Business Franchise articles from November 2007

Business Franchise archives from November 2007

Government refuses to rule out national congestion charge.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... TRANSPORT secretary Ruth Kelly has stated that there is no current commitment to a national congestion charge but refused to rule it out in response to questions from the Forum of Private Business. She pointed to the Eddington Report which said...

Flashpoint checkouts.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... 'NO WORKER in any field of employment should be subjected to threatening or violent behaviour of any kind.' This was the statement from British Retail Consortium director general, Kevin Hawkins, speaking on the Respect for Shop Workers Day. The...

Concern at low SME pension contribution.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHILE one-fifth of employers contribute over six per cent of salary towards staff pensions another fifth do not pay anything at all. A study from Barclays Financial Planning has shown that 51 percent of employers are...

Small firms caught out by economic turbulence.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... SMALL firms are increasingly caught out by fluctuations in the global economy, political upheavals and the housing market according to the Small Enterprise Rasearch Team. Only six per cent of SMEs questioned were worded about cash flow. Lack of...

Banks need to consider SMEs.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GLOBAL financial crises, problems with Northern Rock and election uncertainties have put banks under pressure to calm the nerves of investors. But the British Chambers of Commerce say that there is a more serious...

Social responsibility not a top priority.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DAILY business pressures are preventing owners from fulfilling their good intentions towards corporate social responsibility. 36 per cent of entrepreneurs believe practising good CSR would benefit them in terms of...

First prosecution over minimum wage.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... A children's nursery owner has been fined 2500 [pounds sterling] with 500 [pounds sterling] costs in the first National Minimum Wage criminal prosecution. The owner prevented HM Revenue and Customs officers from accessing pay records...

Small firms cause concern in fatality figures.(Need to know)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LAST year saw a sharp rise in the number of people killed at work with the 241 workers involved representing a 17 per cent increase. Of the main industrial sectors, construction still has the highest fatality rate...

Business link announces dedicated support.
November 1, 2007... ENTREPRENEURS in the West Midlands can now benefit from a government-funded programme aimed at boosting business-survival rates in the region. The Business Link service has revealed its specialist enterprise providers scheme in a bid to create...

SMEs expect red tape to increase.
November 1, 2007... Seventy-four per cent of Britain's entrepreneurs expect the regulatory framework of business to increase according to new research from the Bank of Scotland's Business Section. The findings feature in the bank's Small Business Confidence Index...

SMEs ignore risk management.
November 1, 2007... NEW research sponsored by the Forum of Private Business and carried out by credit agency Graydon UK reveals that 64 per cent of SMEs fail to take advantage of risk management services regularly used by large firms. Credit reports, credit...

Myhome takes over ChipAway Group.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
November 1, 2007... THE BOARD of Myhome is pleased to announce that it has conditionally agreed to acquire Edwin Investments Limited (known as ChipsAway Group), for approximately 16 million [pounds sterling], with further payments of up to 4 million [pounds...

Jump to the future.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ESTATE AGENCY Jump has entered an exciting new phase of expansion with the launch of a faster 'mobile' business service for customers. The agency has invested 250,000 [pounds sterling] in the new approach, which...

Quids in.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
November 1, 2007... SNAP-ON TOOLS celebrates the success of its 'Gissa Quid' fundraising campaign by donating 40,000 [pounds sterling] to The Prostate Cancer Charity. The money was raised as part of the firm's month-long campaign throughout September to raise...

The best of the third best of ...(FRANCHISE NEWS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THEBESTOF.CO.UK has been announced as this year's leading Midlands technology company, and has also been ranked No. 3 in Britain, according to the latest Sunday Times Microsoft Tech Track 100 annual league table. ...

Lloyds TSB boosts support.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
November 1, 2007... LLOYDS TSB has stepped up the support it offers the UK franchises, by launching a new team of franchise development managers across the country. The 13-strong team, which will work across England, Scotland and Wales, will help forge ties...

Great expectations: As highlighted in Business Franchise's exclusive interview with master franchisor and MD Richard Mosconi last month, The Great Franchise Concept Company has officially made its innovative franchise trio available to investors.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
November 1, 2007... FRANCHISEES IN the UK now have a unique opportunity of operating a combination of 'luxury' and complimentary franchise businesses in their local geographical area with the rollout of a unique business combination... specialist alcohol, oils...

Show of force: once again the national franchise exhibition proved to be the powerhouse of the annual franchising.(EXHIBITION REVIEW)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The National Franchise Exhibition and the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference 2007 took place at the NEC, Birmingham, on October 5 and 6, with exhibitors reporting excellent levels of high quality...

Customer satisfaction: with the emphasis on customer focus, this year's Franchisee of the Year Awards found its winners concentrating on this all-important aspect. Business Franchise brings you all the news and pictures from the event.(SPECIAL FEATURE: Franchisee of the Year Awards)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This year the ICC in Birmingham played host to the British Franchise Association's (bfa) Franchisee of the Year Awards 2007, organised by the bfa and sponsored by HSBC and Express Newspapers. All 12 finalists...

Franchisee of the year awards.(NEWS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A KEY event for the British Franchise Association in 2007 was the bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards, sponsored by HSBC and Express Newspapers, which took place on the evening of October 4 at the ICC in Birmingham...

Show time.(NEWS)
November 1, 2007... ANOTHER INTEGRAL part of the franchising calendar is The National Franchise Exhibition, which once again cemented its place as being the biggest franchise show of the year, with over 250 exhibitors exhibiting at the NEC in Birmingham on October...

bfa Chairman's charity golf day.(NEWS)
November 1, 2007... THIS YEAR the bfa Chairman's Charity Golf Day took place at the Kibworth golf club in Leicestershire on September 19. As ever, the event was well attended and showed the interest from members in enjoying a day on the golf course while...

Keeping it clean.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... Snow White was a rare gem. She enjoyed cleaning and general graft, singing a happy tune as she toiled. But most people hate the thought of bleach, buckets and feather dusters--that is, unless they're franchisees in the lucrative cleaning...

VIP bin cleaning.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Every home in Britain has at least one bin. And if you don't clean those bins for a while, they quickly begin to smell and harbour bacteria and maggots. VIP Bin Cleaning uses an onboard water recycling plant to...

Hydro-Dynamix.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Using a variety of job-specific, truck-mounted tools, Hydro-Dynamix is able to clean any surface--from carpets and hard floors, patios and driveways to vehicles, boats and planes. By combining the abilities of the...

Living clean.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Living Clean is a cleaning management operation with health and the environment at the heart of its agenda. Started by Julie Bishop, her aim was to forma cleaning management franchise where the cleaners used products...

Ovenu.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rik Hellewell set up his professional oven valeting business in 1994. Thirteen years down the line, the business is a well-established franchise operation. Ovenu uses caustic-free cleaning products along with...

Financing your franchise.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 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....

Myhome.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As a Myhome franchisee there's no need to worry about getting your hands dirty. Following the franchisor's business format, you'll work in a management capacity, with domestic cleaning chores carried out by the staff...

Minster cleaning services.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Based in Birmingham, Minster was set up in 1982 by Alan Haigh who saw a gap in the market for a professional office cleaning service. He franchised the business in 1992. Over the last 25 years, Minster has grown and...

Stainbusters.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Using specialised ionisation technology that pulls dirt from carpet pile, upholstery and fabrics, Stainbusters offers a quick, effective solution. The equipment Stainbuster franchisees use also preserves treated...

More information.(MARKET FOCUS: Cleaning franchises)
November 1, 2007... Final note As with any purchase, due care and consideration should be taken when buying a franchise. In the cleaning sector, it's important to decide what kind of cleaning business you want to get into, as these are quite varied, and also...

Mexx and the cities.(Cover story)
November 1, 2007... Leading global fashion retailer Mexx is pleased to announce the opening of two stunning new stores as part of its franchise expansion across the UK Mexx, the established international fashion brand, has unveiled two spectacular new stores...

It's the business: the Irish franchise exhibition in Dublin this November is set to offer a wealth of new business opportunities for Ireland.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
November 1, 2007... The Irish Franchise Exhibition 23-24 Nov 2007 : RDS, DUBLIN All those wanting to own and run their own business can explore the benefits of franchising at The Irish Franchise Exhibition, Main Hall, Royal Dublin Society (RDS) on...

The trump card: what makes CardGroup Greetings successful in over 28 different countries? Business Franchise has all the answers ...(NEW LUNCH: CardGroup Greetings)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Having been in franchising since 1976, Peter Hallstrom made use of his expertise when he became aware of the greeting card franchise concept in a visit to London way back in 1994. He enquired about taking the...

Happy days: capturing the heady atmosphere of post-war America--think Rock'n' Roll, prom queens and teddy boys--this is Ed's Easy Diner, a family-run fast-food chain that, after 20 successful years and hundreds of requests, is now opening its doors to the world of franchising.(NEW LAUNCH: Ed's Easy Diner)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sitting in a red booth at the Bluewater branch of Ed's Easy Diner, exhausted from shopping, feeling like a character from Happy Days with the neon signs, table-top jukeboxes playing 50s music and the American-style...

The sum of all fears: business Franchise looks back at Tony Willetts' six successful years with TaxAssist Accountants after personal problems recently forced him to sell the business on, earning him a rather tidy sum.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE: TaxAssist Accountants)
November 1, 2007... It's not often Business Franchise interviews an ex-franchisee. Readers will immediately wonder: what went wrong? But this negative assumption could not be further from the truth. Tony Willetts, now 41, sold his TaxAssist Accountants...

Powell play: being a part-time franchisee has its benefits, as UK Websaver business partner Richard Powell has found out ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: UK Websaver)
November 1, 2007... Becoming a part-time franchisee for UK Websaver is allowing former professional footballer Richard Powell to set--and achieve--new goals. Richard, who has played football for Crystal Place and Welling United, was always interested in...

The paint hearted: now here's a franchise that is truly a work of art. The Images franchise allows schools to showcase the talents of junior artists. Glasgow franchisee Damien Cohen tells John Bensalhia why his franchise is a highly rewarding business ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Images)
November 1, 2007... Rolf Harris--eat your heart out. You've got serious artistic competition from the very type of youthful audience that sat in awe at your paintings on Rolf On Saturday: OK? Taking advantage of this junior talent is Images, a company that...

Flood relations: the recent rotten weather saw Aspray's services soar. Even without the floods, this company is still hugely in demand, as Sheffield franchisee David Spafford explains to John Bensalhia.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Aspray)
November 1, 2007... ATV programme last year claimed that the summer of 2007 was to be a scorcher, the hottest on record. ice cream vans, beach hut hirers, sun worshippers: all were ready to be out in force. Unfortunately, the truth was harsher. A barrage of...

Sign your name: sign-A-Rama is the world's largest sign franchise. Man Tsuey Tse talks to Sanjay and Preet Shah to find out why.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
November 1, 2007... Walk down any street and chances are, the sign you see came from Sign-A-Rama. Such is its success, the company has been named as the leading franchise organisation in the signs industry for the eighth consecutive year in Entrepreneur magazine's...

Go froth and multiply: more than just a coffee bar company, Puccino's offers top quality fresh food and drink. John Bensalhia finds out more, and pops along to Redhill train station to hear more from two of its franchisees ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Puccino's)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You may think of Puccino's as one of the country's top coffee bar companies, but in fact, there's more to them than that. In addition to serving high quality coffee from the Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group Express,...

Lifecycle support: Kall Kwik UK franchisees achieve an average turnover of 430,000 [pounds sterling]-over 40 per cent more than the average franchised business turnover. Franchise development manager Caroline Joyce explains ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Kall Kwik UK)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are many advantages to starting up a franchise business, such as having a ready-made market, the backing of a much bigger organisation and using that organisation's brand image. However, of equal importance is...

Giving in a 'box: John Bensalhia talks to Inkbox's managing director Kevan Whitbread about two important new developments in the company's franchise ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Inkbox)
November 1, 2007... Two important aspects are king place in the Inkbox franchise--two aspects that will push this company even further ahead in its field. Inkbox was conceived by managing director Kevan Whitbread. Kevan had had enough of his previous vocation...

Happy potters: the ceramic experience is the UK's premier chain of paint-your-own pottery franchises. Started by Anna St Clair in 2000, the chain has grown to 13 outlets in Scotland and the North of England, with two new sites opening in September.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: the ceramic experience)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 'The opening of the Sittingbourne outlet is II very exciting for us,' says the ceramic experience's Anna St Clair. 'Having established a very healthy business model in Scotland, the franchise in Sittingbourne will be...

The pleasure of the pralines: once upon a time, around the beginning of the 20th century, a man and his family made their dreams come true when they opened a chocolate shop in Belgium. A century later, Leonidas is still sharing its passion with chocolate lovers all around the world.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Leonidas)
November 1, 2007... The Leonidas story starts in 1910, when a young Greek confectioner Leonidas Kestekides, based in the US, came to Brussels to participate in a world fair hosted by the city. In spite of the presence of a lot of reputed chocolatiers from...

Live like a king: Burger King is one of the strongest and most recognised brands in the world. If you have a burning desire to become part of its success, get in touch ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Burger King)
November 1, 2007... If you have the requisite determination and tire to make a business succeed, then the Burger King fast food restaurant franchise wants to hear from you right now. It starts with the Burger King brand, one of the strongest and most...

Jenny time: fastsigns franchisee Jenny Boreham was recently faced with the challenge of overseeing a company's rebrand project. Jenny tells John Bensalhia how she coped with this task and also explains why Fastsigns' support is second to none.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Fastsigns)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Strutt Parker must be as happy as Larry. This company recently had a big rebrand project on its hands, and in only one week, it was completed with flying colours. It's all thanks to the work of Fastsigns...

Thumb's the word: since joining in 2000, GreenThumb's East Yorkshire franchisee Gordon Duncan hasn't looked back. He tells John Bensalhia about his time with the lawn treatment franchise ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: GreenThumb)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Gordon Duncan put together a number of criteria for his potential franchise, he found that lawn treatment company GreenThumb was one of the businesses at the top of his pile. 'There was a growing market for...

Just what the Doctor ordered: right now, Countrywide Lawn Doctor is offering 5,000 [pounds sterling] off the regular cost of its industry-leading franchise package! Read on to find out more about this fabulous deal ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Countrywide Lawn Doctor)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A proven product, major earning opportunities--and now a special 5,000 [pounds sterling] reduction in its franchise package--it's no wonder that Countrywide is acknowledged to be one of the franchise industry's most...

A world of difference: with over 1500 retail outlets across the globe, Cartridge World offers experience and support, and its franchisees are reaping the rewards.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Cartridge World)(Company overview)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ask most people what they dream of achieving from running their own business and they will tell you: being their own boss, freedom, profit, security. Sadly, for many people in start-ups, reality can be far away from...

Life through a lens: the UK portraiture market is gathering pace and leading the way is Venture--a forward-thinking franchise operation that has transformed the category with its inspirational, personalised images that reveal the real character of the people in the picture.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Venture)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Venture's 90 studios across he UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and the US, turn over in excess of 75 million [pounds sterling] a year and, as the ground-breaking creator of a unique style of portrait photography, its...

Wheels of fortune: 1st Tyreplus Mobile Ltd is looking for more franchisees to look after the country's tyres. Read on to find out how you can have a wheel-y good time with your business.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: 1st Tyreplus Mobile)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whether you drive a top of the range high performance car or a basic run-around, you don't want to compromise on performance, safety or service. 1st Tyreplus Mobile Ltd is highly experienced in all areas related to...

Fit for purpose: if you love exercise and have an interest in helping others to lose weight and get in shape, why not consider running a franchise with the UK's largest diet and fitness chain.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchisees have the freedom to run their own business and have the backing of one of the most respected franchise companies in the UK. As a former British Franchise...

Wish you were here: with large numbers of Britons buying property abroad, a great opportunity with Explorer Properties is available, where you can stand to earn in excess of 100,000 [pounds sterling] per year.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Explorer Properties)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Explorer Properties offers a great opportunity to build your own successful overseas property business. Earnings in excess of 100,000 [pounds sterling] per year are possible by simply introducing prospective buyers...

The price is right: pet owners are lapping up Creature Comforts--a franchise that offers an alternative to kennels for dog owners who want to go away on holiday of business. Business Franchise reports.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Creature Comforts was set up in 2005 by Ailsa Price when, as the owner of two miniature dachshunds, she wanted to go on holiday and, as with many pet owners, she was reluctant to leave them in kennels. She says: 'My...

Endless possibilities: read the story about Paul Morris and Anson Barker's successful Flying Colours and Wheel Wizard franchises, run under the banner of Rivoc Ltd.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Wheel Wizard)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Taking on a franchise is a life-changing decision. A successful franchisee requires drive and ambition to succeed; they must be self-motivated and prepared to put in the hours. Paul Morris felt he fitted the bill...

Net profits: Business Franchise looks at eBusiness UK's pilot franchises, and reports on how they are expected to bloom into a huge network ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: eBusiness UK)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The internet franchise eBusiness UK, launched this summer, has already begun to make an impact with two key contracts in major web-design and development accounts secured. The company has been trading nationally...

Fringe benefits: Jacks of London is taking men's grooming to new levels with its revolutionary barbershop franchise. Can you cut it?(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Jacks of London)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With the male grooming industry now worth 6 billion [pounds sterling], an increase of 800 per cent since 1998, Jacks of London is an appealing business opportunity for ambitious men and women Looking to move away...

The logical route: if you want dedicated one-to-one advice when looking to buy a franchise, consider Kyros Business Services. Iain G Martin explains further.(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Kyros Business Services)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you were simply seeking further employment instead of investigating the franchise community to source a potential business opportunity, you might look at various companies to see where you may like to work. ...

Up in seven: Lasertech has enjoyed a particularly fruitful 2007, with a number of new innovations and additions. And as Business Franchise finds out, it's more than ready to bring on new franchisees ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Lasertech)
November 1, 2007... This year will certainly go down as the most exciting year in franchising for Lasertech so far in its 18-year history. The speed of growth and change in the business during the year means Lasertech is in an ideal position to appoint a...

A sure Bling: Beautiful Bling is convinced it has identified a gap in the market for unusual, inexpensive jewellery and accessories. If you agree, then make the most of it by taking on a franchise.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Beautiful Bling)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Laura Jackson went looking for jewellery to accessorise clothes she had bought, she found two distinct markets, one was too expensive to justify the purchase for one outfit and the other looked cheap and...

Medic-ine man: as the end of the year draws in, it's time to think about keeping to that new year's resolution of starting to franchise. Car Medic has helped people turn that dream into reality, and so, founder Andrew Hack has a few choice words of advice for those taking the plunge ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Car Medic)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With 2008 looming fast, many people will soon be evaluating their lives and compiling a list of New Year resolutions. They're likely to contain the usual suspects--start a diet, go to the gym regularly, pay off...

Mowing up: haywards heath franchisee Rob Davies found that his previous job in the corporate sector had reached a cul-de-sac. Fortunately, help was at hand in the form of the Matt's Mowing franchise.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Matts Mowing)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rob Davies had spent the last few years working his way up the corporate ladder, but found the higher he got, the less he enjoyed it. Longer hours, a heavier workload and a stressful working environment, all for...

Cruise control: Eddie Mulrooney's first four months with MCV were so successful he bought the master franchise licence for Southern Ireland, took Christmas off and went on holiday. Alison Ledger gains an insight into Eddie's life-altering 18-months.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Mobile Car Valeting (MCV))
November 1, 2007... There aren't many franchises where you can finish your training on a Saturday and have money rolling in by the Tuesday, but with Mobile Car Valeting (MCV), Eddie Mulrooney, 40, did just that. He says: 'I was a retail manager for a nationwide...

Care necessities: with more than 125 sites in the UK, domiciliary care franchise Carewatch is well placed to deliver a quality service to those who need it, as well as offering a great franchise opportunity.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Carewatch)
November 1, 2007... Carewatch has been established for more than 10 years in the domiciliary care business and is a franchise business dedicated to delivering high-quality care to people in their homes. Carewatch has developed a business that has grown steadily...

'The early bird ... catches the worm', as the old saying goes. And this couldn't be more true for NBC Bird and Pest Solutions' franchisees who know that success comes to those who prepare well and work hard. Business franchise finds out everything you need to know.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: NBC Bird and Pest Solutions)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Did you miss out on visiting the NBC Bird and Pest Solutions stand at the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC? Did you miss out on meeting Rolf--the Harris Hawk? And meeting the NBC Team? No need to fret, here's...

Tuck in: make a tasty profit earning 65,000 [pounds sterling] a year with a Perfect Pizza franchise. Business Franchise gets stuck in ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Perfect Pizza)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Perfect Pizza is one of the UK's leading pizza delivery and takeaway businesses, with more than 115 stores throughout the country. Since 1982, the company has grown nationally and plans to add a further 20 franchised...

Senior service: the quality of Home Instead Senior Care's operations, combined with the opportunity to get involved in a business providing a 'much needed service" convinced Stephen Williams (pictured) to invest in its Chester franchise. As he moves into his second year with the business, he reflects on his experiences in the domiciliary care industry.(FRANCHISE FOCUS: Home Instead Senior Care)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There is a huge hole in social services delivery in terms of provision for older people who wish to stay living in their own homes. Home Instead Senior Care provides non-medical companionship, home help and personal...

Community relations: last month Fiona Fleming was getting up to speed on how to promote her business. With a great marketing strategy now in place, she's keen to look at ways that she can engage with the local community.(FRANCHISEE DIARY: Domino's Pizza)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For me, playing a relevant role within the local community is a really important part of running a business, so I'm passionate about finding ways to get involved. With years of experience in this area, Domino's has a...

A law unto themselves: one topic that many franchisors are simply too scared to broach is that of Employment Law. Dan Chapmon of Leathes Prior says this need not be the case.(Hot Topic)
November 1, 2007... 'Employment Law'. Just mentioning these two words can make business owners shiver with fear. They see unfair dismissal claims, discrimination claims, Employment Tribunals, red tape and regulations spewing out of Westminster or Brussels,...

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 expertise on franchising in every issue of Business Franchise.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Making amends As franchisors, are we entitled to amend the small print in our franchise conditions? * Jana Callender, Stoke on Trent John Pratt replies: When the questioner refers to franchise...

A fail of a time: think that franchisors are foolproof from failure? Think again. Manzoor Ishani looks at the consequences when the proverbial fertiliser hits the fan ...(FRANCHISE ADVISE: Foolproof from failure?)
November 1, 2007... Franchisors are not immune to failure. There area number of reasons why a franchisor may fail. Principal amongst these are: * The franchisor may be a good businessman, but a bad franchisor. * The franchisor may lack sufficient capital....

We need a hero: Richard Watson, aka Franchise Man, dons his cape and prepares to battle the evil forces within the franchise industry. Read on to find out if he triumphs ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE: Evil forces)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At a very tender age I was pricked on the thumb by a stray staple from Baby's First Business Franchise Book and consequently fell into deep slumber. I awoke decades later having mutated into Franchise Man,...

The music man: from bank manager to DJ, Nigel Freeman's unusual career u-turn was the best decision he's ever made. Franchisor Rick Darch wishes he had more like Nigel.(FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH: XTC Discos)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For three years Nigel Freeman, 44, searched for a franchise that would offer him a career in stark contrast to his 27 years as a bank manager, and that's exactly what he's got since joining XTC Discos--the UK's first...

Recognition express.(RESALE OF THE MONTH)
November 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)
November 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 lee Initial amount paid to...

Cops and doctors: resident emergency services expert Bill Ewbank explains how those looking for a franchise can simplify the decision. Scalpel please ...(LAST WORD)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the best ways of choosing (or judging) a franchise is to make enquiries about the resources dedicated to helping the franchisee. Be aware of the assumption that you will be able to identify them all from an...