The development marks an exciting new phase in FDS’ proud history of international expansion, one that has seen the business recruit franchise owners in countries, which include Ireland, Spain, Lebanon, Pakistan and Australia. FDS Hong Kong will be responsible for working with established and prospective franchisors and franchise owners throughout Hong Kong, Macau and China.
Educated in Hong Kong, Fan spent time in the United States as part of a student exchange programme. Over the last 16 years, Fan has gained a significant degree of hands-on experience in managing and promoting international brands effectively in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Macau.
Since June 2012, Fan has been Director of The Prentice Group, a privately held investment and consultancy company, specialising in business consulting, commercial real estate services and the development of new investment opportunities.
Educated as an attorney in the United States, Yeomans has had a varied career, taking up international posts in China, Hong Kong, South Africa and Zimbabwe. With more than eight years of experience as a partner in a US-based commercial real estate development company, Yeomans has gained valuable experience in operations, finance and business development. Yeomans comes to FDS having held the role of Operating Manager at The Prentice Group since 2012, where he forged a strong, prosperous partnership with Fan.
Yeomans commented: "Franchising is encouraged by the Chinese Government as it brings proven operational protocols and systems to Chinese investors. The Government sees this as a safer and more programmatic method of promoting economic growth and an expansion of services. The Chinese people are also hungry for international brands and services as they see such as connected to economic success and luxury.”
Fan’s initial consultancy training took place at the FDS headquarters in Norwich, where he was instructed in the procedure and consultancy practices of the business. As well as being one of UK’s most experienced franchise consultants, FDS is the publisher of The Franchise Magazine, The UK Franchise Directory and International Franchise Directory Online.
Fan said of his new role: “I am very happy indeed to be joining such a reputable, professional company as FDS, one that has a long, proud history of being the leaders in international franchising.
“There is an ever-growing opportunity for those businesses looking to develop through franchising in the Greater China region. Accordingly, both William and I will be dedicating all of our time and efforts into promoting FDS and its various services in Greater China and beyond. Our presence will reassure investors and prospective franchise owners alike that they can call upon the ability of FDS to assist them in expanding successfully in their markets by adopting the franchise model.”
FDS founder and Managing Director, Roy Seaman, added: “Hong Kong already has more than 100 franchise brands in the retail sector.
Currently there are at least five new shopping malls being constructed, with plans for at least 10 more already in place.
“At the same time, the population of Hong Kong continues to increase in size, as does its level of financial ability. As such, the desire to become one’s own boss has never been higher, a factor that is also encouraging more individuals to acquire franchise rights. This is, without question, a perfect time to establish FDS Hong Kong and I have no doubt that the combined experience of Frankie and Bill will help make the business, and franchising as a whole in Hong Kong, successful.
“We have identified several brands with serious franchising potential in Hong Kong, and we are rapidly identifying established organisations and extremely high net worth investors to evaluate the opportunities on offer.”
Published: 9 October 2014
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