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UK Special Features

Featured articles are the lead articles from a given edition of The Franchise Magazine and represent the latest and most interesting new franchising information.

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Articles in the Special Features category

June 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Three steps to becoming a successful franchise owner
Step One: Online e-learning course Step Two: Choosing a franchise Step Three: Unlocking your potential

June 2008: FDS Southern: Northwood grows through acquisition
With a recent takeover of a competitor boosting Northwood’s national presence, Franchise Director Nick Cooper answers questions about the future for the Northwood network

June 2008: Franchise Success TV: FranchiseSuccess.tv
The official broadband TV channel of the bfa

June 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): How franchises are saving the world
As the concern over climate change increases, businesses throughout the UK are looking for ways to take responsibility for the impact they have on the environment by reducing their carbon emissions

June 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): How franchising can save the Post Office
Trade Secretary Alistair Darling has confirmed the closure of 2,500 Post Offices by 2009, in response to losses reported by the network of up to £4 million a week. Hardest hit will be the rural outlets which provide such a vital link for their communities, but it is believed that 10,000 of the 14,000 Post Offices currently operating in the UK are unprofitable. Could ‘social franchising’ provide a solution to maintaining the Post Office network?

June 2008: Auditel: Managing the real cost of business
Companies that in-source their cost management are missing valuable opportunities to improve their profitability with the assistance of specialist expertise

June 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): And the winners are...
The finalists for this year’s British Franchise Association (bfa) Franchisor of the Year Award have been selected and are announced on the 22nd May at a gala luncheon held at the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel

June 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): You’re fired?
Is entrepreneurialism and demand for franchised businesses on the increase in the UK as a result of TV shows such as The Apprentice? And could franchising drive economic growth in the UK as it has in the USA? Some senior sources are giving out positive vibes about the state of franchising in 2008

June 2008: FranMatch: Expect BIG rewards with a management franchise
Have you got what it takes to run a management franchise?

April/May 2008: Owen White: Exclusivity: Understanding territory
Exclusivity is a concept of great interest to franchisors and franchisees alike but often disputes arise because the parties involved do not agree on what they thought the other intended. Sadly, the franchise agreement does not always provide a clear answer

April/May 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): FDS South East open for business
Offering franchise consultancy, access to online and print publications and additional training expertise, Malcolm Porter tells the story of how he came to become an FDS franchisee and profiles the services he will be offering franchisors

April/May 2008: FDS Southern: Making Cargocall a Global Brand
“From a Jiffy bag to Japan, to a JCB to Jamaica”, Cargocall is offering a global service to a huge ‘B2B’ marketplace. FDS Southern interviews Managing Director Gary Clere

April/May 2008: Prokill: The pest marketplace in the country
With increased accreditation requirements driving the solo operators out of the pest control industry, an opportunity exists to combine the standards of a national organisation with the local service of a franchisee

April/May 2008: Molly Maid UK: The domestic cleaning market in the UK: An overview
Bringing national branding and conformity of standards to the domestic cleaning sector, franchise brands are benefiting from increasing demand

April/May 2008: Northwood Residential Lettings: Property, is it really all doom and gloom?
‘Recession’ is a word that has been used recently to describe the state of the property market, but is it really all doom and gloom or are we just describing the glass as half empty when in fact it’s half full?

April/May 2008: London House (Services): UK credit crisis: Are there any answers?
With consumer and commercial debt reaching record levels, the marketplace for managing business and personal financial risk is growing

April/May 2008: HSBC: It's not always easy to tell which franchise is hot
At HSBC, we understand that buying a franchise can be a great way to start a business. It often comes with a proven format for success, the reassurance of a reputable name and invaluable training and support.

April/May 2008: Platinum Property Partners: Women in property
Historically and perhaps stereotypically, when you mention women and property in the same breath, people immediately think interior design and house doctoring - in short, the ‘slightly fluffy’ things. The preconception is that women are naturally gifted at design and making a home look nice, and yes, that’s true, but they’re naturally suited to so much more and are starting to make their presence felt

April/May 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): How to find the RIGHT franchise
With over 1,000 companies offering franchise opportunities in the UK, it is important to ensure that you have a full understanding of the investment you are making

April/May 2008: 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.

April/May 2008: Lloyds TSB Bank Plc: The attractions and pitfalls of multi-unit franchising
The number of franchise systems that have franchisees controlling multiple units has increased in recent years. Although United Kingdom franchisees operate on a relatively small scale compared with the blockbuster multi-unit franchises in the USA, the model is gaining popularity

March 2008: Venture Marketing Group: Showcasing the best in UK & international opportunities
The British & International Franchise Exhibition, one of the major franchising events in the UK, returns to London Olympia on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April 2008

March 2008: KEM: Go round the franchise world in one exhibition!

March 2008: Franchise expo Paris: Join The International Franchise World
FROM 14 TO 17 MARCH 2008, PARIS EXPO PORTE DE VERSAILLES

March 2008: International Franchise Association: This year own a Franchise, and Transform your life
Washington Convention Center Washington, DC April 11-13, 2008

March 2008: British Franchise Association (BFA): FranchiseSuccess.tv
The official broadband TV channel of the bfa

March 2008: FDS Southern: Is your business able to expand through franchising?
Do you own a business that could be suitable for franchising? Consider if your business exhibits the foundation stones to form the basis of a successful franchise

March 2008: FDS Northern: In difference there is opportunity
By developing high quality food offerings utilising ethnic cuisines and building strong business format franchises around them, Mahmoods and wok2go are two examples of the successful integration of British multiculturalism and entrepreneurialism

March 2008: British Franchise Association (BFA): British Franchise Association launches national search
THE search is on to find the UK's top franchisors with the launch of the British Franchise Association's (bfa) Franchisor of the Year Awards, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank.

March 2008: Cargocall: Freight forward franchising: A bright future ahead
Unveiling the world of international transport and its future for franchising. Gary Clere, founder of Cargocall, gives his view on an industry which is taking the strain out of global freight distribution

Jan/Feb 2008: FDS Southern: "We plan to change the face of the self-build industry"
A concept that revolutionised the Australian self-build industry, garnering a string of awards in the process, has been brought to the UK. Gordon Patterson and Gary Rigby interview the Master Franchisee for David Reid Homes, Martin Pick

Jan/Feb 2008: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Winning New Business Essential sales skills for non-sal
For any franchisor or franchisee involved in a sales business - and let's face it what business isn't a sales business? - Richard Denny's new title is recommended reading

December 2007: FDS Southern: "We're proud of our product and continue to innovate"
Over 17 years ago FDS Southern provided consultancy services to assist Wiltshire Farm Foods in launching its franchise opportunity. Gordon Patterson checks in with Director Ben Haynes for a progress update

December 2007: British Franchise Association (BFA): Gold Medal franchising Franchisee of the Year announced
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 attended a black-tie Gala Dinner on Thursday 4th October with the winners sharing prize money of £10,000, courtesy of HSBC

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Franchising is a great option for women
Although there are many high profile female entrepreneurs statistics show that there are still fewer self-employed women than men. Derin Ibrahim reports

Oct/Nov 2007: David Reid Homes: Self-Build Homes
David Reid, Founder of David Reid Homes

Oct/Nov 2007: Platinum Property Partners: Has the Property Investing Buy to Let Bubble Burst?
Nick Carlile, Founding Partner of Platinum Property Partners

Oct/Nov 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Editorial Comment

September 2007: Barefruit Juice: Changing the world one franchise at a time
A business with a social purpose, Barefruit Juice is one of a new breed of franchisor whose aim is to improve public health and welfare as much as it is to make a profit. FDS Northern Consultant Tony Urwin discusses how franchising can further the "fourth sector"business agenda

September 2007: British Franchise Association (BFA): Franchisor of the Year announced
Such is the quality of franchising in the UK, this year's British Franchise Association Franchisor of the Year Awards named three winners, albeit in gold, silver and bronze categories. Derin Ibrahim reports on the brands that came out on top

September 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Industry Report: Cleaning Franchises
For anyone seeking a franchise, the cleaning sector has a plentiful range of opportunities to cater for all aspirations. Adam Browning profiles...

September 2007: British Franchise Association (BFA): "Franchising is big business!"
With the aim of helping prospective franchisors and franchisees better understand franchising, the British Franchise Association profiles its range of events and products

July/August 2007: Swisher: Franchise Profile: Swisher - quality & customer care
A highly respected brand within the washroom sector and an award-winning franchisor, Swisher aims to make its name synonymous with washrooms. Marilyn Keen, Director, answer our questions

July/August 2007: Expense Reduction Analysts: Founders of franchising: John Allison - ERA
By introducing franchising to the ERA business concept, John Allison developed the growth strategy that has enabled the company to establish its operations in 23 countries worldwide. Stuart Anderson interviews

July/August 2007: Cookerburra Oven Cleaning Services: Domestic oven cleaning - A growing market
Domestic oven cleaning is an exciting growth industry, reveals Mike Holloway, Franchise Director of Cookerburra Oven Cleaning Services

May / June 2007: Northwood Residential Lettings: Looking for business builders
Northwood Residential Lettings has put in place three businesses in one to provide a profit enhancing franchise. Gordon Patterson puts his questions to Northwood Founder Andy Goodson

May / June 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Founders of franchising: Stelios - easyGroup
With three franchised networks at various stages of development under his easyGroup parent company, Stelios is demonstrating his belief in the benefits of franchising. Stuart Anderson interviews

May / June 2007: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Franchise Innovation in the UK
Are you seeking a franchise that offers something different? Stuart Anderson takes a look at some of the franchises that have built their business concepts around the provision of an innovative new product in the UK market

April 2007: Plumb Local: Founders of franchising: Steve Baker - Local Services
Local Services has developed a successful formula for trade-based franchising that sees it on the verge of launching its third franchise network. Stuart Anderson talks to the group's Founder Steve Baker

April 2007: Football Kitz 'n' Pieces: Jane gets ahead of the game in football fashion
A single mum with a driving ambition to build a better future for herself and her son, Jane Lennon raised the finance through private investors, banks and venture capitalists to buy The Soccer Company. Now in her third year, Jane reflects on the highs and lows of business ownership.

March 2007: Auntie Anne's: Founders of franchising: Robert Burton - Auntie Anne's
Many of the famous US brands trading on UK the high streets today have been established through Master Franchise licences. Stuart Anderson interviews Robert Burton, who became a Master Franchisee for the second time when he took over pretzel chain Auntie Anne's last year

January 2007: Molly Maid UK: Profile - Molly Maid: 'Premier brand in its sector'
With a solid base and phenomenal development opportunity, the UK has the highest growth potential of any marketplace that Molly Maid currently operates in. FDS Southern interviews the Molly Maid development team

January 2007: Caremark: Development of the Domiciliary Care Market
With the growth in UK population and our increasing lifespans, the UK has an ever increasing number of older people. Caremark Managing Director Kevin Lewis reflects on the sweeping changes that the care services industry has undergone over the last 20 years and the creation of the domiciliary care market

Dec 2006: 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

Dec 2006: Northwood Residential Lettings: Founders of franchising: Andy Goodson - 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

September 2006: Bluebird Care: Experience Counts ...in a £12 billion growth market
With an extensive pedigree in care industry franchising, the founders of Bluebird Care speak to Nick Williams about their newly launched franchise

September 2006: TaxAssist Accountants: Hague's Consultation: TaxAssist - a complete solution
Having originally assisted TaxAssist Accountants in setting up its franchise in 1995, franchise consultant Paul Hague interviews the company's CEO Karl Sandall

September 2006: National Schoolwear Centres: Patterson & Rigby File: National Schoolwear Centres
With a network that has trebled over the past four years, Director of Retail Operations Ian Masson is confident of continued growth as the company continues its franchisee recruitment. Gordon Patterson interviews

September 2006: MyHome Residential Cleaning: Founders of Franchising: Russell O'Connell - MyHome
Myhome International hit the headlines again recently with its acquisition of Ovenclean. Founder Russell O'Connell talks to Stuart Anderson about his ambitions to create a global franchise group

September 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Could you help Mastermind Franchise Development?
Franchise Development Services is looking for an experienced Sales & Marketing Executive to own and operate this FDS Regional Office, providing professional consultancy and franchisee recruitment services through The Franchise Magazine, and a comprehensive range of consultancy services to the Established and Prospective Franchisor.

July/August 2006: Sumo: Patterson & Rigby File: Penetrating A Niche Market
With an award-winning concept developed over six years, SUMO Managing Director Colin Carnachan reveals the company's future expansion plans to the FDS Southern team

July/August 2006: Filta Group: Founders of Franchising: Roscoe Urosevic - Filta Group
Since Roscoe Urosevic joined The Filta Group he has ushered in the company's transformation from a regional franchise network to a global group developing a portfolio of franchise brands. Stuart Anderson interviews

July/August 2006: British Franchise Association (BFA): Learning corner
Becoming a franchisee is a long-term commitment and a sizeable investment so make sure you do your due diligence, advises Dan Archer of the British Franchise Association

July/August 2006: Business Tools: Making the right franchise decision...
The decision of whether or not to invest in a franchise, or which franchise to choose from a range of options, is an important one. Tom Albrighton examines how investment decisions are made

July/August 2006: Increase your chances of retail franchise success
Retail is arguably the most difficult sector to enter and become successful in. Rachel Spaul explores how franchising can increase your chances of success

July/August 2006: Women in Franchising: Double the trouble
For busy mothers franchising offers the flexibility to fit a business around home life. Rachel Spaul interviews new mother and franchisee Sarah Fallon

July/August 2006: Auditel: Industry Report: Lowering the cost of business
Controlling costs could allow your business to realise untapped profitability. Chris Allison, Managing Director of Auditel (UK) Ltd, provides an insight into the cost management industry

June 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): The Patterson File: Ecocleen - Committed to growth
After 16 years, Ecocleen is one of the UK's largest cleaning franchises. Gordon Patterson speaks to Ecocleen Managing Director Robert Legge

June 2006: Coffee Republic: Founders of Franchising: Bobby Hashemi-Coffee Republic
With his sister Sahar, Bobby Hashemi has built one of the high street's most recognisable coffee bar brands, which is now embarking upon a strategy of franchise expansion. Stuart Anderson interviews

June 2006: Women in Franchising - Securing the future
Security, more flexible working conditions and freedom from office and employment politics was the driving force for Gillian Gibbon when she left her high-paid job in telecoms three years ago. Rachel Spaul interviews

April/May 2006: New Belfast franchise expo set to be successful
The Franchise Exhibition in Northern Ireland has drawn an impressive range of important franchising companies to the Odyssey, Belfast.

April/May 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): The franchise industry at your fingertips
The 21st edition of The United Kingdom Franchise Directory has just been published. Directory Editor Simon Royal explains what this edition has in store for reader

April/May 2006: Legal Brief: With franchising law, experience counts
Franchise agreements are specialised commercial agreements and commonly contain a wide range of provisions which are peculiar to franchising. Mike Barlow of specialist franchise lawyers Leathes Prior explains

April/May 2006: Franchise Development Services (FDS): The Patterson File: What makes a winning franchise?
With a host of awards to its name, Swisher has awarded 65 franchises in the UK. Gordon Patterson speaks to the company's Development Director Marilyn Keen

April/May 2006: British Franchise Association (BFA): New faces at the bfa
With a number of new appointments made in the first quarter, 2006 is shaping up to be a period of progression for the British Franchise Association. Client Services Manager Pip Wilkins reports

April/May 2006: Northwood Residential Lettings: Industry Report: Northwood - Rewarding & secure
Lettings and estate agency franchises offer a chance to benefit from the exciting returns of the property market. Andy Goodson, founder of Northwood, reflects on his experiences

April/May 2006: Founders of Franchising: Rosemary Conley
This edition's Founder of Franchising is Rosemary Conley, whose diet and fitness club network has provided 165 franchisees with the opportunity to own their own businesses. Stuart Anderson interviews

March 2006: The Patterson File: The next step in franchising
With an enviable record of achievement in the franchise industry, Kevin Lewis has founded a new-launch opportunity. Gordon Patterson interviews

March 2006: News from the British Franchise Association
The British Franchise Association's 28th Annual General Meeting reported a number of new developments, writes bfa Client Services Manager Pip Wilkins

March 2006: Founders of Franchising: Simon Woodroffe
YO! Sushi Founder and Dragon's Den star Simon Woodroffe discusses his experiences of franchising his business and offers his tips for people considering becoming their own boss. Stuart Anderson interviews

Feb 2006: The Young Report: ChipsAway set to launch PCC brand
Ken Young reports on Professional Car Cleaning, the new valeting venture from vehicle body and interior repair franchisor ChipsAway

Feb 2006: The Patterson File: Happy Birthday Northwood
As Northwood completes its 10th year of operations, Gordon Patterson interviews its head office team

Feb 2006: The Cleaning Sector: The Franchises That Clean Up
The Cleaning sector offers a wealth of opportunities to business builders seeking either owner-operator or management franchisees. Adam Browning has a closer look at some of the franchises available

December 2005: BFA Franchisee of the year 2005 winners
Announcing: the British Franchise Association's 2005 Franchisee of the Year Award winners. Event Manager Pip Wilkins reports

December 2005: O2: The Paterson File: An interview with 02
With O2 recently announcing plans to expand its retail operations via franchising, Gordon Patterson interviews O2 Sales Director Mark Stansfeld

December 2005: Brian Lewis-BFA Chairman and founder of Cash Generator
From petrol pump attendant to Chairman of the British Franchise Association has been a varied and interesting journey for Brian Lewis. Stuart Anderson speaks to the Cash Generator Founder

December 2005: How to deal with a franchise dispute
Franchising is, by its nature, 'heavy' on disputes because franchise agreements are usually complex, last for a long time, and franchisors enter into a large number of them, reflects Franchise Lawyer John Pratt

October 2005: A guide to Business Format Franchising
Roy Seaman, director of Franchise Development Services, explains all you need to know and understand in relation to Business Format Franchising and the real value of Franchise Consultants.

October 2005: A major player in franchising
In the first of a series of interviews with the founders of franchising Stuart Anderson talks to Jim Zockoll, who became one of the first UK franchisors with Dyno-Rod in 1965

October 2005: Snack-In-The-Box: The Patterson File: Meet the new SITB head office team
Following a management buy-out, Snack-in-the-Box has three new directors: Managing Director Bill Owen, Operations Director Mike Funston and Sales Director Matthew O'Neil. Gordon Patterson interviews the new leadership on the future direction of the franchise

September 2005: Regional and National Master Franchises
Do your ambitions stretch to brand building in a territory beyond your postcode? Stuart Anderson analyses owning a Master Franchise and previews the forthcoming European Franchising Trade Mission

September 2005: The Patterson File: National Schoolwear Centres
Having passed the 50 store mark landmark and with its first outlet established in Ireland, National Schoolwear Centres is developing new product lines to add extra income streams to an already popular business. Gordon Patterson talks to Director of Retail Operations Ian Masson

September 2005: 7 Niche Market Franchises Destined for Success
Seeking a competitive edge from a franchise opportunity? Stuart Anderson reports on seven brands that have identified market niches for their proven franchise operations....While some businesses treat the world as their market, many niche businesses thrive by focusing on a more easily identifiable select market which shares an unaddressed need for a product or service. Here, we've picked out seven such franchise brands that are offering opportunities to carve your own market niche:

July/August 2005: Reflections on Franchising
In 2003 The Franchise Magazine's Dr Dennis Chaplin interviewed the co-founder of the British Franchise Association Tony Jacobsen. To commemorate Mr Jacobsen's recent passing, TheFranchiseMagazine.net has pulled the article up out of the archives