Business Franchise articles from May 2005

Business Franchise archives from May 2005

Franchisors fight for industry accolade.(franchise news)
May 1, 2005... THE BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION (BFA) has announced the 11 finalists for this year's Franchisor of the Year awards. New and familiar faces are in the running for the most prestigious accolade in the franchising calendar. The three...

Thanks to global givers.(franchise news)
May 1, 2005... VENTURE MARKETING GROUP, the organisation behind all the major franchise exhibitions in the UK and Ireland, has been given a special award for its contribution to international trade at a presentation during the recent British & International...

Holden the top slot.
May 1, 2005... LLOYDS TSB BUSINESS has appointed Richard Holden as head of franchising, responsible for managing relationships with both new and existing franchisors. Holden has been with the Lloyds TSB Group for the past 23 years, ten of which have...

Allison attacks.
May 1, 2005... FASTSIGNS has appointed Garth Allison as its first fulltime director of franchise sales in the UK. Allison was previously a centre owner and his appointment marks another step in the company's aggressive franchise expansion programme. 'A...

Proud move for Pena.
May 1, 2005... US ENTREPRENEUR and author Dan Pena has become chairman of The Quantum Organization, the business consultancy franchise network. Best-known for his global-selling book Your First 100 Million, Pena is no stranger to building successful...

Brendan Lee fixes it for Ireland.(franchise news)
May 1, 2005... PAPERFIX, the franchise servicing binding, laminating and paper-handling equipment, has appointed Brendan Lane as master franchisee for the Republic of Ireland. The company's research has shown that there is a strong demand for its...

Feeding through to the masses.(franchise news)
May 1, 2005... KALL KWIK'S centre in Putney, Southwest London, has added a well-known celebrity to the company's prestigious list of clients. The centre printed the Feed Me Better campaign petition on behalf of Jamie Oliver, which was handed to the Prime...

Food franchise forges alliance.(franchise news)
May 1, 2005... DOMINO'S PIZZA is the latest franchise company to become a member of the Franchise Alliance, a national group comprising ten franchise companies from different industry sectors. The Franchise Alliance, together with NatWest, hosts free...

Franchise nutures an Oasis of talent.(franchise news)
May 1, 2005... EX-OASIS DRUMMER Tony McCaroll (pictured here, second left, with his Oasis band mates) is drumming up support for two new rock and pop schools opening in Heald Green and Cheadle Hulme in Manchester, under the umbrella of the Clive's Easylearn...

Capital gains: visitors flocked to the capital last month for an insight into the world of opportunities franchising has to offer.(exhibition report)
May 1, 2005... This year's British & International Franchise Exhibition, incorporating the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference 2005, took place at Olympia on the first weekend in April. Despite being April Fools' Day and the first day of the...

Welcome to the world of franchising: as visitors flocked to London from around the globe, an award-winning 20million [pounds sterling] of export business was conducted through the Inward Missions scheme at the British & International Franchise Exhibition 2005.(exhibition report)
May 1, 2005... This year's British & International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia, London, was once again a hive of international franchise activity. Investors, press, VIPs and consultants alike gathered from more than 40 countries--the largest number ever...

Part to play in parliament: the British Franchise Association (BFA) is helping to promote the cause of small businesses in the UK through its membership of the Genesis Initiative--a business senate for enterprise that will present its findings to the government.(NEWS SPECIAL: THE BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION)
May 1, 2005... THE GENESIS INITIATIVE is a group of organisations that represent the interests of small businesses in the UK. It was formed by the Small Business Bureau with the aim of encouraging the growth of all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),...

Coming of age: celebrating its 21st birthday this year, the NatWest/British Franchise Association Franchise Survey shows the UK franchise industry is growing up and moving on.(NEWS SPECIAL: THE BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION)
May 1, 2005... The British Franchise Association (BFA) and NatWest jointly organise an annual franchise survey, which represents the most comprehensive research into the trends and topical issues in UK franchising. Commenting on this year's findings, BFA...

Eleven players with one goal: all eyes are on the prize and competition is hotting up in the final rounds of the Franchisor of the Year Awards 2005.(NEWS SPECIAL: THE BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION)
May 1, 2005... The British Franchise Association's Franchisor of the Year Awards is one of the highlights of the franchising calendar. This year's ceremony promises to be a star-studded event, with representatives from all the finalist companies and their...

Ahead of the game: now AlphaGraphics is part of a global network, there's even more reason for franchisees to join the team that's in a league of its own in the UK design and print field.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... The graphics and print industry has historically been a rich source of franchise opportunities in the UK. Now prospective franchisees have the chance to shape the dynamic growth in this sector, following the acquisition by UK-based Pindar...

Shining example: with an enviable reputation and a host of prestigious clients, Swisher is a management franchise opportunity not to be missed.(promotional feature)
May 1, 2005... The Ministry of Defence (Landmark), Park Lane Leisure Group, three Bourne Leisure Group holiday park sites, Chesil Beach Holiday Park, and Dorset County Hospital are just some of the new customers signed up over the past few months by Swisher...

Innovation in taxation: TaxAssist Direct is shaking up the old-fashioned image of accountancy by helping franchisees bring a range of business services to the high street.(promotional feature)
May 1, 2005... Rising through the ranks in banking to become a qualified auditor was, unfortunately, the beginning of the end for Mark Fordham's career. In charge of an internal shake-up, he ended up restructuring himself out of a job. But looking back now,...

Food for thought: fancy a food franchise, but don't know which one to choose? Matt Pigott brings you a selection of tasty treats to get your teeth into.(cafes, kiosks and sandwich bars)
May 1, 2005... The UK has experienced a proliferation of cafes, sandwich bars and, occasionally, kiosks in recent years. And while we still hold fast to the endearing notion that we are a nation of shopkeepers, it would appear that we are equally a nation...

Age-old question: while ageism often runs rife in corporate life, franchising can offer an alternative future for mature entrepreneurs--but does success always favour the young? Carol Davis finds out.(special feature)
May 1, 2005... As the pensions crisis in Britain grows, it's likely that more and more of us will be working for longer rather than retiring at 60 or 65, as was once the norm. The government is implementing its biggest shake-up of pensions and retirement...

Wiser than their years: here, a selection of franchisees starting a business later in life share their stories, proving that mature franchisees can often show the young guns how it's done.(special feature)
May 1, 2005... GREENTHUMB Gordon Duncan HAD HE BEEN just ten years younger, award-winning franchisee Gordon Duncan would not have looked twice at franchising, he says, he'd have built his own business from scratch instead. 'I've always been a...

Great Scot.(exhibition preview)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... SECC, Glasgow 3-4 June 2005 www.franinfo.co.uk Ideal for entrepreneurs looking to start and run their own franchised businesses, The British Franchise Exhibition will take place at the SECC in Glasgow on Friday 3 and Saturday 4...

Talking shop: recent developments in the grocery sector have seen a host of small retailers gobbled up by the big chains seeking brand expansion. But now there's hope for independent grocers, as Budgens seeks to put them back in the driving seat.(franchise focus)
May 1, 2005... In contrast to the prevailing trend in the retail sector, Budgens has decided to divest itself of all of its 170 company-owned stores over the next few years, selling the outlets to independent owners. Under the umbrella of its Irish parent...

Call to action: more and more Action International franchisees are building businesses of their own by helping other firms perform better. Vic Ciuffetelli, Action's chief executive officer, talks exclusively to Business Franchise about why business coaching can really make a difference.(franchise focus)
May 1, 2005... Vic Ciuffetelli is a man with a mission. He's passionate about helping business owners improve their company's performance and believes that more business coaches are needed to take up the gauntlet. 'Running a business is hard work and...

Fountains of fortune: entrepreneur Harvey Ward and business partner Helen Harper wanted a ripe business idea that was also fun, so they set up The Original Chocolate Fountain. Now, two years on, they are building the business tier by tier starting with their first franchisee.(new launch)
May 1, 2005... According to Aztec legend, the cocoa seed came to earth from paradise furnishing those that consumed its subsequent fruit with great wisdom and power. Harvey Ward couldn't agree more. Since his first taste of the product he now purveys, his...

Saving grace: with first-hand experience of the effects of debt, Wealth Watch founder John Baird has launched a franchise to help others manage their finances better.(franchise focus)
May 1, 2005... Some of the best business ideas occur in times of adversity, as John Baird can testify. Seven years ago, he was doing well as an independent mortgage broker until bad debts and late payers brought him to his knees. With the bailiffs at...

Healthy option: Attiva continues to flex its franchise muscle, with a fresh slant on the topical issue of keeping fit.(franchise focus)
May 1, 2005... Today, there are more opportunities than ever before to capitalise on the growing multimillion-pound fitness sector, as more and more people are realising the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Attiva is a new franchise tapping into this...

Family matters: when you work for your father and he passes away, it is hard to stay in the same line of business. But Charlie Howorth is proof that it's more fruitful to continue the family legacy than to walk away from it.(franchise focus)
May 1, 2005... Charlie Howorth is no ordinary franchisee. Her father Terry Howorth started Recognition Express way back in 1979, and as a girl growing up she was an integral part of what was ostensibly a family business. But in June 2003, Terry sadly died...

Franchisee of the month: Martin Orwell, Safeclean.(class act)
May 1, 2005... NAME: Martin Orwell AGE: 38 OCCUPATION: Franchisee with furniture care specialist Safeclean FRANCHISE LOCATION: Kent HISTORY: Worked for another Safeclean franchisee as a service technician before becoming a franchisee...

Time for all to play fair: Geoffrey Sturgess of Blake Lapthorn Linnell looks at proposals for a radical change to the law that will affect fairness in franchise agreements and the BFA Code of Ethics.(HOT TOPIC: Industry expert tackles a topical issue in franchising)
May 1, 2005... Unfortunately, it's necessary when advising prospective franchisees on franchise agreements for solicitors to point out that a normal franchise agreement is extraordinarily biased in favour of the franchisor. The report will often go on to...

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)
May 1, 2005... Q: How might a franchise agreement for a concession within an existing store differ from that of a high street retail outlet? Francois Rendu, Wolverhampton Anton Bates replies: A: The terms that are likely to be set out in a...

It's good to talk: franchisors and franchisees often view the same company from very different perspectives, which is why all parties need to recognise the part positive communication has to play keeping a franchise afloat.(fostering feedback)
May 1, 2005... 'I thought the whole point about franchising was that you didn't have to employ an army of people,' bellows George down the phone at me. 'Absolutely, George.' I reply. I am pleased to see that, not only have you been reading up on the...

eBays welcomes small firms.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... Auction website phenomenon eBay has launched a new service making for small businesses to trade online. Under a new scheme, small firms can input full company and payment details in order to sell their products, eBay claims this is easier for...

Free computer security.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... UK businesses are to benefit from a new service that will alert them to internet security threats. IT Safe is aimed at home users and small firms who can sign up to receive email and mobile text alerts. The warnings will tell owners what...

The personal touch.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... British business owners prefer the personal touch when it comes to securing new business. A survey from PR consultancy Vadia Media reveals that 94 per cent of small firms prefer word-of-mouth recommendations and informal networking to find...

Sick of sickies.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... The number of sick days taken by UK workers is on the increase, with the average per person now almost ten per year. Colds, flu and back injuries are the most frequently cited problems, though stress and fatigue are taking over as major...

Financial plans not planned.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... A quarter of small businesses are ignoring the need to set financial plans and impose rigorous financial checks, according to online training group Learndirect. Those 25 per cent admitted to never setting targets while 20 per cent confirmed...

It's not about the money.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... A lack of work/life balance is being blamed for poor staff retention levels in UK companies. Management software business Zynap's research has found the 75 per cent of staff leaving their employment do so because of lack of flexibility in...

SMEs buckle under red tape.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... The cost to businesses of major new regulations since 1998 is now 40billion [pounds sterling] according to the British Chambers of Commerce. A third of that increase has been in the last year. Its annual report, The Burdens Barometer,...

This time next year ...(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... Del Boy of Trotter's Independent Traders has come top of a poll of inspirational entrepreneurs, according to DHL Express. 19 per cent of the 300 new owner-managers surveyed thought that they would be millionaires this time next year. Melanie...

Micro-firms get insurance break.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... As from 28 February, it is no longer necessary for sole traders to buy employers' liability compulsory insurance. Hundreds of thousands of limited companies where the owner is the only employee will benefit. The Association of British...

High street in crisis.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... The Forum of Private Business expressed deep dismay--but no surprise--at recent figures showing more than 20,000 high street shops have closed since 1997--that amounts to 50 per week. The Forum claims that small businesses have been forced...

Ten steps to negotiating heaven.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... * Do your research. Clarify your own objectives and plan your profit margins in advance. Check the credit references of the firm you are seeing. * Decide what is negotiable. It is easy to promise everything in the euphoria of the deal...

Tax changes benefit restaurants.(Need to know)
May 1, 2005... The Inland Revenue has agreed to changes in the treatment of tips in restaurants following lengthy negotiations involving PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the British Hospitality Association. Most restaurants and hotels use a system of...

Making a pig of it: however keen you are to run your own franchise, carefully consider your options or you could find yourself tasked with achieving the impossible, warns Richard Watson.(franchise selection)
May 1, 2005... Dragged from debtors prison on a tumbrel, my ancestor Hugh--son of Watt, pleaded in misery for the King to spare him from a well deserved hanging. He always was a miserable little pleader. 'Listen to me, listen to me,' cried Hugh as the...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
May 1, 2005... The following franchise listings are a comprehensive reference guide to help you find the franchise opportunity that's right for you. They are listed alphabetically and cover all business sectors. Information for these entries is provided by...

Schools of thought.(last word)
May 1, 2005... In a darkened room somewhere in the UK, a group of franchisors are gathering together. As usual, their hospitality is provided by one of the major high street banks, and they swiftly begin to confide in each other, airing their myriad...