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UK Guidance for Franchisees

Articles providing advice and guidance for franchisees and people interested in buying a franchised business.

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Articles in the Guidance for Franchisees category

June 2008: FDS Northern: The proud parent fuels the ‘parent pound’
Today, we’re more eager than ever to provide opportunities for growth, development and fun for our children. From the day they’re born, we’re looking for activities to keep our babies stimulated and give them an edge that will help them thrive and the drive only grows stronger as our children grow. In response, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of companies offering enriching activities for children, from swimming to signing to yoga and more

June 2008: FranMatch: Need to sort the 'soft centres' from 'nutty delights'?
Choosing the franchise that is right for you is an exciting time but, with so many franchises available, it can be hard work identifying the right one for you.

June 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Franchise FAQ

March 2008: Business for Breakfast: Growing your new franchise through effective networking
It is a fact that new franchisee owners who do not network are missing out on tapping into a rich stream of new contacts and business that can make them more successful, profitable and help them to understand their customers and the marketplace better, while testing their message and its effectiveness. The other fact is that many people who do network make mistakes, which can cost them winning new business. Below are seven mistakes, which by avoiding can help you maximise your franchise through your networking activities.

March 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Find the right franchise: Sort the wheat from the chaff
Searching through the hundreds of franchise opportunities available in the UK today can present a serious challenge: how do you sort the wheat from the chaff. There are a number of factors to take into account in identifying the serious business format franchise opportunities from the companies that are destined to become tomorrow's failure statistics

March 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Genuine Management Franchise opportunities
Are you looking for a genuine Management Business Opportunity with serious business building potential?

March 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Three steps to becoming a successful franchise owner
"It was so easy, I just went online and started. I did not realise how much I needed to know about buying a franchise but the course explained it all to me very clearly. It's proved to be a very useful resource and I know I'll be able to draw on this information in the future."

Jan/Feb 2008: Franchise Success TV: The official broadband TV channel of the bfa
Promotional videos from leading UK franchisors together with news, training and invaluable advice

Jan/Feb 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Hit the ground running with a franchise re-sale
Can't get the territory you want? Franchise lawyer John Chambers suggests an alternative: buying a re-sale business from an existing franchisee

December 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Bring Parisian chic into the UK
A global beauty group with multiple franchise concepts is seeking individuals with the capability to mastermind national franchise networks to bring its brands into the UK marketplace. John Worthington profiles

December 2007: TaxAssist Accountants: The benefits of a premises based business
Moving into leased or even bought premises can take a chunk out of your capital investment at the launch of your business, but can also bring multiple benefits to your business, reflects TaxAssist Accountants Founder Karl Sandall

December 2007: Mundays Solicitors: The legal issues of buying a franchise
When looking to acquire a franchise it is crucial that you do your homework and carry out all the relevant checks on the franchisor and the concept itself, counsels Nicola Broadhurst

December 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Franchise Consultants: Franchise questions answered
Some of the franchise industry's leading experts offer their advice to the most frequent questions asked by franchise seekers

Oct/Nov 2007: British Franchise Association (BFA): Discover franchising during National Franchise Week
Franchising will hit the national agenda in October with a series of key events taking place throughout National Franchise Week. The British Franchise Association previews its activities

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): New to Franchising?
Whilst there are over 1,000 opportunities to choose from, all prospective Franchisee investors are encouraged to take this new e-Learning course that has been written in conjunction with Franchise Development Services who are the publishers of The Franchise Magazine

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): They all look great ...
but which one is right for you?

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): 7 top tips for buying the right franchise
There are many stages to the process of identifying and researching a franchise opportunity, and it is imperitive that they are properly followed to ensure you find the right franchise to fit your own ambitions and circumstances. David Paulson provides his tips for selecting a franchise that meets your requirements

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Legal view: Your rights as a franchisee
The Franchise Agreement defines the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee, which could make it the most valuable piece of paper you own. Jonathan Chadd offers his view on the issues you may need to look into when reviewing the contract

Oct/Nov 2007: Lloyds TSB Bank Plc: Open your eyes to franchising opportunities
Whatever kind of franchise business you're looking to start, our dedicated franchise team will work closely with you.

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): How to buy a franchise
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, as the saying goes. Richard Holden emphasises the importance of business planning during the acquisition of a franchise and provides a banker's eye view of the process of lending on the franchise investment

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): 21 reasons why you should consider a franchise
Franchising has attracted some 34,000 people in the UK to invest in their future in self employment. Roy Seaman CFE offers 21 reasons why franchises offer an attractive business opportunity

Oct/Nov 2007: HSBC Bank Plc: Franchising: A great way to start a business
It's not always easy to tell which franchise will be hot and which one a little stale.

September 2007: HSBC Bank Plc: Investment Advice: How to finance your franchise
Most major banks have specialist franchise teams, including HSBC which has had a franchise unit for over 20 years. HSBC Head of Franchising Cathryn Hayes reflects on what makes the banks so interested in franchising

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Know your rights under the franchise agreement
The Franchise Agreement enshrines the rights and obligations of a franchise owner. Stuart Anderson discusses the document upon which the franchisee-franchisor relationship is based

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Let us help you find the right franchise for you
Choosing the franchise that is right for you is an exciting time but, with so many franchises available, it can be hard work identifying the right one for you. We only work with franchisors who are affiliated to the British Franchise Association or offer what we consider to be a genuine Business Format Franchise.

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Franchise Consultants: 10 franchise investment rules
Finding the right franchise for you among the wealth of opportunities on offer in the UK can be a huge endeavour. David Paulson offers 10 tips for shortlisting and investing in a franchise

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Investing in a franchise opportunity?
Over 30,000 people in the UK have realised their dreams of owning their own business by investing in a franchise. Stuart Anderson reveals why franchising offers investors a 93% success rate

September 2007: FDS Midlands: Franchise Consultants can help you find your Franchise
Staffordshire based FDS Midlands is owned and operated by Managing Director Ken Young, a seasoned franchising professional who has successfully worked on both sides of the franchise partnership. The company is part of worldwide Franchise Development Services which has provided advice and guidance to the franchise industry for

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Buyer's Checklist: When considering a Franchise
While investigating a franchise opportunity, ensure these points do not conceal problems

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): UK Franchising Jargon Buster
A quick reference guide to franchise terminology...

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Plain English - a guide to franchising
HOW FRANCHISING WORKS... Franchising is a 'business marriage' between an existing business (the franchisor) and the newcomer to the business ownership (the franchisee):

July/August 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Franmatch: We'll match you with your ideal franchise
We specialise in matching prospective franchisees like you with franchisors that suit you...

May / June 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): EDITORIAL COMMENT

May / June 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Ask the Panel - Your questions answered
If you have an issue you would like our panel to address, mark your email/letter "passed for print"and be aware that it may be edited for length. Please note we can't promise individual responses.

May / June 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): How to start a business with a 93% success rate
The 2007 bfa/NatWest UK Franchise Survey reveals that franchising is outperforming the UK economy. Stuart Anderson looks at the survey's findings

May / June 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Excellence in Franchising:What makes a great franchise?
How do you tell if the franchise opportunity you are looking at is an ethically and well-constructed business system? Jane Masih, Partner at Owen White Solicitors, analyses what makes a great franchise, and offers an example of a brand she has worked with

May / June 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Your franchising questions answered
Since the launch of the FDS Free Advice & Guidance Hotline, its consultants have provided hundreds of hours of free time to prospective franchise investors wanting to benefit from their decades of experience in the UK franchise industry. Managing Director Roy Seaman often answers the hotline questions himself, and here provides some answers to eight commonly asked questions

May / June 2007: CRE:8 Multimedia: How to become a Successful Franchisee
CRE:8 Multimedia in association with Franchise Development Services announce the availability of two new franchising DVDs. "How to become a Successful Franchisee"and "How to Successfully Franchise your Business."

April 2007: EDITORIAL COMMENT

April 2007: Lloyds TSB Bank Plc: Franchising & Finance: Strategic planning
Used in the right way, a business plan is an essential tool for monitoring performance and for the early identification of weaknesses and under-performance. Richard Holden, Head of Franchising at Lloyds TSB, discusses the 'Business Plan'

April 2007: British Franchise Association (BFA): The Franchise model
If done well, franchising is a powerful tool for business development, growth and competitiveness, argues Dan Archer, Head of Marketing for the bfa

April 2007: Swisher: Excellence in Franchising-Choosing the right franchise
With over 750 networks already established in the UK's £10.3 billion franchise industry, selecting the appropriate franchise business is an important and complex decision. Olivia Whelan, of multi-award winning management franchise network Swisher, explains the qualities that you should seek to ensure your success through excellence in franchising

March 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Discover franchises in a pressure-free environment
Looking for an experienced guide to the life-changing process of buying a franchise? FranMatch is a newly launched service which will introduce you to a range of interesting opportunities

March 2007: FDS Northern: Prospective Franchisee: Know Thyself
Starting a business from scratch is a gargantuan task. Entrepreneurs set to work with no initial training, no operations manual, no start-up package, no ongoing support, no guidance, no marketing support and no established brand identity. Only franchisees enjoy such benefits, which is why franchise ownership is so popular. FDS Northern Consultant Tony Urwin explains

March 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Ask the Panel - Your questions answered
If you have an issue you would like our panel to address, mark your email/letter "passed for print"and be aware that it may be edited for length. Please note we can't promise individual responses.

January 2007: Northwood Residential Lettings: Women in franchising: 'Stick to what you believe in'
Franchisors are well ahead of employers when it comes to recognising the value of recruiting mature women. Rachel Spaul interviews Northwood franchisee Patricia Hawkins

Dec 2006: 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

Dec 2006: 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

Dec 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Ask the Panel - Your questions answered
Every edition The Franchise Magazine invites a group of franchising experts from all areas of the franchise industry to comment on questions put to them by you, the reader. Thanks to all the readers who sent in their comments, queries and remarks, especially the writer of our star letter Peter Haynes, who wins a free year's subscription to The Franchise Magazine.

Oct/Nov 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Ask the Panel - Your Questions Answered
Do you have a burning question about the franchise industry you need answered? Perhaps you have a point of view you haven't seen put forth, and would like to invite the discussion of franchise industry luminaries?

September 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Email the Experts
Do you have a burning question about the franchise industry you need answered? Perhaps you have a point of view you haven't seen put forth, and would like to invite the discussion of franchise industry luminaries?

September 2006: British Franchise Association (BFA): The BFA: Guide Yourself to Success
Dan Archer reveals how the British Franchise Association can help franchisees on their route to success

September 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Are you cut out for success as a franchisee?
With 55 per cent of British franchisors citing a lack of suitable franchisees as their biggest barrier to growth*, Stuart Anderson takes a look at the qualities that franchisors are seeking in their ideal franchisee candidates

July/August 2006: Swisher: Affording a franchise - A serious business
An unrealistic business plan resulting in inadequate funding is a recipe for disaster for your business, warns Swisher Chairman Jeffrey S Keen

July/August 2006: Banking: A franchisee's guide to raising finance
An investment in a franchise can be one of the most significant purchases a person will make. Lloyds TSB Head of Franchising Richard Holden examines the lending options available, and the other benefits a bank can provide to a prospective franchisee

July/August 2006: Franchising: For yourself, but not by yourself...
A franchise offers a proven route into business ownership to thousands of people every year. Stuart Anderson examines what makes a franchise.

June 2006: Legal Brief - What are your rights to renew?
Signing your franchise contract can be the first step to an exciting and rewarding future. But what happens when the contract expires? Manzoor Ishani, Senior Consultant Solicitor with Sherrards, reveals the secrets of right to renew

June 2006: What's the personality of your franchise?
How does the culture and personality of a company develop, and how can they affect its operations? Tom Albrighton discusses how sociability and solidarity combine to affect the culture of your business

June 2006: Find your direction with a franchise
Last year over 2,000 people found a new future with a franchise. Stuart Anderson suggests some directions for your route to franchise success

April/May 2006: Redundancy as a route to franchising
Redundancy can be a difficult experience to deal with, as Richard Holden, Head of Franchising at Lloyds TSB, explains

April/May 2006: Franchise Buyer's Checklist
While investigating a franchise opportunity, ensure these points do not conceal problems

March 2006: Understanding strategy through value
Understanding strategy will help you choose and run a franchise effectively. Tom Albrighton explains how the concept of value can help you ask and answer the right questions about a business

March 2006: A Guide to Food and Drink Franchise Opportunities
With food and drink franchises ranging from the globally recognised to more specialist brands, there are more than enough opportunities in this sector to cater for every taste. Adam Browning reports...

March 2006: Redundancy need not be the end...
Having founded 0845 Glassman following redundancy, Director Carole Melia speaks to Rachel Spaul

March 2006: What's in a name? An introduction to franchising
The term 'franchising' has been applied in sports, entertainment, tax collection and even pyramid schemes. Stuart Anderson traces the true meaning of 'franchising'

Feb 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): The Value of Experienced Franchise Consultants
When the market research was being carried out prior to the establishment of Franchise Development Services in 1980, Franchise Consultants were few and far between. Those owners of businesses, or the people with ideas that they thought could be Franchised, did their best, but joined the 80% failure rate that those endeavouring to Franchise their business suffered. Today, thanks to more experienced Franchise Consultants, Lawyers and other professional advisers being readily available the failure rate has been reduced to 40%.

Feb 2006: Leadership - How you can become a franchise leader
Leadership is a vital skill for franchisees who aspire to get the very best out of their franchise. Tom Albrighton looks at some essential aspects of leadership for franchisees

Feb 2006: How to identify a true business format franchise
Open the franchise section of any newspaper and you'll be presented with plenty of adverts for 'franchises'. How is one to distinguish the business opportunists chancing their arm from the serious franchise offerings? Stuart Anderson offers an overview of the types of opportunities sailing under the 'franchise' banner

December 2005: 10 must-know franchise questions answered
The Franchise Magazine's stand at the recent National Franchise Exhibition played host to hundreds of visitors curious about the concept of franchising. Stuart Anderson identifies and answers 10 of the most common questions asked

December 2005: Women in Franchising
Franchising has a lot to offer enterprising women, reports Rachel Spaul

December 2005: FDS can help you buy a franchised business.
Franchisee (fran-"chI-'zE) An individual possessing the rights, granted by the franchisor, to trade under the company name and use the company image and intellectual property rights

October 2005: Franchise Publications
FDS publishes a full range of franchise publications, magazines and directories that cover UK franchising and international franchise opportunities. Here is an introduction to the range available:

October 2005: Do you have the right partner?
When considering which bank to approach to assist in investing in a franchise, it is important for prospective franchisees to consider the services and support the bank will provide as well as the cost element, argues Royal Bank of Scotland National Franchise Manager Alan Smart

October 2005: Never mind the quality, feel the width
The 1967 BBC comedy 'Never Mind the Quality...' concerning a pair of tailors at loggerheads over quality of service captured a dubious ethos that franchisors must avoid. BFA South West Regional Chairman and Swisher Development Director Marilyn Keen reflects on the importance of identifying ethical franchisors through the British Franchise Association

October 2005: 10 tips on selecting a winning franchise
Drawing on 25 years of experience in assisting franchisees to select the right franchise, The Franchise Magazine publisher Roy Seaman offers his top 10 tips for getting your franchise research right

September 2005: Buying a Franchise?
Are you searching for the right franchise to match your experience, abilities and funds? If so, our FranLink service can help you.

September 2005: How to make the most of UK franchise exhibitions
With the approach of a host of seminars, conferences and exhibitions focused on UK franchising, including UK Franchise Week and the National Franchise Exhibition, Stuart Anderson advises how to make the most of these events

September 2005: How to prepare to meet your bank manager
Richard Holden, Head of Franchising at Lloyds TSB, explains how to prepare to meet your bank manager

July/August 2005: Sifting through the hype
In a world dominated by marketing, advertising and PR, finding an unbiased perspective on a business can be a formidable challenge. With over 700 franchisors currently operating in the UK, how does a prospective franchisee learn to read between the lines and find the right franchise opportunity? Olivia Keen, Franchise Marketing Manager at BFA award winning franchise Swisher, offers three golden rules to follow when sifting through the hype

July/August 2005: Take the Fear out of Redundancy
The high profile implosion of Rover in April brought redundancy right back onto the national agenda. If redundancy is hanging like the Sword of Damocles, it could be time to consider investing in your own future with a franchise, suggests Stuart Anderson

July/August 2005: Financing Your Franchise
With an average of £45,000 borrowed by individuals when investing in a franchise, the banking sector plays an important role in becoming a franchisee. British Franchise Association Communications Manager Johanna Roughley talks with Cash Generator Franchise Development Director Robin Page about how franchisees should use the banks to finance their franchise

July/August 2005: Introduction to Franchising
Is franchising the right vehicle for your future success? Stuart Anderson considers the framework of the franchise relationship - often referred to as a 'business marriage'

June 2005: Leasing: the simple answer to vehicle purchasing
One cost ALL companies have is vehicle cost. Andrew Kirkley, Director of One Stop Vehicles asks what is good value?