Latest franchise news:

Web exclusive: Bluebird Care: Government to tighten non-EU employment law
Domiciliary care franchise Bluebird Care has said it supports the Government’s decision to tighten employment law for non-EU workers because it will benefit its clients who require live-in care.

Web exclusive: Signs Express: Signs Express franchise welcomes Nasa astronauts
Signs Express has welcomed two Nasa astronauts, Ken Ham and Karen Nyberg, to its head office in Norwich. After completing the journey to the International Space Station, two of the Space Shuttle Discovery crew ventured to the UK to inspire children and meet with local businesses to promote a technically educated workforce.

Web exclusive: British Franchise Association (BFA): Free Franchise Day announced
The British Franchise Association (bfa), Trade section of the French Embassy and HSBC banking group have organised a free Franchise Day at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Birmingham NEC on the 2nd October 2008. The event takes place during the National Franchise Exhibition.

Web exclusive: Kall Kwik (UK): Kall Kwik reveals print best method of communication
Print and design franchise Kall Kwik can reveal that 93 per cent of businesses prefer to use printed mailings instead of electronic communications despite the rising popularity of the Internet and mobile phones. This is because consumers can reject electronic marketing quickly and easily by hitting the delete button.

Web exclusive: Mr Electric: Influx of new Mr. Electric franchisees
Mr.Electric has reported a 30 per cent increase in the number of new franchises it is supporting compared to last year’s figures in the same period.

Web exclusive: O'Briens: O’Briens franchisee launches second café
Lancashire-based O’Briens franchisee, Wendy Harrison has launched a second Café, following the successful launch of her Preston-based café last Christmas. The new O’Briens Café Express franchise is located within the food court complex at the £30million plus newly refurbished Houdshill Shopping Centre in Blackpool.

Web exclusive: Recognition Express: T-shirts made for The Adventurists Africa Rally winners
Horndean based Recognition Express Southern processed an order for customised t-shirts in three-days enabling a team of adventure seeking fundraisers, Battlestar Africa to go on and win The Adventurists Africa Rally race.

Web exclusive: Ovenu: Ovenu franchisee celebrates record first year
Ovenu franchisee Clive Wallace from North Common, South Gloucestershire is celebrating a record first year in business.

Web exclusive: Papa John's Pizza: Papa John’s stops using frozen dough on menu
Papa John’s has announced that frozen dough is a thing of the past on its menus. The pizza delivery franchise signified the end of the frozen dough era publicly, by asking members of its management team to demolish an ice sculpture of a pizza (3m in diameter) in London’s Leicester Square.

Web exclusive: Card Connection: Card Connection franchisee expands territory
Card Connection franchisee Paul Davies has expanded his greeting card distribution franchise territory to include the Colchester area.

Web exclusive: Drain Doctor: Drain Doctors welcomes new franchisee
Emergency plumbing and drainage repair franchise Drain Doctor Plumbing has welcomed its latest franchisee, Michael Burrows to the network. Michael purchased the Leicester-based franchise with his partner Zoe.

Web exclusive: Papa John's Pizza: New website for Papa John’s franchise
Papa John’s Pizza has launched a new website with better navigation and usability features to make the pizza ordering process even easier for its customers. In just a few clicks, customers are able to locate the nearest Papa John’s, customise their pizza; securely pay and either collect or have their pizza delivered to their door. Even the checkout part of placing an order is five times faster than it was before.

Web exclusive: Swisher: Successful franchisee has to move to bigger premises
Swisher franchisee for Devon and Cornwell, Nigel Lockett has just completed a move of premises to a new larger office and storage facility.

Web exclusive: Signs Express: franchisees are finalists in Sign Industry awards
Two Signs Express franchisees were finalists at the Signs Industry awards held at the Ricoh Arena earlier this month.

Web exclusive: Card Connection: Card Connection franchisee doubles the size of franchis
Card Connection franchisee Andy Thomson has doubled the size of his Sunderland-based franchise in just three years.

Web exclusive: Ayton Global Research: Ayton Global Research introduces new training scheme
Ayton Global Research Ltd, a UK based research franchise, is to employ a Cyber Teacher to train franchisees and their staff.

Web exclusive: Swisher: Swisher franchisee to help improve Hygiene Standards in
Hygiene Solutions specialist, Swisher, has been chosen as a preferred supplier for West Midlands Care Association meaning that members of the Association can now benefit from Swisher’s unique weekly sanitation services.

Web exclusive: Antal International: Antal International welcomes two new franchisees
Antal International Network, a global recruitment solutions company, has welcomed two new franchise owners to its network.

Web exclusive: Spettro: Spettro has launched new franchise
Insurance claim and building repair franchise Spettro has launched a new franchise covering Aberdeen and Highlands & Islands following the success of the company’s pilot franchise, which generated a £240,000 annual turnover in its first year. The Aberdeen and Highlands & Islands franchise owner is Munawar Mohamed.

Web exclusive: Music Bugs: Music Bugs offers a ‘family-friendly’ opportunity
Music Bugs offers parents the opportunity to work the hours they want, without worrying about finding child-care.

Web exclusive: Raring2Go: Raring2go! franchisee doubles territory size
Raring2go! franchisee Victorian Drysdale is celebrating her first year in business by doubling the size of her territory to cover Aberdeen City as well as Aberdeenshire areas.

Web exclusive: ComputerXplorers: ComputerXplorers helps school kids improve IT skills
ComputerXplorers is to pilot a video game class at Inglehurst Junior School, Leicester this autumn. 60 year five pupils will have a weekly IT lesson where they will be taught how to design and create their own video games while learning core IT skills based on the National Curriculum. The course is three months long, and once completed will be professionally assessed.

Web exclusive: Apollo Blinds: Apollo Blinds gets online makeover
Apollo Blinds has launched a new website to showcase its extensive range of blinds, in a bid to help customers visualise how window blinds can fit into their homes and ultimately create leads for its franchisee network.

Web exclusive: Platinum Property Partners: Fast growth in first year for PPP
Property investment franchise Platinum Property Partners (PPP) is celebrating its first year in business with 30 franchise partners (franchisees) operating in its network and a growing waiting list to join.

Web exclusive: Ovenu: Ovenu launches in Somerset
Professional oven cleaning franchise Ovenu has welcomed franchisee Drew Bennett to the network. Drew owns the Somerset area covering Lynton, Lynmouth to Bridgewater and Burnham on Sea. Before becoming a franchisee Drew worked in the entertainment industry for 25 years. His last occupation was as an entertainments booker for Butlins.

Web exclusive: HiQ: Former HiQ Retail Director becomes franchisee
Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK has confirmed that the first successful bidder for a regional HiQ franchise zone is former HiQ Retail Director, Chris Kisby. Chris is keen to operate the franchise zone that covers the South, East and West Midlands and has stepped down from his position to avoid any conflict of interest. Chris has gained a wealth of experience with the Goodyear group, as the UK Sales and Marketing Director, European Brand Director, Managing Director for Russia, Belarus and Central Asia and heading the HiQ Retail network.

Web exclusive: FDS Northern: Franchise Consultancy seeks qualified recruiter

Web exclusive: Totally Dynamic: Totally Dynamic wraps racing cars for Le Mans
Staff at Sign and graphic franchise Totally Dynamic based in Leeds/Bradford created vehicle wrapping for two prototype racing cars for Embassy Racing. The finished products were revealed at Le Mans.

Web exclusive: Ripples: Ripples designers have reason to celebrate
Bathroom retailer Ripples has announced that 14 of its designers have been recognised by The Designer Magazine Awards for their outstanding designs.

Web exclusive: HiQ: HiQ to continue franchise programme
Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK plans to accelerate the growth of the nationwide tyre and vehicle-servicing network, HiQ by signing long-term franchise agreements for all the parent-owned HiQ stores in England and Wales.

Web exclusive: ORCA: ORCA websites helps boxing club triple group class size
ORCA websites has helped Leeds-based Thai boxing club ‘Kao Loi’ triple the size of its group classes and personal training sessions through the creation of a club website. ORCA Websites worked alongside Former British Amateur Champion and ‘Kao Loi’ founder, Pierre Mahon to create the website.

Web exclusive: Dream Doors: Dream Doors franchisees’ showroom success
Dream Doors franchise owners Andy and Shelley Stewart have seen their first year turnover quadruple after opening a showroom. In their second year of trading their franchise is generating £400,000. The husband and wife team operate the franchise in Dorchester.

Web exclusive: Swisher: Swisher Seal can kill MRSA
Hygiene solutions provider, Swisher, delivers the best service possible to its customers by using the very best products when delivering their weekly washrooms sanitation service.

Web exclusive: Living Clean: Living clean launches new franchise
Eco-friendly cleaning brand Living Clean has launched its North Norfolk franchise. The franchise owner is mum of three, Sandra Neto. Originally from Portugal, Sandra moved to England in 2006. Before becoming a franchisee, Sandra worked as a professional cleaner for two years and was keen to start her own business where she could work flexible hours.

Web exclusive: Spettro: Spettro has launched new franchise
Insurance claim and building repair franchise Spettro has launched a new franchise covering Aberdeen and Highlands & Islands following the success of the company’s pilot franchise, which generated a £240,000 annual turnover in its first year. The Aberdeen and Highlands & Islands franchise owner is Munawar Mohamed.

Web exclusive: Music Bugs: Music Bugs offers a ‘family-friendly’ opportunity
Music Bugs offers parents the opportunity to work the hours they want, without worrying about finding child-care during the summer holidays.

Web exclusive: Raring2Go: Raring2go! franchisee doubles territory size
Raring2go! franchisee Victorian Drysdale is celebrating her first year in business by doubling the size of her territory to cover Aberdeen City as well as Aberdeenshire areas.

Web exclusive: O'Briens: O’Briens launches its 121st sandwich bar
Gourmet coffee and sandwich bar franchise O’Briens has launched its 121st UK outlet at the Gretna Gateway Outlet Village. The franchise owners are father and son team Alan Knox and his son Andrew. The two intend to expand rapidly with three more cafes in the pipeline based in Dumfries, Galloway and the north of England in the next few years in a bid to become multiple unit operators. Alan and Andrew are also keen to launch a catering service for corporate and social functions.

Web exclusive: Prontaprint: New Head of Franchise Sales
On Demand Communications (ODC) has appointed Caroline Joyce as the new Head of Franchise Sales for Kall Kwik and Prontaprint. Her role will be to oversee the entire franchise sales process for both brands from the planning, selection and recruitment of franchisees to the management and re-sale stage.

Web exclusive: Kall Kwik (UK): Kall Kwik franchise experiences positive sales growth
Design and print specialist Kall Kwik has reported that 75 per cent of its franchisee network is experiencing a year-on-year growth of seven per cent despite the credit crunch.

Web exclusive: Signs Express: Signs Epress aids pest control franchise with re-brand
Signs Express has been assigned to help NBC Bird and Pest Control franchise with its re-branding.

Web exclusive: Swisher: Ready to Use Chemical range is launched
Swisher Hygiene Services, a washroom hygiene service franchise, has launched its own range of Ready to Use Chemicals.

Web exclusive: O'Briens: O’Briens sandwich bar opens 120th cafe
Hand cut sandwich and gourmet coffee franchise O’Briens Sandwich Bar has launched its 120th cafe in the UK at Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre, Sheffield as part of its nationwide summer expansion plan

Web exclusive: NBC Environmental Services Ltd: Franchisees flock to join NBC
NBC Bird and Pest Solutions has continued its nationwide expansion with the recruitment of three new franchisees.

Web exclusive: Sliding Sash Solutions: New franchisee hits the ground running
Sliding Sash Solutions’ newest franchisee Clive Wales (pictured right) is reporting “business is booming” since he commenced trading at the beginning of the year. “Since joining Sliding Sash Solutions my business has gone from strength to strength,” he reflects. “I have been meeting my targets from day one and building up a great reputation within my territory for providing my customers with a first class service.”

Web exclusive: ChemDry: CHEM-DRY NAMES Franchise OF THE YEAR
Carpet & upholstery cleaning franchise Chem-Dry has announced that the winner of its UK Franchise of the Year 2008 award is Bury-based family business Finesse Chem-Dry. The award, which recognises franchises that have built successful split businesses, was presented at Chem-Dry’s annual convention held in Bournemouth. Bury franchise owner Peter Foster and his family have won the opportunity to attend Chem-Dry’s International Convention in Hawaii and a cash prize.

Web exclusive: Domino's Pizza Group: Franchisee wins hospitality award
TARGET: £350k pa

Web exclusive: Esquires Coffee Houses: Reusable cup sleeves are introduced
Esquires Coffee Houses has introduced a new reusable cup sleeve for its take away drinks made from 100 per cent recycled paper in a bid to reduce waste. To ensure customers reuse their cup sleeves Esquires Coffee Houses has launched a loyalty scheme where the customers who reuse their cup sleeve nine times will be rewarded with a free drink on their 10th visit.

Web exclusive: Precious Imp Prints: Nationwide recruitment drive is launched
Family keepsake franchise Precious Imp Prints has launched a nationwide recruitment drive and seeks prospective franchisees to help keep up with the consumer demand for its service. Precious Imp Prints offers a home-based business opportunity, which is suitable for people with a young family or those looking to get back into work once their children are older.

Web exclusive: Kall Kwik (UK): Kall Kwik launches new design centre
Design, digital printing and copying franchise Kall Kwik has launched kdesign, its first stand-alone design agency in Croydon following kdesign’s success as a sub-brand in the Kall Kwik centres. Over 300 local businesses were invited to the launch lunch held at the centre in honour of the occasion. Invites were hand delivered by 12 members of the company’s creative team and were printed on green apples.

Web exclusive: TaxAssist Accountants: Law support service introduced
TaxAssist Accountants has introduced an employment law support service known as ‘Employmentor,’ to help franchisees and clients operating a business for the first time successfully negotiate their way around the employment minefield. ‘Employmentor’ is a division of Leathes Prior Solicitors and provides a variety of legal services to business and private individuals.

Web exclusive: Swisher: Swisher Hygiene appoints new Franchise Manager
Swisher Hygiene Services UK Ltd has announced the appointment of Jason Freeman as the new Franchise Recruitment Manager.

Web exclusive: Auditel: franchisees sought to meet soaring business demand
Professional cost and purchase management consultancy Auditel is on the look out for new franchisees to help the company deal with the soar in demand for its services. Auditel’s recent Total Cost of Purchase White Paper spells out that: “businesses nationwide are spending far more on their business services than they need to.”

Web exclusive: Signs Express: Signs Express assigned college design project
Signage franchise Signs Express played a key role in the redevelopment of Gateshead College when the company was commissioned to design and create the signage for the college’s new £60 million campus based on Gateshead Quayside. Staff at the Gateshead-based Signs Express worked alongside Gateshead College Art & Design department to come up with design ideas.

Web exclusive: Driver Hire: Driver Hire employee scoops national award
Transport and logistics recruitment franchise Driver Hire is celebrating one of its temporary drivers winning the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) award as 2008’s ‘One in a Million Temporary Worker of the Year’. Colin Ramesden (pictured right (R) with Driver Hire Chief Executive Chris Chidley) collected the award at a presentation held at the Houses of Parliament.

Web exclusive: Aid to Freedom: National franchise recruitment programme launched
Domestic cleaning services franchise Aid to Freedom has launched its flexible franchise package nationwide. Built on good customer service, the company offers a flexible management franchise package with the opportunity for investors to work from home.

Web exclusive: WPA: WPA seeks 20 new franchisees
Medical Insurance provider WPA has launched its nationwide recruitment campaign and is looking for 20 franchisees who will treat customers fairly in accordance with the WPA culture.

Web exclusive: Molly Maid UK: Holiday reward for MOLLY MAID franchisees
Seven MOLLY MAID franchise owners have won an all expenses paid holiday to Crete as a reward for their hard work under the MOLLY MAID travel incentive.

Web exclusive: Mundays Solicitors: Mundays appoints new partner of Corporate Finance
Mundays LLP Solicitors has appointed Neale Andrews as a partner in the company’s corporate and banking department. Neal was chosen because he specialises in mergers and acquisitions, banking and other corporate finance and debt restructuring work. He also provides commercial and intellectual property advice to companies in different sectors.

Web exclusive: Belvoir Lettings: Belvoir sees demand for rental properties increase
Lettings agency franchise Belvoir has seen the demand for rental properties soar as the credit crunch leaves more people unable to borrow sufficient funds to get a mortgage. As a result Belvoir franchisees have experienced record-breaking figures reporting a monthly growth of at least 30 per cent on 2007’s figures.

Web exclusive: The Local Bookkeeper: Financial services professionals sought
Financial management franchise The Local Bookkeeper (TLBK) has launched its recruitment drive and is on the look out for talented franchisees who possess excellent customer service skills and have a background or qualifications in accountancy or finance. At present the company has nine signed UK franchisees and is in the process of starting its international expansion campaign with franchisees situated in North America and Ireland.

Web exclusive: ORCA: ORCA Websites seeks new franchisees
Web design franchise ORCA Websites has launched its nationwide recruitment drive and seeks prospective franchisees that possess business management experience and good people skills.

Web exclusive: Dyno Group: Dyno Group names Franchisee of 2007
Emergency building repair service Dyno Group has announced its ‘2007 Franchisees of the Year’ at a ceremony held at Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire.

Web exclusive: Rawlison Butler: Rawlison Butler granted bfa Affiliate status
Commercial law firm Rawlison Butler’s Franchising Team has been awarded Affiliate Member status of the British Franchise Association (bfa). Affiliate Membership status is granted by the bfa to professional advisors with recognised experience and extensive knowledge of the franchising industry.

Web exclusive: ComputerXplorers: MP visits local ComputerXplorers franchise
Midlands-based children’s computer education franchise ComputerXplorers received a special visit from Bosworth’s MP David Tredinnick. David (pictured above, left, with ComputerXplorers Managing Director Nigel Toplis) joined children from Battling Brook Primary School in their clay animation class to see how the franchise is helping children improve their IT skills.

Web exclusive: Chambers & Co. Solicitors: A successful decade for Chambers & Co
Franchise law specialist Chambers & Co has celebrated 10 years of success with a gala event held at Cambridge University. The event began with punting down the River Cam and was followed by a meal at St John’s College.

Web exclusive: Energie Personal Fitness: Imran Ilahi, St Johns Wood, North London
Launching: September 2008

Web exclusive: Stenders: Ieva Kellere, Hungary
Before I became a Stenders franchisee I worked as a Bar & Restaurant Manager at Reval hotel in Latvia and was a regular customer of Stenders. I did not intend to invest in a franchise initially. At the time I was moving to Hungary with my fiancé and was looking for a business venture that had connections with both Latvia and Hungary.

Web exclusive: WPA: Tina Kemp, Hampshire
The diversity of the job keeps me focused

Web exclusive: Chemex International: Chris Lunn, Stafford
I hope to have a turnover of £250,000

Web exclusive: Certax Accounting: Mark Brown, South Leicestershire
The diversity of the job keeps me focused

Web exclusive: Revive!: Phil Quartly, Surrey
I was made redundant from three jobs in two years!

Web exclusive: ChipsAway International: Deepak Patel, Leicester
I succeed or fail on my own merits

Web exclusive: Auditel: Mike Andrews, South Manchester
I work from home and spend quality time with my son every day