Franchise Articles from July/August 2007

Fast-Fix Jewelry Repairs: Jewellery repair franchise expands into UK and Ireland

US jewellery and watch repair franchise Fast-Fix is set to expand into the UK and Ireland. The company has sold its Master Franchise for the UK and Ireland to Shane Cooney, a Dublin based former Shell Oil Executive.

The energie Group: Fitness club franchise opens seven new clubs

Fitness club franchise The energie Group has continued its expansion with the opening of seven clubs across its two brands within seven weeks. The two brands consist of energie Fitness for Women club, in which outlets were opened in Newport, Kendal, Oakham, Heswell, Wexford and Ayr and energie Fitness club, in which one club was launched in Warrington.

Aire Serv: Franchise expands into North West

Aire Serv, which provides heating, air conditioning and refrigeration services to the domestic and commercial market, has expanded into the North West. Owned by franchisee Derek Tierney Aire Serv North West is based in Warrington and will serve the Warrington, Widnes, Runcorn and St. Helens areas.

The Kent Franchising Exhibition...14th/15th September

With over 40 exhibitors, Kent Franchising Exhibition 2007 will take place on the 14th and 15th of September...perfect for anyone who is interested in starting a business and wants to consider franchising as an option.

Subway Sandwiches: The Subway chain opens 1000th store

Subway, a submarine sandwich franchise, has opened its 1000th store in the UK and Ireland.

Snappy Snaps: Snappy Snaps launches summer advertising campaign.

Snappy Snaps, a photo and digital specialist franchise, has launched a new advertising campaign in London.

Distribution Unlimited: Company aiming to attract more female franchisee

Distribution Unlimited, a leaflet distribution franchise, has created a dress made from leaflets to encourage more women to join its franchise.

Attiva: New franchise is launched in Andover

Attiva, a health and fitness centre franchise, has launched an outlet in Andover. The branch was opened by husband and wife franchisees Andrew and Helen White last June.

easyHotel: Hotel chain launches first UK franchise

easyHotel, a hotel chain that is part of the easyGroup company and aims to provide value for money accommodation, has launched its first UK franchise.

Baguette Express: Sandwich bar launches first franchise in England

Baguette Express, a sandwich bar franchise, has opened its first outlet in England.

Fastsigns International: Former franchisee appointed managing director

Fastsigns, a company that creates sign and graphic products, has promoted former franchisee Garth Allison to managing director of UK operations.

All Fired Up Ceramics: Cafe chain opens sixth franchise

All Fired Up Ceramics Café has opened its sixth store in Canterbury. The shop was opened by franchisee Alex Irvine, who was previously a science teacher, last Easter.

BB's Coffee & Muffins: Coffee chain franchise wins award

Coffee shop chain BB's Coffee & Muffins has won the top prize at the British Sandwich Association's 2007 Sammies Awards.

Recognition Express: Franchise launches its fourth annual Recognition Awards

Recognition Express, a company that designs and creates corporate recognition products, has launched its fourth annual Recognition Awards.

Coffee Republic: Announcement of Two Major Deals

Coffee Republic, the independent coffee and deli bar operator, has announced that agreements have been reached with CR Coffee Houses Limited for the Master Franchise Agreement for Northern Ireland and Eire and with East Coast Traders Ltd for the UK Regional Development Franchise for the territory of East Anglia.

Fastsigns International: Fastsigns franchise celebrates 12th anniversary

The Fastsigns Crawley branch is celebrating its 12th anniversary. Owned by franchisee Richard Jameson, Fastsigns Crawley specialises in supplying organisations in the area with an extensive range of signage including indoor and outdoor banners, vehicle graphics and pop-up displays.

Drain Doctor: 24-hour plumbing company sells its Brighton franchise

Drain Doctor Plumbing, which provides a 24-hour plumbing service throughout the UK, has sold its Brighton franchise.

Autosheen: Autosheen cleans up Bedfordshire's Streets

Autosheen, the UK's leading national mobile valeting organisation, joined forces with Bedfordshire Police and the Road Victims Trust on Sunday 24th June - to clean up the Bedfordshire streets - in more ways than one.

Martin & Co: Lettings company opens new franchise in Newport

Lettings company Martin & Co has opened a new branch in Newport through franchisees Neil Williams and Lisa Williams.

Domino's Pizza Group: franchise owner wins award

The owner of four Domino's Pizza franchises has won an award for his outstanding business achievements in the hospitality and catering industry.

Voucher Packs: A chance to join the advertising industry

A popular service in demand by businesses across the UK, Voucher Packs is expanding its direct mail business via franchising.

Coffee Republic: Coffee Republic agrees Dorset deal

Coffee Republic, a UK based coffee shop chain, has agreed a regional development franchise deal for the Dorset area. The deal was made with CR Dorset Ltd and will see the company expand Coffee Republic in the Dorset region.

Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs: Rosemary Conley stars in TV series

Rosemary Conley CBE who owns the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchise is to appear in her own television series.

Maoz: Chelsea Flower Show Silver medal awarded to Scenic Blue

Scenic Blue a landscape gardening franchise has won the silver medal at this year RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The company gained the prize for their design of an environmentally and ethically aware domestic garden that was visited by British Franchise Association President Sir Bernard Ingham.

Baguette Express: Baguette Express sponsors Edinburgh Marathon

BAGUETTE Express, a snack franchise, has sponsored the Edinburgh Marathon. Baguette Express was established in 1999 and is operated by brothers Robin and Billy Stenhouse.

Beanscene: A passion for coffee and music

COFFEE and music house chain Beanscene has opened its second Beanscene Espresso in Edinburgh. The new outlet opened in South Gyle Business Park at the end of April brings the number of Beanscene stores across Scotland to 14. Additionally the company has launched a franchise strategy with the aim to open up to 45 outlets throughout Scotland within the next three years.

Vantana Limited: TV signings get blinding thumbs up

THE decision by Scottish-based blind manufacturers Vantana to sign up TV design duo Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan appears to be paying off.

BB's Coffee & Muffins: BB's toasts success at the 'Sammies'

BB's Coffee & Muffins was awarded a top prize in the British Sandwich Association's 2007 Sammies Awards in recognition of the outstanding success of its sandwich sales, led by the introduction of a new Bloomer Toastie range. BB's were named 'Coffee Bar Sandwich Retailer of the Year'.

Dyno Group: Dyno group in top 50 places to work

DYNO group has been placed within the top 50 list of places to work in the UK.

Signs Express: BSGA appoints new President

THE Director of Signs Express has been inaugurated as the President of the British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA), the sign industry's trade association.

Plumb Xpress: Plumb Xpress launches telephone book territories

Plumb Xpress launched its management franchise opportunity at the recent British & International Franchise Exhibition (at Olympia, London in March) and is seeking high-calibre candidates who can turn their business into a viable one quickly with support. "We have developed an opportunity with huge potential thanks to the size of our territories,"reflects Franchise Manager Dawn Witt. "Each franchisee will get a large territory as defined by a whole Yellow Pages and the corresponding postcodes in Thomson directories."

British Franchise Association (BFA): bfa seeks top franchisees

THE British Franchise Association (bfa) is searching for Britain's five top performing franchisees to take part in the bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards 2007.

Auditel: Helping smaller businesses

AUDITEL, the cost and purchase management franchised consultancy, has launched a scheme to enable it to assist small companies in reducing costs.

Mundays Solicitors: Running for Great Britain

A Legal Executive for Mundays Solicitors is due to represent Great Britain by competing in the Duathlon event at the World Championships and the European Championships.

Dial-A-Rad: Dial-A-Rad set to launch first wave of franchisees

Dial-A-Rad has revealed to The Franchise Magazine that its first three franchisees are preparing to launch. The company has been established since 1981 and has launched a franchise expansion programme to develop a national network of automotive car radiator specialists.