Dec 2006

Bluebird Care Franchises Ltd: New franchisee signs for Bluebird Care at National Expo

Bluebird Care

Domiciliary care franchise Bluebird Care signed a new franchisee at the National Franchise Exhibition in October. Sue Milakovic (pictured) has taken on the Mid-Staffordshire territory, after initially identifying the opportunity through the pages of The Franchise Magazine.

Card Connection: Card Connection Appoints New Business Managers

Following its best ever year, leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has announced today that it is further expanding its team with the appointment of two new business development managers. Gillian Herdman and John Coe will be dedicated to supporting the company's network of franchisees to help them achieve increased revenues from their businesses.

Card Connection: Card Connection Launches Hollywood Card Designs

Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has launched a new selection of greeting cards based on a Hollywood theme to add to its existing extensive portfolio. The new cards which are printed in stylish monochrome depicting Hollywood icons and films such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and The Wizard of Oz, will be distributed to retail outlets...

Domino's Pizza Group Limited: Domino's strengthens Group Board with double promotion

Domino's Pizza, the UK and Ireland leader in pizza delivery, has today announced significant promotions for two members of its senior management team

Dream Doors: Dream Doors adds to head office team

Dream Doors

Kitchen doors replacement franchise Dream Doors has made two new appointments to its head office team. Kelly Chambers joins as Franchise & Operations Director, and Alex Waite joins as Franchise Recruitment Manager.

London House International Ltd: Alfred Eccles, London House, Wolverhampton

London House International

The instability in the Middle East forced me to make an unplanned return to the UK after 15 years working in the hotel and catering industry in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran.

Mr Electric: Double Trouble as Mr Electric opens two new Franchises

Mr Electric

Mr Electric, Britain's largest electrical contracting service has continued to strengthen its presence in the UK by launching two new franchisees in Glasgow Central and Swindon.

Northwood (GB) Ltd: Northwood looks back on 2006: 'a busy year'

Northwood

Northwood Residential Lettings is achieving above target growth and predicts network expansion of nearly 50 per cent by the end of the year. Director Gemma Goodson reveals: "We entered 2006 with 28 branches and currently have 39 open and 14 further branches at varying stages. This is above target and before we take into account leads from the National Franchise Exhibition."

Recognition Express: A view on being a deaf franchisee by Adrian Simpson

Recognition Express

First of all, you need to assess your own strengths and weaknesses, in particular the former, as it will be crucial in determining the kind of work you can realistically hope to do. Secondly, you should think about the skills & competencies you have acquired in past and present employment, including those you have gained through formal education.

Swisher: Matthew Slaughter - Swisher Franchisee

Swisher

I fell into catering after school and became a trained chef for 10 years, then moved into selling photocopiers for seven years. I started thinking: "I'm earning good money here but not enjoying the job on a day-to-day basis." That was when I started considering doing something for myself, but the biggest factor was my wish to spend more time with my young family (I have three kids).

Venture Marketing Group: National Franchise Expo enjoys more visitors than ever

The organisers of the National Franchise Exhibition 2006, which took place on October 6th and 7th, report that the event was the largest franchise exhibition ever staged in Britain, with more visitors than ever before attending and over 250 established and new franchise companies exhibiting.

British Franchise Association (BFA): Franaccounts release new podcast

British Franchise Association affiliated accountants Franaccounts has released the second episode of its podcasts for prospective franchisees.

Calbarrie Ltd: Franchisee Diaries: David Bolley-Smith, Calbarrie

I started in business when I was 21, buying a shop which repaired domestic appliances. By the time I was 45 I'd moved the business into vacuum repair and was servicing a large contract with the Ministry of Defence. However, I needed to diversify and Calbarrie dovetailed neatly with the business.

Chips Franchise Ltd: Christmas come early for franchisee

PLUMBER Stephen Osborne has hung up his wrench to open his very own video games store at one of the most exciting times in the industry.

Enfields: Reigns Supreme at 2006 Estate Agency of the Year Award

Southern-based property firm Enfields retained its industry acclaim at the annual property award ceremony, hosted this month, with a second Gold win for the Best Medium Agent category, alongside Bronze wins under the Lettings and Technology/ Web categories.

FASTSIGNS International Inc: Franchisees Come First for FASTSIGNS

Leading sign and graphics specialist FASTSIGNS has launched an awards scheme to celebrate and recognise its franchisees' success.

Pareto Law: Birmingham Business Celebrates Successful First Year

Graduate recruitment and sales training firm Pareto Law is celebrating a successful first year for its Birmingham office, with over 50 placements and clients including Crona, Sirius and Harvey Nash.

Pinnacle Chauffeur Transport Limited: Pinnacle franchisee becomes board member

Pinnacle Chauffeur Transport franchisee Trevor Langley (pictured) has exchanged his driving seat for one on the board, following a major reorganisation of the company in which he has become a major shareholder.

PlumbLocal: Local Services wins significant national contracts

Building services franchisor Local Services has announced significant recent national customer contract wins, together with the raising of additional capital to support its growth.

Ripples Ltd: Ripples brings bathrooms of distinction to Newbury

Bathroom retailer Ripples has opened its first showroom in Newbury - the company's 16th showroom since it started in 1988. Owned by Richard and Diane Garnett, the showroom is conveniently located on Cheap Street.

Riverford Organic Vegetables Ltd: River Swale Organic prepares to come on stream in 2007

Organic vegetable box franchise Riverford Organic is making available 15 new franchise territories in the North East.

Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs: Be you own Boss in 2007 with help from Rosemary Conley

Ever fancied being your own boss and running your own business? Well the country's leading Health and Fitness business Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs is giving you the opportunity to do just that.

Signs Express: Signs of an makeover at Dekor Plc

Following a period of growth and rapid expansion, Dekor PLC, formally Decor Frame, has unveiled its new look at its 180,000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution facility with the help of Bluegg Creative and Signs Express (Cardiff). Dekor Plc are based at Waterton Park in Bridgend and established in 1988; are now leading manufacturers of home accessories to the UK's largest retail customers...

Sliderobes: Sliderobes launches new product development

Fitted bedroom furniture franchise Sliderobes has launched its new Stratta range, aimed "primarily at a younger audience seeking a very modern, stylish and flexible storage solution".

Sliderobes: Sliderobes scoops top Customer Relationship award

Belfast-based fitted-wardrobe franchise, Sliderobes, has scooped a top national award, sponsored by Sage, for its new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Sumo Limited: SUMO adds two new franchisees to network

Utility surveys provider to the construction industry SUMO has announced the launch of two new franchisees. Simon Foster (Bournemouth) and Richard Clish (West Yorkshire) join the 13 franchisees already established in the UK, in addition to the head office operation based in Havant, Hampshire.

Totally Dynamic: Official launch wows Franchise Exhibition visitors

Norwich-based vehicle wrapping franchise Totally Dynamic enjoyed a "fantastic response"at the official launch of its franchise opportunity at the recent National Franchise Exhibition in Birmingham. Visitors to the event met founder Adrian Rope and his team on the Totally Dynamic stand, who report that many remarked that the franchise provided a "breath of fresh air".

Urban Planters (region): Interior landscapers franchise is branching out.

Urban Planters, the UK's leading interior landscape provider of live and replica plants displays, have transformed some of the country's most illustrious hotels, shopping centres, offices, car showrooms and leisure clubs. Last week the National Franchise Exhibition held at the NEC, Birmingham, saw Urban Planters capitalise on their business proposition to attract potential franchisees. Making...

Safeclean: Just see what you get with a Safeclean franchise

Safeclean has established itself as the UK's premier high quality cleaning company, with over 80 successful franchises throughout the UK. Safeclean has become the byword for quality within the industry.

Franchise Development Services (FDS) Ltd: Ask the Panel - Your questions answered

FDS Southern

Sonic Golf: Golf franchise goes... Super Sonic!

Aiming to secure 35 per cent of a market estimated to be worth in the region of £40 million a year, Sonic Golf seeks partners with good communication skills and excellent local knowledge

Jani-King (GB) Ltd: Jani-King: Join the largest commercial cleaning franchi

Jani-King (GB)

Jani-King is a world-leading commercial cleaning company that has developed a substantial national network of franchised regions across the UK. The regions are operated by go-getting business builders who have invested in the franchise with the same aims: to concentrate their efforts on building a high turnover business into a highly valuable capital asset with the backing of a comprehensive...

Apollo Blinds: A year to remember for Apollo Blinds

A year to remember has seen Apollo Blinds strengthen its position in the marketplace as Britain's biggest blind store chain. Paul Kirby explains

Sliderobes: What you make is your own business

Sliderobes are designers and makers of luxury fitted sliding wardrobes. We support successful franchisees throughout Ireland and Great Britain. Owning a Sliderobes franchise could cost you less than you think.

Prontaprint Ltd: Join in our success story...

If you want to be part of a success story, they don't come much bigger than Prontaprint

ChipsAway: Leave the Rat Race behind!

ChipsAway International

How many times have you thought about escaping the daily rat race and setting up a business of your own? Now's your chance. With a ChipsAway International franchise, you can be certain of a massive marketplace of over 30 million cars, the leading brand in cosmetic paintwork repair, and the comprehensive training and support you'd expect from one of the largest and longest established franchise...

Snack in the Box: 'Snack-in-the-Box has changed our lives'

Snack-In-The-Box

With a simple yet effective business model, Snack-in-the-Box is a proven route to success as the stories of these following franchisees testify...

TaxAssist Accountants: 'Invaluable, solid backing'

TaxAssist Accountants

Encouraging its franchisees to open a shop-front premises within the first three years of operation, TaxAssist Accountants has developed a national brand with impact. Adam Browning reports

Northwood (GB) Ltd: A Unique Business Opportunity: 3 Franchises-in-One

Northwood

Northwood offers three franchises in one. This coupled with the distinct advantage it has over its competitors with its Platinum lettings service, unlimited income potential and sensible working hours, has made the NORTHWOOD franchise opportunity unique.

EC Credit Control: Ideal for sales entrepreneurs

Four Regional Franchisee candidates are sought to spearhead a new concept in credit management across the UK. Stuart Anderson reports

Dublcheck: 'A franchise that's booming'

Dublcheck

Dublcheck is enjoying a new and exciting phase in its development and you could become part of it as a franchisee

Caremark: More experience under than any other care franchise

Caremark

This is Kevin Lewis - the Founder and Managing Director of Caremark. He was the architect and driving force behind one of the UK's most successful care franchises and is keen to repeat this experience with you. Together Caremark will grow into a thriving and successful franchise organisation with an enviable reputation.

All Trades Network Ltd: Building your profits

All Trades Networks

While the Head Office team focus on building national contracts and the network infrastructure, the franchisee leads a specialist team of tradesmen to complete the work in hand. Well-handled claims can increase policy renewal rates and therefore provide repeat business to the franchisee

Global Travel Group Ltd: An INTEResting opportunity

The Global Travel Group expanded the horizons of Mel and Linda Bramley's travel business by introducing technology and support to advance their own offering

Pentagon (UK) Ltd: 'Earning potential is impressively high'

With total UK personal debt exceeding £1.2 trillion, demand for Pentagon's (trading as EuroDebt) debt management services is increasing every day, reports Rachel Spaul

CeX: Staying ahead of the game

CeX

Providing a valuable service within the technology retail sector, CeX's exciting and dynamic opportunity is causing a stir across the nation's high-streets. Adam Browning reports

etyres: Capture pole position with etyres

eTyres

Quadrupling their business within a year has catapulted franchisees Alex and Oliver to the top of etyres' growth tables.

Your Move: Not all estate agency franchises are the same!

If you are ready to be your own boss and have the enthusiasm and drive to succeed plus have a mminimum of £30k to invest, we would like to talk to you....

ElecLocal: Isn't it time you became your own boss?

What do you want to be now...Plumber or Electrician?

We will give you the training, the qualifications, the system and the brand to start your own business.

Inkbox: Aiming to have 30 franchisees by the end of 2007

Recycling in England has trebled since 1997, according to Defra, with many local authorities producing rates in line with the best in Europe. East Anglia-based franchise Inkbox is doing its bit for the environment by employing environmentally-friendly techniques in the construction of its stores such as low energy light bulbs, specific paints, and biodegradable bags to return used cartridges.

Northwood (GB) Ltd: Founders of franchising: Andy Goodson - Northwood

Northwood

Qualified pilot, musician, property developer and founder of Northwood Franchises, Andy Goodson looks back over a varied career which sees him taking semi-retirement in Thailand at the end of next year. Stuart Anderson interviews

British Franchise Association (BFA): Break out & into franchising

Seeking to open up the possibility of franchising to the unaware and educate a wider audience, the British Franchise Association recently supported a number of franchising events

From adversity springs opportunity - Rachel Elnaugh

Rachel Elnaugh, entrepreneur and former 'Dragon' from the hit BBC series 'Dragons' Den', reveals why self-belief and determination are the keys to success. Rachel Spaul interviews

Franchise Development Services (FDS): 10 keys to business success

In his role as Managing Director of Franchise Development Services, Roy Seaman often provides advice to aspiring franchisees. Here, he lists his ten key tips for achieving franchising success

FDS Southern: Franchising your business - an ABC strategy for success

Based on many years of working within franchising helping franchisors and potential franchisors to franchise their businesses, bfa affiliated consultants at FDS Southern provide a proven and effective system for guiding clients through a development programme based on three key phases

FDS North & Scotland: Remarkable women...remarkable ideas

FDS-Northern has extensive experience bringing family-friendly business concepts to market. Here, consultant Tony Urwin evaluates the franchise opportunities available to women seeking a flexible business opportunity

Venture Marketing Group: Find out all there is to know about franchising

With a wide range of franchisors, expert advisors and a superb seminar programme all under one roof, The British Franchise Exhibition at the G-MEX, Manchester, on 26th and 27th January 2007 is the perfect place to find out all there is to know about franchising

Thebestof: National Account Manager to work with major brands

thebestof, the successful online business directory and community website franchise, has appointed Joanne Yeke as its first National Accounts Manager.

Thebestof: thebestof signs 300th franchisee

thebestof, the successful online business directory and community website business, has just signed its 300th franchisee. Dean and Emma Biggs have bought the Durham franchise, making thebestof the fastest-ever growing UK franchise.

Popular UK Franchises

Platinum Property Partners Snack in the Box Autosheen LIPA 4:19 Expense Reduction Analysts Waves Well Polished UK Commercial Cleaning Services Recognition Express FDS Southern Surelet Dublcheck TaxAssist Accountants McDonald's Restaurants