Business Franchise articles from June 2004

Business Franchise archives from June 2004

Join the club.(last word)
June 1, 2004... In this series of articles I have been attempting to point out the risks and opportunities that present themselves to the prospective franchisee in assessing the merits of a would-be franchisor. One of the most important checks on a franchisor...

Trading frenzy.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... BARTERING BETWEEN small and medium-sized businesses has reached record levels, according to Bartercard UK, where a record 3.8million [pounds sterling] worth of business was traded in March. The company believes this trend reflects a growing...

Royal visit for Riverford.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES has been to visit franchisor Riverford Organic Vegetables to see for himself the business in operation. The prince was invited to visit the South Devon farm by Guy Watson, Riverford's managing director. 'It was a...

New staff reward scheme.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... MCDONALD'S restaurants across the UK are implementing a name badge reward scheme designed by Recognition Express--an example of two franchise brands working together for the benefit of both companies. Each one of the 1,200 restaurants is...

Plumb party in Portugal.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... PETERBOROUGH-BASED plumbing franchise Drain Doctor Plumbing has marked ten years of spectacular growth by flying 150 franchisees and their partners for an all-expenses celebration weekend at a five-star hotel in the Algarve, Portugal. ...

Generator growth.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... CASH GENERATOR is celebrating ten years in franchising. British Franchise Association director general Brian Smart congratulated Cash Generator's Brian Lewis on the rapid growth of the buy-and-sell store group, which began franchising in 1994...

Franchise exhibition to change London venue.
June 1, 2004... VENTURE MARKETING GROUP (VMG), organiser of the British and International Franchise Exhibition, has changed the event's London venue in response to ever-increasing numbers of exhibitors and visitors to the event. The show will move from...

Domino's topping past sales figures.
June 1, 2004... DOMINO'S UK and Ireland has announced increased sales figures for the first quarter of 2004. Chief executive Stephen Hemsley says: System sales in the first 16 weeks of the year were up nearly 19 per cent on the previous year, and in the same...

Burger King appoints new branding expert.
June 1, 2004... BURGER KING INTERNATIONAL has appointed Andrew Brent as its chief marketing officer. Brent will report directly to president Nish Kankiwala and will be an integral member of the Burger King International executive leadership team....

Chips in London.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... DAVE JARVIS has become the latest Chips franchisee by opening the first store in London for the expanding video games chain. He says: 'For the last six-and-a-half years I have worked for Gamestation, but after the company was taken over I...

Final piece of jigsaw found.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... HORWATH FRANCHISING has merged with lain Martin's executive search practice to form Horwath Franchising Executive Recruitment, which will specialise in assisting franchisors to strengthen their support teams by placing experienced franchise...

Network's double century.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... THE CARTRIDGE WORLD franchise network has achieved a double century with the opening of its Eastbourne store. Cartridge World Eastbourne is the 200th store in the network and the second for Mark Springall and Gordon MacKay, who opened their...

Success in threes.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... SIGNS EXPRESS is celebrating a third successive year of recognition at the Sign Industry Awards, scooping three top prizes in 2004 for recent successful projects. A panel selected Signs Express as winners of Best Digital Sign Project for a...

Monk's charitable habit.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... MORE EVIDENCE that franchise companies can be an altruistic lot comes from Mike Monk of The Monk Marketing Partnership, who bid 1,500 [pounds sterling] in a charity auction for an exhibition stand at The Incentive World Exhibition based at...

Better prospects at Papa John's.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... PIZZA DELIVERY franchise Papa John's has altered its British franchise agreements to offer more secure long-term prospects to multiple-outlet franchisees. The company's Area Development Agreements (ADA) have been brought to the British...

Call for business heroes.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... CORPORATE RECOGNITION COMPANY Recognition Express has launched an award scheme to find the unsung heroes of small businesses. The company believes these awards are the first to specifically allow small businesses to recognise their...

Damage under control.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... CLEANING AND RESTORATION specialist franchise Rainbow International has joined forces with Team Damage Control--top motorsport team in the Fiat Stilo Rally Cup. The newly created tournament will be fought out over eight rounds at the 2004...

Geopost UK takes gold.(franchise news)
June 1, 2004... GEOPOST UK, parent company of carriers Parceline and Interlink Express, has won the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Occupational Health and Safety Gold Award for 2004. The accolade recognises the group's company-wide...

Franchising's trailblazers: in the closing stages of the Franchisor of the Year Awards, the competition is hotting up. But it's all a case of business as usual for these award nominees.(special feature)
June 1, 2004... The standard has been high and the competition fierce over the past few weeks, as the British Franchise Association's (BFA) members showed exactly how franchising has helped them beat their competition. Their energies have been focused on...

Flavours to favour: in the second of our features on the food and beverage industry, Barbara Oaff looks at options from fast-food outlets to good old-fashioned pubs.(market focus)
June 1, 2004... Can you see yourself running a pub, offering a traditional service and welcoming atmosphere? Could you be up for managing a modern fast-food outlet? If you can handle pace and pressure, it you can manage yourself and a team, and if you can...

May the tools be with you: what do a well-known franchise brand, a tool kit and a lightsabre have in common? Quite a lot now that Snap-on Tools is sponsoring Stars Wars actor Ewan McGregor on his three-month motorcycle journey around the world.
June 1, 2004... Snap-on Tools is one of the success stories of the franchise industry and has helped many ambitious entrepreneurs realise their business dreams through franchising. But now it's helping one of Britain's leading actors fulfil a life-long dream...

As good as new? as more franchise networks mature throughout the UK, there are fewer new franchise territories available and more resale opportunities for would-be franchisees. But what are you paying for in a resale and is it really a sound business investment?(franchise resales)
June 1, 2004... Franchising is changing fast, says a new British Franchise Association survey that shows a massive 35 per cent of franchisees purchase a resale. As the franchise industry matures and all new territories are sold, franchisors are finding that...

Tried and tested: don't just listen to the franchisors--hear what the people who've bought a resale have to say about the reality of their decision.(resales case studies)
June 1, 2004... Prontaprint KEN EDWARDS Taking on a Prontaprint resale was a huge step for Ken Edwards and his wife Angela, but they took over the Hemel Hempstead operation in January and since then they have not looked back. With a graphic arts...

Jumping for joy: fitting exercise into a busy lifestyle can be hard work, but you could help others put the spring back into their step with new fitness franchise Boogie Bounce.(new launch)
June 1, 2004... Recovering her fitness following a bad horse-riding accident was the beginning of a new life for 39-year-old Jenny Belcher and the start of a great franchising idea, which is now turning the health and fitness world on its head. Belcher...

Perfect pitch: new launch Touchrugby.com is set to make the most of the sport's surge in popularity and is looking for enthusiastic franchisees to hit the ground running.(new launch)
June 1, 2004... Touchrugby is one of the fastest-growing social sports in the UK, partly because of England's recent glories in the Rugby World Cup and partly because it is one of few team sports that men and women can play together. Already hugely...

On the money: Jay Patel is one delighted Cash Generator franchisee. He tells Alex Dean how fate played a hand in the success of his new retail business.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... When Jay Patel was looking into starting a new venture, he decided it would have to meet some pretty strict criteria. He and his two partners were already running a successful business installing kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, but didn't...

It all adds up: it was an educational experience for Michele Witthaus when she spoke to Kumon's Ella Ritchie--one of a new breed of teacher who's happy in her profession.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... To own a franchise that has a good name, you have to have a sizeable lump sum to invest, right? Wrong, actually, since the arrival of Kumon. This highly effective tutoring method, born in Japan half a century ago, now helps around 45,000...

The perfect image: as they approached their 40th birthdays, Kevin and Marie Allard came to the decision that there was more to life than the daily grind. Their previous involvement in schools made Images the perfect option for a franchise.(promotional feature)
June 1, 2004... Reaching their 40th birthdays was a turning point for Kevin and Marie Allard. The couple had always wanted to run their own business, for the added freedom and flexibility of self-employment, and thought that: 'If we don't do it now, we never...

From motors to lawn care: Countrywide Lawn Doctor offers an opportunity that leaves the rest standing by their desks. Franchisee James Edwards tells Jenny Gray why he made a break for the fresh air of an outdoor business.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... A move from motor sales to lawn maintenance isn't the obvious career change, but for James Edwards investing in Countrywide Lawn Doctor was just the challenge he was looking for. 'I'd been into cars since I was 17 and I bought my Ford...

Smart moves: the Seymours explain how they swapped unstable employment for a profitable growth industry.(promotional feature)
June 1, 2004... Alan Seymour came to Smart Cartridge from a background in the automotive industry. He'd been working in the sector for 25 years but was beginning to feel the pressure of growing instability. It's a business peppered with redundancies and...

Waterless clean-up: Paul Beadle spoke to franchisees from valeting company The Waterless Detailers to find out why so many people are choosing a future without water.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... The growing popularity of specialist valeting service The Waterless Detailers has sparked a rush of people willing to give up their old jobs and try their hands at this new franchise. It is that self-belief and determination that will be the...

A-Z list of exhibitors.(exhibitor listing)
June 1, 2004... Exhibitor Stand Action International Ply Ltd D70 The Best of Health B90 British Franchise Association C40 Business Franchise E10 Cash Converters ...

A-Z list by category.(exhibitor listing)
June 1, 2004... AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Protex (UK) Sales Limited C10 Punctureseal International Ltd C50 Waterless Detailers C45 BANKS/BUILDING SOCIETIES Royal Bank of Scotland B20 ...

Welcome to franchising.(exhibition foreword)
June 1, 2004... Looking to start your own business, but aren't sure you want to go it alone? Then look no further, as franchising could be for you. The British Franchise Exhibition 2004 in Glasgow is the perfect place to find out more about franchising--a way...

Seminar programme.(exhibition seminars)
June 1, 2004... All visitors to the British Franchise Exhibition in Glasgow are invited to attend free, hour-long seminars run by the British Franchise Association throughout the exhibition Opening times: Friday 11 June, 10:00-17:00 Saturday 12...

11-12 June 2004, SECC, Glasgow: your key to business success.(Growing Your Own Business Showcasse & Conference)
June 1, 2004... Welcome to Scotland Chris Gorman, executive chairman of The Gadget Shop and Birthdays Ltd, welcomes you to the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference I AM DELIGHTED to have been invited to speak at the first Growing Your Own...

Your A-Z exhibitor guide.(exhibition profiles)
June 1, 2004... Action International Stand No. D70 Contact name: Bruce Taylor Business services/Training Tel: 020 8834 1048 Fax: 020 8834 1100 Website: www.action-international.com ...

Week of wee wonders: this year sees the launch of a new Scottish Franchise Week, organised by the British Franchise Association to promote franchising north of the border. Johanna Roughley gives an insight into the week's events.(special feature)
June 1, 2004... Franchising as an industry is worth 9.65billion [pounds sterling] in the UK and over half a billion of this annual turnover is generated in Scotland. There are currently more than 40 franchise brands operating in Scotland, with an estimated...

Bank on better business: Carol Davis finds out how The Royal Bank of Scotland adds a personal touch to franchising north of the border.(banking)
June 1, 2004... Talking to your bank about franchising will never be the same again, according to one national franchise manager who happily refers any would-be franchisees to the chap he calls 'big cheery Charlie'. For the world of banking has changed...

New horizons: for a break into the growing home-delivery industry take a look at ViewPlus, the film and game rental company with an individual outlook.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... How often have you fancied watching a film only to find there's nothing on TV and you are just too tired or lazy to trek to the video shop? This dilemma faces thousands each day, but now more and more people are learning about ViewPlus, the...

From fruit stall to fruitful franchise: Minster's management franchisees come from very different career backgrounds but, as Dave Wilson explains, variety is the spice of life for the members of this franchise network.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... At Minster's busy Coventry franchise the team is set to top the 1million [pounds sterling] turnover mark. And after ten years of trading, there is still plenty of scope for expansion. But this was exactly the kind of challenge Russell Haines...

Tartan kitchen army: head office may be down in Hampshire but Dream Doors' Scottish franchisees find they have all they need within easy reach for a thriving kitchen-fitting business.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... When Dream Doors opened for business four years ago, it was a good idea at the right time. The UK DIY boom was starting and the prospect of revamping a kitchen just by changing the doors on the units attracted plenty of interest. The company...

Reproductive success: Oakleaf's reproduction wooden wall panelling and ceiling beams are good enough for royalty, and the business could also be right up your street. Gay Turner reports on the franchise that helps everyone keep up with the Llewelyn-Bowens.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... Homes and gardens have become big business. The unstoppable deluge of home makeover programmes has fuelled phenomenal interest in imaginative and unusual designs for both outdoor areas and household interiors. At the same time, consumers'...

The right concept: franchisee David Nelson explains why it's worth going that extra mile for property insurance claims specialist Concept Solutions.(franchise focus)
June 1, 2004... When you're choosing a franchise, it shouldn't be just about the money but about choosing the lifestyle you want,' says David Nelson, franchisee with Concept Solutions. 'You're going to be working in that area every day so you need to enjoy...

Cleaning Doctor on call: with a powerful track record, Cleaning Doctor is capitalising on its success by expanding across Britain. Franchisees say the response to the service has been unbelievable.(promotional feature)
June 1, 2004... The winning idea changed the life of Cleaning Doctor founder and MD William Little, who was a bored civil servant back in 1985 until he spotted an advertisement for a revolutionary new cleaning system. He rang the manufacturer immediately...

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 advice on franchising in every issue.(franchise advice)
June 1, 2004... Q: Is It Illegal for franchisors to make claims about guaranteed earnings? Matthew Flynt, Kettering Anton Bates replies: A: No, it is not illegal to guarantee how much a prospective franchisee will earn if he or she signs up to...

Direct mailing.(marketing)
June 1, 2004... Dee Blick's TOP TEN TIPS Statistics released by the Royal Mail in 2003 showed a year-on-year increase in the volume of direct mail sent to businesses and consumers. It would seem that although we live in an electronic age direct mailings...

Please release me: everyone involved in franchising wants the relationship between franchisor and franchisee to be easy and harmonious. But what happens if a franchise term is nearing its end and it's pistols at dawn for both parties? Manzoor Ishani offers some words of advice on franchise agreement renewals.(franchise advice)
June 1, 2004... B'leeding marvellous, isn't it?' exclaims the struggling franchisor who has just been threatened with legal action by his franchisee, for failing to supply string vests in sufficient quantities to meet customer demand. 'He had no job when...

A blagger's guide to sales and marketing: contrary to popular belief, you can't just tell people your product is brilliant and expect to top all previous sales figures. You have to learn the more subtle art of sales and marketing.(sales/marketing)
June 1, 2004... The buzz words in the world of franchising are 'sales' and 'marketing'. But franchisors always ask for a simple explanation of both, so here it is: You ask your franchisees if they think your franchise is fantastic. That's market research....

Need to know: increasing numbers of businesses are taking up new premises, but will the congestion charge put them off? Maybe it's time to stop business partners pointing the finger and blaming each other.(business bulletin)
June 1, 2004... WHEN PARTNERS FALL OUT Many companies start out with two or more people with a bright idea, a vision and shared enthusiasm. They may also pool their available funds to make the business venture possible. Frequently, these people regard...

Franchisee of the month.(class act)
June 1, 2004... NAME: Marlin Bell AGE: 39 OCCUPATION: Refilling and remanufacturing printer cartridges as a Cartridge World franchisee FRANCHISE LOCATION: Tyne and Wear HISTORY: Opened the first of his stores In September 2001; previously...

A taste of franchising.(bfa seminars)
June 1, 2004... Take a bite of the franchising pie with a British Franchise Association (BFA) taster seminar. A nationwide tour of informative franchising seminars run as a joint project between the BFA and Business Link and continues this year. There are two...

Resale of the month: Kids Klub.(Franchise Resales)
June 1, 2004... Over the last twenty years photographers have captured children on film at nurseries and pre-schools. With new technology, Kids Klub are now able to capture children on their very own adventure film. The aim is to create five minutes of video...

Why buy a resale?(Franchise Resales)
June 1, 2004... 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...

Buying into resale success.(Franchise Resales)
June 1, 2004... LOOKING FOR AN ESTABLISHED FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY? Most franchises have mature businesses with track records of success that can give you cash flow from day one. Resales are available in every part of the country, and in every type of...

Resale directory.
June 1, 2004... RESALE DIRECTORY CHILDRENS ART EXHIBITIONS Images Type of franchise Childrens art exhibitions/educational fundraising Territory available Herefordshire/ Shropshire (parts of Gloucs, South Wales, Worcs and Powys CLEANING...