Business Franchise articles from June 2007

Business Franchise archives from June 2007

Strife support.(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... A REPORT from the Small Business Task Force suggests that [pounds sterling] billion has been needlessly spent on business support schemes supporting smaller companies. The study says that 3000 schemes run by 2000 different bodies have no real...

A bitter pill to take ...(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... SMALL FIRMS are still reluctant to shop around for savings in utility bills, despite a record 9.8 per cent increase in the last 12 months. A survey for YouGov suggests that such price hikes are hindering business growth, but owner-managers do...

It's all work, work, work.(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... EIGHTY PER cent of employees work an extra seven hours a month without pay for their companies. Employment law firm Peninsula BusinessWise also discovered in their latest survey that two percent of staff regularly put in 10 extra hours. The...

New legislation warning.(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... THREE NEW laws will affect SMEs this year, advises Bibby Financial Services. The Works and Families Act allows women to take 12 month's maternity leave, of which nine are paid, regardless of the length of time they have been with a company....

Control freaks.(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... Having control of their own destiny is the key to self-fulfillment For the majority of entrepreneurs, according to a poll sponsored by Mastercard. The same research showed that the British public have a high regard for successful...

Calling social entrepreneurs.(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... THE GOVERNMENT is inviting serial entrepreneurs to tender for the new Social Enterprise Action Plan. The Cabinet Office has published an invitation for 20 social enterprise ambassadors to participate in the scheme. They will attend...

Chip and sin.(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... LEADING LAW firm Mace and Jones has warned that the effectiveness of Chip and PIN payments has meant that some gangs are resorting to armed robbery of staff for ready cash. The high street banks have reportedly made savings of 320 million...

Age discrimination laws ignored.(Need to know)
June 1, 2007... SMEs are risking employment disputes as they fail to make changes to their recruitment policies according to the advisory and arbitration service ACAS. Age discrimination legislation introduced last year is being ignored in 83 per cent of...

Start-ups not taking advice.
June 1, 2007... MORE THAN one in ten entrepreneurs do not seek formal advice when setting up a business, new research from Microsoft has discovered. More than half a million new companies were founded on no guidance, 20 percent had used the internet for...

Faith dealers.
June 1, 2007... THOUSANDS OF Muslim businesses across the country will be able to bank according to their faith following the launch of the first high street Islamic business account (full story--see News, p10). The Lloyds TSB account, which complies with...

Plan overboard.
June 1, 2007... FIFTY-SIX per cent of SMEs are putting their futures at risk through lack of formal, written planning. A survey from accountants PKF found that 46 per cent of firms had a strategy but this was not written down. Nine per cent had no plans at...

SMEs troubled by tax.
June 1, 2007... A POLL by Populus on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce has found that 71 per cent of SMEs think the small companies' tax rate increase from 19 per cent to 22 per cent by 2009 will do them harm. The BCC has concluded that the...

TV signings are blinding.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... THE DECISION by Scottish-based blind manufacturers Vantana to sign up TV design duo Colin and Justin (pictured) appears to be paying off. The three-year-deal that secures the flamboyant interiors experts as the brand ambassadors for the...

I would walk 500 miles ...(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... ALTHOUGH NOT quite as far as the 500 miles belted out by The Proclaimers, Scottish distribution company Distribution Unlimited gave employees pedometers to monitor just how far their workers walk on any given day, revealing as many as 20...

Footballers' homes.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... WAKEFIELD-BASED Homefinder UK has secured a contract with the Professional Footballers Association which will see the company working on behalf of the PFA and their members to find their home when they move clubs. The business partnership...

Myhome's train academy.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... MYHOME INTERNATIONAL plc is now training franchisees across its portfolio at the Franchise Academy--a purpose-built resource centre dedicated to training. The Business Acceleration Programme run by the Academy is designed to teach...

Lloyds keeps the faith.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... THOUSANDS OF Muslim businesses across Britain will now be able to bank according to their faith as Lloyds TSB launches the first high street Islamic business account in the country. The account, which complies with Islamic law (Shariah), is...

Celebrasian at Bartercard.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... BARTERCARD IS enjoying a double Asian celebration with the sale of the trading licence for India and the announcement that it will be one of the headline sponsors of Celebrasian, a series of events in the UK to celebrate all the very best...

Prontaprint goes global.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... PRONTAPRINT IS announcing its intention to roll oUt the brand worldwide. The recognised superbrand has revealed ambitious expansion plans to increase its presence in the UK and Ireland to over 200 centres and to launch the brand into...

Greetings Cardiff.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... FRANCHISEES CHRIS and Tracey Galtry of kitchen franchise In-toto have opened a second flagship franchise in Cardiff, which at 5000 sq ft is In-toto's largest showroom in the UK. The launch at Cardiff is the latest in a series of new...

The road to health.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
June 1, 2007... AUTOSHEEN HAS announced the launch of a new Road Safety Campaign for local businesses in Bedfordshire. Local statistics sourced by the Road Victims Trust (RVT) charity, based in Kempston, have revealed that road casualty figures remain...

Bfa new members.(bfa NEWS)
June 1, 2007... The bfa's membership continues to grow, with more new and existing anchisors seeing the benefit of bfa membership. Members of the bfa have a positively accredited against the bfa's code of ethics in franchising. This month has seen a number...

bfa Regional Chairs.(bfa NEWS)
June 1, 2007... The elections for the four bfa Regional Chairs are now complete and the British Franchise Association can confirm: Craig Henthorn of Metro Rod is chairman of the Northern Region, Clive Houlston of Mr Electric is chairman of the Midlands...

Guide yourself to success.(bfa NEWS)
June 1, 2007... THE DECISION to invest in a franchise is an important one. You will need as much information at your fingertips in order to evaluate your suitability and the potential franchises you may be interested in running for yourself. But if you are...

How does your garden grow?(MARKET FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Do you often find yourself gazing out of the office window, daydreaming about working with the elements? Are you an avid gardener, entrepreneur, or both, looking for a business with ongoing, lucrative contracts? From interior design and...

Financing your franchise.
June 1, 2007... Almost all franchises listed with the bfa--and many of those who aren't--will have established relationships with one or more high street banks and will be able to assist you with sourcing much of the capital you need to buy a franchise....

Don't let the green grass fool you ...(MORE INFORMATION)
June 1, 2007... Working in the area of gardening and landscaping can be physically demanding. It's also an industry that is sensitive to the unpredictability of the British weather. As with any purchase, due care and consideration should be taken. when...

Signs language: take a look behind the scenes of top UK signs and graphics franchise, Signs Express, with established franchisees Steve and Carol Morris, who are running their successful business in Sheffield North.(Cover story)
June 1, 2007... Top signs and graphics franchise Signs Express has more than 80 production centres across the UK and Ireland. The management franchise package gives all the backup, training and support needed for franchisees to hit the ground running....

Go Green.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
June 1, 2007... Business Franchise meets TaxAssist Accountants franchisee Peter Green, who is part of the white collar business opportunity that really adds up TaxAssist Accountants is the largest UK-wide network to provide a full accountancy and tax...

What women want: as the number of female franchisees falls, Alison Ledger uncovers the stories behind five successful women in the sector to find out how to combat this alarming trend.(SPECIAL FEATURE)
June 1, 2007... The female struggle to 'have it all' remains a rocky road for women and not just for mothers, as statistics from the NatWest/bfa survey 2007 reveal. Women are still in the minority and the numbers are in sharp decline--11 per cent of...

Open the door: The London Door Company has produced specially custom-made doors for a wealth of clients, some of them famous too. John Bensalhia takes a peek through the keyhole to see what this new franchise can offer you ...(NEW LAUNCH)
June 1, 2007... Have you knocked on big-collared comedian Harry Hill's door lately? Maybe you were delivering groceries to Antony Worrall Thompson's house. Or perhaps you've been round to Kate Winslet's abode for a cup of tea and a scone. Chances are, that...

Winner takes it all: if evangelists, emotional magnets and organisational re-inventions strike intellectual chords with you, then point your brain towards management assistance franchise, Future Winners International.(NEW LAUNCH)
June 1, 2007... 'A FutureWinner--that's what I'm sure my clients and I will become over the next few years', says Future Winners International franchisee Darron Tarr. Darron joined Future Winners International in September 2006 after a career in...

A 'Bugs life: what better than to help children achieve a fun, healthy journey to adulthood while developing a thriving business for yourself? Carol Davis talks you through a franchise opportunity not to be missed.(NEW LAUNCH)
June 1, 2007... It takes a brave entrepreneur to appear on TV's Dragons' Den for funding, and an even braver one to turn that funding down. But that is just what the directors of YogaBugs did in their gruelling appearance in August 2006. Judges offered...

Claim that tune: accelerate your business prospects with the new franchise offering from Tunit--the company that offers both an adaptable, high-powered diesel performance solution and exciting franchising opportunities. John Bensalhia gets in tune ...(NEW LAUNCH)(Company overview)
June 1, 2007... An adaptable, enhanced diesel tuning product that provides both efficiency and performance? No, it's not something out of TV classics such as Knight Rider or WackyRaces. It is in fact possible, thanks to the product offered by Tunit, and is...

Let it drain: for 24 years MetroRod's business has developed significantly--through the growth of its network, customer numbers and turnover. Business Franchise looks at what this franchise can do for you ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... MetroRod is one of the UK's leading drainage companies and enjoys a strong reputation for quality, innovation and excellent customer service. The company operates a 24/7 quality service to the domestic, commercial, industrial and utility...

Prints and the new power generation: never has there been a better time to join the Prontaprint sucess story. A market leader for 35 years, Prontaprint is the largest and best-known print-on-demand franchise in Europe. Business Franchise investigates.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... One year on from the launch of a 3 million [pounds sterling] investment programme to rebrand successful centres throughout the UK, Prontaprint has seen its efforts rewarded by securing the Best Overall Marketing Campaign in the Franchise...

The sweet taste of success: after a successful appearance at the British and International Franchise Exhibition in London, Thorntons is looking to capitalise on this demand with a bigger franchise network ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... The British and International Franchise Exhibition, held at Olympia in London at the end of March 2007, saw Thorntons exhibit for the first time, and what a success it was for the team. The stand was swamped on both days with people wanting...

Recognising talent: sometimes the best way to appreciate the potential of a business opportunity is to talk to those who have experienced it, and on that strength, Recognition Express is one to watch ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Recognition Express is renowned for its high level of ongoing support, advice and programmes, particularly in the areas of marketing, sales, product sourcing, technology and business planning. Recognition Express has been successfully...

Crime pays: as we move into the 21st Century, security is taking on even more importance in our daily lives. Crime Shield is perfectly positioned to take advantage ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... A revolutionary franchise is breaking new ground in the lucrative area of physical security. The security industry continues to grow, but despite leaps in electronic security, it is physical security that leads this growth. Security...

Yew Tree Medical Centre.(CASE STUDY)
June 1, 2007... Crime Shield was approached during the year to secure the windows of a brand new medical centre in Walsall, which was under siege from the moment they were installed. Main contractors Laing O'Rourke were forced to remove the glazing during...

Wiggle.(CASE STUDY)
June 1, 2007... Fast-growing internet retail company Wiggle moved into new 2.7 million [pounds sterling] premises last year and were obliged to employ manned guarding costing in the region of 4000 [pounds sterling] per month. Furthermore these precautions...

Coffee beams: Yorkshire-based Caffe Latino has a winning combination of advanced management systems, a strong brand image and great products to offer to its franchisees. Business Franchise gets a taste of what's to come.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Caffe Latino, a Yorkshire-based brand has developed a winning formula, enjoying considerable success and is now being offered as a franchise opportunity for the first time. Caffe Latino's formula is based around these core values: *...

Moving on up: a new force in the property game has hit the high street in the Midlands--Goodchilds is an estate and lettings agency with a difference. Business Franchise finds out how this franchise could be a great move.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... From house hunting to securing a parking space for the removal van: moving house is regularly listed as one of life's most stressful events. However, this often agonising transition couldn't be more unlike the smooth route into franchising...

Care tactics: Home Instead Senior Care has more than 700 franchised offices across the world and is the industry leader in providing non-medical care for older people. Take on a business that makes a real difference in the community.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Home Instead Senior Care is a very successful business, but it is more than just a business. The work it does makes a significant difference to its clients, helping them stay in their homes for as long as possible. In doing so, the company...

Xploring the future: ComputerXplorers launched its initial pilot operations in October 2005 and through two distinct pilot phases, has begun to expand rapidly with seven franchisees up and running.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... The response to ComputerXplorers has been very positive as the following testimonial shows. 'We've been very impressed with the ComputerXplorers approach,' said Julia Evison, head teacher at Keston Church of England primary school....

Our friends in the North: with The British Franchise Exhibition coming to Scotland this summer, Fastsigns is looking for more potential franchisees. John Bensalhia speaks to two Northern Fastsigns franchisees to find out what they have gained from their time with the company ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... This month sees the regular franchise show moving north of the border to Scotland. One company that actively promotes its franchise opportunities in the north, and across the border in Scotland, is Fastsigns, the signs and graphics...

The pest years of your life: Clive Ticehurst, Prokill franchisee in Hertfordshire, is overwhelmed with the potential for his business. Business Franchise investigates ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... There can never be a better accolade for a franchise than happy, successful franchisees. Prokill is very pleased, as a result of its proposition, to have recruited high-calibre individuals with the desire to build substantial management-style...

The Kendlebell formula for success: there are hundreds of franchise opportunities available today but which one is right for YOU? Simon Carter, managing director of Kendlebell, has some choice words of advice ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Most of us can narrow our search for a franchise by answering a few basic questions. Are you looking for a van-based business? Do you want to go into retail? Are you a budding restaurateur? Or are you looking for more of an office-based...

A touch of class: what could be more enticing to a business than a market worth more than 4 billion [pounds sterling] a year? Tie up your financial future with Finishing Touch Covers ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Whether people are hosting a wedding, a private function or a corporate event, Finishing Touch (Covers) Ltd has a range of chair covers to add the finishing touch to the big day. Finishing Touch (Covers) provides a combination of bespoke...

Driving forward: Car Medic International's campaign to bring cost-effective cosmetic repairs to the world is taking the next step--into Ireland.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... SMART technology came across the Atlantic to the UK just 15 years ago. 'SMART' stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Techniques and is a fast, cheap method for repairing blemishes to paint work, upholstery, trim and other areas of a vehicle....

The golden hind: Business Franchise meets Smart Cartridge franchisee Tony Hind, who has taken advantage of the new initiative of offering in-store cartridge refill station concessions at Woolworths.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Printer cartridge franchise Smart Cartridge has teamed up with top high-street retailer, Woolworths, to offer in-store cartridge refill station concessions. Retail space of 200 sq. ft. has been made available by Woolworths within key...

Welcome to Scotland: Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, highlights why the latest domestic franchise exhibition, this time in Glasgow, is not to be missed ...(The British Franchise Exhibition)
June 1, 2007... The British Franchise Exhibition in Glasgow is now an established part of the franchising calendar. The Scottish franchise market is one of the most vibrant in the UK and figures taken from the NatWest bfa Franchise Survey 2007 highlight that...

Showtime in Glasgow: the British Franchise Exhibition, incorporating the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference, hits Scotland in June and offers all you need to know about franchising north of the border.(The British Franchise Exhibition)
June 1, 2007... MORE THAN 50 UK companies from a diverse range of industry sectors will be showcasing their franchise opportunities at this year's event. They include well-known franchise companies such as Apollo Blinds, Cash Generators, Coffee Republic,...

Future Events.(Calendar)
June 1, 2007... THE BRITISH FRANCHISE EXHIBITION incorporating the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference SECC, Glasgow, June 8 & 9 2007 THE NATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION incorporating the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference NEC,...

The sounds of success: Gordon Richardson, founder of expanding coffee and music house chain, Beanscene, welcomes delegates to the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference.(GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS showcase & conference)
June 1, 2007... AS KEYNOTE speaker at Growing Your Own Business, it's my pleasure to welcome you to this conference held at the SECC, Glasgow. This event will feature an exciting array of ideas, advice and opportunities for building a successful business....

Your A-Z exhibitor guide: all entries correct at time of going to press.(The British Franchise Exhibition)
June 1, 2007... Apollo Blinds B95 Contact name: Patrick Harrison Home Improvement/ Tel: 0845 123 6030 Fittings Website: www.apollo-blinds.co.uk bfa status: Full Established: ...

Growing your own business: showcase & conference.(The British Franchise Exhibition)
June 1, 2007... Business Gateway GY0B20 Contact name: Tel: 0141 248 2700 Fax: 0141 221 3217 Website: www.bgateway.com Business Gateway provides a range of services to existing and start-up business. Offering key resources such as...

Scottish Franchise Week 2007.(EVENT NEWS)
June 1, 2007... Franchising will take a decidedly Caledonian flavour this summer as Scottish Franchise Week hits the business community from June 4 to 10... EVENTS WILL be taking place in Glasgow and will draw people from all over Scotland who are...

Keynote speakers.(EVENT NEWS)
June 1, 2007... NIGEL TOFLIS Nigel is Chairman of the British Franchise Association and Managing Director of Recognition Express. He will be highlighting the importance of ethical franchise practice for the development of the Scottish market. ...

Finding finance: last month 25-year-old Fiona Fleming from Scotland was researching different franchisors. Having decided to buy an outlet from Domino's Pizza with her husband Paul, she is now trying to secure funding.(FRANCHISEE DIARY)
June 1, 2007... If I'm honest, this is the part I'm dreading most. I like to think I've got a good business head but I've never particularly enjoyed managing my own personal finances, let alone those of a business. I don't really know where to start... ...

A new page: provide information for your home town with Yourhomepagein.co.uk, a franchise operation for local regions. Ex-Dragon's Den judge Rachel Elnaugh is on the hunt for new franchisees ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... Businesswoman and ex-Dragon from BBC's Dragon's Den, Rachel Elnaugh, is on the hunt for entrepreneurs to take on the challenge of launching and running a new, online web-based directory and information resource for local people in all areas...

Licence to grill: if you have the requisite determination and fire to make a business succeed, then the Burger King fast food restaurant franchise wants to hear from you right now.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... The Burger King system currently boasts more than 11,000 restaurants around the world in more than 60 countries, and the company's growth relies on the success of its franchisees. Restaurant profitability is the driving force behind many...

Something in the air: with sweltering temperatures predicted for this year's summer, there will never be a better time to franchise with air-conditioning provider, Comfyair. John Bensalhia speaks to one franchisee who has found his business to be a breath of fresh air.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2007... A TV show has predicted that this year's summer is going to top last year's scorcher. Which means more sweltering temperatures, boiling hot trains and the complete inability to work or sleep at night. But don't fret--if you want to take in...

The data protection Act 1998: the information commissioner's office's bite is worse than its bark: but it's time for franchisors and franchisees to take action.(Hot Topic)
June 1, 2007... Since the Act became law in 2000, many businesses have adopted a decidedly casual attitude towards compliance, generally perceiving it to be a toothless tiger. Recently, The Information Commissioner's Office's (ICO) has taken a variety...

It can hurt!(CASE STUDY)
June 1, 2007... A BUSINESSMAN was ordered to pay more than 6500 [pounds sterling] after his business failed to notify under the Act. The summons was issued after the notification date, indicating that the ICO is keen to make examples of businesses that are...

Getting personal.(Q&A)
June 1, 2007... I am interested in becoming a franchisee and I am looking at a number of options. However, I find that many franchisors expect me to fill in detailed questionnaires probing my background and financial circumstances. Do you think they are...

Resale riches.(Q&A)
June 1, 2007... During my research into franchising I have heard the term 'resales' mentioned a few times. What does this mean? Duncan Smith, Blackburn Brian Smart replies: As the franchise sector in the UK continues to mature, this is a term that...

School of thought.(Q&A)
June 1, 2007... Is it worth my while attending some kind of special law school that teaches me about franchise law for the future? Andrea Shakespeare, Cosham John Pratt replies: Unfortunately franchise law is not taught as a separate subject. The...

Deal or no deal?(Q&A)
June 1, 2007... If I can't afford franchisee investment payments at the moment, is it possible to pay later on as in a 'buy now, pay later' deal? Jimmy Stoker, Bloxwich Cathryn Hayes replies: For an established franchise, most of the major banks...

The choice is Ltd: to minimise risk in your business, avoid partnerships and self-employment. Instead, form a limited company--it's easy, says Richard Watson.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
June 1, 2007... I proposed to my girlfriend in the middle of a crowded pizza franchise. The spur for this romantic gesture was when she ordered a double deep pan mushroom, chocolate and pickle pizza. It is easy to propose when your worldly wealth...

Conventional thinking: Manzoor Ishani dips a toe into the world of franchise conventions, explaining why they can be an advantage for some franchisors and why others may shy away from it ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
June 1, 2007... One of the prime advantages of franchising, we kept being told, is that it enables an entrepreneur to get on with the real task of selling goods and services whilst leaving it for somebody else (i.e. the franchisor) to devote time, human and...

In full bloom.(FRANCHISE OF THE MONTH)
June 1, 2007... Flowers Forever, founded in 1996, is the only national franchise company that deals with the preservation of flowers from special occasions such as weddings. Franchisees are trained on how to preserve flowers in their natural form and then...

A-Z Franchise Directory.(Directory)
June 1, 2007... A-Z Franchise Directory 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...

This one time, at Fran camp: Bill Ewbank, expert in his field, explains the obvious and uncanny similarities between franchising and camping ...(LAST WORD)
June 1, 2007... It is common to depict a franchise as a happy marriage of individuals, united by a desire to become rich. Of course, however, there are many occasions when that analogy breaks down. What, for example, if there were a master franchisor, a...