Business Franchise articles from July 2007

Business Franchise archives from July 2007

Bosses looking outside firms for candidates.(Need to know)
July 1, 2007... A PENINSULA BusinessWise survey has found that 81 per cent of bosses are recruiting outside the firm to fill promotion slots while 77 per cent of internal candidates feel they are suitably qualified and experienced. While it is time consuming...

Women's web.(Need to know)(Website overview)
July 1, 2007... THE NUMBER of women entering franchising is increasing and a new website has been established to encourage and support them. Whichfranchise.com/women aims to offer advice, information, business links and inspiration to female entrepreneurs,...

Not OK computer.(Need to know)
July 1, 2007... TWO-THIRDS of SMEs are taken aback by small computer glitches according to a study from PC World Business. The research found that 20 per cent of small businesses spend at least three hours per week sorting out basic IT problems and seven per...

New small business forum launched.(Need to know)
July 1, 2007... A NEW small business forum formed by the government has met for the first time in order to discuss key issues facing SMEs in Britain. The forum is made up of small business owners and the UK's main business representatives such as the Forum...

Don't smoke and drive.(Need to know)
July 1, 2007... ONE IN 10 businesses in England do not realise that their smoking room will have to be closed from 1st July and more than half are unaware that work vehicles will be covered by the new anti-smoking legislation. Research from the Department of...

Finance managers top fraud list.(Need to know)
July 1, 2007... COMPANY FRAUDSTERS often get away with their crimes for five years committing as many as 50 undetected frauds according to audit firm KPMG. The perpetrators are, most commonly, long-serving finance managers who have been employed for six...

Business rate hot spots emerge.(Need to know)
July 1, 2007... THE AVERAGE business property bill has increased by 29 per cent over the past seven years according to the Bank of Scotland Business branch. Business rates have increased by more than 50 per cent, however, in 20 local authorities. Only five...

MOD changes contract rules.
July 1, 2007... THE MINISTRY of Defence has lowered the threshold for advertising its contracts allowing more SMEs to bid for its work. It now stands at 40,000 [pounds sterling] (from what used to be 500,000 [pounds sterling]) for both 'warlike' and...

More corporate responsibility required.
July 1, 2007... THE EUROPEAN Commission has launched a report 'Opportunity and Responsibility--how to get more small businesses to integrate social and environmental issues into what they do.' The document argues that improvements are needed in initiatives...

Banks target new generation of women entrepreneurs.
July 1, 2007... THE INCREASE in female entrepreneurs and millionaires has led to focused efforts by banks to target women clients research from Datamonitor suggests. The wealth gap between men and women is narrowing--in 1998 the 'average' male millionaire...

Fifty for one at Threshers.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... THE FRANCHISE recruitment team of Britain's leading off-licence chain is this week preparing to celebrate the scheme's first birthday. Launched to the general public just 12 months ago and already one of the biggest retail franchises in...

Late expectations.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... FRANCHISE thebestof.co.uk has joined forces with hotel booking site, LateRooms.com to create thebestof Hotels. The site combines the best of both worlds--LateRooms' booking engine, functionality and access to 13,000 properties worldwide,...

Another slice of success for Antony.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... ANTONY TAGLIAMONTI, 27, franchisee of four Domino's Pizza stores in Essex, and 2006 bfa Franchisee of the Year, was this week rewarded for his outstanding business achievements in the hospitality and catering industry. Antony bent off...

Brand-new Bairstow.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... BAIRSTOW EVES Franchising, the biggest estate agency franchise in England and Wales, has unveiled an eye-catching new brand strategy--developed entirely at the franchisor's expense--with all branch signage and displays provided free of charge...

Malcolm in the medals.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... LOCAL LORRY driver Malcolm Davidson (pictured) is the tops--and that's official. He won the agency driver category in the Recruitment & Employment Confederation's (REC) 'One in a Million' competition--an award covering the whole of the UK....

BB's toasts victory at the Sammies.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... BB'S COFFEE & Muffins was awarded a top prize in the British Sandwich Association's 2007 Sammies Awards last month. In recognition of the outstanding success of its sandwich sales, led by the introduction of a new Bloomer Toastie range, BB's...

Positive signs.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... LEADING SIGNS and graphics franchise, Signs Express, has been presented with the Best Business to Business Marketing Campaign award, sponsored by OTW, at the Norfolk & Suffolk Chartered Institute of Marketing awards. This highly commended...

Fastway speeds past milestone.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
July 1, 2007... FASTWAY COURIERS is delighted to announce the granting of its 300th UK franchise to Harjinder Kandola who has purchased the Newport Pagnell territory within the Beds, Bucks & Herts regional franchise. Since February 2004, when Nick...

The famous 5: Business Franchise was a fly on the wall at this year's Franchisor of the Year Awards. Here, we report on the top five award winners and how they managed to secure their trophies ...(bfa NEWS)
July 1, 2007... The Franchisor Of The Year Awards, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank, seek out the top performing franchisors in the UK, rewarding individual excellence and highlighting the increasing influence of a market sector now worth more...

Great Scots.(newsline)
July 1, 2007... THE INAUGURAL Franchise Survey for Scotland reveals that the industry is worth 864 million [pounds sterling] and is growing more than three times as fast as the Scottish economy. The Survey, commissioned by the British Franchise...

Franchising grows twice as fast as UK Economy.(bfa NEWS)
July 1, 2007... THE MUCH anticipated 2007 NatWest/British Franchise Association survey is now out and reveals that the franchise sector is worth a record 10.8 [pounds sterling] billion and has grown twice as fast as the UK economy. Commenting on the...

Dates for your diary.(bfa NEWS)
July 1, 2007... The next bfa one-day workshop will be taking place on: JUNE 26 for prospective franchisees in Bristol JUNE 27 for prospective franchisors in Bristol Places are going fast so to secure your place, book online at www.thebfa.org or...

The eat is on: the food and beverages sector in the UK is worth about 30 billion [pounds sterling] a year, with current growth estimated at roughly 4.3 per cent. So if you're looking for a profitable way to fill a hole in your life, a franchise in the food arena could be the way to go. Matt Pigott picks the cream of the crop.(MARKET FOCUS)
July 1, 2007... Jasper's Jasper's stands out in the food and drink market in that it deals in corporate catering. Because of this, its success isn't dependent on location. Franchisees also enjoy normal working hours. The business brings together the...

Money beans: whatever your background, Coffee Republic believes it can have you running your own business in a matter of weeks. Business Franchise takes a look at the espresso bar's franchise packages.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
July 1, 2007... Almost 10 years ago Coffee Republic created one of the UK's original style espresso chains and now offers hands-on franchises, operating in one or more locations, as well as management franchise opportunities for regional development...

Tasty opportunities: Burger King has over time forged a reputation as a powerful and trustworthy high-street restaurant brand. If you'd like to share in the success of one of the biggest names in franchising, then get in touch ...(Burger King)(Cover story)
July 1, 2007... It starts with the Burger King brand, one of the strongest and most recognised in the world. It's a brand that celebrates individuality and choice, so much so that 'Have It Your Way' isn't just a slogan. It's part of the company's heritage,...

The kids are alright: Carol Davis looks at the opportunities available for children's entertainment franchises, and assesses the best months for success.(SPECIAL FEATURE)
July 1, 2007... As schools and playgroups close for the long summer holidays, parents everywhere are wondering what to do with the little 'darlings' till September. There is a huge market out there, say franchisors, as a steadily growing number of franchises...

Money-saving expert: quitting a high-powered job in the sunny cosmopolitan city of Madrid for a TaxAssist Accountants franchise was a huge decision for David Rodick and his family. However, it's one that's paying off, quite literally, as Alison Ledger discovers.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: TaxAssist Accountants)
July 1, 2007... After nearly four years of working as a finance director for Kelloggs in Madrid, David Rodick, 42, felt it was time to return to England and take advantage of the ever-growing franchise sector--an industry now worth more than 10 billion...

A cool opportunity: in a world where energy conservation and minimising wastage are becoming increasingly prominent, humidifying filters could offer a lucrative solution. Is Humitech a franchise of the future?(NEW LAUNCH)
July 1, 2007... Humitech UK is offering a new franchise opportunity in Britain, allowing franchisees the exclusive right to sell a revolutionary humidifying filter that can be fitted in minutes to the inside of a refrigerator. The unique product enables...

Eat and greet: it's a star-studded entrance for Reload, the healthy alternative to most fast food stores. Originating from New Zealand, the company is now looking for new franchisees to join its successful business ...(NEW LAUNCH)
July 1, 2007... Reload has been trading in its native New Zealand since 12001. It's the latest clean green export to come out of New Zealand, developed by Kiwis and embraced by Kiwis. Reload is ready to take on the world with its strong branding,...

Sparkling results: with more than 200 outlets in the UK, master franchisees in Australia and Southern Ireland and operations in mainland Europe and the Canaries, Ovenclean has become the first choice in bringing a sparkle to customers' kitchens.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
July 1, 2007... Surveys reveal that oven cleaning is one of the domestic chores people hate most--more Britons than ever are getting professionals to clean their household ovens. The homeowners' reluctance has led to a boom for Ovenclean. In some parts of...

The perfect garden: growing your own franchise business can be challenging, but at Countrywide Lawn Doctor new franchisees can expect outstandingly positive results from a proven lawn-care system that customers love.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
July 1, 2007... Countrywide Lawn Doctor is part of the Countrywide Group, a family-owned and family-run business that also includes a highly successful grounds maintenance franchise covering utilities, businesses with single and multiple sites, schools plus...

Making a meal of it: Wiltshire Farm Foods is looking to recruit more franchisees for locations such as Ayrshire. One franchisee has made a huge success of his franchise--Business Franchise meets Douglas Lamont.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
July 1, 2007... Britain's leading home food delivery service has announced plans to expand its service in Ayrshire. Wiltshire Farm Foods currently delivers frozen, ready-prepared meals to thousands of customers throughout the region every day. Now it is...

Making it's mark: Domiciliary care franchise Caremark is already a leader in its field, and new appointments in the management team can only serve to make it stronger.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
July 1, 2007... Caremark's network continues to grow. With determination, drive and a wealth of experience behind the Caremark team, you could not wish for a better support structure to help you on your way to becoming a leader in the domiciliary care...

Reviving! lifestyles: Revive!'s West Lincs.franchisee Russell Hudson has just picked up the award for an Outstanding Sales Achievement at the company's recent 2007 annual conference. Business Franchise asks Russell what he did to achieve the award, and how he has developed his franchise nine months on.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
July 1, 2007... Why did you win the award? Due to a consistently high level of sales from a very early point after my launch. I believe that my first full month after launch produced sales of approx 5k [pounds sterling] and have continued along that...

Schoolwear of thought: with a great demand for Schoolwear in primary and secondary schools, National Schoolwear Centres is looking for 12 franchisees to establish a strong base in Northern Ireland. John Bensalhia talks to director of retail operations, Ian Masson.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)(Company overview)
July 1, 2007... May's Franchise Exhibition in Belfast proved to be highly fruitful for National Schoolwear Centres--a top UK one-stop-shop for schooldays with a nationwide presence. With such good feedback, the company is looking to find 12 franchisees to...

Taking the leads: the British Franchise Exhibition at the SECC in Glasgow delivered two days of good business and networking opportunities for the many exhibitors and hundreds of visitors who attended.(EXHIBITION REVIEW)
July 1, 2007... Covering a diverse range of franchise and business opportunities, over 50 leading franchise companies showcased their wares at the SECC, including Apollo Blinds, Cash Generator, Coffee Republic, Punch Taverns, Threshers Group, Snapon-Tools,...

The 'I'in team: in the last issue, Fiona Fleming was focussed on securing funding to buy a Domino's Pizza store. Having won the bank's backing, she is now recruiting team members in time for the opening.(FRANCHISEE DIARY)
July 1, 2007... Having always been the one applying for jobs, it's a new experience to be on the other side of the table. I'm keen to get straight off the mark and start recruiting, but I know we need to have a robust system in place before the phones start...

Second-time success: following on from the success of the inaugural event, The Franchise Exhibition in Belfast has once again proved to be a productive show for both visitors and exhibitors alike ...(EXHIBITION REVIEW)
July 1, 2007... BELFAST'S SECOND franchise exhibition proved that Ulster entrepreneurs have a strong and healthy demand for franchise businesses, with hugely positive feedback from both exhibitors and visitors alike. This highlights the rapid growth and...

Hot topic: Jane Masih takes a look at the franchise agreement and stresses to Business Franchise the importance of getting the small print checked out.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
July 1, 2007... Many prospective franchisees are aware from reading publications such as this of the much-quoted mantra to 'take independent legal advice'. Many do take advice and embark on their franchise journey, secure in the knowledge that they have a...

Q&A: 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 expertise on franchising in every issue of Business Franchise.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
July 1, 2007... Out of time? Is it possible to work full-time for one franchise and then part-time for another or are there any legal loopholes involved? * John Masters, Huntingdon John Pratt replies: As with the great majority of questions...

Now you're walking! Those first few steps into franchising can be daunting. Richard Watson holds your hand and helps you keep your balance....(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
July 1, 2007... Remember when your offspring took those first hesitant steps? That memorable moment when your heir first staggered across the floor. What exactly did you do as the child tumbled to the ground? Did you pick her up and drop-kick her back...

Advertising: who pays for it? Advertising is one of the crucial elements in getting your franchise to a wider audience. But who is actually responsible for the costs? Manzoor Ishani finds out ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
July 1, 2007... One of the Golden Rules of franchising (there are many!) is that all franchisees should be treated the same and that is one of the reasons why franchisors don't negotiate individual franchise agreements. Franchise agreements are the same for...

Moving on up: babyballet franchisor Claire O'Connor tells us how Ruth Ellison makes juggling her babyballet franchise with a newborn baby look easy.(FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH)
July 1, 2007... 'Ruth Ellison has amazed me,' says babyballet franchisor Claire O'Connor. 'Not only did she give birth to her second child in 2006, she also made the huge decision to start her own business as a babyballet Song and Dance Academy franchisee.'...

Recognition Express.(RESALE OF THE MONTH)
July 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...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
July 1, 2007... Key terms * Number of outlets Current number of franchise units in network * BFA member status Franchisor's level of BFA accreditation * Initial franchise fee Initial amount paid to franchisor to purchase a franchise *...

Fisher's price: Bill Ewbank suggests that, in the absence of historical information, price is not a bad measure of quality when it comes to choosing a franchise ...(LAST WORD)
July 1, 2007... The price is sometimes the only guide to the quality of a product of service you may wish to acquire. In fact, several popular sayings demonstrate the philosophy--'cheap and nasty', 'you get what you paid for' and many other similar...