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The Franchise Magazine FULL INDEX

October 2005 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.

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Page 3: Chemex International: A proven route to success...
Giving you the key to a business that works Chemex have been manufacturing and supplying their range of cleaning, hygiene and maintenance products, business to business via their franchisees' mobile showrooms for over 20 years. This established, proven concept gives them a huge advantage in the marketplace, and has set Chemex as the leading franchise in mobile distribution.

Page 7: The Ink Drop: 100,000 pounds gross profit in year one.... Interested?
A simple proposition. A fantastic opportunity. Profit from a visit to our stand, l10, at the NEC this october.

Page 9: Signs Express: Join An Award Winning Team !

Page 10: McDonald's Restaurants: The franchise you can love
When it comes to delivering the McDonald's brand promise directly to our customer, every hour of the day, every day of the year, we rely heavily on our franchisees. Worldwide, over 70 per cent of our 30,000+ restaurants are run by independent entrepeneurs - making us the largest and most successful franchising company.

Page 11: Rainsoft: A clear leader in water treatment systems
Over the last 50 years, water consumption in the United States alone increased by more than 100 percent,"reveals Tony Sharma, Director, Business Development of RainSoft. "In the same period, it rose by more than 500 per cent in Europe and 300 per cent in Africa. Many experts predict that world consumption will double by the year 2020."

Page 16: ChipsAway International: Love cars... you'll love this franchise!
Whatever your achievement goals, ChipsAway offers a serious earnings opportunity. Megan Dunmore speaks to a franchisee who has achieved his goals with a ChipsAway franchise

Page 20: Papa John's Pizza: New innovations at Papa John's
With continued innovation characterising UK development of Papa John's, Business Development Manager Paul Youngman reflects on this award-winning international food brand

Page 24: Comfort Keepers: You could make a real difference...
If you're searching for a more rewarding career, a Comfort Keepers franchise could be the perfect solution. Megan Dunmore reports

Page 26: Original Poster Company: The hallmark of a good franchise
Having awarded all of its 71 UK and Ireland franchises, international greeting card franchisor The Original Poster Company is offering select established businesses as re-sales. Rachel Spaul and Stuart Anderson report

Page 32: Curves: Number one for women's fitness
A health and fitness franchise built on passion and compassion, Curves has cornered the US market. Rachel Spaul reports on the brand's rapid expansion across the UK

Page 34: Harvey World Travel: The satisfaction of owning your own busines
Harvey World Travel has arrived in the UK. As the largest retail travel franchise in the Southern Hemisphere, Harvey World Travel has over 550 branches throughout the world and already has 25 trading in the UK.

Page 36: Apollo Blinds: Looking towards the future
Apollo Blinds is embarking on a large-scale franchise network expansion plan that will see it double its number of franchisees over the next five years. General Manager Patrick Harrison speaks to Paul Kirby about the company's new impetus

Page 38: GreenThumb: '100% success rate'
With a system that works and a service that sells, the Stevensons felt they couldn't go wrong with their GreenThumb franchise. Rachel Spaul tells their story

Page 40: Molly Maid UK: Own a Molly Maid franchise and you'll clean up
The domestic cleaning market is worth £3billion+ and is growing fast

Page 41: Cash Generator: Has the Economy Changed?
The Cash Generator concept has been developed with three income streams to enable it to flourish in a variety of market conditions. With economic uncertainty widespread, Founder Brian Lewis talks to Stuart Anderson about the possibility that there is a major change taking place in the British economy

Page 46: Snack-In-The-Box: In association with Cadbury
Two case studies about how Snack In The Box (SITB) helps their franchisees set up and build their snack vending businesses.

Page 48: Kall Kwik (UK): Isn't it time you took a giant leap?
With Kall Kwik, the British Franchise Association's 2005 Franchisor of the Year, you can build a future that is out of this world.

Page 49: MyHome Residential Cleaning: Talk to Myhome about a bright future
Residential cleaning is one of the UK's fastest growing market sectors, with 2.7 million households spending around £11 billion every year on domestic help. Myhome CEO Russell O'Connell reflects on how his Unilever-backed franchise is offering a prime opportunity to get into this exciting market

Page 52: Belvoir Lettings: Get ahead & stay ahead with Belvoir
With its branded shop concept providing franchisees with a first class advertising medium, Belvoir has helped more than 85 people nationwide get into the residential lettings market. Rachel Spaul reports

Page 56: Prontaprint: Join a Superbrand
Laird MacKay, Managing Director of Prontaprint, outlines the company's heightened recruitment drive during National Franchise Week

Page 60: Agency Express: Join the record-breaking franchise
With almost 20 per cent of the UK's estate agents on board as clients, Agency Express has enjoyed a record-breaking year. Founder and Managing Director Stephen Watson reflects on its success

Page 62: Cookerburra Oven Cleaning Services: Operating profitably in over 20 regions nationwide
Franchising as a business format naturally lends itself to family franchising, as in most cases training and support is extended to spouses and partners. Cookerburra, a family run business itself, has already recruited a number of couples and has recently set up franchises for the next generation of existing franchisees.

Page 64: TaxAssist Accountants: Build a business at an aspirational rate
TaxAssist Accountants has upgraded its launch support to provide a bigger head start for new franchisees. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 70: Hire Intelligence: Take the fast lane in high-tech rentals
Hire Intelligence franchisees are outgrowing their rental businesses competitors thanks to international support, a successful UK franchise network and a bespoke management system. Rachel Spaul reports

Page 74: Castle Estates: Looking for a growing market?
For those considering a growth market in franchising now could be the best time to consider a lettings and property management franchise offered by Castle Estates.

Page 76: Dream Doors: Enjoy dramatic sales growth
Reporting dramatic sales growth despite current market conditions, Dream Doors franchisees speak to Stuart Anderson and Mark Ponsford

Page 86: Northwood Residential Lettings: The opportunity of a lifetime
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.

Page 90: Keytek: Our franchisees are from all walks of life
Keytek® franchisees come from a variety of backgrounds; we have taxi drivers, store managers, policemen and engineers to name but a few and their past experiences all contribute to building a successful franchise network.

Page 92: Minuteman Press International: Number 1 in Printing
Minuteman provides a service where every business is a potential customer, reports Adam Browning

Page 94: Certax Accounting: The Accountancy & Tax Advisory Franchise
The Accountancy & Tax Advisory Franchise That Embodies Quality And Professionalism. Three CerTax franchisees tell their story...

Page 95: Bartercard: The Smart Business Opportunity
Bartercard, is the World's largest and leading Trade Exchange. Bartercard is the only strategic modern business tool which can create new business, increase sales, reduce cash expenses and use profit margins as a discount for purchasing. Bartercard's trade business exchange allows members to buy and sell goods and services without using cash to pay for them, placing you in contact with over 70,000 prospective new customers in 16 countries around the world! It is the largest and fastest growing Barter network in the World!

Page 100: Morris Pasties: A tasty opportunity for hungry investors
Football legend Bryan Robson stole the show in Solihull this August when he cut the ribbon officially opening the latest Morris Pasties shop. Rachel Spaul reports

Page 102: Coffee Republic: It all starts with great coffee
One of the UK's original international-style espresso bar chains, Coffee Republic is to offer franchises for the first time. Coffee Republic's Brian Carroll reports

Page 106: Superseal International: SuperSeal Your Future
SuperSeal International Limited is the world leader in puncture protection. The company is involved in the manufacture, supply and installation of a Universal Tyre Sealant System which puncture proofs a tyre for its entire legal life. SuperSeal is the only tyre sealant company in the world which has PRODUCT LIABILITY FOR €6.5 MILLION THROUGH LLOYDS OF LONDON.

Page 108: HomeStyle by Vantana: So what is it like to be a Homestyle franchisee
We asked Paul Stevenson, who has a territory in Edinburgh and a retail shop, to outline what he does, & what he likes about being in the blind trade. Paul has ran his own business for 18 months.

Page 110: CeX: With CeX, the sky's the limit
We're an energetic and enthusiastic retail brand seeking like-minded individuals keen to make substantial profits from the buying and selling of quality second-hand products ranging from, Videogames, DVD, Mobile Phones, Electronics and Computing.

Page 112: Camwatch: Looking out for you
Launching its new, home-based franchise, CamWatch is providing an opportunity to lead the domestic security market. Ken Young investigates

Page 114: Thebestof.co.uk: 'It really is phenomenal'
Most franchisees are recouping their investment in less than three months. Franchise Recruitment Manager Cat Foulkes explains

Page 116: Snack Machine: A tempting choice
Heading a new-launch franchise that provides the franchisee with the freedom to set price levels, Dominic Southin of Snack Machine speaks to Richard McTiernan

Page 120: Jaguar Couriers: Delivering a professional franchise package
Due to growing UK and European demand, Jaguar Couriers is expanding its tailor-made delivery business nationwide via franchising. Rachel Spaul investigates

Page 126: London House (Services): Build a business with a serious income
After a decade of established operations, risk control services franchise London House is closing in on network completion with a selection of important areas still available for business builders. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 133: Countrywide Lawn Doctor: A franchise with growing opportunity
If your looking for a business opportunity where you can enjoy the flexible lifestyle you've always been seeking, as well as being involved in delivering a customer focused service that's experiencing high continual growth, then Countrywide Lawn Doctor could be just for you.

Page 136: Driver & Warehouse: Give your future the green light.
With Driver & Warehouse you'll be supplying short and long term staff including placing warehouse operatives, drivers' mates, forklift and van drivers to the distribution industry.

Page 140: Stageability: Strong growth and satisfaction
StageAbility Founders Gary and Ann Sullivan speak to Stuart Anderson about their exciting plans to expand their high growth business across the UK

Page 146: Eurodebt: Boxed for your business success
If you're looking for a rewarding, white collar business that can either be operated full or part-time from home or premises, debt management franchise €urodebt is worth further scrutiny. Rachel Spaul reports

Page 148: Matrix Direct Recycle: Prior to Franchising...I was a Royal Navy Officer
After spending most of the past 22 years aboard submarines patrolling the world's oceans, you could easily think that your choice of career might be limited.

Page 148: Revive!: The Competitive Edge...
My franchise beats the competition.

Page 148: Certax Accounting: Finding My Franchise...
How I researched the opportunities available.

Page 151: Explorer Travel: Run your own fun and exciting internet travel business
Traditional travel agents can't compete - join the travel revolution. Our business operates 24 hours a day - every day. It's fun, exciting and successful.

Page 153: Revive!: Revive! your 9-5
Revive! is a National Franchise Company with a high quality mobile service repairing minor damage on vehicles.

Page 157: Spic and Span: Celebrating seven years of success
The deal is on the table. Are you a six figure business builder?

Page 158: Aquashield: Looking for a watertight investment opportunity?
Aquashield is the largest domestic roof coating company in the UK, installing a waterproofing system that is a low-cost alternative to re-roofing

Page 159: Tongue Tied: Specialists in success
Tongue Tied's first-rate services are proving indispensable to its franchisees' clients. Adam Browning reports

Page 161: TruGreen: Enjoy Working Outdoors? Let's Talk Business
With over three million customers in the USA alone, TruGreen positions itself as by far the largest lawn care company worldwide. Adam Browning interviews UK Managing Director Ken Dennis who asks: 'Do you want access to a huge potential market with regular repeat business, much of which is on an all-year-round basis?'

Page 164: O'Briens: A recipe for success
The simple ingredients that makes O'Briens a fantastic food franchise.

Page 174: Venture Marketing Group: Ambassadors for ethical franchising
Through a series of events, the British Franchise Association promotes ethical franchising. Event Manager Pip Wilkins reviews some of the Association's successes this year and previews National Franchise Week

Page 178: Starbrite Chemicals: Prior to Franchising...I worked for a Sheikh
As an estate manager for a Sheikh, Chris Stevenson had spent the last decade looking after all manner of interests for the super-rich.

Page 178: Northwood Residential Lettings: Top for Training...Supported by my franchisor
Researching business models for his previous employer, Nick Harris discovered the benefits and potential of franchising.

Page 188: Chemex International: Chemex re-brands for 20th anniversary
As part of the bi-annual conference and 20th anniversary celebrations, Chemex unveiled a new logo and liveried van. Rachel Spaul reviews the event and discovers what this means for franchisees

Page 190: 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

Page 198: Glamour To Go: Excitement and glamour
A brand-new British high street fashion retail opportunity, Glamour To Go is seeking franchisees who need no previous experience. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 200: Batbox: The Swiss solution
Developing a franchise around a revolutionary new product, BatBox is seeking Regional Franchisees to develop a network across the UK and Ireland. Stuart Anderson reports

Page 202: Subway Sandwiches: Flex your business muscles in the sun
Thinking of moving abroad? Rachel Spaul reports on an opportunity to enjoy the sun of Spain or Portugal as the owner of a Subway franchise

Page 207: Franchise Development Services (FDS): European Franchise Trade Mission
The European Franchise Trade Mission is set to become the biggest event in master franchise rights facilitation in Europe. FDS publicist Simon Royal reports

Page 213: Venture Marketing Group: The UK's leading franchise exhibition
With hundreds of exhibitors to meet and thought provoking seminars to attend, pre-planning is valuable when attending the National Franchise Exhibition 2005.

Latest franchise news:

Web exclusive: Domino's Pizza Group: The Benefits of a Career Change
A recent survey revealed that 40% of the UK workforce has at some time suffered from severe stress at work, caused by an unreasonable boss. Whilst starting up a business is challenging, being able to control one's destiny and being the top decision-maker is an attraction for many, and far outweighs the disadvantages of long hours and hard work.

Web exclusive: Kall Kwik (UK): Kall Kwik Franchisees see success at PrintWeek Awards
Husband and wife team, Peter and Kerrie Meakin, are celebrating reaching the finals of the coveted PrintWeek Awards.

Web exclusive: Subway Sandwiches: hungry for more locations in shopping centres in the UK
The SUBWAY chain, the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, has more than 500 outlets located in shopping centres worldwide. The chain is keen to drive development in this sector in the UK and Ireland and is exhibiting at this year's British Council of Shopping Centre's Annual Conference and Retail Showcase in Belfast on 31st October to 2nd November. The SUBWAY chain's team can be found at stand number 31.

Web exclusive: ComputerXplorers: National Franchise Organisation joins BAPC
ComputerXplorers, the dynamic new national franchise chain, has joined the British Association for Print and Communication (BAPC) en masse.

Web exclusive: Mr Electric: Aire Serv Joins forces with Mr Electric
C.C. Houlston (Franchising) Ltd the master licensee for the successful Mr Electric UK operation, has announced the acquisition of Aire Serv UK for an undisclosed sum.

Web exclusive: 0800 Handyman: Search For Plumber Leads To Star-Studded Success
0800handyman - the 'odd jobs' firm to the stars - has built up nine franchises since launching its first two years ago. Now it wants to treble that within ten months. Bruce Greig, the Oxford graduate turned handyman who launched the company in 2001, is looking for more graduates and career high-flyers to buy a franchise and help build the company across the UK.

Web exclusive: Eddie Rockets: Eddie Rockets Opens 25th City Diner
Eddie Rockets City Diner, the top Irish-owned chain of 1950's American-themed diners will be officially opening its 25th diner on Friday 14th of October with the launch of its newest diner in The Omni Shopping Centre in Santry, Dublin 9.

Web exclusive: Sliderobes: Sliderobe franchisees celebrate first year of business
Two local businessmen, Ray Smallwood and Neil Paterson, are celebrating their first year in business together, since swapping very pressurised jobs in industry for running a home furnishing showroom, close to home.

Web exclusive: Subway Sandwiches: Subway open 100TH Greater London Store
The SUBWAY® chain, makers of the world's favourite SUB sandwich, is closer to overtaking the number of Pret a Manger and McDonald's stores in Greater London, following the opening of the SUBWAY chain's 100th Greater London store in 4 Berners Street, W1.

Web exclusive: Red Veg: A Red Revolution for Fast Food Franchises
A healthy new concept in the fast food sector is preparing to launch its franchise opportunity to the UK market.

Web exclusive: Totally Dynamic: A Totally Dynamic franchise opportunity
Vehicle Wrapping is one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas of the sign and graphics industry. It is rapidly becoming the preferred way for businesses to promote their goods and services on anything from company cars to trucks and buses.

Web exclusive: TaxAssist Accountants: Taxation franchise invests in law service
Small business tax and accountancy franchise TaxAssist Accountants has enlisted the help of Leathes Prior Solicitors to provide a specialist HR and Employment Law service to all its shop-based franchisees.

Web exclusive: Kall Kwik (UK): Kall Kwik launches 'Design to Delivery'
Kall Kwik has launched its next generation services Design to Delivery® (D2D), which focuses on making clients 'look the businessTM' by offering a broad range of services that include design for marketing, sales campaigns and other corporate communications; account management, direct mail; wide format, digital and lithographic printing; and fulfilment.

Web exclusive: Driver Hire: Former BFA Director finds success with Driver Hire
Simon Wise, the former Deputy Director of the British Franchise Association, is proving that franchising works.

Web exclusive: Mail Boxes Etc: Mail Boxes Etc. announces 100th centre
Specialist business service franchise Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE) has opened its 100th centre in the UK and Ireland, following rapid growth over the past two years.

Web exclusive: Printing.com (UK): Printing.com sees network growth
Printing.com is continuing to grow its specialist printing chain by opening an outlet every fifth working day, confirms Chairman George Hardie.

Web exclusive: The Ink Drop: The Inkdrop launches into Ireland
The Inkdrop has announced its launch into Ireland through Master Franchisees Sandra Redden and Angela Moffatt, who opened their first outlet in July.

Web exclusive: Cash Generator: Franchisee of the Year winner
Cash Generator has awarded Richard Knibbs, one of its longest serving franchisees, with its Franchisee of the Year Award.

Web exclusive: Thebestof.co.uk: Community website franchise launches
A comprehensive community website is shaking up the franchise industry having recruited 64 franchisees in just two months with a further 250 planned over the next nine months.

Web exclusive: Explorer Travel: Explorer Travel strikes a balance
Explorer Travel, a travel agency brand with a 10-year pedigree, is expanding nationwide via franchising to accommodate the growing numbers of holidaymakers who book online and exploit the subsequent decline of high street travel agencies.

Web exclusive: Drain Doctor: Drain Doctor's holiday reward for franchisees
Seven Drain Doctor Plumbing franchisees have been whisked away with their partners to Venice for a long weekend as a reward for producing the most business per capita from their franchise areas over the past year.

Web exclusive: Papa John's Pizza: Grab a pizza the West Scottish market
With 3,000 outlets worldwide, Papa John's might be one of the world's leading pizza delivery restaurant groups, yet it is currently virtually unknown in Scotland.

Web exclusive: Trespass: Trespass to grant Regional Master Licenses for the UK
Already recognised as a leading manufacturer and retailer of performance and fashion clothing in the UK, Trespass is granting Regional Master Licences to carefully selected individuals and companies.

Web exclusive: Riverford Organic Vegetables: Riverford Conference and awards success
Riverford Organic Vegetables Ltd has held its second annual conference.

Web exclusive: Jaguar Couriers: Jaguar Couriers welcomes rise in Euro business
Monday mornings are not usually the best time to make sales calls, or so Jaguar Couriers Commercial Director Andy Davies thought. With just one call he secured several weeks worth of work to the Czech Republic.

Web exclusive: Harvey World Travel: Harvey World Travel drives network growth
Harvey World Travel is all set to drive its UK marketing effort in the franchise sector to increase the number of franchisees joining its ranks.

Web exclusive: Apollo Blinds: Apollo blinds franchisee saves TV show
Apollo Blinds' Bristol franchisee has come to the rescue of a Channel Five TV show with a "blindingly"quick response to a plea.

Web exclusive: Gymboree: Gymboree gets active with Pampers
Gymboree has teamed up with Pampers, one of the world's leading providers of children's nappies, to create the 'Pampers Activity Wheel' as part of a marketing campaign for Active Fit nappies.

Web exclusive: Cookerburra Oven Cleaning Services: Cookerburra speaks at BFA conference
Cookerburra was invited to speak at the British Franchise Association annual conference held recently. Director David Dymond took the podium first and delivered an informative presentation describing Cookerburra's marketing strategies.

Web exclusive: Toasty Kitchens: Toasty Kitchens reveals international expansion
Following 28 years trading across the UK selling toasted sandwiches, Toasty Kitchens is going international via franchising.

Web exclusive: Bartercard: Success for Bartercard
Bartercard International, the business-to-business trading exchange, will be celebrating this quarter as it completes Aus$100 million worth of trading online through its dedicated members portal.

Web exclusive: McDonald's Restaurants: The world's best known franchise teams with DreamWorks
DreamWorks Animation SKG and McDonald's Corporation have announced a two-year worldwide marketing and promotional relationship.

Web exclusive: Prontaprint: Success for Chester franchisee
One year after taking on Prontaprint Chester, franchisees Noel and Nicci McLaughlin have made the centre a business success story by bringing in a raft of new clients and increasing the expenditure of their top 20 clients by over 15 per cent.

Web exclusive: GreenThumb: Greenthumb's fast growing customer base
A fast-growing lawn care company is signing up new customers at the rate of one every minute.