

ChipsAway unveils new livery.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... Automotive paintwork repair franchise, ChipsAway, has unveiled a new livery for its fleet of specially customised vehicles. The contemporary, new-look mobile workshops, feature silver paintwork and an eye-catching brand message, including the...

Bathstore expands.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... Bathroom specialist, Bathstore, is expanding its number of franchises over the next nine months. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bathstore, which has 167 stores nationwide, currently operates 41 franchises and is looking to increase this number in...

Franchise owner sponsors green award.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... * A former policeman-turned-businessman has sponsored an award which has honoured the green efforts of a youngster from Wolverhampton. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Keith Walker, who set up Recognition Express North Staffordshire when he retired...

What questions should I ask my potential franchisor?(Comment)
February 1, 2012... "Ask the franchisor how they entered the business and have they worked in all aspects of it, or have they bought a master licence to offer franchises? This will help give you an insight into their experience in starting a new business. Do...

TV star visits stage - school franchise.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
February 1, 2012... * Young performers at a stage-school franchise in Cheshire were treated to a taste of TV stardom by a visit from actress Leah Hackett [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Leah, who played Tina McQueen in Hollyoaks, visited Knutsford to hold a workshop...

Chairman's dinner celebrates franchisee success.(BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION NEWS)
February 1, 2012... A recent Chairman's dinner brought together more than 100 guests from around the franchise sector. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At the glitzy black-tie event the bfa chairman, Michael Eyre, also announced the four recipients of the prestigious...

Did you know?(BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION NEWS)
February 1, 2012... 1 in 3 new franchisees (of 3 years or less) consulted the bfa information pack before taking out a franchise

Members meet for Annual General Meeting.(BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION NEWS)
February 1, 2012... Delegates from all over the UK assembled in Birmingham recently for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bfa. Director General, Brian Smart started proceedings by outlining the significant progress made by the bfa throughout the past year....

Charity thrilled at bfa contribution.(BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION NEWS)
February 1, 2012... The bfa has helped raise [pounds sterling]6.000 for the charity PAWS (Parents Autism Workshop and Support). PAWS was set up in 2010 by Dogs for the Disabled in response to unprecedented interest in the charity's autism assistance dog...

Vacancy.(BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION NEWS)
February 1, 2012... Role: Business Development Manager Period: Permanent Territory: Northern Region Salary: [pounds sterling] 28K to [pounds sterling] 30K + company car + laptop + mobile (No Commission or OTEs) The bfa is seeking a business development...

A new show in town: if you're considering going into franchising then a visit to The National Franchise Exhibition is a great place to start and with the new show housing a wide range of franchised businesses, you're bound to find the ideal franchise for you.(Event Preview)
February 1, 2012... "There is something for everyone and the people were delightful to talk to. It's the best show that I have been to!" This is just some of the positive feedback received from visitors to a recent franchise exhibition. The National Franchise...

Upcoming events:.(Event Preview)(Calendar)
February 1, 2012... The National Franchise Exhibition Friday 24 February 2012 10am - 5pm Saturday 25 February 2012 10am - 4pm Venue: NEC, Birmingham The British & International Franchise Exhibition Friday 16 March 2012 10am - 5pm ...

What franchisees say ...: read real - life case studies from people who found their dream business at a franchise exhibition.(Event Preview)
February 1, 2012... John Harvey, 61, and his wife Eileen Harvey, set up their FASTSIGNS franchise in Guildford in 1995 after John was made redundant from British Gas at the age of 45. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] John had worked for the company since leaving school...

Two sides of the coin: Richard Holden, head of franchising at Lloyds TSB Commercial talks about franchising from the point of view of both parties:.(Advice)
February 1, 2012... The franchisor's point of view [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] From the outset, a business owner who chooses to embark upon franchising as an expansion model is taking a calculated risk. A significant upfront capital investment is needed to get the...

Are you ready? Franchise consultant Peter Williams considers what it takes to become a franchisee.(Advice)
February 1, 2012... The scope of objective advice available to prospective franchisees is a particularly useful feature of the British franchise marketplace. It comes in the form of published articles, free seminars, information packs, legal guidance and so on, and...

Q & A.(Interview)
February 1, 2012... [Q] What type of business makes a good franchise? [A] The most frequent question asked of the franchise consultants in our team, when approached by someone thinking about franchising, is 'I've got this business, can I franchise it?' We look...

Do your research: franchise expert Nigel Toplis on how to assess a franchisor.(Advice)
February 1, 2012... In order to decide on the right a franchise for you there are six steps to consider: suitability, investment level, the industry, the franchisor, professional advice - both legal and financial - and finally, making the decision. All six are...

Finance matters: Carl Reader explains why it's important for franchisees to keep on top of their finances.(Advice)
February 1, 2012... For most prospective franchisees, the administration involved in running a business is a new task in which they have little experience. Government red tape, legislation and franchisor requirements seem to dictate what is required. However, it is...

Bank on it: Cathryn Hayes of HSBC gives a step-by-step guide on how to approach your bank for finance.(Advice)
February 1, 2012... When you're planning a new business venture, you want more than just a bank account, it's also about creating strong, supportive relationships. Buying a franchise is probably one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. For many, one...

Kleaning up! Iqbal Abdullah, CEO of Easyklean, explains how a revolutionary new franchise is redefining how successful and profitable a cleaning business can be.(Cover story)
February 1, 2012... INVESTMENT LEVEL: FROM [pounds sterling] 15,000 Worth more than [pounds sterling] 5 billion a year, the cleaning industry is one of the biggest service businesses in the UK. However with several years' experience working in the industry,...

A caring side: franchisees working in the care industry not only enjoy excellent financial rewards but also a high level of personal satisfaction by providing a valuable service to the sick and elderly. Alexis Thompson reports.(Market Focus)
February 1, 2012... The UK care industry is estimated to be worth in excess of [pounds sterling] 27 billion and is currently going through a series of groundbreaking changes. Britain's elderly population is growing at a much faster rate than the rest of the...

New Year new start: with unemployment expected to rise to 2.9 million this year, why not take control of your destiny by investing in a franchise? Here's what four franchisees did with their.(Special Feature)(Interview)
February 1, 2012... Finding a new job after redundancy can be challenging, leaving many pondering the idea of self-employment. However, starting a new business from scratch takes time and sometimes even years before it turns a profit. With franchising, the risks...

Online success: web design franchise Plug and Play is a trusted and respected franchise with a proven track record and its own proprietary software.(Focus)(Interview)
February 1, 2012... A great website is crucial to the success of a modern business. Unsurprisingly, over the last few years there has been a huge shift in the way people purchase from businesses with most customers now choosing to search for local businesses...

Sales made easy: awarded the 20th fastest growing private company in the UK, Dublcheck is now on the look out for more capable and motivated prospective franchisees.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Dublcheck was founded in 1993 and, having been awarded the 20th Fastest Growing Private Company in the UK, according to Richard Branson's Virgin Fast Track One Hundred and The Sunday Times, Dublcheck now has more than 100 franchisees and is...

High Flyer: Flyer franchising offers so much more than an opportunity in magazines. As a special New Year offer it will be offering a [pounds sterling] 500 discount and a free iPad 2.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... If you have ever wanted to get into publishing, this is the opportunity for you. 2012 is the year to be in the media industry, particularly with the buzz and feel good factor of the Olympics. Franchisees can secure advertising in their own...

Blossoming business: artificial flower specialist Flower Genie provides a flexible, home-based franchise for entrepreneurs looking for a solid income.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Set up in South Africa in 1995, Flower Genie arrived in the UK six years ago and now has successful franchisees renting out top quality artificial flower arrangements to a multitude of businesses, ranging from banks to hairdressers and car...

Social network: localpeople is your opportunity to build a rewarding independent business that serves the community you live in, providing an online hub for local news, discussion and groups.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Localpeople is part of the Daily Mail General Trust, one of the largest media groups in the UK with more than 100 years of history, a wide range of businesses and a track record of success - from traditional newspapers such as the Daily Mail and...

Direct impact: EstatesDirect.com is proving that in today's modern times you don't need to run expensive branches to market, sell and let homes.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... More than 90 per cent of home movers now start their search online according to Rightmove. With this in mind, EstatesDirect.com has no high street branches as all of its 'Local Property Specialists' are home-based, making this a low cost and...

Health matters: the Kare Plus franchise is rapidly growing with many more offices planned to open in 2012 to meet the growing demand for its service.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Kare Plus offers a unique franchise opportunity in a recession-proof marketplace worth more than [pounds sterling] 27 billion per annum. Its proven profitable business model is tailor made for the healthcare marketplace and Kare Plus franchisees...

Driving forward: thanks to high profile national marketing, more and more motorists are getting wise to the benefits of the ChipsAway repair system.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... During such difficult economic times, the cost of a ChipsAway repair compared to the expense and inconvenience of traditional body shop methods really is a simple choice for customers to make. and ChipsAway franchisees like Martin Hughes are...

Go for green: a couple who pride themselves on customer care have been voted franchisees of the year for GreenThumb, the country's largest lawn care company.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The coveted annual award was the ultimate accolade for the winners, Martin and Michelle Williams, who have owned their Leicestershire West franchise since 2000. Today they and their dedicated staff look after the lawns...

Explore technology: ComputerXplorers teaches children how to enjoy using technology and that computers can be exciting learning tools.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Children learn best when they are having fun at the same time and it's that premise which underpins the ComputerXplorers programme. Along with our lungs and mobile phone features, a lot of us use just 20 per cent of the available potential when...

Express success: Recognition Express is one of the most successful business-to-business franchises in the UK, with more than 45 franchise owners in Europe.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Brand awareness is crucial to any marketing strategy and to maintaining a position in today's highly competitive marketplace. Supplying branded gifts and products, plus posters, banners and signs to businesses and organisations in the UK, is a...

Award winner: With almost 1,000 offices in 17 countries across the globe, Home Instead Senior Care is the largest franchised provider of care in the home.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... At an event in Omaha, Nebraska in October, Home Instead Senior Care proved that big can still be personal. Founder Lori Hogan and CEO Roger Baumgart recognised Trevor Brocklebank, the founder of Home instead in the UK, with an award that...

Supporting success: Minster cleaning services is one of the UK's most successful franchise networks providing an essential service to businesses of all types.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Buying an established franchise has many advantages compared with starting from scratch. An existing business has cash flow, customers, staff and, whether you buy a going concern or a new start-up, a franchise offers a tried and tested model...

A caring business: Caremark is a leading home care franchise offering a satisfying and worthwhile business opportunity in the fast growing domiciliary care sector.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... As the demand for care services continues to grow, the need for top quality care providers is on the increase. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In spite of the reduction in council budgets, the industry remains resilient, as more people are now able...

Zip to success: former driving instructor Richard McConnell opened the first Zip Yard franchise in England last year and is now looking to expand his garment alterations business.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Richard McConnell, 32, is the owner of the first English Zip Yard store in Altrincham. He used to be a driving instructor before following his wife Marie's hunch to buy a Zip Yard franchise. Originally from Northern Ireland he opened his store...

True blue success: Bluebird Care is continuing its rapid national franchise expansion, offering training and support systems to all its franchisees and a solid proven business model.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... With government Natives initiatives backing the care at home sector, Bluebird Care is well positioned to continue its rapid national franchise expansion. The Bluebird Care franchise network is spread throughout England, Wales, Scotland, Northern...

Perfect pub: many franchisees have found the perfect match with a Greene King Meet & Eat franchise pub.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... Pubs play such a central role in so many people's lives and that is why the Greene King Meet & Eat Pub franchise is a business at the very centre of the community. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A Greene King Meet & Eat franchise means you...

A healthy balance: an Anytime Fitness franchise offers a good work-life balance, giving you the freedom to manage a business while still leaving time for leisure.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... An Anytime Fitness franchise gives you the freedom to manage your own business, while still leaving valuable time for family and other interests. The low staffing model means your business is open 24 hours a day and you don't need to be there...

Sarah's back on her feet: here's how Foot Solutions helped one customer to turn her life around after an ankle injury.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... In October 2000, Sarah Brown slipped walking down some steps, breaking her left ankle and dislocating the joint. Unfortunately she developed 'post traumatic arthritis'. In 2002, she had her ankle fused, spending three months on crutches....

Tasty opportunity: award-winning franchisor Domino's Pizza provides all of its franchisees with the necessary training and support to help make their new venture a success.(Focus)
February 1, 2012... If you're looking to take control of your career and fancy a change of direction, Domino's Pizza is the ideal proposition for anyone wanting to start their own business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Franchising can be the perfect route for...

Appreciating resales: the upside to buying a resale is that it is much easier to see how well a business has performed, explains.(FRANCHISE RESALES)
February 1, 2012... Christmas has been and gone but it wasn't just the geese getting fat over the festive season. Many hard-working franchisees and franchisors also had a little more than their usual fill. Even with the chilly winds of recession continuing to blow...

Metro Rod - North West England, South East England & Midlands (POA).(Franchise resales listings)
February 1, 2012... With a remarkable 25 year history of growth, Metro Rod is an undoubted success story in the world of franchising. Through the hard work and commitment of our franchisees, we've built our company to become the UK's leading supplier of drainage...

Clive's Easylearn Pop Music Schools - Herts and Essex.(Franchise resales listings)
February 1, 2012... Clive's Easylearn Pop Music Schools is a unique franchise that teaches guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards to children 7 years and over, getting them playing in a band from the first lesson. There are now over 80 schools across the UK and...

Rainbow international - East Midlands.(Franchise resales listings)
February 1, 2012... This substantial Rainbow International business is part of a national network of franchises specialising in fire, flood and accidental damage restoration and carpet and upholstery cleaning services for both domestic and commercial clients. A...

GreenThumb - South Coast.(Franchise resales listings)
February 1, 2012... GreenThumb are the largest and most recommended lawn care company in Europe, with over 200 branches nationwide. This business opportunity is not a 'man in a van' lawn care franchise; it is a full management franchise. The successful purchasers...

Recognition Express: exceptional resale opportunities.(Resale of the month)
February 1, 2012... Recognition Express has been successfully operating in the business to business sector since 1979 supplying personalised badges, internal & external signage, promotional products, business gifts, large format colour posters, medals and...

Entering the awards couldn't be easier!: now in their seventh year, the Franchise Marketing Awards promote the development of good practice within franchising and celebrate the best examples of effective marketing in the industry.(FMA Awards Preview)
February 1, 2012... Prospective franchisees are always impressed by opportunities that have a strong marketing campaign underpinning their brand, and one of the most important considerations when choosing a franchise is the level of guidance and support provided to...

In style: franchise owner Tim Hegarty has opened an additional granite Transformations showroom in the spa town of bath. His designer showroom draws customers in with its 'funky boutique' atmosphere and stylish interior.(Franchisee of the month)
February 1, 2012... Time Hegarty was a prosperous young entrepreneur, even before investing in a Granite Transformations home improvements franchise. A civil engineer by training, he started his first business at the age of 22 and had banked a quarter of a million...

Business Options.(Consultants)
February 1, 2012... 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 Internationally. We provide a full range...

FDS: Franchise Development Services.(Consultants)
February 1, 2012... Searching for profitable expansion? We can help, in any way you wish, to grow your emerging or established business by franchising. FDS can act as your guide and mentor. Since 1981 we have helped many clients to grow and become widely...

Franchise Resales Limited - join us in the Resales Revolution.(Consultants)
February 1, 2012... Franchise Resales Limited - join us in the Resales Revolution Franchise Resales has revolutionised the way in which people buy and sell existing franchised businesses. Our proven, structured system takes the hassle out of the resales process...

Leathes Prior: solicitors.(Legal Advisers)
February 1, 2012... Leathes Prior is a leading commercial law firm with a nationally acknowledged expertise in franchising and intellectual property law. The franchise team provide a full range of services for franchisors, from brand protection to drafting...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
February 1, 2012... The following franchise listings are a comprehence 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 advertisers...

A seamless day: former driving instructor, Richard McConnell opened his Zip Yard franchise in Altrincham last year. Here he reveals his typical day.(Day in the life)
February 1, 2012... 7:00am: I get up at the same time each morning, well I try to - my wife gave birth to our first child two months ago and sometimes I am up a lot earlier. Not much of a morning person I literally get up, get ready and walk to work and eat my...