Although hundreds of applications are currently being processed Mandy, formerly Manager of the Tupsley outlet in Hereford, became the first official franchisee for the off-licence giant by taking over the running of her Herefordshire branch.

Under the scheme, existing Threshers managers were offered the franchise for just £10,000 and Mandy, who has been a Manager at the store for three years, said she had absolutely no hesitation in taking up the offer.

'I was offered a business that was up-and-running and already profitable - and the best thing was I knew it was successful, as Manager here myself,' she says. 'This is about risk-free as running your own business gets. I couldn't have afforded to buy a successful business outright because it would have been so expensive, but the franchise scheme was brilliant. In truth, Threshers did all the hard work for me, but I am now my own boss and run the business as I want.'Scores more franchisees are expected to take over stores in the coming weeks, while hundreds more will be in place during the following months.

The scheme aims to convert around 600 existing stores of Threshers and The Local branches into franchises. It is the first time existing and successful off-licence branches have ever been put up for franchise in the UK.

Published: 4 September 2006

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