The Franchise Magazine - the UK's best selling Franchise Magazine

The Franchise Magazine FULL INDEX

December 2007 Edition

FRANCHISE NEWS HEADLINES

Prestige Nursing: Prestige Nursing improves franchise package
PCC (Professional Car Cleaning): Record breaking launch for two PCC franchisees
Apollo Blinds: Sales increase as more homeowners turn to decorating
MyHome Residential Cleaning: Myhome re-brands its domestic services
Safeclean: Mike White announced Franchisee of the Year
Sonic Golf: Sonic Golf awarded three-year contract with The Belfry
View the latest franchise news.

Sort by: Page [Ascending] [Descending] or Franchise Name [A-Z] [Z-A]

Page 3: BSM: Buy a BSM franchise and become your own boss.
BSM is one of the UK's leading driver training organisations and you can buy a BSM Instructor franchise from as little as £18,000*. What's more, this payment includes all the training required for you to become a fully qualified driving instructor.

Page 5: Surface Doctor: Join the rufurbishment revolution
Surface Doctor, the leading bathroom and kitchen resurfacing franchise in the United States with over 20 years proven business success, is now available as a franchise throughout the UK.

Page 9: Merry Maids: Merry Maids franchise. Relax. It's Done.
Open the door to a fresh perspective with a Merry Maids franchise.

Page 10: 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

Page 12: Dublcheck: 'Outstanding support'
Drawn to Dublcheck by the Directors' openness and honesty, franchisee Chris Mitchell has been impressed by the company's high level of ongoing support.

Page 14: locallife: Transform every business into a happy customer
Do you have the drive and ambition to build and develop a fantastic local business and community information resource in your own exclusive territory?

Page 16: Caremark: We're Passionate and committed to your success
Domiciliary Care continues to be an ever growing industry and with this comes the demand for professional Home Care Providers...

Page 18: Aspray: From floods to fire, Aspray proves profitable
In a recession-proof business Aspray franchisees are specialists in managing all types of property repair. The company reveals how its aim of reducing stress for people hit by disaster is achieved by offering a one-stop-shop for all their building repair work

Page 19: Nevada Bob's Golf: A passion for golf makes a great business opportunity
With 40 franchised stores across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Europe and 30 years of trading experience worldwide, Nevada Bob's Golf is a great franchise for golf enthusiasts. Derin Ibrahim reports

Page 22: Colourfence: Colourfence is a winning product
Bringing a product successful in Australia over to the UK has proved a winning formula for the Colourfence founders and franchisees. Derin Ibrahim reports

Page 26: Purple Care: Investor in People...Invests in Franchisees
A bulging trophy shelf backs up the reputation of Prime Care Community Services as being among the best in the country with regard to quality standards and training in the home care sector. The domiciliary care company has now translated these systems into a professionally put-together franchise opportunity as Purple Care. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 28: Apollo Blinds: 2007 - the year window blinds became big business
Britain's biggest blinds store chain will look back at 2007 as the year in which the industry was catapulted into the limelight after a heavyweight independent report highlighted the prosperity the window blinds sector is experiencing. Paul Kirby reports

Page 30: Papa John's Pizza: Papa John's Pizza cuts itself a large slice
Papa John's is cutting itself an even bigger slice of Britain's pizza market after adding another tasty addition to its growing franchise

Page 32: Cash Generator: Follow the proven system and success will follow
With his fifth store now opened, Dave Elwood is the leading multi-site franchisee in the Cash Generator network. Adam Browning finds out how Dave's dreams of owning a portfolio of outlets have come true

Page 38: Snack-In-The-Box: 7 years on and still going strong
Franchisee Diary: Ruth Sutcliff, West Sussex

Page 40: Ecocleen: Enjoy a Flying Start with an Income Guarantee
Ecocleen is looking for business builders with the capability of achieving £500,000 businesses within three years, and then on to the £1 million mark. Stuart Anderson speaks to Franchise Director Gavin Henderson about the franchise's approach to developing its franchise network

Page 42: Northwood Residential Lettings: NAKED MAN streaks through office
The chances are that there are a number of articles in this magazine that you may have simply flicked past merely glancing at their content, but here you are reading this one...probably because the headline caught your attention. If you are considering investing in a business then that business needs to be different and stand out from the competition. The Northwood business model is just that: different, as is evidenced by Wokingham franchisee Nick Harris.

Page 44: Recognition Express: Recognise Success
Operating a franchise that has been running for a quarter of a century, Recognition Express franchisees Stephen and Ciorsdan Price still enjoy business growth. Derin Ibrahim interviews

Page 46: Belvoir Lettings: Through the 100 barrier!
Belvoir has achieved a record number of new franchises, smashing through the 100 barrier with 112 franchises around the country. Belvoir Sales Director Dorian Gonsalves explains

Page 47: London House (Services): Suited to your investment level... London House
"The support throughout has been great and there is a strong relationship between franchisor and franchisee." Graham Chandler, Tonbridge & Canterbury franchisee

Page 48: Countrywide Signs: Join a niche section in the property market
When Ian Morris took voluntary redundancy he found the business opportunity he was looking for with Countrywide Signs. Derin Ibrahim interviews

Page 49: Certax Accounting: Get your financial future off to a flying start ...
More than 100 franchisees are already enjoying the freedom and benefits of running their own CerTax Accounting Practice

Page 50: TaxAssist Accountants: Own a business where the clients come to you
After being made redundant from his accountancy job of 15 years, Ray Millin has built a future for himself with TaxAssist Accountants. Derin Ibrahim interviews

Page 52: Jani-King (GB): Forget the Dragons...Achieve your ambitions
The dream of owning his own business, escaping corporate politics and spending more time with his family has been realised by David McNeil, with a Jani-King franchise. Joanne Rogers reports

Page 56: Pizza Hut: Enjoy Customer mania with a Global Brand
By leveraging its huge national network and growing online customer database, Pizza Hut is offering UK entrepreneurs the opportunity to become multi-site owners enjoying a unique customer reaction. Stuart Anderson finds out more from Franchise Director Sanjiv Razdan

Page 57: CeX: Recession-proof retail opportunity for gadget lovers...
With a business system that's virtually recession-proof and an established brand with a loyal customer base, CeX is aiming for national coverage within four years. Adam Browning reports

Page 60: Hydro-Dynamix: Hydro-Dynamix: looking to expand the brand
Providing a surface cleaning service to both commercial and domestic customers, Hydro-Dynamix franchisees enjoy great earning potential. Derin Ibrahim reports

Page 62: Keytek: Keytek® provides the key to success
Having an interest in home security but no previous experience, Peter Thurston was provided with the opportunity of establishing a business he enjoys thanks to the training provided by Keytek®.

Page 66: ElecLocal: WHY ELECLOCAL? Rob Prior tells us...
"I was well aware that the introduction of the electrical safety, coupled with the shortage of Part P regulations in January 2005 to increase qualified electricians has made finding a fully qualified, reliable electrician very difficult. Inevitably this high demand offers good business prospects, which led me to look for opportunities within the electrical trade sector. I spoke to ElecLocal, and was immediately impressed with the potential to build my own company with all the business and marketing support of a national brand to build a rewarding and profitable business."

Page 67: Plumb Local: WHY PLUMBLOCAL? Luke Stevens tells us...
"Becoming a PlumbLocal franchisee has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The company gives you your own territory, supplies job leads, provides invaluable business support and actively markets your services. With a lot of hard work and dedication you can succeed - I have no regrets"

Page 69: MyHome Residential Cleaning: "myhome - A Perfect Partnership!"
Going into business for yourself is a big step and choosing the right partner is essential. Russell O'Connell, Chief Executive of myhome points out that having a partner with experience and expertise can make all the difference.

Page 70: YOUR MOVE: The right tools for franchise success
YOUR MOVE is arguably the fastest growing estate agency franchise in the UK with over 90 franchised offices opened in under 4 years and more in the pipeline. To set you on your way to success as your own boss too, we'll supply you with these powerful tools:

Page 72: O2: A breath of Fresh Air
As one of the UK's largest mobile phone network operators, O2 is offering a retail concept with as much potential as it has brand-power. Adam Browning interviews

Page 76: All Trades Networks: No two days the same for All Trades franchisees
In 2005 Andy Lerer launched the Essex branch of All Trades Network and two years on the 52-year-old says he still enjoys the day-to-day challenges of dealing with tradesmen, suppliers and insurance policy holders who rely on him when disaster strikes their home, writes All Trades Network Franchise Development Manager Charles Sindall

Page 78: Pentagon (UK): Secure your financial future
With a decade of experience in debt management, Pentagon offers a home or office based business that's both financially and personally rewarding

Page 82: Ladies Workout Express: Healthy figures, healthy profits
Offering a women-only environment and a specialised 30-minute circuit training programme utilising the latest hydraulic systems is proving a huge draw for Sandra Hutchinson's Castlereagh, Belfast franchise

Page 83: Diet Express: Great figures for business
The ability to offer guaranteed weight loss means Diet Express franchisees will make a powerful selling point in today's marketplace. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 84: Sonic Golf: Keep Your Business on the Fairway
Not just a dream business for golf lovers, Sonic Golf is proving itself to be a profitable proposition through it's rapid national growth. Adam Browning reports

Page 86: David Reid Homes: Passionate about premium service?
With a 100 per cent success record among its international network of franchisees, David Reid Homes has launched its franchise network in the UK. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 92: Hardsoft Computers: Become the dominant specialist in the IT sector
How many small and medium sized business are operating in your town or city, and how many new launch every week? These are all potential customers for you if you take on the HardSoft Computers franchise. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 93: wok2go: Money doesn't grow on trees
HEALTHY FOOD. HEALTHY FINANCES Wok2go presents a mouth watering business opportunity.

Page 97: Voucher Packs: A brand new opportunity
Voucher Packs are DL size clear wrapped and branded packs containing leaflets from brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Frankie & Benny's and ChipsAway along with other local business in the leisure, home, health, food and beauty categories.

Page 103: 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

Page 110: FDS Midlands: Franchise Your Business...
CONSIDERING FRANCHISING?

Page 112: Franchise Development Services (FDS): Is your business Suitable for Franchising?
The success or failure of a franchise venture can be traced back to the initial planning of its development. FDS Founder and Managing Director Roy Seaman reflects on how you should consider franchising your business

Page 114: 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

Page 116: FDS Northern: A franchise in Ten Million
Embarking on a franchise development programme is a huge commitment of time and emotional energy for everyone involved. Franchise Consultant Tony Urwin reveals how this results in building long-lasting relationships with his clients

Page 118: 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

Page 120: 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

Page 124: 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

Page 128: Venture Marketing Group: Leap into franchising!
The instant business solution

Latest franchise news:

Web exclusive: ORCA: Helping businesses fully benefit from the internet
The internet has forever changed the way we do business and information is now just a mouse click away. This year over £48 billion will be spent shopping online, £13.9 billion of which will be in the 10 week run up to Christmas. With over 67% of the population currently online, this averages about £509 per person!

Web exclusive: Venture UK: Photographic portrait franchise is looking to expand
Venture UK, a photographic portrait company that has been responsible for a ground-braking style of portrait photography, is looking for talented photographers and entrepreneurs to take on franchises across the UK.

Web exclusive: Totally Dynamic: Totally Dynamic to star on TV

Web exclusive: Cargocall: MARKET INTELLIGENCE: Cargocall

Web exclusive: YogaBugs: Three franchisees up and running with Yogabugs

Web exclusive: Venture Marketing Group: Self start to success at The British Franchise Expo

Web exclusive: Expense Reduction Analysts: FRANCHISEE DIARY: Derek Hodd, Hammersmith, London

Web exclusive: Totally Dynamic: Franchisee support is the focus for Totally Dynamic
Vehicle wrapping franchise Totally Dynamic has announced its target for 2008 is to establish two to three new franchisees, adding to its seven-strong network. "This controlled level of growth will ensure we can continue to provide the intensive support we promise our franchisees,"reflects Marketing Manager Jennifer Rope.

Web exclusive: GreenThumb: Franchisee Diary, Andrew Rogers, Wisbech
I'd been looking into the possibilities of franchising for over 10 years to get an idea of what was out there and which franchises developed into successful businesses.

Web exclusive: Pet Carers: MARKET INTELLIGENCE: Pet Carers
The first wave of prospective franchisees are currently being interviewed by Pet Carers, a business originally launched in 2004 offering pet boarding, dog walking, feeding and other services for dogs, cats and various small pets.

Web exclusive: David Reid Homes: Franchisee Diary: Duncan McEwan, Warwick
I found out about the David Reid Home franchise opportunity in The Franchise Magazine. The franchise attracted my attention as it was a new venture for the UK and I was looking for a business opportunity that I thought would have real potential for the future.

Web exclusive: Recognition Express: Franchisee Diary: Kevin Andrews, Taunton
I come from a print and design background but the specialist field I worked in was being overtaken by the internet, so I decided to look for a new challenge and began to look into franchising.

Web exclusive: Searchmate: Avenues take over fuels Searchmate's expansion
Personal introductions agency Searchmate has announced an agreement to acquire competitor Avenues' assets, including its membership.

Web exclusive: Northwood Residential Lettings: Northwood reach a half century
Northwood is celebrating the opening of its 50th office in Leeds.

Web exclusive: Expense Reduction Analysts: Franchisee Diary: Derek Hodd, Hammersmith, London
In the eight years I have been with Expense Reduction Analysts my best saving has been 90 per cent, which I'm quite proud of, but it's not all about making the most savings.

Web exclusive: Marshalls Gardens & Driveways: Scenic Blue franchise is rebranded
Landscape and gardening franchise Scenic Blue has been rebranded Marshalls Gardens & Driveways. This move follows Marshalls plc acquisition of Scenic Blue in December 2006.

Web exclusive: Surelet: Surelet takes 'Centre Stage'
Surelet Residential Lettings has announced a record quarter for letting houses, the perfect news to accompany the head office Franchise Team's move in to new premises in the heart of "Letting Agents Row"in Gloucester City Centre.

Web exclusive: RockMasters: MARKET INTELLIGENCE: RockMasters
Rock and roll is coming to franchising with the approaching launch of a new opportunity developed by musician and record producer Mike Hurst.

Web exclusive: Prokill: Franchisee Diary: Andy Chowdhury, Manchester
The company I was working as an area manager for began restructuring and I knew I was about to be made redundant. At that point I decided that I had enough of working for other people and wanted to be my own boss so I began to look into franchising. While attending a franchise exhibition in London I came across the Prokill franchise.

Web exclusive: locallife: Locallife franchisee celebrates successful business
A former tennis coach has recently purchased his second Locallife franchise. Werner Rosemann launched his first Locallife franchise in March 2007. Since he started his Watford based business it has been so successful that he has already purchased his second.

Web exclusive: Molly Maid UK: Molly Maid franchisees win top award
Molly Maid franchisees have won the top prize at their local business awards. Owners of Molly Maid Berwick Lorna James and Denise Walker have won New Business of the Year in the Business Awards for Wansbeck.

Web exclusive: Hardsoft Computers: Promising start for Hardsoft Computers
After six months of launching its franchise opportunity, IT leasing company Hardsoft Computers already has three franchisees established with one more preparing to open for business.

Web exclusive: EmbroidMe: Embroidery franchise set for UK expansion
EmbroidMe, an embroidery, screen printing and promotional products company, is set to expand its franchise across the UK.

Web exclusive: Platinum Property Partners: Rise in women earning an income in property investment
Platinum Property Partners has revealed that there has been an increase in women earning an income from property investment.

Web exclusive: BB's Coffee & Muffins: Franchise establishes training academy
BB's Coffee and Muffins has established a Franchisee and Management Training Academy at its Irish head office in Limerick. The custom built facility will support new and existing franchisees to acquire the necessary operational and management skill, and brand consistency to operate successful and profitable BB's cafes.

Web exclusive: Daily Poppins: A 'Boom Time' for domestic cleaning
We are in the midst of a 'Boom Time' for domestic cleaning. The number of households employing a cleaning service is predicted to rise significantly in the next few years.