Business Franchise articles from March 2007

Business Franchise archives from March 2007

Business banking 'too complicated'.(Need to know)
March 1, 2007... THE TRANSPARENCY of the UK business banking market has dramatically deteriorated, a leading academic has found. A report, authored by Professor Francis Chittenden of the Manchester Business School, and unveiled at the Houses of Parliament,...

Small firms stung by lack of will-power.(Need to know)
March 1, 2007... SMALL BUSINESS owners could cause considerable problems for their business partners and families by failing to leave a will, legal experts warned today. The law firm Mace & Jones has sounded the alarm bells following recent claims by...

Call for small firms to help employees 'commute smart'.(Need to know)
March 1, 2007... SMALL FIRMS could save lives, reduce congestion and increase productivity by considering alternatives to employees' commutes, according to Work Wise UK, the organisers of National Commute Smart Day. Commute Smart Day, supported by the RAC...

Government announces revamp for small business services.(Need to know)
March 1, 2007... PLANS TO re-structure the government's Small Business Service (SBS), turning it into a smaller, more focused policy unit, have been revealed. The changes, announced by the small business minister Margaret Hodge, will transform the...

Risk-aversion culture is costing UK businesses.(Need to know)
March 1, 2007... TOO MUCH government regulation is costly to business and preventing entrepreneurial drive, according to a report by the Better Regulation Commission (BRC). Britain's entrepreneurial spirit is being threatened by a culture that demands the...

Companies 'ignoring' software licencing rules.(Need to know)
March 1, 2007... BUSINESS OWNERS are putting their companies at risk by not checking if their software complies with licencing standards, new research has revealed. The research, carried out by Centennial Software, concluded that 71 per cent of IT managers...

MEXX appeal.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... GLOBAL FASHION retailer Mexx is continuing expansion plans in the UK and Ireland following the success of its flagship store in Oxford Street (pictured) and more recently the Edinburgh store on Princess Street, with a strong focus on...

Hunters aims to float: Hunters Property Group, the fastest growing residential property company in the north, has signed up its 55th franchise since it launched its franchise arm in January 2006.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... New branches are about to open at sites across the UK, including Gloucester, Worcester, Coventry, Stratford, Selby, Saltaire, Bradford, Bridlington and Hull. It has been a buoyant 2006 for the York headquartered company, with 55 new...

Viennese blind date.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... A TRIP to Vienna awaits the winners of a new incentive scheme introduced by Britain's biggest blind store chain. Apollo Blinds will take its 15 top performing franchisees on a five star trip around Austria's capital city in May as a reward for...

Woolfenden in the bfa fold.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... PAST CHAIRMAN of the Wimpy Restaurant Group, Max Woolfenden, has been named a companion of the British Franchise Association. The companionship award is one of the highest accolades in the franchise sector. Membership to the Association is...

MBE seals post office venture.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... MAIL BOXES ETC (MBE) is offering sub postmasters and independent retailers an opportunity to provide alternative postal services under a new franchised concession. This could create postal services in areas where they did not exist previously...

Hot tickets.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... TICKETS ARE selling out fast for the second annual Franchise Marketing Awards, following the inaugural event of 2006. Winners of the Awards will be announced at a dinner on 23 March 2007 at the Marriott London Hotel, on the first night of...

CNA introduces Wilde Pure Search.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... THE SISTER company of franchise network CNA Executive Search is to become Wilde Pure Search. Using the same pure search methodology as executive search, Wilde Pure Search operates in the high-volume recruitment market recruiting high-calibre...

The ink in the wool.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
March 1, 2007... IN A unique move for the UK printer cartridge franchise sector, Smart Cartridge has teamed up with leading high street retailer Woolworths to offer in-store Cartridge Refill Station concessions. Retail space of 200 sq ft has been made...

Eyes wide open.(bfa NEWS)
March 1, 2007... RESEARCH commissioned by the British Franchise Association (bfa) has revealed that there is a greater understanding of what franchising is by the general public. The survey asked 1,235 people aged between 18 and 55 to what extent they felt...

Bfa new members.(bfa NEWS)
March 1, 2007... THE British Franchise Association (bfa) was set up in 1977 as a voluntary self-regulating body for the franchise sector. Its aim is to promote good, ethical franchising practice in the UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence and...

Upcoming bfa workshops: the comprehensive official bfa workshop programme will be touring the country throughout 2007 once again.(bfa NEWS)
March 1, 2007... ATTENDING a one-day bfa franchisee workshop is an ideal way to learn more about the industry and hear from franchisees, franchisors, banking and legal professionals all brought together in one location for a real induction into franchising. ...

bfa launches national search for UK's top franchisors.(bfa NEWS)
March 1, 2007... A NATIONWIDE search is launched to find Britain's top franchisors in an industry now employing more than 360,000 and worth an annual 10 billion [pounds sterling] to the economy. The British Franchise Association (bfa) Franchisor of the Year...

North West success: the British Franchise Exhibition 2007 in Manchester was hugely beneficial to exhibitors and visitors alike, proving that the area is a major growth market for franchising.(EXHIBITION REVIEW)
March 1, 2007... The British Franchise Exhibition 26-27 January 2007 | G-Mex MANCHESTER The British Franchise Exhibition, which incorporated the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference, took place at the G-Mex Centre on January 26 & 27. ...

Full throttle franchises: there are more than 30 million registered vehicles in the UK--great if you're looking to inject a little extra vroom into your working life. Here Matt Pigott looks at a cross section of automotive franchises that will ensure you're first away at the lights.(MARKET FOCUS)
March 1, 2007... Mobile Car Valeting (MCV) Started in 1986, MCV has cashed in on the burgeoning car cleaning sector, taking on anything from a simple car wash and chamois leather, to full showroom preparation. The initial success of the business led to...

Heart of grass: lawn treatment business GreenThumb is one of the figureheads in maintaining a close-knit, caring franchise community. John Bensalhia speaks to two sets of franchisees to get the whole store ...(Disease/Disorder overview)(Cover story)
March 1, 2007... It's a family affair, as some wise persons once said. Sly and the Family Stone, I think. It might sound like a cliche, but in franchising circles, the close-knit unit of the franchise network can be one of the most appealing aspects to...

Race for success.(SPECIAL FEATURE)
March 1, 2007... Before you sprint off on a glorious franchising career, it's imperative you ensure the right starting blocks a re in place. Nigel Toplis addresses those fundamental questions you should be asking yourself to avoid a false start... ...

Capital assets: showcasing established, growing and brand-new franchise opportunities, the British & international Franchise Exhibition returns to Olympia in March. Business Franchise looks ahead ...(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
March 1, 2007... The British & International Franchise Exhibition 23-24 March 2007 | Olympia LONDON THE BRITISH & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London on March 23 and 24 offers a vast range of opportunities for budding entrepreneurs...

New beginnings: how a visit to a franchise exhibition changed the lives of four people for the better ...(CASE STUDIES)
March 1, 2007... STEVE READ SIGNS EXPRESS Steve Read, owner of Signs Express (Aylesbury), has been open under a year but is already showing all the signs of success. He became a Signs Express franchisee after visiting the 2006 British & International...

A purrfect solution: where's Dr Doolittle when you need him? He'd be able to ask cats and dogs what sort of grooming they'd like when Aussie Pet Mobile franchisees pay a call. John Bensalhia investigates the franchise with pet style ...(NEW LAUNCH)
March 1, 2007... AUSSIE PET MOBILE Mobile pet grooming Sitting in the barber's chair while getting your hair cut, your mind can't help but wander from the mundane attempts at small talk by your stylist. For instance, you may think, what if your pets...

Picture perfect: if you're a David Bailey wannabe looking for a part-time business, then snap up a new photography franchise--bumps & babies. Alison Ledger puts you in the picture.(NEW LAUNCH)
March 1, 2007... BUMPS & BABIES Photography When Hollywood actress Demi Moore posed naked for the cover of Vanity Fair in 1991 while seven months pregnant, she sparked a new celebrity trend and, since then, the likes of Cindy Crawford and Britney Spears...

Life support: if you want to put something back into the local community while running your own successful business, then internet directory franchise Locallife could be right up your street.(NEW LAUNCH)
March 1, 2007... LOCALLIFE Internet search directory If you've read all those fascinating recent reports in the national press about topics as diverse as Britain's greenest cities or the UK's nerdiest areas and articles highlighting holiday trends and the...

From health to wealth: Wellbeing Magazine was developed and created as a local magazine with an editorial focus on health, nutrition, fitness and personal development. The editorial is inspirational and informative offering the perfect advertising platform for local therapists and businesses in the wellness industry. You too can be part of this, as Business Franchise investigates ...(NEW LAUNCH)
March 1, 2007... WELLBEING Publishing Wellbeing Magazine was the creation of Rachel Scriven, who has more than 14 years in publishing, and having previously launched the Haywood Handbooks, she was well qualified to start the Wellbeing franchise. 'I...

Twin's peal: a former fire fighter and lecturer, Julie Neate took a new career u-turn with twin sister Clare Keeley when their passion for biking fuelled a unique business venture--GirlsBike2. Alison Ledger reports on the twins' road to success.(NEW LAUNCH)(Company overview)
March 1, 2007... GIRLSBIKE2 Retail outlet Any discerning lady biker will tell you that it is almost impossible to find a large enough motorbike store that has a wide range of clothing and equipment for women bikers' needs. Biker twins Julie Neate and...

Tune bug: Carol Davis talks to Music Bugs franchisor Claire Bennett, whose company deals with top quality music classes for children, and gets in tune with what it takes to launch a franchise ...(NEW LAUNCH)
March 1, 2007... MUSIC BUGS Children's music classes Registered nurse Claire Bennett had always "wanted to run her own business, and when the family moved to Swindon that she found her gap in the market. She took her four children to local music...

The signs of thought: with the annual Olympia exhibition edging nearer, John Bensalhia tells the tale of how one man's visit resulted in a successful franchise career with signage business FASTSIGNS.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
March 1, 2007... FASTSIGNS Signage By the time you read this copy of Business Franchise, plans will be underway for the British Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London (see next issue for the complete guide, plug plug). Yes, it's time for the great...

Location, location, location: Business Franchise speaks to Alasdair MacLean and Wayne Strickland, who have implemented a multi-site plan with two shop fronts in their native Scotland.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
March 1, 2007... TAXASSIST ACCOUNTS Accountancy, taxation and business-to-business services TaxAssist Accountants is the UK's leading accountancy and tax specialists for small businesses. The company has more than 150 franchisees with 45...

Friends maid for life: business franchise speaks to friends Lorna James and Denise Walker, who have become Molly Maid franchisees in the Berwick region ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
March 1, 2007... MOLLY MAID Domestic cleaning Good friends. Lorna James and Denise Walker, had worked in the same job for the out-of-hours doctors' service for many years. When redundancy was offered, both women jumped at the chance of continuing to...

We have the recipe for success.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
March 1, 2007... THORNTONS Chocolate If you believe you have the right ingredients to make a great franchisee, then you may have just found the franchise you are looking for.... Thorntons was established by Joseph William Thornton in 1911 when he...

Plumbs up! If you are practical, ambitious and looking for a lucrative business proposition, the under-resourced plumbing industry could be the ideal opportunity ... so react. Fast!(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
March 1, 2007... REACFAST Plumbing/drainage ReactFast, established in 2001, has grown to become one of the UK's largest one-stop emergency maintenance providers. It offers its customers a 24-hour, 365-day service and, after making the move into...

Open to suggestions: online ideas company OpenAd.net could be a faster, better, cheaper marketing solution for franchisors.(TECHNOLOGY FOCUS)
March 1, 2007... OpenAd.net Marketing Perhaps more than most small businesses, franchisors know the importance of good advertising and marketing. Keeping a tight rein on corporate image--and doing it creatively--is a vital way of maintaining control...

Training costs money--but can you afford not to invest? Professional Excellence is a franchised training company providing specialist courses in sales, management and leadership. Michael Brook, managing director of Professional Excellence reports on the importance of training to UK business.(Hot topic)
March 1, 2007... Just before the end of last year, a survey was published by Personnel Today magazine (December 2006) that stated that six out of I 0 employees will be looking for new roles within the coming year. The survey reported that many employees were...

Too much, too little?(Q&A)
March 1, 2007... What sort of money levels should be invested in promoting and marketing the franchise? Is there a limit (with regard to either too much or too little)? Simon Brickell, Loughborough Cathryn Hayes replies: Depending on the franchise...

My rival.(Q&A)
March 1, 2007... I have noticed that a franchise company has used a rival to explain its apparent value in a promotional advert. Is this actually ethical or is this going outside the law? Alannah Leeway, Somerset John Pratt replies: The Trade...

Lack of experience.(Q&A)
March 1, 2007... How much does a lack of business experience matter in franchising? Can newcomers be taught about franchising when they sign up, or do they have to undertake a special course first? Daniella Burden, Cheshire Peter Williams replies: ...

The meaning of affiliate.(Q&A)
March 1, 2007... What does it mean to be an Affiliate bfa member? Edmond Pryce, Newcastle Brian Smart replies: The bfa has recognised that there are a variety of support services that prospective franchisees and franchisors will need to look to...

BF panel of experts.(Q&A)(Discussion)
March 1, 2007... Cathryn Hayes is HSBC's head of franchising and an associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. She has been in her present appointment since 1994 and has a high profile within the franchise industry. Among many important roles, she acts as...

Better off with a franchise? The stats don't lie: the risks associated with traditional start-up businesses are too much for most aspiring entrepreneurs. That's why Richard Watson suggests that you may need to look elsewhere ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
March 1, 2007... 'Morning boss. There's a fellow in reception who was on his way past, and popped in because he thinks he might start with a franchise. What do you think I should I do with him?' 'Go and knock his head on the counter, if it sounds empty,...

Indecent exposure: franchisees should check both their franchise agreements and the law before disclosing any information about the business. Manzoor Ishani says mum's the word ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
March 1, 2007... These days 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,...

Read all about it: Liz Jones, Raring2go's franchise manager, nominates husband-and-wife team Sarah and Nigel Halliwell for this month's award.(FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH)
March 1, 2007... RARING2GO Community magazine NAME: Sarah and Nigel Halliwell AGE: 35 and 39 FRANCHISE AREA: Sheffield HISTORY: Franchisee since October 2006 NOMINATED BY: Liz Jones, franchise manager of Raring2go Raring2go was...

Recognition express.(RESALE OF THE MONTH)
March 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 been...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
March 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 * Minimum...

A stable environment: Business Franchise's trackside correspondent Bill Ewbank casts an expert eye over the racecourse and highlights some unexpected similarities between a franchise and the sport of kings ...(LAST WORD)
March 1, 2007... Franchisees are in general a fairly conservative bunch (please observe the small 'c'--I do not wish to make any political statement). Franchisees are capitalist and therefore interested in preserving the status quo. However, they may have...