Business Franchise articles from September 2008

Business Franchise archives from September 2008

Over to you ...(Editor's letter)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE BRITISH Franchise Association's annual conference, held back in July, marked a potential watershed for the UK franchising industry. The bfa's franchisor-led board unveiled a set of proposals which, if enacted,...

Domino's Pizza aims for 50 new stores this year.(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... * DOMINO'S PIZZA is "on track" to open 50 new stores in the UK and Ireland in 2008. The London-listed pizza company said as part of its latest interim results statement that it opened 25 new stores in the first six months of the year,...

Recognition Express awards set out to recognise good business practices.(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... * RECOGNITION EXPRESS has commissioned a survey of employees across the UK to establish the impact and importance of being recognised at work. More than eight out of 10 people who were surveyed scored recognition as a major factor when...

SureCare offers first 'financing' package.(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * SURECARE, which delivers homecare services, has cut the amount required upfront from new franchisees in what is believed to be the first financing arrangement of its kind offered in the UK. The arrangement,...

Myhome International says credit crunch affecting recruitment.(CREDIT CRUNCH)
September 1, 2008... * MYHOME INTERNATIONAL has said that the credit crunch is affecting franchisee recruitment. The acquisitive residential services group said in its interim statement that it sold 77 franchises in the first six months of the year, a figure...

Now Ovenu founder thinks 'inside' the box.(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... * THINKING OUTSIDE the box can be the key to driving a business forward, but for successful businessman Rik Hellewell, thinking 'inside' the box is his latest challenge. The Ingredients Box for Schools, affectionately nicknamed the...

The loyal stamp for Cartridqe World.(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... * COLIN AND Eileen Harms, who run Cartridge World stores in Sittingbourne, Chatham, Strood, Canterbury and Maidstone, have seen such success with their customer loyalty cards that they have been able to donate 300 [pounds sterling] to Demelza...

Apollo blinded by the site.(Franchise news)(Website overview)
September 1, 2008... * INSPIRING CONSUMERS, and supporting its network of franchisees, are the key reasons why Apollo Blinds has launched its new website. With an extensive collection of blinds, the company said it wanted to use the new website to showcase...

The race is on!(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... * Test your driving skills on Business Franchise's fast and furious Racing Challenge on stand T180 at this year's National Franchise Exhibition. This is your chance to see if you can make it into the top 10 fastest times--to be in with a...

Companion of bfa.(NEWS SHORTS)
September 1, 2008... * Franchise consultant and Business Franchise contributor Peter Williams has been made a Companion of the British Franchise Association (bfa). Mr Williams, who made a rapid recovery from major surgery earlier this year, received the award at...

Norwich union.(NEWS SHORTS)
September 1, 2008... * Signs Express has appointed two new team members at its Norwich headquarters, Mich Andrews and Nick Tredwell. Both will be working with Signs Express' 80 sign production centres across the UK & Ireland. Mr Andrews has taken on the role of...

Game on.(NEWS SHORTS)
September 1, 2008... * Year five students at a Leicester school will have a new 'video game' class in the autumn term thanks to ComputerXplorers' South Midlands franchisee. Inglehurst Junior School is taking part in a pioneering initiative to introduce children...

Status pro.(NEWS SHORTS)
September 1, 2008... * Rawlison Butler's franchising team has achieved affiliate membership status of the British Franchise Association. Partner and head of franchising Mark O'Shea said the law firm was "thrilled, adding: "It amounts to a seal of approval and...

Competition winner.(NEWS SHORTS)
September 1, 2008... * Congratulations to Paul Flanagan for winning an iPod Shuffle in the Business Franchise prize draw. To find out what you could win in the next prize draw, ensure you register for the Business Franchise e-newsletter on...

Sales up for Kall Kwik franchisees.(Franchise news)(Financial report)
September 1, 2008... * THE MAJORITY of Kall Kwik's franchisees have enjoyed a successful year, according to the business design and print specialist. Kall Kwik said that about three-in-four of its 140 franchisees reported average sales of 7% compared to the...

Tyre and higher.(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... * GOODYEAR DUNLOP Tyres UK has announced the first successful bidder for a regional franchise zone as former HiQ retail director Chris Kisby. Mr Kisby, who has 30 years experience in the tyre industry, is the leader of an investment...

Riverford Organic Vegetables signs up 100th franchisee.(Franchise news)
September 1, 2008... * RIVERFORD ORGANIC Vegetables has signed its 100th franchisee. Dave Hanlon is the latest local distributor to deliver seasonal vegetables to the doors of customers in Stockport and Macclesfield. "I am delighted to welcome Dave Hanlon to...

Companies unaware of pension proposals.(Small business round up: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
September 1, 2008... * UK businesses appear to be oblivious to the government's far reaching proposals for pension reform, The British Chambers of Commerce (BCG) says that more than half the companies it surveyed on the subject had little or no awareness of the...

Government threat to freelancers.(Small business round up: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
September 1, 2008... * Many freelancers feel threatened by the government's stance on contracting, according to a survey by freelance workers' website ContractorCalculator. More than 90% of respondents thought their livelihoods were at risk. Of particular concern...

Careless: most firms lose data.(Small business round up: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
September 1, 2008... * Almost 60% off marketing professionals admit to having lost a customer's personal data in the last two years, while in 90% of cases the loss was never reported. Those were among the findings of a survey by email marketing firm StrongMail,...

Major fund for female entrepreneurs.(Small business round up: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
September 1, 2008... * A 10 million [pounds sterling] fund has been established to finance loans, training and mentorship for women entrepreneurs in the UK. Female owner-managers can borrow up to 30,000 [pounds sterling] in any one application from the fund,...

Everyone benefits from diversity.(Small business round up: ESSENTIAL UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FRANCHISES AND SMEs)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Firms that take steps to improve diversity in the workplace earn real business benefits, according to a joint report from the Confederation of British Industry and Trades Union Congress. Higher morale and greater...

HMRC: less taxing.(Small business round up)
September 1, 2008... * Powers that would have been given to HM Revenue and Customs in the Finance Bill 2008 have been relaxed somewhat, says business and financial advisers Grant Thornton. Increased powers of inspection were announced in the Budget, which would...

Entrepreneurs undeterred.
September 1, 2008... * There were 98,000 new start-up businesses in England and Wales in the first quarter of 2008, according to Barclays. Though down on the same period last year, the figures are the highest in the last three quarters and reflect the resilience...

Work/life balance as tough as ever.
September 1, 2008... * Small business owners are struggling to maintain a work/life balance with a quarter working late into the night. A report from the Alliance & Leicester also found that 68% were spending more time at the office than they did five years ago...

Council cash boost for local growth.
September 1, 2008... * Local Government Minister john Healey has confirmed that 371 councils will share almost 300 million [pounds sterling] as a reward for successfully promoting economic growth in their areas. Councils can spend this additional funding from the...

Companies fail to tackle stress.(Small business round up)
September 1, 2008... * The Forum of Private Business has highlighted new research which suggests that larger companies and public sector organisations are failing to deal with stress in the workplace. The findings from health plan provider HSA indicate that 47%...

Tax office closure fears.(Small business round up)
September 1, 2008... * The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has voiced its concerns over plans to reduce the number of tax offices in the UK. The proposals would cut the number of jobs at HM Revenue and Customs by 3,000. The FRB cites last year's tax return fiasco...

Maintaining the standards of good franchising: Brian Smart, the director general of the bfa, looks at the membership vision that the board of directors of the Association is putting to bfa members.(bfa news)
September 1, 2008... One vision If the British Franchise Association is about anything, it is about standards of good franchising. And since there is no purpose in standards if nobody knows about them, the Association is also about promoting good...

2008 bfa Franchisee of the Year Award.(bfa News)
September 1, 2008... The British Franchise Association (bfa) is proud to announce the national finalists for this year's bfa Franchisee of they ear Awards sponsored by HSBC and Express Newspapers. The following franchisees all demonstrated how they 'manage...

Exhibit A: to get a head start at the UK's premier franchise event, here is your complete guide to The National Franchise Exhibition in October.(The National Franchise Exhibition)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AS THE UK'S largest franchise exhibition, The National Franchise Exhibition taking place on 3-4 October at Birmingham's NEC is designed to provide visitors from all walks of life with the perfect opportunity to...

Inspired by The NFE: meet five franchisees that took the decision to buy into franchising after paying a visit to The National Franchise Exhibition (NFE) ...(The National Franchise Exhibition)
September 1, 2008... MAIL BOXES ETC [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FRANK BIGLEY Frank Bigley made a life-changing decision when he decided to make a break from his career as an IT project manager and move from London to Yorkshire to start his own business....

Where entrepreneurs gain the strategies for success: Business Franchise looks ahead to the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition and Conference, featuring the Business Skills Zone at the NEC in October.(Growing Your Own Business preview)(Conference news)
September 1, 2008... REAL STORIES of achievement, specialist advice and a comprehensive range of business services will make the 2008 Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference the place where entrepreneurs can take the next step in expanding their...

Living in a Mibox: with more people turning to healthy eating alternatives, a Mibox franchise benefits both its customers and franchisees. John Bensalhia speaks to both the founder and a franchisee and finds that an appetite for running this business is as healthy as ever.(Cover story)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IT'S LUNCHTIME in the office. You were late for your train this morning, so you had to skip breakfast. So, confronted with your rumbling stomach, what are you going to plump for at about 11.30am? Well, forget...

Market moves: ensure your marketing messages reach the right destination by attending this year's Franchise Marketing Conference.
September 1, 2008... THE THIRD annual Franchise Marketing Conference 2008 is taking place on 11 September 2008 at the Hyatt Regency in Birmingham. Featuring expert industry and case study speakers, it is an essential marketing briefing for all franchisors from...

Two's company: some people would probably run a mile if offered the chance to work with their spouse. But others thrive on the challenge. Carol Davis meets the franchise couples who have made a success of their business together.(COUPLES IN FRANCHISING)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LYNNE LISTER thinks couples make great franchisees. She should know: she founded X-Press Legal Services, a property-search provider for solicitors, with her husband, Dave, in 2000, since when the business has gone...

Buy into retail success: these ay be difficult times economically, but the strongest retail franchises continue to enjoy success. Matt Pigott speaks to some of the nest and asks them for their assessment of the current market.(MARKET FOCUS)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... A TRICK OF THE RETAIL WHILE THE UK economy wades through the malaise of slowing growth plus inflation in what many economists are citing as a 'perfect storm', the best of the retail companies in the franchising sector are tightening...

Deal of fortune: Fortune Network Mortgages have a multitude of benefits available to franchisees ...(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PART OF Fortune Network Mortgages' franchise package is a software system called F.O.R.T.U.N.E. which enables any user to sell mortgage or loan products. They can instantly source a mortgage, and can then deliver...

You pet your life: help to provide a professional pet care service to people who need to leave their pets for a time.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHETHER IT'S a dog, cat, guinea pig or even a snake, animals need looking after in their owner's absence--and experience has shown that they prefer their own environment, not a distant kennel or cattery. This...

Clear as class: window and exterior cleaning company U C Clear has proved to be a popular choice for its franchisees.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FRANCHISED BUSINESS U C Clear was established as a window and exterior cleaning company four years ago by Ross Marshall, who had previously run a general cleaning company that offered all aspects of cleaning from...

Dawning of a new ERA: a healthcare recruitment company is offering a series of new franchise opportunities.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SINCE 2000, ERA Healthcare has gained a reputation for supplying quality-trained, sensitive and, above all, caring staff to the NHS and council and private-run facilities through national supplier agreements. The...

Self reliance: with employment disputes more commonplace, Reliance Employment Law is offering franchise opportunities.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EMPLOYMENT LAW is a rapidly growing area. In 2006-2007, the number of employment tribunal claims rose to 239,000 from 156,000 in the previous year. The courts have also been keen to extend employment protection to...

Satellite wish: as demand for satellite dishes grows, The Satellite Shop is looking for more franchisees to join up.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AMID RISING demand for satellite services, digital television and other home entertainment products, The Satellite Shop, a Kent-based business with 20 years' experience in the sector, has announced plans to...

Shop front: having introduced the UK's first Shopper Anonymous franchise, the franchisor is now seeking new recruits to help provide feedback about customer service.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT IS believed to be the UK's first "mystery shopping" franchise has been launched to meet the demand from the growing number of businesses requesting their services. Newly-franchised Shopper Anonymous...

Use your Loaf: having already raised awareness through an appearance on national television, a brand new hairdressing franchise is looking for new franchisees.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHEN CHANNEL 4's 'Risking It All' series filmed the development work for the first Loaf Hairstylists salon in Sheffield two years ago, the salon was just at the start-up stage and its founders were almost literally...

Beauty and the best: a Leeds-based beauty salon is building on its high reputation by recruiting franchisees.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WITH ITS professionally tailored treatments in a relaxed, tranquil environment, Leeds-based beauty salon Mirage Beauty is now available as a franchise. Mirage's founder, Jaz Rander, explains why the franchise...

Cleaning up: a successful US commercial cleaner is offering master franchises in the UK.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems is seeking regional franchisees as the successful North American commercial cleaning franchise makes a big push into the UK and Irish markets. The company, which has over 7,000 franchisees...

Earning Japanese: with news of a planned UK launch, Daiso is one of the top players in the '100-yen' shop industry.(NEW LAUNCH)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] POUND SHOPS are big business over in the UK, especially bearing in mind the current economic climate. The overseas equivalents are just as popular. One of the biggest names in the '100-yen' shop industry is...

Setting sites on success: Activ Web Design franchisee Peter Slegg tells Business Franchise why his business has surpassed his expectations.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PETER SLEGG always dreamed of being his own boss and after many years in fulltime employment, he decided to make the brave leap into running his own business. He had been interested in the internet and after...

Barter wouldn't melt: the age-old concept of bartering has inspired a successful franchise.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DEPENDING ON the publication you read, the country is held in the vice-like grip of a difficult and challenging economy--to the point where either the UK is already in recession or on the verge of getting there....

Wish you were here: book now for the franchise trip of a lifetime. Business Franchise looks at Freedom Travel-Gateway's benefits.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FREEDOM TRAVEL-Gateway provides a comprehensive solution for people with no experience or qualifications in travel, wishing to start their own travel business--either from home or from a high street shop. It is a...

GreenThumb sows the seeds of success: the downturn in the housing market has driven growth for the lawn care industry as homeowners wish to make the best of their lawns.(FRANCHISE FOCUS)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GREENTHUMB has enjoyed a highly rewarding year. Since the start of 2008, the company has increased its customer base by some 50,000 customers--which is over 2,000 new customers every week. There are many...

Self management: the future for Jane Self, the TaxAssist Accountants franchisee for the Portsmouth and Southampton area, looks rosy.(PROMOTIONAL FEATURE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WITH A history in accountancy, it was little wonder that TaxAssist Accountants franchisee Jane Self turned to this particular franchise in November 2002. She is now responsible for both the Portsmouth and...

Franchising in focus: there are hundreds of franchise opportunities available across the country for those looking to get out of the rat race and benefit from the fruits of their own labour....(Promotional Feature)
September 1, 2008... However, the chance to be a part of a truly innovative, lifestyle oriented organisation is a rarity. To really enjoy your working life why not try doing something a little more creative? Today, with more focus on lifestyle many families...

News travels fast: as the jobs start rolling in, regular Diary contributor Martin Davis at Signs Express (Huddersfield) talks about the early days of trading.(Franchisee Diary)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HAVING EXCEEDED our first month targets by 15%, we've felt a great sense of achievement which is encouraging for the future. The scary part of starting a business is the concern that the work may not be out there....

Smart guy: our 'Franchisee of the Month' is a former supermarket executive who has gone from redundancy to some of the best returns in the Autosmart network.(Franchisee of the month)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FRANK SUTHERLAND, franchisee for Aberdeen, used Autosmart's "Easy Start Scheme" to help fund his new life as a franchisee. He has made things look easy. Sixteen months into his new business, he has achieved 140% of...

Uniformity, but individuality: Business Link advisor Richard Watson says good franchisees find ways to think for themselves while complying with the manual.(Franchise value)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I SLIPPED MY Norton Dominator into top gear and shot round the corner, leaning over as I hammered through the arch of the railway bridge. The blue serge trousers and silver buttoned tunic, topped off with the...

An easy exit: renewal clauses in franchise agreements can contain some hidden dangers.(Franchisee rights)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE GENERAL practice, on the expiry of a franchise agreement, has been for a franchisor to grant its franchisee an option to renew the franchise for a further term. Such options are usually subject to various...

Entrepreneurial franchisees: Dr Olufunmilola Dada of the University of Surrey reveals some findings of her study into the degree to which franchisees are allowed to develop as entrepreneurs by their franchisors.(HOT topic)
September 1, 2008... TODAY'S BUSINESS environments are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic, and competition continues to intensify Entrepreneurship is gradually being recognised as an important strategy for achieving sustainable competitive advantage and...

Panel of experts.(Q&A)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q: What are the implications of the economic downturn on franchising. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PETER WILLIAMS Franchise consultant A: While the economy clearly faces some difficult issues and...

Now is the time to invest: pouring the glass half-full, Derrick Simpson says that franchising is alive and well in the UK, despite the gloomy economic reports.(RESALE CORNER)
September 1, 2008... THE NEWS media are currently full of the failures in business and the view that 'The World plc' is going to the dogs. Like the proverbial glass, we continue as a nation to be constantly "half empty" and seem only to ever see gloom on the...

A-Z franchise directory.(Directory)
September 1, 2008... 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...

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

Speaker phobe: John Bensalhia tries to understand the motives behind that old warhorse of business conferences, the motivational speaker ...(BEST Practice)(Conference news)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU CAN run. You can hide. But you can't escape the power of the motivational speaker. Go to a business conference, and you'll find a motivational speaker, lecturer or self-styled guru present. This mighty being...

The ideal franchisee: Bill Ewbank lists the key elements that franchisors look for in a new recruit ...(Last word)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IN THE early days of franchising, a franchisee would ideally be a man or woman and a person with enthusiasm, flair, initiative and energy But we have witnessed an evolution. As time marches on, showing true...