Business Franchise articles from June 2008

Business Franchise archives from June 2008

Business failures rise.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
June 1, 2008... Global financial problems are having a clear impact on SMEs, with corporate failures increasing for the first time in over a year Figures from information services group Experian indicate that business failures rose by 8.5 per cent in the...

OFT delays estate agency rules.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
June 1, 2008... The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has delayed the introduction of a compulsory ombudsman service for estate agents. Under new laws, estate agents have to join an ombudsman scheme, which would hear complaints from customers. The programme was...

Government ignores its own rules.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
June 1, 2008... The Federation of Small Businesses says the government is failing to meet its commitments to common commencement dates and to reduce regulatory burdens. The common dates were designed to make the regulatory environment more predictable, but...

American dream.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UK Trade and Investment is offering marketing executives within SMEs the opportunity to 'have a nice day' in the USA. They can attend a prestigious marketing programme at the J.L. Kellogg School of Management in...

Sowing the seed.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
June 1, 2008... Finance South East has launched a 5 million [pounds sterling] Seed Fund to provide an alternative source of funding for ambitious companies seeking business development opportunities. The fund is financed by the South East England Development...

None of their business.
June 1, 2008... A business lobby group has called on politicians to improve their understanding of issues facing SMEs after research found that only nine per cent of politicians had more than 10 years of business experience. The survey, carried out by...

Wasted potential.
June 1, 2008... Groups of 'hidden innovators' could add millions to the economy with the right support. Research from Cass Business School's Centre for New Technologies, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CENTIVE) found that sectors of the community including...

North-West divide.
June 1, 2008... The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is calling for more support to help firms in the North-West of England following publication of a study of business failures in the region, According to Equifax, the North-West is the worst affected area in...

Money for a rainy day.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The credit crunch has lead UK businesses to think more carefully about their money, with many more putting cash aside for a rainy day. A study from Alliance & Leicester reveals that almost half of small businesses...

Sharing the health.(Need to know: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
June 1, 2008... Owners of small firms are keeping up with big businesses by encouraging their workers to lead healthy lifestyles a report concludes. According to research from Standard Life Healthcare, half of small business owners encourage their employees...

Godfather's gets an offer it can't refuse.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... Pizza Hut is set to become the biggest pizza business in Ireland. It is extending its business in the Republic through its acquisition of the Godfather's Pizza brand. The deal will see 28 restaurants being added to Pizza Hut's existing estate...

BF goes digital.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... Business Franchise is now available in an online interactive digital format. This issue will be the first magazine available in this format on Businessfranchise.com. This means that the magazine will be even easier for prospective and...

Thebestof gets a good Start.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thebestof has been voted number 28 in a list of the UK's top 100 new businesses, compiled by Startups.co.uk. Startups 100 lists the most exciting and innovative emerging small companies predicted to become the...

Myhome makes headlines.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... Myhome International plc has launched a new homes and lifestyle magazine--appropriately entitled Myhome. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company is the first franchisor in the UK home services sector to launch a lifestyle magazine aimed...

Brand on the run.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new survey has revealed that three quarters of UK companies admit to feeling unsure about their brand identity. According to research by Prontaprint, half of the companies surveyed say that brand identity was of...

Kings of Castle.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Castle Estates has expanded its business with more franchise outlets. Doors have been opened in the following locations: Winslow, Milton Keynes East, Aylesbury (two), Leicester and North Leeds. Four of these...

Advantage for juice.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... BB's Coffee & Muffins has taken a controlling interest in juice bar, Juice Junction. BB's plans to incorporate the Juice Junction offer alongside its New Zealand Natural premium ice cream range within its cafes and also plans store openings...

The March care.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... Professional oven valeting service Ovenu is offering a helping hand to military families in Aldershot faced with a major clean up operation as part of the Marching Out process. Les Davis, who runs Ovenu Camberley, has launched a new...

BF to sponsor bfa conference.(Franchise news)(Conference news)
June 1, 2008... Business Franchise magazine will be the Official Magazine Sponsor of the bfa Conference 2008. Held at the Savill Court Hotel in Surrey on July 3 & 4, the conference brings together franchisors from all across the industry for seminars,...

GreenThumb restructures.(Franchise news)
June 1, 2008... Green Thumb has announced that Jeff Williams (pictured), former franchise director is to become managing director. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stephen Waring who founded the business as a teenager in 1986 has now taken up the role of CEO...

Calling all franchisees! The bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards take place this October, but if you want to be on the podium it's time to get your entries in.(bfa news)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE SEARCH is on to find the UK's best performing franchisees with the launch of the annual British Franchise Association's (bfa) Franchisee of the Year Awards, sponsored by HSBC Bank and Express Newspapers. ...

Mean, green, franchising machine.(Gardening franchises)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Despite the UK's notoriously inclement weather, there are many people that would rather potter around the garden pruning trees and turning the earth than anything else. If you are one of these people, and also...

Keeping it clean: Gurmukh and Rajinder Randhawa are living the dream. A dream that was only possible with a Myhome franchise ...(Cover story)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IN MARCH 2005, Oxford-based Myhome Residential Cleaning franchisees Gurmukh and Rajinder Randhawa ordered their first van and subsequently employed their first two cleaners. Today, with eight vans and seventeen...

The value brand: John Bensalhia meets the former tax inspectors that became franchisees with TaxAssist Accountants, and have now signed up for a further 10 years ...(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FROM TAX inspectors to TaxAssist Accountants. That's what Geraldine O'Neill and Harold Smith did back in November 2002 when they launched their Sidcup franchise with the company. TaxAssist Accountants provides...

Service charge: franchisees with experience in the service sector appear to make a seamless transition into the industry. Carol Davis delves deeper.(SPECIAL FEATURE)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FORMER POLICEMAN Richard Trevivian shocked his franchise director soon after he started his Chamberlains Security franchise. Graham Venn wanted to know whether Richard was checking every guarded site at least once...

Vintage Cava: if you're interested in a 'life-changing opportunity' with a reliable and accountable franchise company, look no further than security solutions provider Cava Guard.(NEW LAUNCH)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LAUNCHED ON the back of the success of Cava Guard Group, Cava Guard UK Franchise utilises the tools we provide you and comes with over 20 years' experience, to promote comprehensive, 24-hour key holding services to...

Record enquiries for new lifestyle franchise, Murcia Villas: with 46 enquiries over the first weekend and the first franchisee already operational within just a few weeks of launching, there is no question that this is a profitable and exciting franchise that has already grabbed the attention of the nation.(NEW LAUNCH)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MURCIA VILLAS franchises suit UK people who want to live in Spain but still earn a decent living. You don't need to speak Spanish to consider this franchise. Murcia Villas is looking for enthusiastic people who...

Dressed for success: entrepreneur Jason Gardiner's inspiration led to the development of a new and unique business opportunity--one that takes made-to-measure tailoring directly to the customer.(NEW LAUNCH)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BUYING THE right suit is never easy. For most men, the thought of hours spent traipsing around shops, looking for something right to wear, will fill them with utter dread or intense malaise. But now, new franchise...

Active start for Activ Web Design: the team behind one of the fastest growing franchises of 2007 have launched yet another dynamic opportunity that is already storming the franchise world.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SINCE IT'S launch at the beginning of March, Activ Web Design has already recruited 30 franchisees across the UK. From the team that brought one of the fastest growing franchises of 2007, Activ Web design...

Security in uncertain times: in times of uncertainty, why not turn to Cash Generator, the franchise that just keeps on growing.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NOT A day seems to pass by without hearing on the radio, TV or in the press about the economic uncertainty within the UK. This is being driven by a number of factors including the 'credit crunch', which is...

Lawn unto yourself: Myhome Lawn Cutting and Care is one of the UK's top professional, domestic lawn cutting and garden maintenance franchise with over 11 years' business success.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... MYHOME LAWN Cutting and Care already has thousands of satisfied, repeat, customers and as the trend continues to grow for cash-rich, time-poor individuals to outsource their domestic chores to professionals such as Myhome Lawn Cutting and...

Award-winning Franchise! The Bluebird Care franchise reputation was further enhanced by the recent award of 'Franchise Recruitment Team of the Year' at the Lloyds TSB and Daily Mail sponsored Franchise Marketing Awards ....(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... THE FASTEST growing care-at-home provider in the UK has developed a franchise network of nearly 30 franchisees in just two years since launching the business as a franchise concept in June 2006. Additionally, Bluebird Care has a master...

Precious Imp Prints styles the nation: baby mementoes, as with many baby products, can be a hit and miss affair in the style stakes, but there is a new company that has hit the nail squarely on the head in this respect. Precious Imp Prints has managed to create a range of stylish gift items that are tasteful and contemporary--and in demand ....(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE BRAINCHILD of Rebecca Susca, Precious Imp Prints was born when she found herself with 'itchy feet' as a full-time mother in September 2005. Always one to explore new ideas and take up challenges, Rebecca...

In the 'fast lane: since 2005, plumbing and drainage franchise ReactFast has gone from strength to strength. Now could be time for you to get on board.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ReactFast has been into plumbing and drainage for years. The company knows the industry inside out and that is one of the reasons its franchise offering has been so successful since launching in early 2005. There...

Scot freedom: successful signs and graphics franchise, FASTSIGNS, is looking to add to its burgeoning portfolio with more franchisees north of the border.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FASTSIGNS[R], one of the biggest names in signs and graphics, is a franchise organisation with 525 sign and graphics centres worldwide. The company has been consistently recognised as the sign industry's leading...

Comfortably plumb: PlumbXpress is one of the UK's leading rapid-response plumbing and drain specialists, providing 24-hour emergency and regular maintenance services.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ESTABLISHED IN 2005, PlumbXpress is now in the process of developing a national plumbing and drainage network offering clients a premium, reliable and professional service, with the highest levels of customer...

Quantum mechanics: if you're tired of the corporate grind or dissatisfied with your current business and want something new that will fulfil your dreams--watch out! Buying a franchise 'off the shelf' could be the biggest mistake you ever make ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COULD YOU imagine investing several thousands of pounds in a franchise, working 60 or 70 hour weeks to make ends meet, seeing less of your family and never seeing a serious return on your investment? What would...

Slim picking: choose Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs to keep fit and healthy while earning an excellent income and helping others to achieve their weight loss goals.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ROSEMARY CONLEY Diet and Fitness Clubs can offer you a fresh and exciting challenge that allows you to be your own boss and keeps you in control of your life. Formed in 1993, the company is the only national...

Pane and pleasure: looking for a window of opportunity? Then take on a business with a clear chance of success, notably Myhome Window Cleaning ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RESIDENTIAL CLEANING is one of the UK's fastest growing market sectors, with 2.7 million households spending around 11 billion [pounds sterling] every year on domestic help. With four years of success,...

Wrapper's delight! Launched as a franchise operation in March 2007, vehicle-wrapping franchise Raccoon has had 15 months of unremitting success, taking on five franchisees, all of whom had record sales in April this year.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Raccoon's most recent recruit is 41-year-old Jason Alexis. Commenting on his decision to quit corporate life and turn his hand to running his own vehicle-wrapping and branding franchise, Jason says: 'For two years,...

All that Razz: if you're energetic, motivated and fun, possibly with a background in dance, drama or stage then a Razzamataz Theatre Schools franchise could be right up your street.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RAZZAMATAZ THEATRE Schools was set up in 2000 by Denise Hutton. Razzamataz, meaning 'ebulient energy', offers children aged four to 18 the opportunity to take part in dance, drama and singing classes, including...

Thinking of a new market? With a product at the forefront of technology in a growing market, security specialist Homezone may have the right franchise opportunity for you.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CHRIS GIBSON was recently appointed as managing director at Homezone after working in UK and international franchising over the last two decades, during which he has seen what pushes the button for potential...

The Pest marketplace in the country: an industry overview by Geoff Whittle, head of development of Prokill Professional Pest Prevention.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)(Industry overview)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] OVER SINCE the Pied Piper led Hamelin's rats to the river... and coincidentally reaped retribution on the townsfolk for non payment... the pest control industry has become one of the most successful market...

Husband and life: dial a hubby is a handyperson franchise; designed for ease and convenience, with a Dial a hubby franchise, you will do absolutely anything for anyone ....(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 'A PREMIUM SERVICE for a premium rate'. Much of the work done at Dial a hubby focuses on home maintenance but not exclusively. Clients can be involved as much or as little as they like. Dial a hubby serves...

I wanna be a PopStar: providing the ultimate party experience, PopStarParties has received positive feedback from both its franchisees and lots of satisfied customers ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE RECOGNITION Express Group franchisor of distinction since 1979, has launched a third franchise. The group currently runs two franchise businesses--Recognition Express itself (past winners of the British...

The Poker in the pack: with 25 franchisees in the UK, the Nuts Poker League is looking for more people to set up their own business. You'd be Nuts to miss out on this opportunity ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE NUTS Poker League was the original company in the UK to bring poker into pubs. With 500 venues and over 25,000 registered players, The Nuts is the largest and best-known brand in the industry. The Nuts has 25...

Market stall to mobile store: why choosing a Snap-on Tools franchise was a life-changing decision for Tim Adkin.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU DON'T need to know much about the product to start a Snap-on franchise. Improbable? In reality this was a positive advantage for Scarborough based franchisee Tim Adkin when he started with Snap-on 11 years ago....

Are you on the stairway to success? Sandler Training continues to attract entrepreneurial people from the corporate world with high levels of management skills, SandLer has led the training field with an increasing emphasis on management, leadership and coaching courses alongside its extensive sales training material ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE AWARD-WINNING Sandier Sales Institute has now changed its name to Sandier Training to adequately reflect its broader capabilities and to allow for future success. Sandier has grown exponentially over the past...

Michael's a polished performer: Autosheen's Michael Bale explains why the fleet valeting franchise is so highly regarded and has brought him a great deal of success.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] FLEET VALETING specialist Autosheen keeps franchisees busy with a lucrative flow of regular work, generated from national accounts secured by the central sales team. Former fitness instructor Michael Bale, an...

Elec-tion campaign: ElecXpress offers a professional domestic and commercial electrical service, ranging from regular maintenance and full installation services through to 24-hour emergency call outs.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ELECXPRESS HAS been launched to provide the same premium service, customer care and proven business methods already in place and established through our highly successful plumbing franchise PlumbXpress. ElecXpress...

FLEXA appeal: build a career in the children's furniture market--a unique UK franchise opportunity.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FLEXA's brand statement, 'because children grow', reflects its product concept of high-quality furniture that can be customized as the child grows. The concept is tailor-made to meet the needs of diverse family...

Try Freedom your Gateway to a travel agency is within your reach. Collect your passport for a Freedom Travel-Gateway franchise ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE FREEDOM Travel-Gateway business opportunity is for people who have no formal experience of working in travel, but want to start their own travel agency. Lots of people want to get into the travel industry...

A-Z list of exhibitors.(EXHIBITION FLOORPLAN)
June 1, 2008... All Mobility B30 Beck Vending B20 Business Franchise E10 The British Franchise Association (bfa) C70 Cartridge World E130...

Exhibitors by category.(EXHIBITION FLOORPLAN)
June 1, 2008... Exhibitors by category AUTOMOTIVE Revive! Auto Innovations C140 Snap-on Tools B10 CLEANING SERVICES Myhome Group C1O Myhome Residential Cleaning...

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 ...(EXHIBITION FOREWORD)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 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...

Best in show: The British Franchise Exhibition at Glasgow's SECC will provide all you need to know about how to get ahead in franchising ...(EXHIBITION INFORMATION)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COMPANIES FROM a diverse range of industry sectors will be showcasing their franchise opportunities at The British Franchise Exhibition, Glasgow. They include well-known franchise companies such as Gash...

Unlock your business potential: Amanda Jones and James Brown, founding directors of Red Button Design, welcome delegates to the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference.(EXHIBITION INFORMATION)
June 1, 2008... WE ARE a Glasgow-based speculative design company, which achieved an unprecedented investment from a five dragons on BBC's Dragons' Den for an innovative device designed to deliver clean water to the 1.2 billion people across the world who...

Your A-Z exhibitor guide.(EXHIBITOR LISTINGS)(Directory)
June 1, 2008... Your A-Z exhibitor guide All entries correct at time of going to press All Mobility B30 Contact Name: Brian West Health Services/ Tel: 0 1329 282333...

Growing your own business.(EXHIBITOR LISTINGS)
June 1, 2008... GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS Showcase & Conference Acumen Insights GYOB220 Contact Name: Paul Robinson Business Services/ Tel: 01462 857278 ...

Get ready for Scottish Franchise Week: franchising will take a decidedly Celtic flavour this summer as Scottish Franchise Week is showcased from June 9 to 14.(bfa news)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Exciting franchise-based events will be taking place in Glasgow this June, drawing people from all over Scotland who are looking to start their own business through franchising or expand an existing business by...

University challenge: franchising is not a word you will find in the summary of most business courses, so who is educating the next generation?(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Hot topic)
June 1, 2008... A LACK OF awareness and understanding of franchising is thought to be a main problem affecting the recruitment of suitable franchisees, There have been suggestions on ways to increase awareness, yet the key to solving this problem may be...

Q&A.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE PANEL Cathryn Hayes HSBC's head of franchising and of associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Cathryn has been in her present appointment since 1994 and has a high profile within the franchise...

Good for the goose: Richard Watson muses on what your financial situation is when you buy a franchise. A worthy purchase ...?(Franchise value)(Interview)
June 1, 2008... WHENEVER DRAGONS' DEN or American Inventor appears, I think back to my first business venture, begun at the tender age of 21. My friend Max was a wizard engineer but still failed to fully secure the 60-ton press as he left the shop floor...

Freedom of speech: Manzoor Ishani looks at the issues surrounding franchisees and their rights when it comes to any potential grievances with their franchisors ...(Franchisee rights)
June 1, 2008... FRANCHISEES ARE increasingly better informed not only about their rights but also about various ways in which they can bring pressure to bear on their franchisor with whom they may be in contention. Franchisors, on the other hand, are...

Job done! Recruiting can be a time-consuming task when setting up in business, but it's one that needs careful consideration and a focused approach. Martin Davis at Signs Express (Huddersfield) talks us through his own search for staff.(Franchisee diary)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IN MY opinion, staff are my biggest asset. They not only produce the signage that we sell but they are also in constant communication with our current and potential customers, If they create the right impression by...

A Trades name: All Trades Network provides a comprehensive managed repair service to the insurance industry. This month's Franchisee of the month is one of its most successful franchisees.(Franchise of the month)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BASED IN Pontypool, 50-year-old Graham joined All Trades in November 2006 and says: 'It's the best thing I ever did and I have no regrets whatsoever' Initially, Graham wasn't sure if it was the right path for him...

The price is right: it's now possible to find the money for a traditionally more expensive resales franchise--and all from an unlikely source ...(RESALE CORNER)
June 1, 2008... EXISTING FRANCHISED businesses that are made available as resales are usually more expensive to acquire than the cost of starting up from scratch. While there will always be exceptions to this, this is the situation in the majority of cases....

Franchise services.
June 1, 2008... Consultants Franchise Deveoplment Services Roy Seaman t: 01603 620301 e: enquiries@fdsltd.com Locations covered: UK Are you considering franchising your business? Or are you an established franchisor? Our 25 years...

The hallmark of success: Bill Ewbank explains why a franchise should bear a seal of quality, so as to justify that motorcyclist's weekly delivery ...(Last word)
June 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TO SOME readers, this magazine may sometimes appear more interested in lining the pockets of the franchisor than those of the franchisee. A subject I'd happily debate over a few glasses of the blue gin that I...