Business Franchise articles from September 2007

Business Franchise archives from September 2007

First retail and business centre for homeworkers.(Need to know)
September 1, 2007... THE UK'S first retail and business centre specially designed for at-home entrepreneurs has been established in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Enterprise HQ caters for the business needs of home-based entrepreneurs in the county and is likely to form...

Make the connection.(Need to know)
September 1, 2007... INNOVATIVE FIRMS across the Midlands have the chance to get a share of 5 million [pounds sterling] following the launch of this year's Connect Investment Challenge. Connect Midlands is a not-for-profit network and is responsible for a second...

A bad smell.(Need to know)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FIVE COMPANIES involved in the selling of perfume franchises have been wound up by the Companies Investigation Branch of the Insolvency Service. The firms were based in Warrington and Leigh in the north west of...

Students help out in SMEs.(Need to know)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SMALL FIRMS that have been putting off a special project because they lack staff resources may be interested in a special scheme set up by the University of Nottingham. Because of its pioneering links within China...

Loosen your scholars.(Need to Know)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CRANFIELD SCHOOL of Management has launched a scholarship scheme to enable women entrepreneurs to participate in its acclaimed Business Growth and Development Programme. The scholarships are provided through the...

IT's the one.(Need to know)
September 1, 2007... Start-up businesses unsure of what kind of IT system they require can now access a service from Businesslink to help them choose. 'Setting up an IT system' is an online tool which uses a short questionnaire to identify main computer uses within...

Look out for best fixed rates.(Need to know)
September 1, 2007... THE FORUM of Private Business has advised its 25,000 small firm members to take their time to find the best fixed-rate loan options during a period of higher interest rates. The problem with further rate rises is the contribution to uncertainty...

Running the cowboys out of town.(Need to know)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SMALLER FIRMS will benefit from a government initiative to drive out aggressive and unfair trading and selling practices. The Consumer Minister, Ian McCartney, has issued a consultation document which will herald the...

Too small to be hacked.
September 1, 2007... SMEs tend to believe that they tan hide in their own obscurity when it comes to computer security according to Grant Thornton's Risk Management Services. But the threat to IT systems does not depend on company size but, rather, the level of...

Tough at the top.
September 1, 2007... With only 27 per cent having had any prior management experience before setting up thousands of small business owners do not know who to turn to for advice. A Yorkshire Bank study has found that 57 per cent of sole traders left employment so...

Accident inquiry to aid SMEs.
September 1, 2007... The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is to hold an inquiry to improve help for small firms on health and safety. The 18-month process will look at the effectiveness of current activities that support SME management and investigate...

Subway's fellow submariners.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE SUBWAY chain, the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, has opened its 1000th UK and Ireland store. The rapid expansion of the Subway chain is set to continue with a further 300+ franchises currently sold...

A clean sweep.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... MAID2CLEAN has one of the best-kept secrets within British Franchising. Not only is Maid2Clean revolutionizing the domestic cleaning market, having launched 57 franchisees over two-and-a-half years, but its franchisees have made a significant...

The good Cooks book.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... A MILTON Keynes couple that have seen their organic vegetable delivery business grow rapidly since if began two-and-a-half years ago have been celebrating after winning the 2007 Franchisee of the Year Award at the annual franchise conference....

Where there's muck there's brass.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... ACCORDING TO the Sunday Times, the UK's recycling industry is already worth 10 billion [pounds sterling] and is set to soar way beyond that figure as the government's new recycling strategy becomes law. And as the recent argument over...

Street cleaners: Autosheen, the national mobile valeting organisation.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: STREET CLEANERS: Autosheen, the national mobile valeting organisation, joined forces with Bedfordshire Police and the Road Victims Trust in June to clean up the Bedfordshire streets, raising critical funds...

Be a sport.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PREMIER SPORT is calling on all sport fanatics to make sport their business at a conference at the new Wembley stadium. Free to attend, 'Make Sport Your Business' is organized by Premier Sport, the UK's largest...

That's a Halifax.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... RAPIDLY EXPANDING healthy eating sandwich bar franchise Baguette Express opened its first outlet in England in early July in Halifax. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Scottish-headquartered firm's first foray south of the border marks a...

Unlucky 13.(FRANCHISE NEWS)
September 1, 2007... NATIONAL PLUMBING and drainage company Drain Doctor Plumbing is celebrating 13 years of being in business by searching for the home with the 'unluckiest plumbing in Britain'. The winner will be the household with the 'unluckiest' plumbing...

Topping results.
September 1, 2007... Domino's Pizza last month announced its interim figures, with key developments including: * Profit before tax increased 35 percent to 8.3m [pounds sterling]. * 20 new stores opened in the period and one store was closed, resulting in a...

Home help.
September 1, 2007... Myhome, one of the UK's leading providers of franchised service operations, has acquired DSH Services Ltd, which operates Plumbxpress, a plumbing and drainage franchise business. DSI-I also plans to launch Elecxpress, a premium national...

Coffee time.
September 1, 2007... Coffee Republic, the independent coffee and deli bar operator, has agreed with CR Coffee Houses Ltd for the Master Franchise Agreement for Northern Ireland and Eire, and with East Coast Traders Ltd for the UK Regional Development Franchise for...

Cool offer.
September 1, 2007... Healthy fast food option O'Briens Sandwich Bars has launched a new range of iced drinks - milkshakes, iced coffees, fruit-flavoured iced drinks, smoothies and juices - providing a refreshing alternative for customers. [ILLUSTRATION...

BFA new members.(bfa NEWS)
September 1, 2007... THE BRITISH Franchise Association would like to welcome 17 members into the fold. All members have proven their adherence to the membership standard. There is now a total of 461 members in the bfa and this number looks set to increase as...

Scottish business breakfast.(bfa NEWS)
September 1, 2007... THE NEW boom in franchising in Scotland was noted during Scottish Franchise Week which took place from June 4-10. The highlight of the week was the Business Breakfast at the Science Centre in Glasgow on June 8. This was a chance to meet leading...

Dates for your diary.(bfa NEWS)
September 1, 2007... Reminder of key seminar dates If you are interested in learning more about franchising, don't forget that there is still time to register for the bfa free evening seminars. These evening seminars are taster sessions lasting approximately...

Top franchisees aim for customer satisfaction at the bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards 2007.(bfa NEWS)
September 1, 2007... TWELVE FRANCHISEES have shown that they are the pick of the bunch when it comes to planning with the customer in mind. The bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards 2007, sponsored by HSBC and Express Newspapers, is this year all about customer focus....

Proud to franchise: the bfa's Annual Conference took place at the Radisson Edwardian Mayfair Hotel in June, and offered delegates a franchise learning and networking experience second to none.(bfa NEWS)
September 1, 2007... THIS YEAR it was the turn of the Radisson Edwardian Mayfair Hotel in London to host the British Franchise Association's (bfa) Annual Conference. The key theme for the conference this year was 'Proud to Franchise', drawing on the fact that...

Where the wild things are.(MARKET FOCUS: Pet and children franchises)
September 1, 2007... More than half of the UK's 22 million households have at least one pet and/or at least one child. And because of the size and dispersal of the markets, most businesses catering to children and their parents, or animals and their owners, find...

Hot property: Business Franchise hears from two Hunters franchisees who, in their own words, tell of how they joined the company and the benefits of being part of this progressive business.(Hunters Estate Agency)(Cover story)
September 1, 2007... MICHAELA CRAVEN, SALTAIRE I originally ran an overseas property company, and Hunters was an introducer. When I got to meet chief executive Keith Hollinglake, we found that we had an instant rapport. I had the same view as him, and found...

Working relationships: not content with discussing marriage plans, new houses or babies, a lot of modern couples are now taking their work home with them--literally. John Bensalhia meets the franchise couples who have made a success of their business together.(SPECIAL FEATURE)
September 1, 2007... A marriage made in heaven? Or a partnership in the pits? Fortunately, working together as a couple in a franchise, it would seem that practically all partners fall into the former category. Think about it. You have the great benefit of...

Border breaks: a recent success for the bfa was Scottish Franchise Week, which took place on June 4-10 in Glasgow and included the ever-popular Business Breakfast ...(bfa NEWS)
September 1, 2007... SCOTTISH FRANCHISE WEEK is now in its fourth year and featured sponsorship this year from Lloyds TSB. The event offers people a chance to find out more about starting their own business in Scotland through franchising or expanding an existing...

It all adds up: TaxAssist Accountants last year celebrated its 10-year anniversary and now has a network of more than 165 franchisees serving 22,000 clients across the UK. Read on to see how this could be the franchise for you.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
September 1, 2007... TaxAssist Accountants provides small businesses with advice tailored specifically for their needs, from the completion of end-of-year accounts and annual tax returns to payroll, VAT and bookkeeping. A wide range of additional services are also...

Jump leans forward: multi award-winning estate agency Jump is back with a vengeance to take the strain out of getting on to the property ladder for first-time bugers.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2007... Pioneering agency Jump, which won national acclaim before going into administration in 2005, has regrouped and officially relaunched with 25 offices in West and South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. Founder and chief executive...

Pack it up: your ticket to the exciting and highly profitable world of advertising could be yours if you join Voucher Packs, which is aiming to expand its business in the UK via franchising.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2007... Many companies depend on advertising to generate customers and due to this, they constantly demand advertising services with proven results. Although a relatively young business, U-save Ltd, trading as Voucher Packs, has had a great deal of...

Sweet success: Thorntons plc group is celebrating a 7.2 per cent rise in sales for the year, as well as a very successful franchise conference. Business Franchise goes along to see how Thorntons looks after its franchisees.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)(Conference news)
September 1, 2007... Those at Thorntons appear to be enjoying an endorphin rush and it's not from eating chocolate! After results confirming that sales have risen, the company has also held a successful annual conference for its franchisees in Warwick. ...

Wedding wows: with a stack of great offers, a value-for-money franchise fee, and high potential for profitability, do you take The Wedding Guide to be your lawful wedded franchise? Business Franchise toasts what could be a partnership made in heaven ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... The Wedding Guide franchise is a unique marketing package to the wedding industry for three reasons. Firstly, it is the only complete marketing package available in the trade that covers all the major routes to market- magazines, internet...

The only 122: a number of great offers mark out 122property.co.uk, including initial value-for-money franchise fees and a guaranteed buy-out option after five years. Business Franchise investigates ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... Fresh into the franchise marketplace is 122property.co.uk, offering estate agency and lettings and a guaranteed buyout option after five years. What is remarkable is that the initial franchise fee is just 9950 [pounds sterling] + VAT for first...

A passion for travel: it was Sandra Constable's life-long passion for travel and ambition to succeed that led to her to run her own home-based travel business. She tells Business Franchise how becoming a Travel Counsellor associate has been the best career move she ever made.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... I joined Travel Counsellors because I wanted to return to my absolute passion in life,'says Sandra Constable.' Ever since I was little I have had this ambition to travel and always knew I wanted to work in the travel industry. 'I actually...

This wheel's on Tyre: rolling down the road, your car needs the best condition tyres for comfort and security. John Bensalhia gets the 'wheel deal'from First Tyreplus Mobile, which is looking to spread its number ...(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... You need wheels. What if your car's wheels suddenly floundered, allowing your car to progress as far as a tortoise pulling an anvil along with a rope? Your tyres need to be in perfect condition. They need to be at the top of their game,...

Ten years on, still going strong.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... More qualified electricians and gas, mechanical and multi-skilled engineers are wanted by gas-elec, the successful national safety inspection company, which is keen to add to its 120+ team of franchisees. Launched in 1996, gas-elec is a...

New bathrooms proving to earner.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... According to Tina Nash, the sales co-ordinator for aqua-lec, the most common job for her team of aqua-lec plumbers is fitting new bathrooms! Obviously, leaking taps and blocked lavatories are also pretty high on the list but people investing...

Big time: Lasertech is getting bigger and better in five notable ways. John Bensalhia speaks to franchise recruitment manager, Martin Hawthorne, to find out what's in store during 2007.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... 2007 was one hell of a year for Lasertech, a printer consumables franchise that is now even bigger than before, thanks to five important changes that have recently taken place. 1. New premises Lasertech has moved to new premises, just...

Communication is key: high street 'one-stop-shop' MBE's recent national conference was a perfect opportunity to recognise the success of its franchises across the country.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... According to franchisee delegates and head office staff, Mail Boxes Etc's recent national conference was a huge success. lt was also an opportunity to recognise the special achievements of individual franchisees, who managing director Chris...

The smart choice: choose a bank like you choose your franchisor--carefully. Alan Smart, from the Royal Bank of Scotland Group's UK franchising team, tells us what's on offer.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
September 1, 2007... Choosing to go into business for yourself is one of the biggest decisions you are likely to make. Even with the added comfort of buying a proven franchise, the prospects may appear daunting--nearly 65 per cent of people buying a franchise come...

Medic-inal purposes: Business Franchise meets car enthusiast brothers Grant and Ross Connolly, who have become Car Medic franchisees in Bothwell, Scotland.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... Take a finely tuned franchise package, a dedicated pair of car enthusiasts, add a gleaming Civic-sized marketing twist and you have the recipe for a booming business. The car-mad Connolly brothers Grant, 25, and Ross, 22, started their joint...

Reap what you mow: started in 1982 by Australian, Jim Penman (yes there really is a 'Jim'), Jim's Mowing has 2000 franchisees operating throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada and now the UK.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... Richard Harrison, UK operations manager, reports that the British operation of Jim's Mowing was launched in 2005 and that the business already has franchisees operating from Sussex to Scotland. 'We are crying out for franchisees in the...

Disaster funds: after the traumatic experience of 2004's Asian tsunami, Nicola Corby realised a change was needed, and it was children's play franchise Funky Monkeys that came to her rescue.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... Everyone who has taken the momentous step to change direction and set up in business as a franchisee has his or her own story to tell. Such a move may be precipitated by unexciting prospects, poor financial reward as an employee or even the...

The National Franchise Exhibition: October 5-6, 2007: Nec, Birmingham.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
September 1, 2007... KEY DETAILS EVENT: The National Franchise Exhibition VENUE: NEC, Birmingham DATES: Friday 5 and Saturday 6 0ctober 2007 HOURS: 10am to 5pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on Saturday For further details on The National Franchise...

New beginnings: The National Franchise Exhibition showcases the very best of franchising business from around the country. Here are four examples of why a visit to Birmingham could change your life for the better ...(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)
September 1, 2007... 1 HOME SWEET HOME Belvoir--Stephen & Karen Bennett Prior to launching Belvoir Newbury, husband-and-wife team Stephen and Karen Bennett owned buy-to-let properties. However, their background was hot connected with the property market, with...

The UK's leading SME business growth event: fascinating free advice seminars and a host of business experts will make the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference on October 5 and 6 at Birmingham's NEC the ideal way to find out how to build your business.(EXHIBITION PREVIEW)(Conference news)
September 1, 2007... As the premier British event for small business owners, the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition and Conference, has all the expertise an entrepreneur needs to build on their business success. The conference will feature a number of high...

A Knight on the sea: John Bensalhia meets GoCruise franchisee Ted Knights, who became part of the network after a chance encounter last year in Birmingham.(FRANHCISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... A chance meeting in Birmingham led to a better work life for GoCruise franchisee Ted Knights. As luck would have it, Ted was up in Birmingham at the time of the annual franchise exhibition at the NEC in October 2006. Sufficiently...

Caring for your future: because the domiciliary care market is rapidly growing in the UK, there is never a better time to establish a SureCare franchise, which will allow both a proven business challenge and make a difference to the older generation.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... The care market is one of the fastest growing in the country with the over-65s forecast to be the fastest growing segment of the UK population. By bringing in a professional home carer, many of the elderly will have the benefits of staying in...

The new Forrest: since fulfilling his dream of becoming a business owner by joining Distribution Unlimited in March, Forrest Cunningham is not only reaping the financial rewards, but has also lost 10 lbs in weight and gained a six pack! Business Franchise reports.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... Many of us aspire to set up a company and to be your own boss, but Jack the ideas, resources and guts to put these dreams into action. That's where franchising can help, just as it did for Forrest Cunningham, 39, now a franchisee with targeted...

Heart on your 'sleeves: interest in lawn care has never been greater than in 2007, according to Greensleeves Lawn Care based in Huddersfield.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2007... While last year's hot summer and this year's particularly wet weather has increased interest from the homeowner to improve their lawns, and despite the rise in companies offering similar services, according to John Warham, director at...

Confidentiality report: it is truth almost universally acknowledged that a prospective franchisee should be asked to sign a confidentiality clause.(Hot Topic)
September 1, 2007... A franchisor is marketing not only a business, but also a business model, which they may have spent many years perfecting. It is often the success of such a model which will have inspired the franchisor to franchise the business. A franchise...

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 ADVISE)(Discussion)
September 1, 2007... Feel the benefit I am a mechanical engineering inventor, without any business or promotion knowledge. My scientist partners and I have developed ELIE Solution formula, designed to exploit gravity and produce the most reliable, cleanest,...

Hoist the sales: Richard Watson runs through some essential franchise sales techniques you may need, to boost your bottom line.(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
September 1, 2007... The sales manager over my first area overcame a number of disadvantages to reach his exalted position. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Blessed with a set of unwisely chosen names, the signature of Mr Ian Michael Arthur Crook at the end of a...

A question of support: in return for the fees a franchisee is paying, it's only right that they expect the backup of their franchisor. Manzoor Ishani delves deeper ...(FRANCHISE ADVICE)
September 1, 2007... When a franchisor and franchisee are at loggerheads, in my experience, a franchisee will usually accuse his franchisor of one or more of the following: 1. That the franchisor misrepresented the franchise to him before or at the time of the...

It's wrap.(FRANCHISEE OF THE MONTH)
September 1, 2007... Raccoon franchisor, Richard Clark, says: 'When I first met Sam, I was bowled over by his tremendous enthusiasm. He has the ability to listen and act upon what he's heard. He's motivated, has a strong work ethic, and I know I can trust him to...

Training days: in the last issue, Fiona was recruiting for her Dominos Pizza store in Paisley. Now she's got a team on board, it's time to train them and get the best out of her staff ...(FRANCHISEE DIARY)
September 1, 2007... I've grabbed a quick break and I'm reading an article about a Sector Skills Development Agency study, which shows that businesses that do not train employees have a failure rate of 27 per cent. That's compared with 11 per cent for companies...

Recognition express.(RESALE OF THE MONTH)
September 1, 2007... First impressions really do count. It is crucial that the image companies project is bath positive and enduring. Every organisation needs to be instantly recognisable in today's highly competitive market place. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
September 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...

Riverbank tales: post-picnic, Bill Ewbank contemplates the life and times of the mayfly--how does this creature equate with franchising?(LAST WORD)
September 1, 2007... As I sit on the bank of the river after a heavy picnic, it is May and the season of the mayfly is all around me. The week is commonly known as Duffer's week. But before I explain the significance of fishing in the world of franchising, I must...