Elite Franchise Magazine September 2017

elitefranchisemagazine.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2017 ÂŁ4.50

Scrubbing up nicely

Signarama UK

Aliyyah-Begum Nasser is laying the foundations for her signage franchise to become Britain’s favourite

How hiring a cleaner stopped being a luxury and became a must-have

ARTventurers Fiona Simpson left a successful career as a solicitor to found the arts and crafts franchise

Playing it cool Exclusive 12-page supplement inside

With an eye on opening more than 500 franchised outlets around the world in the next five years, Handley Amos has grand plans for the future of gelato and desserts franchise Creams Cafe

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Come and talk to us at one of our Insight Days in 2017:

1st September Bristol 22nd September Milton Keynes 20th October Leicester 10th November Glasgow 1st December London

Register your attendance online MCDO002 Anne.indd 2

22/08/2017 12:07

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02/06/2017 09:16

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cover star

Playing it cool 18

From bringing Nando’s to the nation to helping gelato franchise Creams Cafe achieve world domination, Handley Amos knows how to grow a restaurant brand

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contents 09.17

REGULARS 9 Welcome & contributors 11 News & events 89 Franchise diaries

COLUMNS 13 Pip Wilkins 15 Sussanne Chambers 25 Frank Milner 27 Nigel Toplis 31 Tony Bowman

FEATURES 36 Colourful playtime

Launching ARTventurers gave Fiona Simpson more time with her kids

50 Taking the reins

How Aliyyah-Begum Nasser is helping Signarama UK reach its potential

56 The dangers of speeding

Every business wants to grow but doing so too quickly could be risky

60 Refreshing recruitment

With the right campaign you can boost your franchisee recruitment

66 Game of skill

Discover the most soughtafter qualites franchisors look for in franchisees

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Spotless success

Domestic cleaning franchises are scrubbing up nicely

36

72 The first doctor

Alex Scotchbrook discuss her journey as Tutor Doctor's first UK franchisee

76 Hiding in plain sight Implied clauses can fundamentally change the nature of an agreement

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SEARCHING FOR A CAREER CHANGE WITH A FUTURE? BoConcept is a successful company in design-oriented furniture and are searching nationwide for: Managing Director Retail store-Franchise Partner BoConcept is the largest retailer of Danish furniture worldwide with operations in 60 countries and over 250 stores.

Having well established the brand here in recent years, BoConcept is now expanding further in the UK. To spearhead that growth plan BoConcept requires entrepreneurial leaders who are keen to build a new business in their local area and take the retail concept to market.

YOUR PROFILE

BENEFITS OF THE SYSTEM

- Sales and commercial management experience,

- Very high average income potential

ideally from the retail sector but other areas of industry are

- A strong brand from a well established company

equally welcome so long as you have a passion to build

- Transparent processes with open communications

a successful retail business

- High Level Management Support

- High affinity to design issues and trends

- Extensive marketing support

- Leadership skills and great customer service orientation

- Extensive training - Support for the store design and furnishings & Opening BoConcept supports its franchise partners extensively with a dedicated and enthusiastic team to support the opening and help make success possible.

This is an opportunity to run and own your own retail business of which BoConcept work closely with each partner to ensure success.

If you are looking for a new challenge and have the desire to become part of an international retail chain then contact us to enquire further about this opportunity – without obligation.

This opportunity does require a significant personal investment to operate this franchise but with strong returns and support the only thing that will stop you being successful is your attitude.

Request more information on this franchise system enquiries.uk@boconcept.com Franchise opportunities only available outside the Greater London area.

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02/08/2017 14:09 15:40 03/08/2017

welcome Volume 05 Issue 09 / 2017 EDITORIAL Josh Russell – Editor josh.russell@cemedia.co.uk Eric Johansson - Feature Writer eric.johansson@cemedia.co.uk

Going the distance

DESIGN/PRODUCTION Leona Connor – Head Designer leona.connor@cemedia.co.uk Jenny Allen – Designer jenny.allen@cemedia.co.uk Dan Lecount – Web Development Manager dan@cemedia.co.uk

T

he best international brands recognise that its not the size of your network but what you do with it that counts. Going the extra mile counts even more when you’re talking about brands that cover half the globe.

Not only did Alex Scotchbrook step up to the plate as Tutor Doctor’s first UK franchisee, she now helps to win over prospective franchisees who are wondering whether the network is for them. Meanwhile, by the time Aliyyah-Begum Nasser joined Signarama as its new master franchisee, the network was due some TLC: thankfully by re-engaging with Signarama’s franchisees and listening to their feedback, Nasser has rejuvenated the franchise’s network.

However, nobody knows more about going the extra mile than Handley Amos. Since joining Creams Cafe earlier this year, he's not just kickstarted ambitious expansion plans for the dessert franchise but Amos has overseen the development of three new formats and is even eyeing up future retail options for the brand. Clearly he's topping off its offering in style.

SALES Gemma Campion – Sales Manager gemma.campion@cemedia.co.uk Jemma Tonge – Senior Account Manager jemma.tonge@cemedia.co.uk MARKETING Taylor Blayney – Media Assistant taylor.blayney@cemedia.co.uk CIRCULATION Paul Kirby – Circulation & Data Manager paul.kirby@cemedia.co.uk ACCOUNTS Sally Stoker – Finance Manager sally.stoker@cemedia.co.uk DIRECTOR Scott English – Director scott.english@cemedia.co.uk Circulation enquiries: CE Media Call: 0124 567 3700 Elite Franchise is published by CE Media, 1st Floor, Regency House, 16 Victoria Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1NZ Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. No part of Elite Franchise may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the editor.

Elite Franchise will make every effort to return picture material, but this is at the owner’s risk. Due to the nature of the printing process, images can be subject to a variation of up to 15%, therefore CE Media Limited cannot be held responsible for such variation. cemedia.co.uk

elitefranchisemagazine.co.uk

■ Josh Russell - Editor

Contributors

2

3

4

Pip Wilkins

Frank Milner

Tony Bowman

Sussanne Chambers

While the relationship between franchisors and franchisees is ideally a match made in heaven, discord may sometimes arise. Fortunately, the CEO of the bfa offers her insights on how to solve those disputes.

It’s often said that franchises are like marriages: a great fit can last a lifetime. And this month the president of Tutor Doctor reveals how running a franchise with your partner can have many benefits.

From time to time we all wish to be able to redo things with the benefit of hindsight. But the founder of etyres believes franchisees have less reason for that than most other business people.

Franchises rise and fall on the results of their franchisees. That’s why the founder of HomeXperts is adamant that recruiting the most talented people requires the franchisor’s personal touch.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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05/09/2017 18:07

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TAXA001 Untitled-1 1

18/05/2017 11:16

news Anytime Fitness appoints new UK CEO

Events Prospective Franchisor Seminar September 7

Olswang LLP 7th Floor, 90 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6XX

EWIF North East Regional Meeting September 12

UK franchisee takes over German Doner Kebabs The growth of German Doner Kebab (GDK), the restaurant franchise, on these shores is nothing short of exceptional.

Not only does the company already have roughly 200 British franchise locations in the pipeline scarcely a year after launching on these shores, now the UK master franchisee has also just bought the rights to the business’s worldwide operations.

United Brands, the company that launched

GDK in the UK last year, aims to make the most of the deal. To this end, the newly purchased GDK International is now actively seeking master franchisees to help grow the brand further with the goal of having 700 franchise stores in Blighty and Ireland and a further 1,500 stores worldwide.

And given the impressive growth of the company on these shores, it’s safe to say GDK International has reason to be bullish.

Entrepreneurial Spark, Floor 2, 1 Trinity Gardens, Broadchare, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2HF

It should come as no surprise that Anytime Fitness, the fitness franchise, is serious about its expansion in Britain.

Having celebrated the opening of its 100th UK studio in January, the gym chain has now taken further steps toward becoming Blighty’s largest health club provider by appointing fitness-club veteran Stuart Broster as its new UK CEO. And it’s safe to say that his in-depth understanding of the health industry has made him exceptionally well-suited for this challenge. Not only has he clocked up time as CEO of the gym chain LA Fitness but he has also worked as managing director of LivingWell Health Clubs. Additionally, Broster has also been chair of the Board of Government Fitness Industry Alliance and a non-executive director of FitPro, the association of fitness professionals.

With an accomplished business leader like Broster at the helm, Anytime Fitness is clearly set to go from strength to strength in the years to come.

Setting a smart approach to franchise recruitment September 27

Honiley Court Hotel, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV8 1NP

EWIF London regional meeting October 12 Room P, Portcullis House, 1 Parliament St, Westminster, London, SW1A 2JR

The National Franchise Exhibition October 13 - 14

National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1NT

International Food Franchise Expo November 15 - 16 Olympia, Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX

BY Eric Johansson

Shahjehan / Shutterstock.com

Usain Bolt gives franchising a run The world’s fastest man may be finished with professional running but Usain Bolt already has another goal in mind: growing Tracks & Records, his Jamaican restaurant franchise.

Having only launched the company's first franchise in Ocho Rios, St Ann last year, the company is quickly becoming an international tour de force, with 15 franchises set to open in the UK in the next five years.

Spearheading the British expansion is the Casual Dining Restaurants Group (CDRG), which has just been announced as the company’s new British master franchisee. And it’s safe to say that CDRG is no stranger to franchising, as it is already franchising for YUM and Whitbread among others.

It would seem as if Bolt is fast finding his footing as a retired sport superstar.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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05/09/2017 16:39

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22/08/2017 13:31 12:22 05/05/2017 04/08/2017 17:02

Pip Wilkins chief executive bfa

How to resolve disputes between franchisees and franchisors Whenever a conflict arises, it's wise to consult either an arbitrator or a mediator

F

ranchising provides an ideal opportunity for franchisors to expand their business without the expense and operational burden of opening company-owned outlets. It also provides budding franchisees with a way to become self-employed with the proven model and ongoing support of a larger brand.

However, while disputes are rare, they can arise.

As with any business relationship, staying on good terms with the other party is crucial for your ongoing partnership and I strongly recommend working towards an amicable resolution without third-party intervention wherever possible. The mutual trust that has been built is an incredible asset in franchisors’ and franchisees’ relationship.

Fortunately, many disputes can be solved by referring to the franchise agreement.

But in cases where internal efforts have been exhausted and the resolution is still not clear, it may be time to look for outside help to resolve a disagreement. Luckily, the bfa has a free informal conciliation process available to all members, which allows both parties to represent their case and work towards a solution. All bfa members agree to participate in this process should a dispute arise when they are given membership. Having an impartial third party can provide a fresh perspective, sometimes highlighting that a dispute is due to simple miscommunications. In those cases the road to reconciliation is simple. The informal conciliation process is not legally binding and is purely designed to aid in communication between franchisor and franchisee.

Nevertheless, sometimes this is not enough to resolve conflicts. In those cases it can be wise to use either the mediation or the arbitration schemes provided by the bfa.

While both schemes utilise qualified franchise specialist solicitors, they differ in some important ways.

Mediation Mediation is a structured negotiation between the involved parties. It’s a relatively cheap, quick and confidential process. A mediator is an independent third party who facilitates the negotiations and does not give away an award or make a decision but simply brings the parties together to find a commercial solution.

Either party has the freedom to walk away from negotiations at any stage of the process. All negotiations take place on a without-prejudice basis and parties are not forced to settle their dispute during this process.

Arbitration An arbitrator is also an independent third party.

The difference is that arbitrators make a decision after hearing both sides. The arbitrator’s decision is final, binding and enforceable. The arbitrator will charge fees for undertaking the arbitration and costs can be awarded against the parties as determined by the arbitrator. The arbitration process can take longer and as such will likely incur higher costs than the mediation process.

Why consider alternative dispute resolution?

The benefit of choosing mediation or arbitration over litigation is that litigation can be an expensive, uncertain and stressful process which parties often look to avoid. That being said, the obvious first step in any conflict should be to talk and to hopefully save your relationship.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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What will you be doing this time next month?

Still wishing you had a new job?

Still wishing you’d started your own business?

Still wishing you could do something more rewarding?

With a Mathnasium Learning Centre franchise you have the opportunity to build your own business, be your own boss and make a great living whilst making a difference.

• No maths or teaching experience necessary • Simple, effective and proven system • Extensive training and ongoing support • Over 800 franchised centres worldwide • Low investment, great returns

It could be the most rewarding move you ever make!

Remember – nothing happens until you MAKE it happen

Find out more at mathnasium.co.uk or call Mathnasium UK – 0161 791 0686 Standard call charges apply

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MATH001 15/06/2017 09:30

Sussanne Chambers founder and managing director HomeXperts

Recruiting prospective franchisees requires the personal touch While there are plenty of options for franchisors looking to outsource franchisee recruitment, nothing rivals getting to meet candidates face to face orking with the right franchisees is the one of the most important parts of developing any successful franchise model. However, I am constantly surprised to find out how little effort and investment – in terms of both time and money – some franchisors put into recruitment.

For me as a franchisor, the time spent working with potential franchisees is crucial. I want to build a strong network of proactive franchisees so at HomeXperts we manage all our own recruitment from first inquiry to appointment. I feel it is too important to outsource this to a third party. I know there are reputable franchise recruitment consultants out there but they are not

for me. Instead we have invested heavily in a fabulous franchise recruitment software system. While recruitment of franchisees is about people, the system helps to give a great recruitment experience for the franchisees.

The large-scale franchise recruitment cattle calls are not for us: I don't believe in herding large groups of people into a room and delivering a presentation to them. While I have tried this in the past, I found the whole process totally unsatisfactory. At the end of the meeting, when the potential franchisees left I felt I knew very little about them.

The meeting could be dominated by loud extroverts and if you add just one negative person then it is not such a great experience all round.

Instead we have a structured recruitment journey we help our franchisees to move along during the selection and discovery process.

For the franchisor, it is all about selecting the right people to work with; for the potential franchisee, it is about discovering as much as they can about the franchise. I prefer to invest time in properly getting to know people interested in joining HomeXperts and finding out about them, their personalities and what their motivation is. Most importantly: why do they want to change their life in this way?

So for us we sit down on a one-to-one basis with every potential franchisee. We check a number of competences through the process as we know what makes a great HomeXperts franchisee. Our team work to a three-interview process, giving both us and the potential franchisee time to do the relevant research. As franchisor and founder of HomeXperts, I always conduct the final meeting and interview every franchisee we have within the network. This is time consuming but it is vital: I am building a family of HomeXperts estate agents and working with the right people is essential. It is a part of my job that I really love and plan to continue to do.

Our franchisees invest their time and money in our businesses. It only seems fair to me for franchisors to make the time to invest in their potential franchisees. Get this right and the rest of the business will flourish.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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Reach out for renewables The renewable market in the UK has a predicted value set to reach £50 billion by 2020 and the sector presents fantastic opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to establish a new business in a rapidly growing market.

Green Square is looking for like-minded people to join their team and experience a business model that is in high demand from domestic and

commercial customers looking towards greener alternatives for practical renewable energy solutions for the future.

The Green Square franchise offers the opportunity to work in an ethical environment and penetrate a ring fenced business area, while minimising the risks associated with starting out alone, with a sales potential of over £1 million in three years.

Other benefits include: • Exclusive products • Fully certified training and qualifications in renewable technology • Quality Management system for microgeneration technologies in place (MCS)

• Bespoke software allowing full system design and calculations for complex installations • Full marketing support: website, launch event and marketing campaigns • Turn-key business concept

• Supported by legislation • Reasonable franchise fee

For further information please visit our website, or to express an interest in For further information please visit our website, or to express an interest in finding out more information email: franchise@greensquare.co.uk finding out more information email: franchise@greensquare.co.uk

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www.greensquare.co.uk

03/07/2017 14:36

The future is green, the future is a Green Square franchise Green Square opened its flagship store in March 2013 in Raynes Park, London and instantly made its mark on the renewable energy scene. With demand from homeowners and small businesses across the UK, Green Square realised it had to offer more showrooms across the UK to display their impressive product portfolio. The future of Green Square and their renewable energy offering came in the form of a franchise.

Green Square is a member of the British Franchise Association (BFA), and one of their first franchisee was Paul Smith whose showroom in Tunbridge Wells, has been open for over a year, and others are quick to follow suit to ensure they secure their part on the Green Square map.

Meet Paul Smith, Green Square Franchisee “I’d always wanted to enter the green sector but, until now, there weren’t any opportunities that could offer me the income and lifestyle I required. I was also looking for something that could tap into my experience in sales, marketing and management.

Initially I was a little sceptical about franchising, but going to see Green Square’s training facility and its associated company gave me all the reassurance I needed. This is a genuine business with substantial backup. What’s more, Green Square’s managing director, Richard Hiblen, is very honest and straightforward, with a wealth of knowledge of the renewables sector.”

How you can harness the rapid rise of renewables As a management franchise, you don’t need any industry experience. Green Square is looking for driven people with a passion for the products and services being sold by them. Contact us to find out more.

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03/07/2017 14:39

Proof pudding OF THE

Having played a key role in helping Nando’s earn its place in Britons’ hearts, Handley Amos is making good on his plan to bring British gelato brand Creams Cafe to the world

BY JOSH RUSSELL / PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILIE SANDY

A

dapting a brand to a new market can be a tricky proposition for any businessperson but fortunately Handley Amos isn’t your average entrepreneur. Having helped translate foreign food brands Nando’s and Rossopomodoro to the British market and significantly scale their offerings, he has made a specialism of helping companies capture international markets. And now he has turned his sights on Creams Cafe, making it his mission as the dessert franchise’s new CEO to bring its gelato to the globe.

Thanks to his globetrotting parents, Amos is no stranger to the benefits that adapting to other cultures can bring. “My parents were obsessed with taking my brother and I travelling to see as much of the world as possible,” he says. “That was fantastic: it helps you understand very quickly that the world’s a relatively small place and there are so many opportunities out there.” Being of an entrepreneurial bent, his parents also had plenty of experiences building businesses and it was expected that he would join the family business when he finished his studies at the Northallerton Grammar School in North Yorkshire. However, having had a taste of the wider world, Amos had other plans. “Once I’d seen what was out there, I really wanted to get out and do something of my own,” he says. “I didn’t really want to stay in North Yorkshire: I loved the idea of living in London or abroad to widen my horizons.”

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HANDLEY AMOS

In South Africa, they’re quite happy to wait nearly 20 minutes for a meal; in the UK, we think that’s outrageous And having worked part-time as a waiter to make ends meet during his studies, Amos had already cooked up the perfect plan for his future career.

“Everybody looked at restaurants like they were something you do while you were studying rather than taking it as a career,” he says. “But I didn’t see it that way: I saw it as a huge opportunity.” Moving to London, Amos quickly worked his way up from waiter through bartender to manager before relocating after two years to Cape Town in South Africa to help some friends manage a restaurant and bar they'd set up. Over the next five years the friends added four more brands to their portfolio, something that gave Amos invaluable experience in nurturing talent and scaling businesses. “It was after the end of apartheid and we were trying to educate a new part of the workforce and encourage them to come into catering,” he says. “And I absolutely loved it: I had an amazing time there.”

After five years, Amos was forced to return to London after he found himself unable to renew his visa. Fortunately, on his return to the British high street, he was greeted by a familiar sight from South Africa: Nando’s. “When I came back to London and was looking for my next challenge, Nando’s name came up,” he says. At the time, the grilled-chicken chain had just 12 stores throughout the UK and was looking to rapidly scale: after meeting with Amos, then UK managing director Robby Enthoven and HR director Julia Rosamond decided he was the perfect person to help Nando’s rule the roost. And their confidence in him proved well-founded: he rapidly helped to systematise the restaurant and adapt its model to the peculiarities of the UK market. “How we perceive things here is very different to South Africa,” Amos says. “In South Africa, they’re quite happy to wait nearly 20 minutes for a meal; in the UK, we think that’s outrageous.” Soon consumers were flocking to Nando’s and over the following 12 years the chain grew to 240 outlets.

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But having gained an appetite for helping overseas brands beef up their British operations, when Amos was headhunted

by Rossopomodoro, an Italian restaurant chain looking for someone to help grow its offering on these shores, he took to the opportunity with relish. “This one really appealed to me,” he says. “It was the largest chain of Italian restaurants in Italy, which is quite unusual in a market built on mama and papa operations.” At the point he came on board, Rossopomodoro had done little to adapt to the British market: unlike many restaurants he’d come across in his career, it didn’t yet use single-line kitchens – in which all utensils and work areas are laid out against a single wall – and to British eyes the length of its menu would suggest a focus on quantity over quality. “So we made the menu a lot more concise and put single-line kitchens in,” he says. “Not only did it grow from three to 12 in the UK but they replicated it in the Italian market and that was also very successful.”

HANDLEY AMOS

Having gained a rep for helping restaurants reshape their offering for British palates, Amos decided to share his expertise with as many businesses as possible. “I had virtually built a specialism: helping foreign companies understand and adapt their models to the UK market,” he says. “So I set up a consultancy called the Light Hospitality.” However, the timing of the new company’s launch was unfortunate: within weeks of its launch in June 2016, Britain voted to leave the European Union, meaning there was a downturn in the number of brands looking to translate their offering for the UK. While Amos doubts this is anything more than a temporary blip, it did leave him looking for another project to get his teeth into while the market rallied. And this is when Creams Cafe came a-calling. “I hadn’t heard of it until then,” he says. “But the more I learnt about the brand, the more excited I got about what it could become and how it could develop.”

Creams began life when co-founders Adam Mani and Balal Aqil spotted a gap in the market for high-end gelato on the high street. After a couple of years of research and development and several trips to Italy to source an authentic product, in 2010 the first Creams opened and thanks to the entrepreneurs’ hard work it proved to be a smash. “The

success of that was instant,” says Amos. “The second one did even better than the first, so did the third one and it just snowballed.” But the ice-cream innovators weren’t content with just serving up scoops of someone else’s product: before too long they invested in their own manufacturing facility and began importing high-quality ingredients so they could start generating gelato of their own.

“Ever since, Creams has doubled in size every single year,” Amos says.

And there’s a good reason that the pudding parlour proved so popular: its artisanal approach to its menu. “Adam is really passionate about the brand and its food,” says Amos. “Really it all started from his creativity.” From its coconut gelato, mango sorbet and pineapple chunk sundae to its crumbled apple pie, custard and cinnamon waffle, Creams approaches consumers’ palates like an artist, blending all manner of flavours to produce icy artworks. And it has only grown bolder as time has gone by: recognising that hot desserts formed about 70% of its sales, it has created seasonal menus that concentrate more on cakes and crepes than cones. “We’ve also made sure that the menu has evolved: we change it three times a year now,” Amos says. “Bubble pop waffles is something we added six weeks ago and that’s given us a platform to really create interest.”

Inevitably having such Instagrammable food has stood Creams in good stead when it comes to drawing in new customers. “Social media is such an amazing tool,” Amos says. “When it comes to talking to customers, we’ve got really high engagement on our social media, higher engagement actually than any other brand that I’ve worked on before.” But snap-worthy snacks aren’t the only way Creams Cafe has been able to build up a buzz around its brand on social media: in addition to building up a dedicated PR team, it has also focused on forming partnerships with brands that have a lot of influence among its target customer base. “This summer and last summer, we’ve formed a brand association with Thorpe Park,” says Amos. “They’ve got a huge following and help us to get our brand known.”

While one might think that the huge spike in demand that Creams Cafe has seen in recent times would have required a pretty aggressive recruitment drive on the franchise side of things, in actuality the company’s growth in terms of franchisees has been very organic. “When I first met Adam and Bilal, they talked about the fact that there were over 1,500 enquiries from franchisees sitting in the system and that’s an amazing number,” says Amos. “It was incredibly exciting to hear.” While Creams is now beginning to ramp up its franchisee acquisition, increasingly growing its presence at franchise fairs, Amos explains that SEPTEMBER 2017 | ELITEFRANCHISE

21

all of their team and making sure it’s running as smooth as possible.”

With its troop of impeccably trained franchisees and Amos’s hand on the tiller, Creams has some grand plans in the offing. Building on the 50 outlets it already has, it is aiming to have almost 100 stores by next April and reach 300 within the next five years.

But Amos’s plans for the future aren’t just concentrated on upping the numbers: as well as tweaking and improving the fitout of Creams’ cafes, he’s also looking to create several new formats to bring Creams to an even broader base of consumers. “We’re developing three other models at the moment: kiosks, a cinema concession and concessions in department stores,” he says.

Additionally, thanks to the fact that the franchise already produces its own products internally, Creams’ desserts may soon find their way into consumers’ shopping baskets.

“Not only can we really control the quality of the product but it gives us the perfect opportunity to go into retail as well,” he says. “There’s not that many brands that can do that.”

And given Amos’s history helping food brands adapt to foreign markets, it’s hardly surprising that global domination features high up on his to-do list for Creams Cafe. “For me, taking a brand international from the UK is incredibly exciting,” he says. “So we’re putting all of the structure in at the moment to build models for different countries.” Not only does Creams already have someone on the ground in Europe but eventually Amos feels expansion into the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the States is feasible.

“Our expectation is that we should have 500 to 600 sites over the next five years in a minimum of seven different countries,” he says. “We’re already working on the model at the moment to start talking to international franchisees from November so the balls are starting to roll.”

Without a doubt, there seem to be some big things in the offing for Creams Cafe and, in part, this is because Amos always has one eye to the future. “The learning from Nando’s was that the more prepared we are and the more ahead of the curve we were, the smoother it was and the better results we got,” he says. As a result, rather than resting on his laurels, Amos’s highest priority with Creams Cafe is to keep moving forward and planning for what is around the corner. “There are a lot of franchises out there that once the model is proven, it’s like ‘oh let’s just roll this out’; I actually think that’s a mistake,” he says. “If a brand doesn’t continually look at itself, evolve and improve, it’s very easy to find yourself out of date.”

We’ve also made sure that the menu has evolved: we change it three times a year now the biggest priority for the franchise is truly doing its due diligence on the leads it has. “You’d think that the battle is to find franchisees: the battle is actually to make sure that we’re engaging with all of them and bringing the right people into the business,” he says.

Without a doubt, any franchisee with the right stuff will have to be entrepreneurial in nature but they will also need to be able to respect the nature of Creams’ relationship with its customers. “For me, a brand is a promise to a customer: that means it needs to be really consistent in what it does,” Amos says. “Naturally entrepreneurs want to try new things so making sure that sticks within a brand framework is always the challenge.” Fortunately, Amos isn’t too worried about Creams’ ability to find enough candidates that fit the bill. “We’ve got a good pipeline of fantastic franchisees and it’s our responsibility then to help them stay within the framework,” he says.

Creams certainly takes this responsibility seriously: it has a comprehensive support package that helps franchisees do everything from learning business critical skills to finding premises. “We have a team dedicated to finding sites and we have another team building relationships, then we marry the property with the right franchisee,” he says. Not only will Creams then help franchisees get up to speed with management training, systems and brand guidelines but it will even assist them with recruiting their teams. “We can help find the right manager and team and run them through the interview process,” says Amos. “We’ll then spend the first ten days actually on site, helping them train 22 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

cover story.indd 5

05/09/2017 16:54

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THEC011 01/06/2017 18:05

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Retirement blues turned to reignited passion

F

ormer professional musician, Gary Keating, became selfemployed straight from school.

He built a chain of music shops in the South West, won Young Businessman of the Year and became a multi-millionaire at the age of 25. But unfortunately he lost it all in just two years.

“I’d like to blame the loss on high interest rates and the likes of Dixons selling cheaper alternatives,” Keating says. “But the truth is it was more likely down to my complete lack of knowledge on how to run a business. I was a great salesman and musician but not a business owner.”

week to make a business work. I could see with clarity that ActionCOACH would work for business owners whether they were based in Hong Kong or Bristol.

“I attended a discovery day in April 2015 where ActionCOACH’s UK cofounder, Ian Christelow’s passion for the business was engaging but, more than anything else, I realised I didn’t know as much as I thought about running a business. My ego was damaged for a short time until I went on initial training in Las Vegas where it got a second hit. ActionCOACH University takes you back to the very first lessons in business ownership and

is a shock to the system.”

“Despite my experience at the discovery day, I was so arrogant I didn’t do all the prep work sent to me before the ten days of initial training in Las Vegas. My advice would be to engage with everything they ask you to do as you will get so much more out of it. This initial training takes you back to the very first lesson in business ownership and is a shock to system. It was another knock to my ego.”

“Straight after training, I went to Thailand to escape the UK’s winter months with my family. I watched a few of Brad Sugars’ videos and he set the fire alight, I had even more inspiration.

Failing at retirement

In 2011, at the age of 47, Keating decided to retire. He felt that he’d made enough money to live comfortably and that he had achieved a great deal. By then he had met his wife, Wendy, whilst she headed up his mortgage broking business in Hong Kong. They decided to return to the UK. Their idea was to spend the rest of their daily lives back home near Bristol and their holidays in their house in Thailand.

“However, I quickly realised I wasn’t any good at being retired,” says Keating.

“I tried spending time back in Hong Kong checking in on my business interests until a friend suggested I become a business consultant to fill my time. It was then I saw an advertisement for ActionCOACH in the Sunday Telegraph and, after some more research, their coaching system and values blew me away. I’ve endured and enjoyed a lifetime of good and bad in business. Sometimes I’ve worked almost 24 hours a day, seven days a

Gary Keating helping business owners transform their business and their lives

24 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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01/09/2017 15:46

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Once again, I realised how becoming an action coach franchisee could make a difference to Bristol, give me a purpose and create a legacy.”

Following the system

Having completed his training, Keating launched his ActionCOACH business in February 2016, starting as he meant to go on. He immediately opened an office with a coaching studio, hired a personal assistant and created an environment with the opportunity for growth.

“To get traction, you have to invest in marketing and work at it. You have to be all in. Whilst my property portfolio provided my main income, I still set a goal to reach £10,000 in client income by month six and £20,000 by year one.

I harnessed my business connections and got my first three clients through referrals and identifying businesses I knew could be hugely improved by the ActionCOACH system.”

“By following the system, in my first year the business grew to two members of staff, an employee coach concentrating on the Engage & Grow employee engagement programme and I began recruitment for another employee coach for ActionCOACH one-to-one coaching. I hit £30,000 of

I realised how becoming an action coach franchisee could make a difference to Bristol, give me a purpose and create a legacy.

client income through building this team. Wendy was instrumental in my success. She came into the business to run everything allowing me to be free to be the coach and build relationships during networking events and our lead generation seminars.”

A rewarding business

Today, Keating works just four days a week and enjoys the halfway house between retirement and full-time employment he has created for himself. He still escapes the English winters by flying to Thailand but continues his coaching via online video conferencing.

“The ActionCOACH system is brilliant,” Keating says. “I have a large family and we all spend plenty of time together whether that is teaching piano, tinkering with tractors or joining me on my latest passion of farming sheep and pigs.”

“I often think if I’d had an Action Coach, I would have been much better at getting perspective on myself and my first business would have had a very different ending. Instead, I waited to gain on-the-job knowledge which meant, more often than not, learning from mistakes.”

“My next goal is to reach £50,000 a month in client income with a team of four coaches. Becoming the go-to place in Bristol for business coaching is my aim that will, in turn, create prosperity in our community. With ActionCOACH in Bristol, business owners and their employees can prepare for a happy retirement, whatever that may hold.”

If you would like to build a successful business like Keating and you get a buzz from helping others succeed, love learning and developing yourself and have enjoyed success in your career or sport, then find out more by watching the six-minute overview video at actioncoach.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

ActionCOACH Advertorial Sep.indd 2

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Frank Milner CEO Tutor Doctor

can be stronger as they support each other’s weak areas and benefit from different strengths.

However, there are potential drawbacks to living together and working together. For instance, there can be a danger that the working day just continues into the evening. Unless the couple are strict with themselves, their professional life can become indistinguishable from their private one. This is especially a risk when the business first starts and doubly so when the franchise is run from home because it blurs the boundaries between being on and off work.

Another risk is that changes in either the relationship or the business could end up having dire consequences.

Separation in the relationship or the business will undoubtedly have an impact on the businesses performance and tensions in any partnership could lead to the couple having to choose to prioritise either their company or their relationship.

The best way to avoid the potential pitfalls Franchising with a loved one could have huge and deriving the maximum advantage benefits but also many hidden dangers of working together is to ensure that the venture is planned carefully and practical advice is sought. Make sure the ranchising is often compared to a marriage or both of you conduct a personal SWOT analysis for a long-term relationship. Not only is the due both your relationship and of the business and what diligence phase very similar to courtship but it will mean to work together. And be ready to have the complexities of unwinding the relationship are also a frank discussion and honest assessment of each very similar to a divorce. For franchisees going into other’s SWOT. If the franchise network has a number business with their spouses, the similarities may feel of existing franchisees that are couples, speaking to more than just coincidental. them would give a third-party view of the practicalities For starters, running a franchise with a husband or which will prove useful. a wife could have a lot of benefits. While other smallFinally taking specific legal and accountancy advice business leaders and franchisees may occasionally feel will ensure that the business is structured in the best isolated and lonely, couples who franchise together possible way and will also protect against potential have the great advantage of being in it together. ‘what if’ scenarios.

Another benefit is that couples who go into Franchising works because two heads are better than franchising together also benefit from having two skill one and couples benefit more than individuals from sets rather than one. At Tutor Doctor, we’ve found that this mantra. Knowing the drawbacks and sharing in one partner may excel at sales and marketing and the each other’s success can make couples some of the other at finance and management. Together, the couple most effective franchisees.

Till franchising do us part?

F

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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05/09/2017 16:38

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05/09/2017 18:50

Nigel Toplis managing director The Bardon Group

Figuring out the franchise agreement Getting your head around the ins and outs of the franchise agreement is vital if you and your franchisor are to work well together

A

successful franchise system demands that the franchisor and the franchisee work together to make their business a success. Trust, respect and a shared vision all help to create a bond between the two parties. However, to ensure such mutuality you need to base it – from the beginning – on the clear knowledge and understanding of each party’s specific responsibilities.

This is where the franchise agreement comes in. It sets out in detail the contractual terms, conditions and obligations of both the franchisor and the franchisee, sets down the rules of the game and it is also the basis of the formal relationship between the two parties.

In essence, a franchise agreement has three fundamental objectives: to accurately set out the terms and

conditions of the arrangement between franchisor and franchisee, protect the franchisor’s intellectualproperty rights and specify the ground rules for operating the franchise units.

Both sides need to follow the franchise agreement: if they do so then it will be a happy and successful relationship.

Problems only arise when people break the rules.

Franchises work because everybody rows the boat in the same direction and every franchisee has identical opportunities, rights and obligations.

Every franchisee should sign exactly

The franchise agreement sums up the elements required to make the magic of franchising work

the same franchise agreement and you should be cautious of franchisors who are willing to change theirs simply to suit the needs of prospective franchisees.

If you and your solicitor – who must be experienced in franchising matters – cannot accept the franchisor’s standard agreement then you should look elsewhere.

The franchise agreement is often quite lengthy and will cover a whole plethora of conditions surrounding the running of the franchise – including the length of the contract period. Of course, as with most contracts, in a good franchise system people seldom refer to the franchise agreement until this period is coming to an end. As a franchisee, you need to ensure that you have both enough time to reap adequate reward for your efforts and to enable you to sell on a valuable capital asset. But your only option isn’t just to cut and run: often current franchise agreements will provide an option to renew – and certainly with The Bardon Group companies we provide an option with no additional franchise fee payable.

Utlimately, the magic of franchising is that it combines local knowledge, drive, ambition and individual skills with a proven business system, ongoing corporate support and professional guidance to hopefully create a successful business venture for both parties. Essentially, the franchise agreement sums up the elements required to make this magic work. But for all that the franchise agreement can lay down the rules, provide the parameters and document the means of working together, it cannot detail the most important attributes of a successful relationship – attitude, honesty and integrity.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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05/09/2017 16:35

ADVERTISING FEATURE

How Brian Pinner found his balance O

ver the last 19 years, Brian Pinner has built his Expense Reduction Analyst (ERA) franchise to be one of the most successful in the network. He is respected and valued by his colleagues, a recognised expert in his field and was even ranked as the second highest income performer out of the network’s 150 consultants in 2014.

Though far from at an end, the lifecycle of Pinner’s business to date has been an evolution in goals and the personal meaning of success. The business has allowed him to be the master of his own destiny and allowed Pinner the freedom to spend quality time with his children right through to building a pension and even a legacy for his sons.

Pinner’s confidence in his franchise and his undeniable success have been an inspiration to his son, Neil, who has not only become an ERA franchisee himself, but has also joined his father and works side-by-side with him in what is now a family business with serious longevity.

Prior to joining ERA, Pinner owned his own photocopier business in Stourbridge. For ten years he built the business to a large company with a staff of over 25. However, his priorities changed when he became a father.

Pinner knew he wanted to focus on achieving a better work-life balance.

“I had two young children and my business was requiring me to work long hours which meant I was away from home for most of the week,” he says. “The pressure of keeping things running and being responsible for the staff was starting to take its toll and I knew it was time for a lifestyle change. When I received an offer from

a competitor to sell them my business I didn’t have to think too hard about my decision.”

Pinner found the idea of franchising appealing and so he visited one of the large franchise shows for inspiration. It was there that, in his own words, ERA jumped out at him. “ERA interested me for many reasons,” Pinner explains.

“The main ones being that I really liked the thought of working from home and addressing that work-life balance I’d been craving. I’d had loads of phone calls when I ran my own business from people telling me they could save me money on my overheads, so I knew there was a buoyant market – what I

liked about ERA was that you weren’t limited to one cost centre, the range of services you could offer was vast.

The people were friendly and I took an instant liking to them. There’s a lot to be said for gut instinct and feeling that you want to work with the people that you meet.”

ERA is a world leader in cost management and procurement consultancy. Associates are trained to offer strategic advice and practical methods which optimise supplier relationships and generate cash.

Boasting the highest consulting revenue of any UK procurement franchise, ERA franchisees have

30 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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25/08/2017 09:36

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Brian Pinner and family with Neil (left), who has now joined him in the ERA business.

enjoyed an impressive increase in sales over the past five years.

“I didn’t want to start another business from scratch,” says Pinner. “I knew from experience what a challenge that could be and I definitely didn’t want to employ lots of people again.

ERA has been a revelation in that sense – you have all this expertise and knowledge to draw on from within the network, more than 150 different specialists to be precise, but essentially you work from home and run your business to suit you. It’s the best of both worlds.”

ERA’s award-winning programme of training and support is designed to

The people in ERA help to make it what it is; the depth and breadth of the knowledge we can tap into is what makes the business

equip you with all the knowledge and confidence you need to successfully launch and run your business, whatever your skills or background.

New franchisees undertake a tailored five-week course consisting of classroom and hands-on learning at the ERA Academy.

“My initial training was good but it’s nothing compared to nowadays,” says Pinner. “My son has just completed his training. The depth of the course and tools available to new franchisees is just out of this world. We did a lot of pioneering work back in the day and it’s certainly paid off. Processes have evolved to be incredibly efficient and effective and the tools and interconnecting IT systems we have are just brilliant. I could see that Neil was incredibly well prepared to join me from day one.”

Each of the 150 consultants in the network is an expert in their own field.

Access to this combined knowledge ensures that new franchisees aren’t confined to one or two cost centres or even their own area of specialism. It also promotes collaboration between franchisees to maximise opportunities for expansion and guidance.

This was something Pinner absolutely benefited from. “In the early days most of the support came from the other consultants,” he says. “Now there’s lots of support from group office to business development and IT to marketing. You name it. Each region meets every four or six weeks and that’s a great opportunity to share ideas and get some guidance from your peers if you need it. I have a review meeting next week to see how the business is going. The offer of support is always there – personally I’ve learnt what my

business model looks like and I know what I need to do to succeed.”

Proving that he really does have the balance right, Pinner makes the most of his down time by travelling with his wife, watching his sons play rugby and cricket and participating in his own favourite sporting activity: golf. He muses: “I actually think ERA is similar to rugby and cricket. Everyone has a lot of skills individually but it’s the team that makes it work.”

Pinner is now content in the knowledge that the business he has built will not only continue to thrive but that it will also provide his son with the same balance of income and lifestyle that he himself has enjoyed for the last 19 years.

“I love this business,” he says. “Our job is so varied. I work all across the UK with different clients who all have different requirements. I’m working with schools, charities and not-forprofit entities as well as corporate organisations - the clients appreciate what we do and it’s rewarding to see them improve. It’s a very satisfying to take a project through to completion, especially with the charities where you can really see you’re making a difference for them.”

For more information, why not get in touch: T: 023 8082 9737 E: franchiseteam@erauk.net W: http://erafranchise.net

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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25/08/2017 09:37

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05/09/2017 14:55

Tony Bowman managing director etyres

Why franchisees never have to say “I wish I’d known this when I started” Having learned from their mistakes, franchisors can offer franchisees the opportunity to buy into a tried and tested model

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t one point or another, we’ve all uttered the phrase “I wish I had known then what I know now.” At its core, this is all about the garnering of knowledge and experience to avoid problems and derive the maximum benefit from a given situation. Many startups fail for reasons such as poor quality of the product or service offered. Others go under because they have an unworkable business model. Fortunately for franchisees, they usually have few reasons to utter those words as they’ve already bought into a tried and tested model.

As a franchisor, having developed a business idea and turned it into a reality, I have used the expression many times. We made countless mistakes and explored more than a few blind alleys when we established our first

pilot branch. We commissioned computer systems that were not fully effective and much of our marketing was widely off the mark. But we persevered and, at great cost in terms of both time and money, we eventually got it right.

The process was long and painful but it had to be done so that we would know that it would be successful when we awarded someone our first franchise.

And today, 21 years later, those first franchisees are still with us and are continuing to trade successfully. Their success and that of many others is a result of the business knowledge that we have gained over the years, often by making mistakes of our own.

I still often wish that I had known then what I know now, but franchisees don’t have to because the franchisor has already ventured into the unknown and overcome the hurdles and pitfalls in order to establish a successful business model.

More than just a safety net, a good franchise will supply the franchisees with a spring board to success. The only thing a new franchisee has to do is to provide the hard work, dedication and commitment that will make the leap into a new career a triumph.

You don’t have to waste time and money making costly mistakes, creating effective processes and systems, finding experts to consult when you have an IT or an accounting problem. You don’t even have to pick profitable partnerships with companies you can do business with.

So while starting your own franchise still offers both the challenges and rewards of being your own boss, you can reap the benefits of following a tried and tested formula to achieve your goals. In short, you enjoy the benefits of hindsight, without actually having made any mistakes yourself. If only everything in life could be this straight-forward.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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05/09/2017 16:34

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Could you be an Xpert?

As Britain’s house asking prices hit a record average high, is it time for you to join the property industry?

HomeXperts Advertorial Sep.indd 1

T

he property market has changed. People no longer take a trip down the high-street to buy their new home. Instead they conduct a quick and easy search online and it’s job done. This adoption of technology by the property industry has lead to the emergence of online estate agencies, offering low fees to sell your house purely through the internet. But, they have been

criticized for their lack of personality and proactive sales methods. High street estate agencies haven’t completely died out, but high fees and low levels of customer care leave clients disappointed during the most stressful period of their lives. What if you could find an agent that you could trust? An agent that offers exceptional customer care making your house sale as smooth as possible? Well, with HomeXperts, the estate and lettings franchise, you can.

With their new hybrid estate agency model, HomeXperts franchisee work from home winning their business online but taking their clients through the whole sales process. HomeXperts offers an avenue for you to explore the property industry under a national, award-winning brand. From £12,995 plus VAT, you can kickstart your entrepreneurial career by helping people wade through a growing housing market and find their dream home.

HomeXperts was developed by founder and managing director, Sussanne Chambers in 2010. As a portfolio landlord, Chambers had experienced the good, the bad and the ugly of the estate agency industry.

Unfortunately, the bad and the ugly were mainly experienced in the UK and the good was often to be found overseas. The property franchise now has over 50 franchisees nationwide delivering exceptional customer service to their clients.

25/08/2017 09:00

But could you provide an exceptional estate and letting agency service?

the passion and drive to run your own business, then you’ve definitely got what it takes to become a HomeXperts franchisee.

Have you got any previous estate agency experience?

Answer the following questions to see whether you have If your answer to this question is yes, then what it takes to start your own estate and letting agency... that’s great! Have you ever considered ADVERTISING FEATURE going it alone in the industry? Well now is your chance!

Do you enjoy/understand the importance of However, if the answer is no, don’t worry. delivering exceptional customer service?

Our two-week training academy develops At HomeXperts, we have built our business model around franchisees to Propertymark standards, allowing exceptional customer service, something we think can you to become a fully qualified estate and be lacking in the estate agency world. When recruiting letting agent. franchisees, we look for people that share those values.

If you are one of those people that values exceptional If you think you have the skills required to join customer care (especially during stressful property a national award-winning franchise, read more transactions) we’d love to speak to you! about us on the next page!

Could you control your own work schedule?

Have you ever wished you could break free of your repetitive work schedule? With over 90% of property searches starting online, HomeXperts recognise there is no longer the need for an expensive high-street presence.

Therefore, You can decide when to put time into your work and when to spend time with your family and

Join Our Team

Elite Franchise Double Page Spread October 2017.indd 2

When setting out in this established industry, you’ll need training to a professional standard. Once you join HomeXperts, you’ll be enrolled into its intensive, twoweek training academy that ensures you’re trained to Propertymark – formerly NFoPP – standards.

Once you’ve undergone your training and launched your business, HomeXperts continually helps franchisees develop and improve their business skills. This could come in the form of regular webinars, which give you the opportunity to learn without having to leave the house. HomeXperts has also previously partnered with two property portals, Rightmove and Zoopla, to deliver informative training days at their headquarters. Add regular franchise training meetings and specialist development days, such as SEO enhancement classes, and it’s safe to say that new franchisees have a thorough coaching programme conducted by experienced professionals.

HomeXperts’ exceptional training package compliments an extensive support system that franchisees will be able to take advantage of. First, you’ll receive your franchise package, which includes access to major UK property portals, property management software, your own branch

page, and a local website. You’ll also get a full marketing package, which includes an iPad, a camera, property boards vehicle branding, stationary and more. You’ll gain access to the 24/7678850 franchise@homexpertsuk.com | 01905 could based hub that holds over 1,000 www.home-xperts.co.uk training documents.

To turn your passion for property into a functional business, HomeXperts offers dedicated back-office support to their entire team. This includes processing your letting work with the 23/08/2017 HomeXperts accounting team and an in-house designer to craft your marketing materials. With house prices forever on the rise, it might just be time you started researching the property market in your area and some of the opportunities available. Who knows, you could even find yourself becoming the trusted agent in your area through franchising.

W: www.home-xperts.co.uk T: 01905 678850 E: franchise@homexpertsuk.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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25/08/2017 09:00

ARTVENTURERS

Child’s play

BY ERIC JOHANSSON

Fiona Simpson left her job as a solicitor to spend more time with her children. But playing with them also inspired her to launch the arts and crafts franchise ARTventurers

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ecoming a mother changed everything for Fiona Simpson, founder and managing director of ARTventurers, the children’s artsclass franchise. Having established a career as a family lawyer, her priorities changed with the birth of her two kids. “Instead I wanted to do something more flexible that I could fit around my children,” she says. Drawing inspiration from playing with her son and daughter, Simpson realised that there was a gap in the market for fun art classes where parents could be creative with their kids. Not one to rest on her laurels, Simpson founded ARTventurers in 2009 to bridge that gap. “Did I think it would become as it big as it is today?” she says. “No. I actually believed I’d eventually return to the law once my kids became older.” However, as the company grew in popularity she realised that her days as a lawyer were over.

But her success didn’t happen by itself: Simpson invested a lot of time and effort in spreading the gospel about ARTventurers. “I’m a big a believer

36 ELITEFRANCHISE | SEPTEMBER 2017

in getting out there and speaking to people face to face,” she says. “No one can communicate your passion for your company the way you can.” So instead of posting messages on Facebook and Twitter, Simpson went old school in her marketing efforts. Armed with leaflets, she championed her venture at baby shows, playgroups and spoke with other new parents. And given how quickly her customer base grew, Simpson’s efforts certainly paid off. The experience also taught her a lesson she’s more than willing to share with her franchisees today: move beyond marketing your brand on social media. “You can do a lot behind a keyboard but it doesn’t beat meeting your customers in person,” she says. “Obviously our classes are brilliant but parents also buy into the person running the classes. They need to know, trust and relate to them.”

By 2013 the business’s growing popularity left Simpson with a challenge: finding a way to scale things up to meet the demand. “People had begun to talk to me about franchising,” she says.

“However, I wasn’t entirely sure if that was the

ARTVENTURERS

right route for us.” To assure herself of the viability of her out of the way. “However, the biggest benefit was that he model, she decided initially to license the ARTventurers helped everything move along much quicker,” she says. “He brand to three mothers. This provided the licensees with pushed me to produce everything by certain deadlines.” the freedom to try out new things and their feedback gave And in August 2015, ARTventures became the UK’s newest Simpson the essential insight she needed playtime franchise. to perfect her franchise before it launched.

However, no franchise is complete You can do a “This made me confident that franchising without its franchisees. Fortunately, could work and showed me how much there were a lot of people interested lot behind a support and guidance franchisees would joining the network. “On my first keyboard but indiscovery need,” she says. Having launched the day, I had three ladies come in licensing model in early 2014, Simpson felt it doesn’t beat and all three joined me,” she says. But ready to take the full step into franchising while there was no shortage of interested meeting your by the summer of 2015. candidates, the franchisor rapidly While her experiment with licensing learned that not everyone was cut out for customers had prepared her exceptionally well for the job. After some initial recruitment face to face this next step, Simpson recognised that mistakes she learned that being able to transforming ARTventurers into a franchise run ARTventurers classes doesn’t equate could still be a challenging endeavour and enlisted the help to having the proper skillset to become a successful of a franchise consultant to help her refine the model. “He franchisee. “I realised that I have to look for people who really helped me pull everything out of my head and turn it have that extra drive and ambition,” she says. “I really need into a proper franchise package,” she says. With the guidance franchisees who actually want to grow their business.” of the consultant, Simpson was able to not only perfect her To ensure each franchisee can make the most out of that operations manual but also to get all the legal documentation drive, they’re all provided with rigorous training tailored SEPTEMBER 2017 | ELITEFRANCHISE

37

ARTVENTURERS

On my first discovery day I had three ladies come in and all three joined me to their specific needs. “For instance, because a lot of our franchisees are mums who travel for the training, our face-to-face training only lasts one day,” she says. On that day, the franchisor ensures that the budding franchisee understands the fundamental aspects of running a business and the events. The day is then followed up with an online training package including more in-depth details about running the business and how to market it. “That way they have the flexibility to do it from the comfort of their own homes,” she says.

Recognising her franchisees are usually in a similar position as she was when ARTventurers first launched, Simpson is also adamant that the people joining the network don’t overwork themselves. “It should fit in with the rest of your life,” she explains. “That’s why we don’t set a minimum or maximum amount of classes or parties that you have to run each month.” Given her emphasis on supporting new parents who join the network, it’s hardly surprising that Workingmums.co.uk, the organisation promoting flexible working for new mothers, awarded her both the Supportive Franchisor of the Year award and the Overall Top Franchise award at the Top Franchise Awards 2017. “I was over the moon,” Simpson 38 ELITEFRANCHISE | SEPTEMBER 2017

says. “It really reflects the efforts of the team to make ARTventurers a fun company with a great reputation for high-quality activities for kids.”

This reputation has enabled her to grow the network to include 29 franchisees and Simpson isn’t stopping there.

“Obviously we want to expand it further,” she says. “We’re getting a lot of enquires in areas where we don’t have a branch yet and I really want to get those covered.” In order to ensure that she can focus on growing the brand, she has formed a network of regional franchise leaders consisting of experienced franchisees who can help support new members of the ARTventurers family. “That takes away some of the pressure on me and also provides them with a chance to become more involved in the business,” she says.

Looking back on her years running ARTventurers, Simpson doesn’t shy away from the fact that it’s been challenging at times. “Being self-employed is a rollercoaster,” she says. “You get great highs and horrible lows and it’s up to you to make sure you get back up high.” However, her passion and ambition has helped her overcome every hurdle and grow a nationwide brand. And it has enabled her to do something even more important.

“I have been able to work around and spend time with my kids whilst doing something that I love,” she concludes. “I love ARTventurers. It puts a smile on my face that being a solicitor never did.”

Benefit from becoming a Suit the City franchisee Join a leading business in a growing market, beating the current trends in retail Build your business with the aid of a team of Consultant Tailors all trained by Suit the City Low overheads - no stock, no waste and you can work from home or a small studio Supply professional clients with high quality, luxury products: you will have a high rate of repeat business and referrals Full training and support is given during the first three months and then on an on-going basis For more information please call us or visit our website

www.suitthecity.com

01494 880790 SUIT001

W an established brand leaders in the SMART repair market and has continued to grow despite the economic uncertainty of the last few years. With a stable and probably improving economy it is TIME TO INVEST in a Car Medic franchise.

We provide comprehensive training that gives you a recognised SMART repair industry qualification, ensuring that you can deliver quality repairs from your first day out on the road.

Unlike many other franchises we do not have “sales commission fees� where the more you earn the more you pay, nor do we make additional charges for management services. Our fixed monthly fee ensures you keep more of your hard earned money and are not penalised for your success!

If you are interested in finding out more about Car Medic please contact us, and we will send you the full information pack.

www.carmedic.co.uk/car-repair-franchise

08080 37 37 37

franchise@carmedic.co.uk

YORK002

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05/09/2017 15:01

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Thrive with Ovenu The Ovenu model works on every level and it’s the finest one out there.

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ost franchises will provide training, a startup kit and ongoing support. But what’s probably unclear is who will provide the best of all these things. Well, our business model is operational in over 150 worldwide locations and it’s been replicated by many since 1994. It’s stood the test of time, having been tried, tested and trusted by hundreds of satisfied franchisees from all over the world. It’s strong, it’s safe, it’s dependable and it’s profitable.

You may have heard those words before; our dominant success has attracted many copycats. There are others that say it, but we really have been trading for nearly 25 years and with the same man at the helm for all of them. We really are the UK’s original oven cleaning experts and we

really are the largest in our sector. The unique Ovenu name itself is a registered trademark in the UK and Australia, so you won’t see anyone copying that any time soon.

So, you’re thinking about taking the step into the self-employed world and an oven-cleaning franchise has taken your fancy, but you’ve never run a business or cleaned an oven.

Don’t worry. Experience isn’t key here, ambition is. If you’ve got the willing, discipline and drive to follow our proven plan, implement our methods and trust

We pride ourselves on an honest and supportive relationship with every Ovenu Franchisee

that you are replicating what so many others have already done and are doing, and making serious money from, you will thrive. Whilst you’re being guided by us, you will still be running and in control of your own business, we’ll just give you the best methods on the market to do it successfully.

We urge our network to take full advantage of our hugely experienced support team and exploit the knowledge we have gained over our years in this unique industry. It doesn’t matter how long their Ovenu career has been; whether it be operational tech questions whilst out on the job or advice on the best marketing strategy in their exclusive territory. We want people to ask us questions and we want to give them answers; it’s what we’re here for. We like to pride ourselves on an honest and supportive relationship with every Ovenu franchisee.

So, if you can picture yourself working alongside us building a solid local business, controlling your own working hours and achieving great client and job satisfaction under the security of our reliable Ovenu brand, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email to enquiries@ ovenufranchise.co.uk or give us a call on 01189 743 911

40 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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05/09/2017 18:11

FEEDING YOUR FUTURE Unique Pet Food Business Opportunity to pet owners who just love their pets Extensive Range of Pet Products • Multi billion industry • Home delivery • Work from home • Exclusive territory • Intensive training • Advice from experts • Repeat business • Ongoing support • FROM £8,995 plus VAT YOUR CHOICE YOUR BUSINESS Build a franchise to suit your own level of expertise and • Personalised skill set • Flexible • Exclusive

“I'm far less stressed and I have time for myself, my husband and my two dogs, Ted and Hannie, while enjoying new friendships with my customers. OSCAR felt right for me and my recommendation to anyone looking at a new business is to take your time and tick all the boxes to ensure it's right for you and your family.”

Rachel Knight • OSCAR Pet Foods - Northamptonshire “We had no desire to consider any other business opportunities because everything with OSCAR fell into place. Overwhelmed by the professionalism of the OSCAR team they were thorough in guiding us through the process – step by step and no hard pressure.”

“The comprehensive training covered every aspect from start-up through to daily routines, giving us even more faith in their extensive range of quality products and services.”

Nigel and Berni Woodall • OSCAR Pet Foods - Cheshire “I went online to discover franchising and OSCAR. There was no need to look any further because in OSCAR I recognised passion, commitment, dedication and a fantastic range of products that would speak volumes for anyone wishing to set up their own business.”

John Leith • OSCAR Pet Foods - NorthYorkshire

Call now for a FREE Information pack 0800 068 1106 discover@oscars.co.uk • www.oscar.co.uk

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22/08/2017 12:16

HOME-CLEANING FRANCHISES

Spotless

BY ERIC JOHANSSON

success The cleaning sector has gone from strength to strength thanks to people living increasingly busy lives. But will it be resilient enough to survive the Brexit fallout?

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o say that cleaning businesses have become a force to be reckoned with almost seems like an understatement. Few sectors can boast that they contributed over £24bn to the British economy in 2015 but, according to the British Cleaning Council, the cleaning industry is one of them. And franchises specialising in tidying up people’s houses are now reaping the benefits of the sector’s growth.

However, no industry can rise to prominence if the conditions aren’t right. Fortunately, the market was ripe for disruption back in the 1990s. “A lot of things changed back then,” says Tim Harris, chief executive of Ovenclean, the oven-cleaning franchise. “For starters, people had become very cash-rich but time-poor.” While women might have once been the primary caretakers of British households, this began to change in the second part of the 20th century as more of them joined the workforce. In 1971, about half of female Brits were working, according to the Office of National Statistics; today, the proportion of women in employment has jumped to three-quarters. With more people working, it left families with more money to spend but less time to do things like cooking and making their homes spotless. “As a result a lot of service industries sprang up,” says Harris. “It’s the same thing that saw Domino’s Pizza become popular. And given that cleaning

42 ELITEFRANCHISE | SEPTEMBER 2017

HOME-CLEANING FRANCHISES

is consistently ranked as Britain’s most hated chore, it’s not surprising that people were quite open to paying someone else to do it.”

Having a solid customer base certainly does wonders for every sector but it wasn’t the only factor that laid the foundation for the residential-cleaning industry’s growth in the 1990s. About the same time, business leaders became aware of how franchising was changing the market across the pond. “We’re always about ten years behind what happens in America,” says Catriona Berry, operations manager at Merry Maids, the home-cleaning franchise.

Modern franchising in the US originally

took off in the 1950s and by the 1980s it was growing like never before. In 1988 alone, 27,273 new franchised units opened. That’s roughly one every 20 minutes. And as the franchised market grew, people in Blighty began to take notice. “People saw how American businesses worked in the franchising sectors and saw it as an opportunity to get their brands out there,” says Berry. “Many one-man bands that would’ve never been able to grow their companies by themselves realised that it would be much easier having 50 or 60 ambassadors helping them.”

The cleaning sector was particularly well-placed to take advantage of the

model. “More and more people want to go into businesses by themselves,” says Berry. “And cleaning franchises provide low-level entry opportunities for low investments.” Another benefit is that franchising minimises the risk of failure inherent in launching a cleaning business alone. “People want a structure instead of having to learn everything from HR to health and safety by themselves,” says Berry. “And buying a franchise offers that because franchisors have already done all the work. It’s a proven model you can simply pick up, run and earn a living with.”

And once established, house-cleaning franchises have proven particularly resistant to changing circumstances.

“Everyone ran for cover when the economy took a dive in 2008,” says Freddie Rayner, founder of Time For You, the residential-cleaning franchise.

“But I didn’t. Instead we just ramped up our marketing.” And that bet certainly paid off: both Time For You and other cleaning franchises noticed that the recession enabled them to grow their business. “The pressure was on and more people had to go to work, which left us with more clients,” says Rayner.

“And surprisingly, people who were living in more modest houses also

Millennials have grown up with their parents having had cleaners Catriona Berry, operations manager at Merry Maids

SEPTEMBER 2017 | ELITEFRANCHISE

43

Home-cleaning franchises

began using our services. That’s because the people who would’ve normally bought a new house found themselves unable to get a mortgage.

Instead, they spent money on things like a new TV and a cleaner instead.”

However, the strength it showed in the face of the recession doesn’t mean that the sector isn't facing some threats. “Brexit will become a bit of a challenge,” says Rayner. “A few years ago it was a novelty to have a cleaner from Eastern Europe.

Nowadays it’s common practice because there’s a huge swathe of them in Britain and they do a fantastic job.” In fact, 23% of the workers in the industry were born outside the UK, significantly higher than the national average of 17%, according to the British Cleaning Council. Given the sector’s heavy reliance on foreign talent, it’s hardly surprising that 82% of cleaning organisations want to be able to recruit EU workers after Brexit, according to a survey from Cleaning Matters,

It’s not surprising that people were quite open to paying someone to do it Tim Harris, Ovenclean

the magazine covering the cleaning industry. While it’s still uncertain whether or not free movement of people will cease once the divorce proceedings are finalised, Rayner believes franchises can come out of this challenge squeaky clean by recruiting native parents instead of foreigners.

“They’ll be looking for work to do when their kids are growing up,” he says. “Cleaning may not be at the top of their wish list but it’s a job that they can easily fit around school schedules.”

But the uncertainty surrounding Britain’s divorce from the EU isn’t the only hurdle for residential-cleaning franchises to overcome. “The living wage is having a major impact, bigger than Brexit,” says Berry. The national living wage was first introduced in April 2016 and currently means that workers over the age of 25 are entitled to be paid at least £7.50 per hour. While it has meant higher salaries for workers, Berry argues that the national living wage has caused some worries for Britain’s cleaning franchises. “You used to be able define your own rates and tweak them to get the people you wanted,” she says. “Nowadays everyone is fishing in the same pond, making the labour market much more difficult for businesses. And because there is a huge shortage in the unskilled workers, it’s definitely become a candidate’s market.”

Despite Brexit and a more competitive labour market, franchisors still seem bullish about things to come. “The future is bright,” says Berry. “It’s a growing industry. We are seeing double-digit growth at the moment.” And again, this dates back to the changing landscape of the 1990s. As more people have hired someone to clean their house, it has almost become a must-have. “Millennials have grown up with their parents having had cleaners,” she says. “They expect to have a cleaner, someone to do their lawn, clean windows and that sort of thing. That’s what they expect of life.”

So even if there may be some dustups over workers in the future, it’s safe to say that the sector’s franchises will be cleaning up nicely. “It’s a robust sector and I think it will continue to grow,” concludes Rayner.

44 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

Analysis.indd 3

05/09/2017 17:24

Run a business that makes

a real difference

in your community

Right at Home provides premium quality home care and companionship services that enable people to enjoy living independently in their own homes. Our culture and ethos focuses on supporting clients and their families to achieve highly-personalised outcomes, and our care teams are known for their willingness to go the extra mile, whether they are simply providing good company or meeting complex 24/7 care needs. Right at Home owners benefit from tailored expert support in all areas of their business, allowing them to build a reputation as the go-to care provider and employer in their community.

Why join the Right at Home UK franchise?

• Fast-growing, resilient market which cannot be overtaken by technology • One of the world’s most trusted care providers (500+ offices on 5 continents) • A highly-engaged network of 40+ UK offices and large, researched territories • The highest Franchisee Satisfaction score in the care industry • The most highly recommended national brand on www.homecare.co.uk

Initial franchise fee: £31,995 +VAT. Working Capital is also needed – total investment up to £130,000 For further information please enquire via www.rightathomefranchising.co.uk 0151 305 0755 or franchising@rightathomeuk.com

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OVER 125 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE

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simple, successful business formula OUR DESSERTS ARE APPEALING TO ALL AGES

full training and ongoing support WE’RE ON HAND TO SUPPORT YOU AND TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

gallonesfranchise.co.uk franchise@gallonesparlours.co.uk

GALL001 Right and ERA.indd 1

05/09/2017 14:58

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Clean up with a Techclean franchise If you’re looking for a business opportunity that is affordable, offers flexibility and isn’t dependent on any one market sector then Techclean could be the ideal choice

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ith an established pedigree in cleaning IT equipment dating back to the 1980s, Techclean provides a specialist cleaning service for workplace desktops, communication centres and computer data rooms. Current customers range from big names like EDF, Disney and Porsche to universities, hospitals and the Public Service Ombudsman in Wales.

Research shows that there are 200 times more bacteria on a computer keyboard than on a regularly cleaned toilet seat – in fact in many offices you’d be better off working with pen and paper in the ladies or gents than at your own desk. Additionally, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to 80% of all infections are spread by hand contact with contaminated surfaces and direct human contact.

According to the 2016 CIPD Absence Management Report, absenteeism costs British businesses an average of £522 per employee per year.

That’s around 140 million days lost to sickness absence across the UK in 2015 with colds, flu and gastric illnesses topping the table of causes. If

you combine this with the statistic that says 33% of people with contagious symptoms struggle into work rather than stay at home, it’s easy to see why providing a hygienic workplace is so important to productivity.

General office cleaners may flick a duster over the keyboards and wipe around the desk but they can rarely achieve the level of cleanliness that is essential to keep bugs at bay and extend the life of the equipment. It takes the skill of Techclean’s specialist service to properly clean and sanitise desktops, telephones and communal electronic equipment such as photocopiers and printers.

No previous experience is necessary to become a Techclean franchisee as full training is given. You just need to be good with people and have an aptitude for sales and marketing.

Philippe Lafon has been running Techclean mid-Anglia for over 20 years.

After a career spent in sales traveling all over the country, he was looking for a job nearer to home that involved technology. He heard about Techclean, liked the sound of it and hasn’t looked back since. “I hadn’t even thought about a franchise but after visiting the

Techclean head office I could see the potential,” he says. “I found the team to be really down to earth people I could work with and trust so I signed up.

Techclean territories are generous –each catchment area includes at least 10,000 business. No premises are needed, making the franchise a perfect business to run from a home office with minimal outlay.

And a Techclean franchise can slot in at any stage of your working life. Former teacher and mother of four Susan Davies set up Techclean South Wales three years ago after her youngest child went to university.

She was looking for a new challenge and wanted to grow a business that she could run from home but still get out and about to interact with others. “I just love the diversity of it and meeting different people,” she says. “It’s very satisfying work. We go into an office and in a just few hours we make such a big difference to the working environment. I have a small team of people working with me I call the ‘dream team’ – and customers are always delighted with the end results.”

Costing just £19,500 plus VAT, a Techclean franchise stands head and shoulders above other low cost franchise opportunities. Techclean franchisees can expect to achieve a net profit margin of over 50% within the first year of trading.

Contact: Emma Downes t: 01530 513300 e: edownes@techclean.co.uk Total Cost: £19,500 + VAT

46 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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Tech

Techclean are proud to provide a comprehensive range of specialist system cleaning solutions to a diverse range of customers from FTSE 100’s to government to local businesses, charities, schools and even medical establishments amongst others.

Who does Techclean need? + ‘People people’ + Disciplined and well organised + Prepared to put in the hard work to build a business + Able and willing to follow a business system + Good communicators and enjoy building relationships with customers

Support includes: As your franchisor, we believe in supporting you fully in your marketing efforts, The Bardon Group have years of experience creating excellent marketing tools, programmes and collateral, that are effective and practical for franchise owners to follow – alongside the other demands of the business. This activity is backed up by regular email marketing, a comprehensive range brochure, product leaflets and other relevant collateral.

DETAILS: Investment level: £19,500 +VAT Business type: Specialist system hygiene Franchise contact: Emma Downes Techclean Unit 2, Cartwright Court, Cartwright Way, Forest Business Park, Bardon, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 1UE Tel: 01530 513300 Email: edownes@thebardongroup.co.uk Web: www.techclean.co.uk

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Could YOU be the next UK Franchisee? thef002 PFLP and Filta.indd 1

05/09/2017 15:00

SEPTEMBER 2017

Raring to grow In association with:

Cover_AC Supp.indd 1

With demand for coaches spiralling, there’s never been a better time to get into the business of helping companies grow 05/09/2017 19:12

WELCOME

Fit for the future Although an uncertain economic climate is making it difficult for companies to plan for the future, business-growth coaches are helping firms become healthier than ever before We live in uncertain times. Despite having officially started in June, Brexit negotiations barely seem to have made any progress. Meanwhile the Tory party’s spectacular implosion during the recent general election has left a major question mark over the life expectancy of our current government. And rising inflation and low consumer spending saw the UK economy drop to the bottom of the EU growth league in the first quarter of this year, falling behind even Greece in terms of GDP growth. In light of this, it’s hardly surprising that business leaders sometimes feel they need a guiding hand on the tiller to help them navigate the choppy seas ahead.

The inherent unpredictability of the UK’s current political and economic climate has clearly been a blow to small businesses’ confidence. According to the FSB Voice of Small Business Index, 52% of small businesses feel the country’s current economic slowdown is a barrier to growth. Perhaps even more troubling, according to the most recent SME Confidence Tracker from Bibby Financial Services, it seems many SMEs are holding back on investing in their businesses: more than a quarter cited market uncertainties as the reason they were holding onto the purse strings, while a fifth directly pointed the finger at Brexit.

Evidently businesses are under no illusions about the current commercial climate.

But being aware of a problem isn’t the same as knowing how to solve it. Faced with a volatile and complex market, many business leaders are being forced into a reactive state and are having to expend energy fighting fires and shoring up their bottom lines. As a result, it can be tricky for entrepreneurs and business owners to focus on longer term priorities and really invest energy in the health of their companies.

But this means there is a huge opportunity available for aspiring coaches who have enjoyed success in their career or sport, get a buzz from helping others succeed and love learning and development to help companies get fit for the future.

And with the franchising sector allowing people to buy into a tried and tested model, it’s now easier than ever to get involved in business growth without needing to start from scratch. So whether your passion lays in helping businesses build up their growth muscles, enhance employee engagement or put in place effective planning for their futures, franchising can provide the perfect opportunity to help companies achieve success.

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Building business-growth muscles With the market for business-growth coaching booming, there’s never been a better time to launch a coaching company ith the World Para Athletics Championships and the World Championships in Athletics still fresh in mind, many people are aware of how important coaching is for keeping athletes healthy and at the top of their game. But while first-rate coaching has been key in ensuring Britain’s athletes are raking in the medals, coaching is also vital in making sure the country’s businesses are operating at their peak and bringing home the gold.

Demand for business coaching has reached fever pitch. According to the 2016 Global Coaching Study commissioned by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and carried out by PwC, the estimated total revenue generated by professional coaching in Western Europe was $898m in 2015 – an 8.5% increase on 2011. More than ever before, there is a massive demand for business coaches to help budding companies secure meaningful growth and achieve their goals.

And it isn’t hard to see why. Some of the most effective business people in recent history have used coaching to reach the top of their game. As former Google CEO Eric Schmidt once remarked during an interview with Fortune: “Every famous athlete, every famous performer has somebody who is a coach, somebody who can watch what they’re doing, somebody who can [...] give them perspective.” Whether it was

ActionCOACH’s quarterly conference

Mark Zuckerberg being guided to his full potential by the late Steve Jobs or former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer benefitting from the tutelage of Schmidt and current Alphabet CEO Larry Page, coaching has enabled some of the world’s brightest business leaders make the most of their growth.

As Stephen Ward, co-owner and cofounder of Clerksroom, explains, part of the reason ActionCOACH business coaching is so invaluable is it provides an objective perspective on growth opportunities that will allow companies to significantly up their game. “When you have a good business you don’t necessarily want to get involved in challenges because you are doing ok,” he says. “Many business owners understand the technical aspect of their company – an artist may be great at painting but won’t make money without a good agent, in fact, they may not even see why they need an agent at all.

But a great business coach take good businesses to great.”

However, given the ICF survey revealed that 45% of business leaders view the presence of untrained individuals acting as coaches to be the biggest obstacle facing the industry, clearly it’s important for anyone who wants to roll up their sleeves and help businesses prosper to join an effective coaching system. Finding an established brand with a tried-and-tested methodology, a comprehensive training and support package and a network of engaged business-growth coaches can ensure that you’ve found a model that can go the distance. And once you’ve found the right system for you, you will soon feel the pride that comes with helping your clients get the gold time and time again.

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ACTIONCOACH

Help is at hand ActionCOACH can provide you with the tools and systems to save ailing companies and take businesses from good to great ere’s a hypothetical for you. Imagine Pam’s hairdressing salon. Now Pam’s terrific at her job but the business is underachieving. That’s understandable, you think. Just because someone’s a dab hand at cutting hair, it doesn’t necessarily follow that they know everything there is to know about managing people, finances and marketing.

What Pam needs is guidance: an outsider looking in, armed with strategies to improve her bottom line. With a business coach, she could introduce relatively modest improvements that, taken together, would be transformative. Fortunately, ActionCOACH has more than 3,500 of these strategies and tactics to draw on.

The company, which estimates that at least a million British businesses like Pam’s could benefit from its services, has 170 UK-based franchise partners, ranging from teachers

Taking Action Lucas Vigilante, franchise partner since 2010

What made you decide the time was right to start your own business?

Having spent quite some time at home with my young family after leaving a telecommunication business I had loved building and being a part of for over 19 years, I realised I needed to rekindle my interest in business. Mainly for the sake of my wife’s sanity: while she’d enjoyed having me

to military officers. With an eye on the potential market, ActionCOACH feels it could easily accommodate many more. For an entry-level investment of £25,000, the business-growth franchise is capable of generating a six-figure income. And in what you might call the premier league, some coaches have reached monthly turnovers of £70,000 and a net operating profit of 70%.

ActionCOACH prides itself on being the numberone business coaching team in the world – it’s been going strong for 24 years, after all – so its entry criteria are strict. It may not demand formal coaching experience but it does ask that candidates possess team spirit, a strong appetite for learning and growth, a desire to help others and evidence of career or business success.

The most basic entry-level training, ActionPRIMARY, takes five days online and another five in a classroom and explains, among other things, how to help a business generate and convert leads more effectively, make repeat sales more likely, raise the average value of a sale and boost margins. With the products, services, learning materials provided, invaluable advice is never far away. ActionPREMIUM offers a variety of additional rewards and incentives, and the ability to hire two additional fee-earners.

And this isn’t the only help the brand provides: given just five customers can make a coaching venture profitable, ActionCOACH’s exclusive Lead & Client Generation Centre and initial three-

around I think she was eager to get me out of the house again!

What helped you decide that ActionCOACH was the right opportunity for you?

After meeting their UK representative responsible for bringing on board new franchisees, I was convinced there was something unique about ActionCOACH but I couldn’t quite pin down what. So I started calling current franchisees, trying to catch them out: I wanted them to tell me there was something wrong with ActionCOACH but they never did. After hearing roughly the same positive story over and over again – “it’s a great team”, “there’s endless support”, “we’re helping people realise their life’s ambitions” or “it’s the most

rewarding thing I’ve ever done” – I said to my wife: “we’re either joining the best team in the world or you can divorce me for making the worst decision I’ve ever made!”

What do you think sets the ActionCOACH programme apart from other programmes?

ActionCOACH was founded by an out and out entrepreneur, Brad Sugars, so its foundation is rock solid.

What’s happened since Brad began to franchise ActionCOACH is that all these amazing people have joined him and continued to build and improve its resources. There’s now a beautifully logical system that can be applied to literally any business.

Firstly, you use it to build your own coaching business. Secondly, the

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ACTIONCOACH

month marketing subsidy are designed to help you find those customers. But while the ActionCOACH support team plays a huge role in supporting it’s franchise partners, the real string to the businessgrowth franchise’s bow is the togetherness of its network: its franchise partners, who are all at different levels of growth and success, provide a ready-made support network, giving a balanced view of the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Unsurprisingly, this approach to training has made ActionCOACH a hit with its franchise partners.

Smith & Henderson, an independent research firm, surveys thousands of franchisees every year. In the period from 2013 to 2016, ActionCOACH achieved its 5-Star Franchisee Satisfaction status every year, making it one of only five franchises to do so on four occasions. And that’s not all: at last year’s RBS Best Franchise Awards, ActionCOACH walked home with the prize for the UK’s Best Mid-Priced Franchise Between £25k – £99k Investment – the third time in a row the company had won the award.

Financial considerations aside, ActionCOACH’s coaches play a valuable, fulfilling role, bringing jobs and prosperity to their communities. Bearing in mind the upsides, it’s no surprise that coaching is one of the UK’s fastest-growing professions. So, if you’re pondering a career change, it’s time to be honest with yourself: can you afford to miss out?

An ActionCOACH Business Growth Specialist working with a client during a GrowthCLUB workshop

If you are interested in hearing more about the opportunities ActionCOACH presents, visit actioncoach.co.uk

moment you take on your first client, you begin to coach them to apply it to their business. Once mastered, this system is extremely powerful.

How has ActionCOACH helped you make a meaningful difference in business owners’ lives?

It’s extremely difficult to put into words what it’s like when you see someone achieve something they thought was, frankly, impossible. When someone takes their first holiday for ten years, buys their dream home, gives their team a significant pay rise or pays themselves what they deserve, just because you got them to think about what mattered to them, write it down and then commit to working weekly towards making it happen – backed up by the world’s number one business coaching team and business growth system of course! You honestly can’t buy the sort of thanks you get when their dreams turn in to their very own reality.

Franchise partner, Lucas Vigilante, helping his team mates for free

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ENGAGE & GROW

Getting engaged Whether or not employees feel engaged by their work can make the difference between a business failing or succeeding.

And that offers a valuable opportunity for those interested in helping businesses grow hen thinking about the long-term strategy of a company, entrepreneurs and business leaders can’t solely focus on business plans and targets. Making sure that staff are engaged with and excited about the mission ahead is just as important. As serial entrepreneur Richard Branson once remarked: “While many people talk about profits and productivity as the necessary ingredients, I believe that a business’s long-term success is built on staff who love working there.” Despite this, however, it seems many employers are falling short when it comes to engaging their staff: according to the State of the Global Workplace 2013 report released by Gallup, the management consultancy, just 17% UK of employees are engaged, while 57% are not engaged and 26% are actively disengaged.

And this is why in the eyes of Karrie-Ann Fox, Engage & Grow facilitator, no business can afford to overlook the subject of engagement. “Engaged Joanna Martarana with Engage & Grow facilitators graduating from training

employees are more productive, they take less sick days and they have better relationships with each other and their customers,” she says. “As a result, businesses with engaged employees make more profit, make fewer mistakes and have lower staff turnover than businesses with disengaged employees. This means owners of businesses with engaged leaders grow their businesses faster, get better returns for shareholders and have more time to work on their business or to follow other pursuits.” All told, employee engagement is essential for business growth.

Certainly businesses that take engaging their staff seriously can expect it to have a transformative effect. According to a meta-analysis Gallup conducted of 1,882,131 employees around the world, companies that come in the top quartile for staff engagement enjoy increases of 20% in sales productivity and 21% in profitability over those in the lowest quartile. And better staff engagement doesn’t only motivate those within the business: reenergising employees and turning staff into brand advocates also saw businesses receive a 10% boost in customer loyalty. And much of the responsibility for driving this comes from the top: according to a survey commissioned by Dale Carnegie Training and conducted by MSW ARS Research, 60% of employees that have confidence in their leaders are fully engaged and 84% of how employees feel about the organisation they work in is driven by their immediate manager.

In light of this, it’s no surprise that business leaders are increasingly looking for someone to give them a helping hand in ensuring they can boost employee engagement. And with more business growth solutions arising that cater to the space, there are plenty of options for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to help more businesses engage and excite their employees.

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ENGAGE & GROW

This time it’s personal Helping business leaders create more engaged employees isn’t just good for an employee engagement specialist’s bottom line: with Engage & Grow there’s plenty of fulfilment too

The results speak for themselves. In one testimonial after another, participants talk about how the programme brought the team closer, made people more confident, boosted their self-motivation and, in some cases, hoisted them out of their comfort zones. Over the course of a typical programme, Engage & Grow boosts employee engagement by an average of 257% for SMEs and 361% for corporates and government bodies. The signature Red Belt programme improves productivity from top to bottom, unearths more leaders from all levels of the organisation and, thanks to the growing dedication of staff, boosts profits. Not bad for 12 weeks’ activity.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the coaches: there are more than 50 Engage & Grow facilitators throughout the UK. Their task is to not only help staff members love what they do but to turn actively disengaged employees into fully engaged leaders. Other responsibilities, such as getting the most out of millennials and creating a high-energy work environment, help to ensure the role is never dull.

Engage & Grow recruiters are looking for professionals who feel frustrated with the current approach to boosting engagement in the workplace. As well as being able to add a time-efficient programme to their professional portfolio, licence owners will get to join a growing support network for coaches, a clear progression structure leading up to mentor coach – which

s professional mantras go, “another day, another dollar” has to be one of the worst.

Clearly, switched-off staff cause all manner of problems for the companies they work for. But if you can flick that switch and make them content, eager and absorbed every day of their working lives, the resulting transformation will lift profits as well as spirits.

And despite the fact that just last year Deloitte reported traditional training techniques were too old and slow for modern business, there’s a successful, tried-and-tested alternative: Engage & Grow. Designed to put a spring in the step of any workforce, this 12week, programme is based on the latest ‘engagement keys’ and can be the catalyst to make the daily grind an outmoded concept.

Scientifically and neurologically designed over nine years, the objective of Engage & Grow’s programme is to captivate and entertain while at the same time developing new habits and behaviours. Since actions speak louder than words, the weekly group sessions – customised for individuals and organisations alike – encourage genuine, positive changes through an all-action programme that develops leaders across every level of the business. In essence, it’s a practical, rewarding and long-lasting form of self-improvement, run in-house – or even via video link – and performed with each and every colleague. As Engage & Grow promises there is An Engage & Grow facilitator delivering a Red Belt programme “nowhere to hide”.

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ENGAGE & GROW

Raring to grow Joanna Martorana, Engage & Grow facilitator since 2016

What made you decide the time was right to start your own business?

comes with enhanced recognition and rewards – and opportunities to increase their income with both new and existing clients.

Becoming an Engage & Grow facilitator requires an investment of £7,800 to cover training and support – and once coaches are trained, the revenue is split 75:25 in their favour. The role can be as part-time and as flexible as you wish and one client can more than pay back your initial outlay.

And, in terms of personal satisfaction, engagement coaches have a chance to make a real difference to people’s lives, as Jake Cooper, head of creative services at Oakman Inns and Restaurants explains.

“Our employee engagement specialist was inspiring and effective to our company and has had a resounding impact on both the marketing department and customer engagement team at Oakman Inns & Restaurants,” he says. “Productivity, job satisfaction and inter-team relationships have all improved as a direct result of our time with our coach. Highly recommended!”

So, assuming all goes well, with Engage & Grow you can wave goodbye to the Monday morning blues.

Forget “another day, another dollar”. Play your cards right and your motto will be “glad to be of service” – or, better still, “I love what I do”.

If you are interested in hearing more about the opportunities Engage & Grow presents, contact Kerry-Ann at uk@engageandgrowglobal.com

At the peak of my banking career in the City I earned a six-figure salary. But I missed having a true sense of purpose and reward other than money. When I saw Brad Sugars, the founder of ActionCOACH, on the stage for the first time I was blown away and immediately the penny dropped – I’d found my calling. I realised for the first time that coaching is what I had been doing in my banking career through building teams and ultimately coaching people to achieve results. I haven’t looked back since.

What helped you decide that Engage & Grow was the right business growth system to add to your business?

Whilst I was loving delivering traditional business growth coaching, all my clients kept telling me they wanted more help with their teams and that they bought into me because of who I am as a people person. I then did my Wealth Dynamics, which confirmed what was blindingly obvious: that my natural talent is in leadership and transformational coaching.

As soon as I discovered who I really was as a coach, I re-engaged with Richard Maloney, the founder and CEO of Engage & Grow, because I knew this was what I had to do. I had found my niche and it gave me the

time and income to be a great mum.

What do you think sets the Engage & Grow programme apart from other business growth programmes?

This programme focuses on activating peoples’ minds in a group environment for team success. We are transforming people’s lives and businesses – our clients and facilitator coaches have not experienced anything quite like it before now. My personal growth as a coach has been fast-tracked and it’s changed even my behaviours and habits, as well as the culture and behaviours of my clients and their teams.

How has Engage & Grow helped you make a meaningful difference in business owners’ lives?

These programmes have made many differences for my clients including: business growth and ROI through increased revenues and profits in only 12 weeks; increased employee engagement scores; a notable transformation in peoples’ behaviours and the culture of the businesses; more accountability and initiative taken from employees and – more importantly – happier, healthier minds that have in turn created re-invigorated workforces. My clients and their teams are now loving what they do and looking forward to going to work so together they can take the company forward and create business success.

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profitplus

Building a business blueprint It can be hard to scale a company when the road ahead is unclear. Fortunately business-growth coaches are perfectly placed to help business owners to plan for any eventuality

T

hink of one of the world’s truly great buildings.

Whether your mind first settles on The Shard, the Petronas Towers, the One World Trade Center or the Burj Khalifa, you can guarantee it has one thing in common with all its contemporaries: its architect drew up a detailed plan long before even a teaspoon of soil was moved. The same is true of the world’s most influential businesses: from Apple and Microsoft to Facebook and Twitter, every successful company has relied upon a detailed business plan to transform it from a dream to reality.

Without a doubt being able to plan for the future is important for any business. According to an article by Andrew Burke, Stuart Fraser and Francis J. Greene in the Journal of Management Studies, companies that plan ahead are able to grow 30% faster. Meanwhile, a study conducted by the University of Oregon found businesses with a plan were far

“If you don’t have a business plan, be prepared for surprises and unnecessary challenges”

ProfitPlus facilitator delivering a programme

more likely to secure funding than those without. As a business scales, meticulously planning the journey ahead can help it avoid any missteps and be better prepared for challenges as they arise.

And with Brexit looming large, the government’s shaky position spooking the markets and big businesses threatening to up sticks and move to the continent, it’s more important than ever for businesses to have in place a plan that can deal with whatever lies ahead, as Paul Greenwood, one of ActionCOACH’s 170+ UK-based franchise partners explains. “The key to success of any business, no matter its age or size, is the extent of planning undertaken. A formal business plan is an essential tool for starting, managing and growing a business and provides a framework for decision-making to take place. Every single thing you do in your business should be guided by your business plan. So if you don’t have a business plan, be prepared for surprises and unnecessary challenges.”

Despite this, however, according to research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research, more than a quarter of small businesses don’t have any plan in place.

And one obstacle that can often deter business leaders from attempting to formulate their business plan is it can often be very time consuming and costly to produce. This is why a huge demand has emerged for businessgrowth specialists who can help companies save time and money when putting together their business plans.

So if you’re skilled at leading a team of people and have a passion for helping companies achieve real growth, there is a huge opportunity to become the architect of many companies’ future success.

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profitplus

Looking to the future When it comes to helping business owners plan for the long-term, ProfitPlus presents the perfect opportunity arge companies have been creating annual 3-5 year business plans since time immemorial.

However for smaller companies, most start out with a business plan and then the business’s demands on their time, get in the way of repeating the exercise. For others the cost of the exercise with accountancy practices often charging north of £5,000 is prohibitive. The saying ‘fail to plan and plan to fail’ is a cliche for a reason: 9 out of 10 UK-based companies fail inside 10 years of starting up.

Thankfully, ProfitPlus offers answers. It provides clients with essential business planning, business valuation, cashflow analysis, profitability analysis and financial monitoring services.

In return for an investment of between £2,000 and £3,000 per business, clients attend a split two-day planning workshop. With the help of a ProfitPlus Facilitator and using a unique system and software developed by ProfitPlus over the past decade, business leaders can develop their own five-year plan. The software can also convert the plan into a ‘live document’ featuring what-if scenarios, variance analysis and a dashboard of key financial ratios.

A ProfitPlus facilitator helping a business owner to plan for the future

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profitplus

Armed with this critical information, the client can take the next steps to keep their venture on the fastest growth path possible in the 12 months that follow.

In fact, a variety of ProfitPlus services and products exist.

Specific aims include gauging the health of the business – with tailored strategies for generating more leads, repeat sales, competitiveness, profitability and productivity – giving a helping hand to firms that are developing their concept, in startup mode or are experiencing stagnation; putting together a business plan for the purpose of gaining funding; and financial analysis for clients that don’t have the in-house financial analysts or controllers.

Launched in June, already 30 ProfitPlus territories have been reserved, providing a licence to exclusive direct marketing territory, covering 10,000 employing businesses. There’s an upfront investment in a licence for an exclusive ProfitPlus territory and a royalty per plan of £300.

Natwest is already so supportive of the business opportunity, they are offering up to 75% funding which means you can get

On the plus side

Matt Ewer, ProfitPlus Facilitator since 2016

What made you decide the time was right to start your own business?

I’d got involved as captain and fundraiser in my local cricket club.

I’d set out extremely ambitious goals for where we should be as a club and the amount of funds we should raise in a five-year plan. We achieved everything in three years,

started for a personal contribution of as little as £17k.

In return for your investment, the support given to licence owners is thorough. It starts with a four-day training programme devoted to business ownership, generating leads, and clients and delivering the programmes.

And the learning and development continues from there with regular training sessions to share best practice and a supportive network of licence holders and support team members. If your considering the Profitplus licence you will be someone who: enjoys presenting, hosting workshops, working with and guiding teams of people, has a genuine interest in the business of business and a passion for helping people succeed.

If you are interested in hearing more about the opportunities ProfitPlus presents, contact Vic at vic@profitplusaccounts.com

which gave me the confidence to believe I could make running my own business a success.

How did you come across ActionCOACH?

My wife sent me an email suggesting I’d be a good business coach. I googled business coaching and came across ActionCOACH so gave them a call: 30 minutes later I was smitten with the idea and decided to give it a go in my existing business. My experiences running my own small business convinced me that it is essential that we get out there and provide access to services like ours.

What helped you decide that ProfitPlus was the right business growth system to add to your business?

I was coaching clients with a lot of success but was getting frustrated that it was extremely challenging getting business owners to examine what they really wanted for their future. Plans were set on shortterm timelines and based on whichever need was most pressing at the time. I wanted to transform my clients’ lives and deliver their dream lifestyle. To do that I needed to help them through that thinking

process, open their minds to what was achievable and translate that into the specific numbers to deliver that lifestyle.

What do you think sets the ProfitPlus programme apart from other business growth programmes?

The ProfitPlus framework enables me to clearly and quickly help a business owner map out a clear path to their dream life. By building their plan, business owners can see the possibilities, what they’d need to do to make it happen and, by seeing it and laying out the steps, it becomes real. This completely changes their perspective on their business. It gives them clear vision, focus and strong motivation and as a result the results I’m getting with my clients are outstanding.

How has ProfitPlus helped you make a meaningful difference in business owners lives?

There’s no other way to describe it than completely transforming people’s lives. They fall in love with their business again, it boosts passion and drive and gives meaning to the journey they’re on as a business owner.

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PROFITPLUS ✓ A guaranteed income of £8,333 per month by month 7; ask us about the Ts & Cs. ✓ Award winning franchise support, ActionCOACH is 1 of only 5 franchise networks to rate their franchise 5-Star for four years. ✓ The full support of your franchise network with a shared value of teamwork.

✓ Exclusive marketing territory. ✓ Massive market - 10,000 active companies that all need a great business plan every year. ✓ Zero fixed ongoing fees. ✓ People focused - Sophisticated software does the financial.

Analysis and business planning for you so you can focus on your clients.

ARE YOU RARING TO GROW freedom@actioncoach.com actioncoach.co.uk 01284 701648

ENGAGE & GROW uk@engageandgrow.com engageandgrow.com.au 0116 4645992

PROFITPLUS vic@profitplusaccounts.com profitplusaccounts.com 01284 701648

elitefranchise Untitled-6 1 advert Qmark Version.indd 1

Only £7.8K investment including training & support.

75:25 revenue split in your favour. ✓ You are able to work as part-time and as flexible as you wish. ✓ Fulfilling, you get to make a real difference. ✓ One client can more than pay back your investment.

ENGAGE & GROW 17:12 05/09/2017 18:01

Join our Award-winning Team of EXPERTS! Franchises Available

Winners in the bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards and Finalist in the Franchisor of the Year Awards for our innovative approach to business and Winners of the EWIF Female Franchisor of the Year 2017.

Train on our bespoke programme and start teaching vital life-saving skills and a love of swimming to children from birth to 10 years.

Developed by leading UK baby and child swimming experts, our product is the best in the industry.

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They enjoy the freedom of flexible hours, the challenge of running their own business and the pride that comes from helping a child to become a confident swimmer.

That’s the Puddle Ducks difference.

Call Katherine Craig on 01477 410085 and find out about our next Discovery Day. Visit puddleducks.com/franchising for more information.

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23/08/2017 16:51

TAKING THE REINS

SIGNARAMA

BY ERIC JOHANSSON

50 ELITEFRANCHISE | SEPTEMBER 2017

SIGNARAMA

But Nasser and Giga wouldn’t have had the chance to give it a go if it hadn’t been for a chance encounter in Miami. “Dad was at a conference there selling his wares and happened to bump into Jim Tatem, the president of Signarama,” she says.

“That was the moment it really began for us.” As the two men had a chat, it turned out that they could help each other out with a business opportunity: Giga was looking for his next challenge and Tatem was searching for someone to take over the British franchise. Given that Nasser’s father had spent roughly three decades in the printing industry and she had years of experience working as a business consultant, they understandably felt like they had the competences needed to make Signarama UK a success. “We thought that we could probably make it work,” she says. So in 2016 they decided to give it a go and became the global network’s latest master franchisees.

Aliyyah-Begum Nasser is Not resting on their laurels, they confident she can build quickly sent four members of the leadership team over to Signarama’s a foundation to make global headquarters in Miami to begin their training. “The franchisor did Signarama UK the signage a fantastic job,” says Nasser. “They franchise of choice for really tailored the training to suit each person that went there.” For starters new franchisees the representatives went through the same education most franchisees ignarama, the signage franchise, receive, which includes things like has been immensely successful since signage, production and the company’s opening its first store in New York in core values. But it didn’t stop there: the 1986. Having gone from strength to franchisor also ensured that everyone strength over the past three decades, could polish up their skills where they today the company has over 900 outlets in 50 needed it the most. And no matter countries around the world. However, while what level they were on, everyone had Signarama UK has been successful at times, it a chance to meet other members of the hasn’t been as exceptional as it could have been. network from around the globe, which “Previous master franchisees struggled for various is also the reason why every franchisee personal reasons, including ill health,” says in the network has their training in Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, director at Signarama Palm Beach. “When dad came back UK. This meant that while the company had he was super excited,” Nasser says. been stable, it hadn’t grown to its full potential.

“Because when you go to the global Fortunately, Nasser is confident that she and her headquarters you get a real sense of father, Salim Giga, can change that. “We can see the size and impact the brand has. It’s that it has a good foundation to build on,” she like ‘oh right, we’ve got 900 stores.’ And says. Strengthening that foundation has been the excitement and enthusiasm that their main focus since taking over the British develops is really quite infectious.” operations in 2016.

Inspired and energised by the training, the team returned to Blighty to turn the company around. But to do so, they had to ensure franchisees were on board with the changes they were going to implement. “To do that, the first thing we had to do was to

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I want to make sure we get energetic franchisees that are right for the culture

rebuild the relationship with our franchisees and ensure that we established a solid community,” she says. “Because the previous master franchisees had been a bit unstable, many franchisees hadn’t received the support they wanted.”

Recognising the need to rebuild the trust, the new master franchisees went on the charm offensive. For instance, to signal the new focus of the company they rebranded the UK headquarters as the business support centre. Additionally, Nasser and Giga made listening to the franchisees’ feedback a priority and ensured that they were open about the direction the company was going. As an example, the master franchisees ensured that the network knew everything from the shows they were attending to what PR firm they’d hired. And it seems as if these efforts have paid off. “A lot of franchisees have expressed recognition of how the culture is changing and that it is more open, honest and transparent,” says Nasser.

Having rebuilt this sense of trust, Nasser and Giga are now on the lookout for new franchisees to come and join their network. “You don’t need to have specific signage skills or business background,” says Nasser. “But we need you to be dynamic, have energy and be hungry. If you have those skills, then you’ll be fine.” That being said, the new master franchisees are particular about the people who join, which is the reason they aren’t just going to exhibitions but are actively seeking out the best people in territories that excite

them. Whenever they find one, they reach out and ask whether or not this individual has ever considered looking for additional opportunities.

Their ideal candidate works in a related field like graphic design, in television or already has a printer shop. That being said, Nasser is adamant that the network shouldn’t grow at the expense of quality. “Every franchise wants to grow in numbers but I want to make sure we get energetic franchisees that are right for the culture,” she says. In light of this, while they may be on the lookout for new franchisees, the number of people in the network has remained a solid ten since they took over.

As a part of their efforts to grow the network, Nasser and Giga launched the new initiative Signarama Light in January this year. “It’s a way for people to enter the network and get all the benefits of the brand without the risk of running the production,” she says. The model enables small-business owners a chance to try out becoming a part of the brand without buying a franchise. Selling the services whilst outsourcing the production to regular Signarama franchisees, Nasser hopes that small-business owners who dip their toes will eventually join the network as full partners. “My colleagues in France started this model and a lot of their Signarama Light shops have developed into full centres,” says Nasser. “There is no pressure to do so but it is the trajectory that we are seeing.” At the time of writing, the first Signarama Light model is just about to open and there are two more coming in the pipeline.

From having rebuilt trust within the network to launching new initiatives to grow the business, it certainly seems as all the signs point to Nasser and Giga being on track to making Signarama the brand of choice for people looking to become signage franchisees.

52 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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EWI F

encouraging women franchising

into

The face of business is changing... and you could lead the change!

Considering joining a franchise?

Or franchising your existing business?

EWIF can help you! EWIF’s primary focus is to support women who are looking for a route into the franchise industry. We are a not-for-profit organisation providing advice and guidance through our network of members.

EWIF can offer you: ½ hour free telephone support and advice Free attendance at our regional and national meetings Free membership to an online support group Mentoring and guidance Attendance at local events aimed at women in business.

“The Biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”

Oprah Winfrey

Want to find out more? Come and see us at our FREE Annual Conference in September, with Guest Speakers from Toni & Guy, and a business woman who set up her own charity. Visit www.ewif.org to register.

info@ewif.org I www.ewif.org Inspire I Educate I Encourage I Support BUSI010 Untitled-4 1

04/08/2017 16:11

Secure your future

in a business everyone needs

CONSTANT DEMAND - COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING - NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Your investment of £39,500 will give you access to a £3 Billion industry with constant demand and a legal requirement to provide fire safety for people and premises.

Fire safety is a legal requirement for all business and public buildings, from the humble fire ex�nguisher to a fully integrated Fire Alarm System. A Jackson Fire & Security franchise meets the constant demand from businesses and organisa�ons to protect their people and premises. ✓ Looking for a Management Franchise you can grow from home? ✓ Want to earn £10,000 per month? ✓ Want to work in an industry with constant demand? ✓ Complete business and technical support including £8,000 marke�ng launch package ✓ We guarantee you leads

✓ Recession Resilient Business ✓ Profitable Repeat maintenance business model ✓ 25 years of experience at your disposal from our 20 strong Head Office team ✓ 12 weeks comprehensive training in your first year ✓ Gold Standard Industry Accredita�on for your business from day one

As this is a management franchise no previous industry experience is required.

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Tel: 01352 755866

franchise@jacksonfire.co.uk www.jacksonfire.co.uk/franchise JACK001

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RADF001

CAN WE MEET YOUR NEED FOR WORK-LIFE BALANCE? “Being rewarded financially for a hard day’s work”

“Being able to see my daughters in their Christmas play for the first time”

“Growing my business to a second van with the support of my franchisor”

“Managing my own day, creating my own schedule but having the support of others when I need it.”

Build a successful, sustainable, year round, profitable business with a Wilkins Chimney Sweep Franchise.

Call Louise on 03300 885769 or email to join a Discovery Day on franchise@wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk

WILK002

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OVERTRADING

The dangers of speeding What you need to know about the financial risks involved when a franchise network tries to grow too fast

BY GLEN MURPHY, FRANCHISE CLIENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER, DENNIS AND TURNBULL

A

s a general rule, when someone starts a business, one of their main aims is usually growth. For the most part this a good thing: growth is exciting because it means you’re doing something right and things are going well. It’s a validation of all the hard work you’ve put into developing your business, product and service. Of course, the same is true for growth in franchising too. So why would anyone chose not to reap the rewards of a multi-million pound franchise network as quickly as possible?

While growth is great and high aspirations can drive success, it’s vital that growth is managed sustainably. Growing too fast is very dangerous for any business and can be especially troublesome for franchises. Without a well-managed growth strategy, a business can implode in seemingly the blink of an eye. A franchise network will suffer the same dire fate should they fail to grow in the right way. Arguably, a franchise can fall further, harder and with far wider-reaching consequences than a standalone business.

There are many financial risks involved when a franchise network attempts to grow too fast.

Overtrading is the biggest culprit. If to complete the work requirements you need greater resources – like more people, net assets or working capital – than you have available, you are overtrading.

This is a key sign your business is growing but if it happens more often than just occasionally, it can 56 ELITEFRANCHISE | SEPTEMBER 2017

also be a sign that you’re growing too fast. Selling more than you can feasibly deliver leads to a multitude of varied and challenging problems, which we’ll explore more throughout this article.

First, of course, with overtrading comes cashflow problems. As a general rule, you have to spend money to make money. For a business, that could for example mean paying wages, rent and stock before you can see a return of your investment. You might pay suppliers on credit but your clients might also pay you on credit – and it doesn’t take a lot to upset the balance. Even if credit isn’t an issue, the timing of cash entering and leaving the business and working capital is still often key. You may have a supplier that requires quick or even advance payment or you may have to hold stock for a long time. I recommend consulting your accountant before you start your growth journey in order to create a sustainable plan to ensure financial

OVERTRADING

issues are foreseen, planned for and accommodated. Otherwise, these financial issues can lead to stock, staff and maintenance problems. They can also potentially damage relationships with crucial stakeholders, which does not only include suppliers and the bank but also clients and your own staff too.

This can be disastrous for a franchise and it’s why – after creating a carefully prepared strategic plan – the key element you need to focus on getting right throughout your business growth is your staffing.

Recruiting the right franchisees is truly key to successful growth. Without a team working towards a common goal – with the infrastructure and strong systems in place – the franchise will topple over very quickly. When your franchise is smaller, you can keep a closer eye on your network’s franchisees. You can take your time when recruiting to ensure employees are a good fit and make sure they maintain and promote the company culture. You can provide targeted support to the right people at the right time and have a closer connection to each franchisee.

However, this can very quickly get diluted or even lost if you are rapidly expanding. To cope with the demands of the growth, you’ll more than likely need to hire new franchisees, who’ll also probably need to recruit staff quickly.

Without both franchisor and franchisees taking time and care over both of these stages people that are a poor fit for your culture can be hired. Remember that choosing the right person for the job is crucial – it can take just one bad franchisee to cause problems for the credibility of the entire brand, affecting the whole network.

Hiring the wrong staff can also cause previously loyal franchisees to lose faith in their franchisor, who they may perceive as no longer caring about the integrity and quality of their

franchisees. If low morale throughout the network is paired with poorly performing franchisees lacking the support they need or even potentially under-trained new franchisees, this can have a devastating effect on the amount of management service fees collected.

Your profits as a franchisor will drop, worsening financial issues further.

Brand standards and customer service are also in danger of being lessened with fewer and newer team members. This can be particularly difficult for old clients to swallow, potentially putting your loyal customer base at risk. Both people and numbers talk and the creditability of your network can quickly fade among key suppliers and banks as systems begin to crumble, causing a wide-ranging variety of financial, stock and credit issues. Without a good relationship and effective communication with your suppliers, you can very quickly run into difficulty. Everything from material supplies to business loans to card charges can be affected and could potentially compromise the success of your business very quickly.

To combat these issues, ensure that new franchisees receive sufficient training to help them succeed and similarly, those struggling should be able to access targeted support. A highquality support network is not only good for profits but also for franchisee morale so, as you grow, make sure the correct support is put in place as a priority.

In summary, growth is good, but time must be taken to ensure it is carried out steadily, one step at a time.

The franchise business model needs to be evolved and scaled with care and, at each stage, you must ensure you understand the responsibilities, repercussions and benefits. The key to your success is in careful planning, preferably with an accountant, and the investment of time and effort into choosing your staff team.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | ELITEFRANCHISE

57

Join a lettings, PROPerty management & sales franchise with significant earning potential We at Almond property always strive to be at the forefront of the property letting market, and invest much time and effort in ensuring that we are fully up to date with ever changing tenancy law and government legislation.

Your franchise package contains everything you need to get your business up and running:

We are looking to develop our existing operations through new strategic franchise partnerships with the right individuals. The Almond Property Management franchise will give individuals the potential to earn a significant income while providing a valuable service in their local area.

We will provide you with support to build a successful business within your chosen territory. You will receive full initial and ongoing training, marketing and central and local websites so that you can hit the ground running.

• Trading under the Almond Property Management brand name • A large territory for you to trade in • Full training on all aspects of the business • Signwriting for vehicle • First year’s membership to the Property Ombudsmen • 10 letting boards • 10 ‘For Sale’ boards • Software to run the business (first three months paid for) • Processes, systems and templates to run the business • Central and local websites • Stationery starter pack

For more information about the Almond Property Management franchise, submit an enquiry TODAY!

01708 450192

www.almondproperty.co.uk

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22/08/2017 10:26

Franchisee recruitment marketing

Refreshing

recruitment

BY Paul Stafford, head of communications, Chantry

60 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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Franchisee recruitment marketing

By paying attention to audience, content and channels, it’s easy to breathe new life into your franchisee marketing strategy

T

he common consensus at the bfa conference at the end of June was that 2017 has been a tough year for franchise recruitment. The enviable success stories of networks that have swelled in numbers are still there of course but many franchisors reported diminishing returns from the usual channels and a need for fresh thinking.

But while it can be tempting to leap straight into a game of ‘where shall we advertise next?’, reinvigorating your recruitment needs to be much smarter than that. Even if you’ve had poor results, you may be marketing in all the right places – just with the wrong messages. Your franchise might be the perfect solution to someone’s needs but if your brand image isn’t conveying that, it’s just another missed opportunity.

The fertile lead-generation period of autumn is the perfect time to change that. It’s a period that covers the career dissatisfaction of returning holidaymakers and back-towork parents, as well as seeing the start of people thinking ‘let’s do something different in 2018’. This means it’s also where messaging and strategies can be set for next year.

Properly refreshing your marketing comes in three stages: reviewing who you’re trying to reach, how you’re trying to reach them and what you’re trying to say. If you use an agency, they should lead on creativity, strategy and planning; if you have in-house people, then get them involved in the process – and listen to what they’re saying.

Including your team ensures you have a range of viewpoints and engages them, resulting in passion and consistency of message when you come out the other side.

Audience The first place to start is with the who.

Defining or redefining who you’re looking for dictates your headline messaging and the channels you’re going to use.

Profiling your ideal franchisees should be a fun and inclusive process, the more minds the better.

Rather than focusing simply on an individual who is your dream franchisee, it’s important to delve into the traits of several people. Examine the personalities of your franchisees, not just their previous careers. What makes them tick? Digging a little deeper will reveal shared personality traits, even where wildly different career or demographic backgrounds indicated no commonality. This is the gold you’re looking for to build a more robust and better understanding of your dream prospects. In fact it can be much more effective than if you just take your star performer and try to find their clone.

Once you’ve created the personas of your target audiences, you can consider what they might listen to, read or watch and you understand the messages they need to hear to pique interest in starting or buying a business. Put yourself in their shoes. Look through their eyes. What are their needs? Why should they invest in your franchise? From there, you can create messages that will appeal directly to them, not everyone else.

Content When it comes to brand image and lead generation, you get back exactly what you put in – a jaded message gives you tired results, numerically and in terms of quality; a dynamic one brings interest from similarly passionate, driven and ambitious individuals.

Refreshing your brand is not as simple as rewriting a portal profile. The realm of communications is a big, multifaceted beast, incorporating myriad touch points with your audience. Content impacts every aspect of franchise recruitment and needs

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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Franchisee recruitment marketing

to be approached as such: look at the bigger picture. When was the last time you reviewed how your auto-response emails, website copy, case studies or social-media posts enhance your key recruitment messages in subtle and interesting ways?

Leave no stone unturned to ensure your messaging is consistent, onpoint and clear. You need to critique your entire suite of communications, including: social media, website copy and design, PR articles and media engagement, case-study angles and copy, prospectus, adverts, landing pages, newsletters, videos, eshots, auto-responder email content and recruitment processes and people.

The good news is that not everything will need changing. Some aspects – usually the most recently updated ones – will be doing the job well already, while others might just need tweaking to get your messages across.

Channels Once you’ve got your messaging and audience, it’s time to determine the platforms you’re going to use to reach them. Your marketing mix should be all about the numbers. Start with the old: analyse your results over the past 12 months for each of your current marketing channels, going deeper than just cost-per-lead. Don’t simply assume the cheapest is best because other avenues may be producing consistently better quality and much stronger ROI, rather than a stream of dead leads that sap your time. Consider the proportion of engaged enquirers per channel or look for patterns of people from one source going deep into your recruitment process.

This data also gives you a direct comparison between old and new messaging, so you can track the effect of your refresh on your results on each channel over time. As time goes on and your dataset grows, you’ll be making smarter decisions on your recruitment strategy because you’re basing them on evidence of what works.

Refreshing your marketing is a substantial but exciting task, one that should be approached with relish

When it comes to the new, take the same approach. From stage one, you should have ideas for new platforms that will put your brand in front of the right audience, on which you can run campaigns for a trial period before over-committing on budget. Monitor their effectiveness, tweak as necessary and compare on quality and cost with your established channels, removing those which aren’t working. Remember you may need different messages for non-franchise media advertising, such as a landing page that introduces the concept of franchising itself as well as your opportunity.

Refreshing your marketing is a substantial but exciting task, one that should be approached with relish rather than trepidation. Much more than just coming up with some new channels that sound like a good idea, it’s an opportunity to take a step back, seek input from others and ensure your communications are shaping the brand image you want. If you’re looking for better results in 2018, the time to change it up is now.

62 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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22/08/2017 10:37

Looking for a management franchise?

e: franchise@jacksonfire.co.uk

w: jacksonfire.co.uk/franchise

t: 01352 755 866

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The Low Cost, Fast Start Franchise GutterPRO is a Van based franchise, exhibiting fast sales growth, coupled with the peace of mind of the GutterPRO £5000, 3-month sales guarantee.

The demand for gutter clearing services is strong. Many insurance companies recommend regular clearing, to avoid problems including damp, erosion, standing water and even health issues.

“Safe and sound we do it from the ground” is the mantra of GutterPRO – using carbon-fibre poles and industrial vacuums. This approach is quick, efficient and particularly suitable over conservatories. It also means that jobs are completed (and paid for) the same day.

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05/09/2017 15:00

Buy a sandwich franchise.

It’s the humble that sandwich tops the list of Britain’s favourite foods.

The British ‘on the go’ sandwich market is currently valued at £4.4bn.

Brits consume over 11.5 billion sandwiches a year.

Visit FranchiseSales.com to find out more about buying a sandwich franchise – and more!

DYNA001 Untitled-7 1

03/03/2017 17:34

Franchise skill sets

Game of skill Knowing whether you have the skills needed to make the most of a franchise opportunity isn’t easy. That’s why we’ve asked franchisors what they look for in their ideal franchisee

W

hen looking to enter the world of franchising, it’s not always easy to know exactly what kind of skills you need to really stand out to franchisors.

Are they looking for rule followers or rebels? Those with an entrepreneurial outlook or those with a more systematic mindset? Should your skill set be focused more on managing your bottom line or on putting in place new tools and tech to help you plan for the future? Do you need expertise tailored to your chosen industry or are you better off with general business skills? In the hope of answering some of these questions, we went straight to the source and asked some of the industries highest profile franchisors what qualities they prioritise in prospective franchisees.

66 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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Franchise skill sets

At your service Simon Mills, head of franchising, Fantastic Services What would you say are the ideal skills and characteristics for franchisees?

Having the desire and motivation to start and build your own business is one of the most important things, as well as having experience in managing people. Nowadays it is also particularly helpful to be tech savvy. Technology is present in all areas of a business, so ensure that you stay on top of the latest developments. This will allow you to easily adapt and attract the best talent. Additionally, you must also understand that customer service is important and really know the brand that you want to be a part of. Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to have good verbal and written English skills.

The perfect fit Stuart Broster, UK CEO, Anytime Fitness What would you say are the ideal skills and characteristics for franchisees?

While certain skills are not a prerequisite, we’re looking for people who will embrace our vision, brand values and mission to enrich lives through better health, community and inspiration-driven franchise ownership.

What skills and characteristics do you find franchisees are most often lacking?

It depends on whether it’s their first venture and what their background is. We know that if we find the right people, individuals who are highly motivated, engaged and can follow the model, they will succeed.

What area do you think a prospective franchisee should invest the most time in when building new experience and skills?

Understanding sales and marketing – including the three Ps: people, position and presale – and the importance of providing a great experience to aid retention. In addition, while our franchisees may not work in their clubs every day, they know their numbers, drive their teams and take ownership of their business success.

What else do you think prospective franchisees can do to help themselves stand out from the crowd?

Show passion and dedication. Get involved and recognise the value of the customer and embrace what the brand can offer.

What skills and characteristics do you find franchisees are most often lacking?

People are generally afraid of owning a business and the responsibility that goes with it, such as being registered as a limited company, having insurance, managing expenses versus turnover and investing in the unknown. The list goes on.

One of the major things is that if you don’t bring yourself up to speed with technology, it’s easy to be left behind, unable to keep up with the demands of an increasingly digital world. On the more fundamental end of the scale, some of the skills that people lack are management, planning and accounting skills. Although basic, they are vital and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

What area do you think a prospective franchisee should invest the most time in when building new experience and skills?

Start with the simple things first. Look into customer service, make sure you are able to plan for your business and try to stick to it. Also don’t forget to sharpen up your management skills.

Take a course if you have to and there are plenty of videos online. It is a worthwhile investment and will only benefit you in the long run.

What else do you think prospective franchisees can do to help themselves stand out from the crowd?

Be creative and innovative. These are buzzwords that people hear all the time but you can only benefit from thinking differently and not conforming. Additionally, be strategic. Once you understand the market and your brand, assess what works and what doesn’t and take that into account when it comes to your business.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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Franchise skill sets

Making your mark

David Glover, franchise recruitment manager, Caremark What would you say are the ideal skills and characteristics for franchisees?

All franchisors look for slightly different traits in franchisees but there are commonalities: time management and self-motivation are essential in the early days when you may be working alone. It’s important to be able and willing to operate within a regulated framework and not just when it comes to the franchise model but also industry specific compliance like the Care Quality Commission.

For Caremark, a strong community spirit and a desire to add value locally is also vital, as well as an empathy with the services we offer.

Regardless of the industry you’re looking to join, there’s no substitute for drive and determination.

Running a business isn’t easy, even with the support of a franchisor. Tenacity, resilience and a can-do attitude are all characteristics we know our best franchisees possess.

What skills and characteristics do you find franchisees are most often lacking?

For me, this is more about finding the right balance. Franchisees need – but often lack – a level of entrepreneurialism. By its very nature, franchising isn’t really suited to a true entrepreneur because the systems are already in place for them to follow.

But franchisees do need to be gregarious and have the spirit and flair to self-promote. They need to pick up the phone, network and market themselves and their business. Often people are

a little too timid and initially hope to rely on the franchise model to do that work for them.

What area do you think a prospective franchisee should invest the most time in when building new experience and skills?

Many people need more financial training or experience. If you aren’t already, I would advise getting comfortable with a P&L, being able to understand your cash flow and the financial implications on the business. It is vital for dayto-day running and for your future planning as a business owner.

What else do you think prospective franchisees can do to help themselves stand out from the crowd?

I’m always impressed when someone who comes to see me has genuinely done their research. I’m alarmed when people haven’t considered our competitors. Doing so shows me that you’ve made a conscious decision to come and see me and are serious about progressing to the next level. Got a tricky question? Brilliant. Discussing in-depth issues lets me know you’re thorough, understand your own strengths and weaknesses and are thinking about your local market.

68 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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26/07/2017 14:52

Can we meet your need for work-life balance?

Build a successful, sustainable, year round, profitable business with a Wilkins Chimney Sweep Franchise.

Call Louise on 03300

885769 or email to join a Discovery Day on franchise@wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk WILK002 Wilkins full page.indd 1

22/08/2017 10:41

Visit us today to find your Dream Franchise www.franchisesupermarket.net

Franchise Opportunities with Franchise Supermarket ‘Franchise Supermarket is here to help you find the right Franchise Opportunity. Starting your own business can be a daunting process, so Franchise Supermarket aims to ease this process and help you become one of the 97% of franchisees within the UK that are achieving profitability. The Franchise Supermarket team wants to be more than just a directory - we aim to be the one stop shop for Franchise Recruitment!’

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03/02/2017 18:18

The first doctor

BY ERIC JOHANSSON

When Alex Scotchbrook was made redundant she went looking for a new job. Instead she ended up becoming Tutor Doctor’s first UK franchisee

A

lex Scotchbrook has accomplished a lot since first taking the plunge into franchising. Not only was she the first British franchisee to join Tutor Doctor, the hometutoring company, but she’s also been a finalist for the bfa HSBC Female Franchisee of the Year award twice. However, launching a company of her own was the furthest thing from her mind when she was made redundant from her job at IBM in 2009.

“When the redundancy happened it felt like my life was over,” says Scotchbrook. Fortunately, it would prove to be a blessing in disguise.

Having worked as a coach at the tech giant, she loved helping others grow. So when a friend suggested that working for ActionCOACH, the business-coaching franchise, might be something for her, Scotchbrook decided to check out one of their discovery days. “And that was the first time I really heard about franchising,” she says.

“Obviously I knew about McDonald’s but I didn’t realise that franchising could translate to so many sectors.” However, it wasn’t the only revelation she’d enjoy during that discovery day: Scotchbrook also had the pleasure of meeting a franchise broker evaluating the company to see if it was something that he’d like to add to his brokerage. “And I asked him what else he had,” Scotchbrook said. He replied

by talking about a new Canadian franchise looking to break into the UK market: Tutor Doctor.

And the more Scotchbrook heard about the company, the more excited she became about the prospect of joining it.

“I loved everything about the model,” she says. She was particularly thrilled about the opportunity to move away from coaching grown-ups. “When you teach adults they always have this blockage where they say ‘I can’t do that’, ‘this is how I’ve always done it’ or ‘that’s just me’ and you don’t get that with children,” says Scotchbrook.

However, recognising Tutor Doctor knew that she was breaking new that if their first ground by joining the new franchisee didn’t franchise, she made sure to work then no one tread carefully before signing on the dotted line. “Because would follow me. So I there wasn’t a franchisee felt very much under in the UK – they were all in the magnifying glass Canada – I couldn’t meet them face to face,” she says.

“And I remember my cynical father-in-law saying that they could be actors or con artists.” Fortunately, Tutor Doctor recognised her dilemma and ensured she could speak not only with the president and founder Frank Milner but also every person in the company that could help make up her mind.

These conversations had two benefits: the first was that they provided Scotchbrook with the opportunity to hear more about

72 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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M

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05/09/2017 13:34

Alex Scotchbrook

the business model, while the second was that it enabled the franchisor to gauge whether or not Scotchbrook was the candidate the company had been looking for. “They were checking me out as much as I was checking them out,” she says. “Tutor Doctor knew that if their first franchisee didn’t work then no one would follow me. So I felt very much under the magnifying glass.”

With both parties satisfied with their due diligence, they signed the franchisee agreement. And before the ink on the contract had even dried, Scotchbrook booked a flight to Canada to begin her training at Tutor Doctor’s headquarters.

“It was a week long and very hands-on,” says Scotchbrook. From Monday to Friday, the franchisor drilled her and the other new franchisees from around the world on how to follow the operations manual, had them sit in during consultations with parents, taught them how to market their business and engaged in roleplaying with them. “That way we had the chance to mess it up among ourselves first before doing it for real,” she says.

Invigorated by the training, Scotchbrook returned to the UK to begin her adventure in franchising.

However, while the business launched in Surrey in March 2009, it would take months before the company started to get any clients. “I was scared because I wasn’t making any money,” she says.

It certainly wasn’t for lack of trying.

Every day Scotchbrook went out to local events and tried to pitch the business but she quickly realised that a lack of marketing or insufficient demand weren’t the problem: Google was. While the franchise was local, its website was registered in Canada. That meant that whenever someone searched for a tutor in Britain, Scotchbrook’s company would end up at the bottom of the list.

Recognising this, she paid an SEO firm to boost its online rankings. “It was the best thing I’ve ever done,” she says.

“Suddenly I found myself jumping up and down because we started getting emails and the phone began to ring off the hook.”

The success allowed her to grow her company by buying not just one but three more territories. However,

Where else does a mother tell you her daughter went to school with a smile for the first time thanks to your tutors? the growth hasn’t come without its challenges. “My husband and I did everything when we started,” she says. “And that was fine until we had over 120 customers. By then we needed help.” In order to meet the growing demand, Scotchbrook hired a full-time staff to do everything from HR to IT, enabling her to focus on taking the company to next level.

And the franchisee’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Not only has she consistently been named one of Tutor Doctor’s most successful franchisees but she was also nominated for the bfa HSBC Female Franchisee of the Year award in 2013 and 2016. Not bad considering that she started out wondering if her phone would ever ring at all. “It’s gone from night to day,” she says.

And as her franchise grew, so did Tutor Doctor’s operations in Britain.

“It’s tremendous because now it feels like I’m really a part of a team,” she says. Given that she was the first

franchisee on these shores, it’s hardly surprising that she has spent a lot of time talking with entrepreneurs considering joining the network. But while she tells them that becoming a Tutor Doctor franchisee will mean more work than they can possibly imagine, it’s really rewarding.

“Where else does a mother tell you her daughter went to school with a smile for the first time thanks to your tutors?” she says.

Despite the joy of helping students achieve their goals, Scotchbrook isn’t sure what her future with Tutor Doctor will look like. “I’m going back and forth,” she says. “One of my territories will expire after ten years and I’ve been thinking about selling my entire franchise when it does.” Nevertheless, whether she decides to exit or not, it’s safe to say that Scotchbrook is satisfied with the opportunity franchising has given her. “This business, it’s something that I can say that I built by myself,” she concludes.

74 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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Extra Help

A rewarding franchise opportunity with all the support you need to succeed

Flexible Hours * A Rapidly Growing Market * High Earning Potential * Simple to Manage * Immense Job Satisfaction Extra Help is a national home-help and domestic cleaning franchise network that provides assistance with a variety of day-to-day tasks, such as cleaning, gardening, dog-walking, meal preparation and mother’s help services.

If you’re serious about running your own, profitable business, backed by an unsurpassed level of support, please contact our franchise team today.

Extra Help

Home-help and domestic cleaning services

Web: www.extra-help.co.uk Email: info@extra-help.co.uk EXTRA HELP Phone: 0845 618 2904 a helping hand TM

AFA approved

EXTR001

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05/09/2017 14:55

IMPLIED CONTRACT TERMS

in plain sight

BY KATE LEGG, CEO, KOMERSE

Y

ou may have spent some time drafting and chatting over them with your lawyers but do you really know what the terms of your contracts with suppliers are? Even if you have a carefully written contract in place that’s signed by everyone involved, you may be surprised to learn that additional provisions could be implied into your agreements. It’s important to be aware of implied terms because they can apply to your contracts even if they have not been expressly agreed by you. But how can terms be implied into contracts?

Previous course of dealings

Even though they may not be documented on a piece of paper, implied terms can massively alter the nature of your relationships with suppliers 76 ELITEFRANCHISE | SEPTEMBER 2017

The first – and one of the most common – ways terms can be implied into contracts is where the parties have consistently done business together on certain terms. In that case, the terms that applied in the past may be implied into future contracts.

This is the rule that is commonly used to incorporate standard terms and conditions where the terms are printed on the back of an invoice. The normal rule is that terms printed on the back of an invoice are produced too late to form part of the contract because the contract has already

IMPLIED CONTRACT TERMS

implies terms into certain types of contract. The most common of these are terms implied by the Sale of Goods Act and Supply of Goods and Services Act. These both imply basic minimum terms into contracts between businesses; for example, there is an implied term that the supplier is the owner of the goods and has the right to sell them. Other implied terms relate to the quality of the goods, such as that goods will conform to their description, be of satisfactory quality and suitable for their purpose.

In most cases, the buyer and seller will have agreed fundamental terms such as price and delivery. However, if there are any gaps in the agreement, implied terms may help to fill them.

For example, if the parties have not agreed a place for delivery, there is an implied term that delivery will be

Implied terms may not reflect the actual agreement that the parties have reached been made before the invoice was delivered. However, if the customer has regularly bought items from the supplier and received a copy of the terms on each of the previous invoices, then this may be sufficient to imply that those terms will also apply to future purchases. While this is not conclusive and not an approach I recommend, it can be a useful argument if all else fails.

Another common example of this is in relation to payment terms. A supplier’s standard terms may state payment should be made in 30 days but if the supplier regularly allows a customer to pay in 60 without enforcing the 30-day term, then there is an argument that this sets a precedent that extends the agreed payment term to 60 days.

Terms implied by statute

But it’s not just about past behaviour: there is a raft of legislation that

at the seller’s place of business; if payment terms have not been agreed, the implied term is cash on delivery.

Other legislation implies terms in other specific situations. The Consumer Rights Act implies certain minimum terms into contracts between businesses and consumers, the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations imply terms into agency agreements and the Working Time Regulations imply terms into employment contracts.

Terms implied by other methods

Other ways that terms can be implied into contracts without the express agreement of the parties include terms that are implied by common law. In this case, terms can be implied by the courts where they see those provisions as a necessary characteristic of the particular type of contract. This has become less frequently used since many of these rules are now codified in legislation.

In some cases, the courts will use the facts of the individual case to imply a term into the contract, usually to fill a gap in the agreement – for example because a particular scenario wasn’t envisaged by the parties at the time of drafting. This can be fertile ground for litigation because each case depends on its own facts and circumstances, which means predicting what a specific court will decide in relation to a specific case can be very difficult.

Can implied terms be excluded?

Implied terms can be very useful to assist in situations where, for example, the parties did not agree a written contract or the contract doesn’t deal with the particular situation. However, by definition, they are clauses that have not been expressly agreed. This means that the implied terms may not reflect the actual agreement that the parties have reached. For example, the implied payment term in business contracts is cash on delivery but often the parties will want to agree something different – perhaps payment of a deposit in advance or payment at the end of the month following delivery.

The good news is that all terms that would otherwise be implied by custom or practice, a regular course of dealing or by common law can be excluded with an appropriately worded clause.

The general view is that terms implied by fact are also capable of being excluded in this way. Where terms are implied by statute, the relevant law will usually state whether or not the term can be excluded. In business contracts, the parties can exclude most of the terms implied by the Supply of Goods Act but in consumer contracts the Consumer Rights Act does not allow the parties to exclude liability for breach of the implied terms.

It is always better to expressly agree the terms of a contract in writing and ensure it is signed by both parties but if that’s not possible then the implied terms can be helpful. Having said this, it is important to have a basic awareness of what the implied terms are so that they can be excluded if they don’t reflect your intentions.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | ELITEFRANCHISE

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Franchise Resales

Making a decision to better control your future? Our franchisees did, they now care for life.

Be part of the most experienced care franchise in the UK Please contact Carole Stubbs our current resale opportunities.

bluebirdcarefranchise.co.uk carole@bluebirdcare.co.uk 07912 771 149

BLUE003

Call us today for a confidential chat: 0800 0188 297 or visit us at www.taxassistfranchise.co.uk

North Manchester

An opportunity has arisen to purchase one of our franchises based in North Manchester.

Investment: TBC Established: 2007 Turnover: TBC

The franchisee started in 2007 and operates from a prominent shop front location so any purchaser would be walking into a readymade business with a fully fitted shop, complete with furniture, IT and telephone systems along with experienced, well qualified staff. The business has Gross Recurring Fees of circa ÂŁ170K and services around 175 clients.

I really appreciate all of the support that I have had over the last 6 years. I feel financially secure and that is all down to running the business as per the TaxAssist model, it really has worked for me, thank you.

This represents an excellent foundation upon which a new franchisee can further develop an already established business. The business has enjoyed regular growth with the majority of new clients coming from recommendations, walk-in business and inbound leads generated from the support centre.

Tess Blayton - Franchisee

The Franchisee is selling the business because he is wishing to retire.

The business is offered as a successful going concern within the TaxAssist network and the purchaser will become part of that network of accountancy practices.

TAXA001

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Call us today for a confidential chat: 0800 0188 297 or visit us at www.taxassistfranchise.co.uk

North London

Investment: £650,000 Established: 1998 Turnover: £500,000

The market is very competitive. However, thanks to a lot of hard work, dedication and the support from head office, I never feel alone in the process of developing my business.

Lloyd Evans - Franchisee

A resale opportunity has arisen in one of our franchises based in North London.

The franchisee started in 1998 and operates from a prominent shop front location.

The business services around 1100 clients and enjoys gross annual recurring fees of circa £500,000.

With an established shop, complete with furniture, IT and telephone systems, any purchaser would be walking into a ready-made business. This represents an excellent foundation upon which a new franchisee can further develop an already substantial business in the lucrative North London area.

The business has enjoyed regular organic growth with the majority of new clients coming from recommendations, walk-in business and inbound leads generated from the support centre.

For a franchise re-sale you only pay us a half franchise and training fee as we recognise that you will also be investing in purchasing the business. You will of course benefit from the training and support that a new franchisee would expect.

TAXA001

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05/09/2017 14:09

FRANCHISE FOCUS

Bluebird Care

Enjoy a fulfilling career you have always dreamt of, by supporting your local community.

Are you searching for a tried-and-tested business opportunity, which gives you the opportunity to create a work/life balance, Bluebird Care offers you that and more. One of the UK’s leading providers of domestic homecare to the elderly and those with specialist needs. Experience in the care industry is not essential as full training and support is given, franchisees manage a team of highly-trained carers to provide Bluebird Care’s renowned care services.

• Gold winner of the bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year 2017 • Leading the sectors digital revolution • Growth market • Over 200 businesses across our network • A scalable business model • The UKHCA’s largest member • Created in the UK for the UK market

07912 771 149 Carole@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcarefranchise.co.uk BLUE003

BoConcept

BoConcept is the largest retailer of Danish furniture worldwide with operations in 50 countries and over 250 stores. Having well established the brand here in recent years, BoConcept is now expanding further in the UK. To spearhead the growth plan, BoConcept requires entrepreneurial leaders who are keen to build a new business in their local area and on the retail concept to market.

This is an opportunity to run and own your own retail business of which BoConcept work closely with each partner to ensure success.

• Very high average income potential • A strong brand from a well-established company • Transparent processes with open communications • High Level Management Support • Extensive marketing support • Extensive training • Support for the store design, furnishings and Opening

Contact: enquiries.uk@boconcept.com www.boconcept.com/franchise BOCO001

Business Doctors

It is well documented that buying a franchise is cheaper, quicker and safer than self-start but choosing the right franchise is a very important decision. Business Doctors is a business support network, dedicated to helping small and medium sized businesses achieve their vision.

We have helped over 7,800 businesses with our ‘hands on’, ‘no-nonsense’ approach.

This rewarding opportunity provides business professionals with an opportunity to use their experience to give something back.

• Full suite of marketing collateral • Lead generating website • Ongoing training and support • Collaborative network • National PR opportunities on a weekly basis • Social media managed by head office • All included in the price - no hidden fees!

01744 833778 franchising@businessdoctors.co.uk www.businessdoctorsfranchise.com BUSI002

ERA UK

ERA UK is a recession proof, business strategy and supply chain management franchise.

ERA is an award winning B2B consultancy franchise, working with organisations from a range of sectors to reduce their outgoings, improve supplier relationships and manage contracts on an ongoing basis to deliver measurable savings. We are looking for 10 -12 individuals of outstanding calibre, experienced in business, strategy or supply chain management, to combine their existing talents with our business system.

• Award winning B2B consultancy franchise • Use your existing experience • Are you experienced in business, strategy or supply chain management?

• Become a specialist consultant • Earn a six figure sum • Join a network of peers with skills that supplement your own

Contact Matt O’Neil on 02380 829737 m.oneil@erauk.net erafranchise.net EXPE003

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FRANCHISE FOCUS

Extra Help

Do you want to run your own business offering valuable home-help and domestic services to your local community? Extra Help offers cleaning, shopping, meal preparation, gardening, dogwalking and more, to elderly and vulnerable people, new and working parents, busy professionals and just about anyone who needs a helping hand.

Extra Help’s comprehensive package enables franchisees to easily manage a recession-proof business within a huge growth market, which comes with the added bonus of helping others.

• Flexibility to provide a wide range of services • A rewarding, profitable business • A proven, successful yet simple business model • No employees’ PAYE or NI to manage • Peace of mind with full training and ongoing support • Full or part time hours to suit your lifestyle

0845 618 2904 info@extra-help.co.uk www.extra-help.co.uk EXTR001

Gallone’s Ice Cream Parlour With over 100 year’s of history behind it, Gallone’s Ice cream parlours comes with a rich heritage and brand story that cannot be replicated by newer businesses. Are you looking for a fun, exciting new business? As well as amazing ice cream, coffees and desserts, Gallone’s parlours have a strong party trade.

Full training will be given in all aspects of the business and we pride ourselves on our support network.We are a rapidly growing, fun, family business. Get in touch today and find out more.

• A proven business model with over 130 years experience • Continuous support and experienced industry advice • Tried and tested products direct from the manufacturer • A fully equipped parlour with a strong residual income • Catering and hospitality background ideal • Collaborative network

07808 014455 franchise@gallonesparlours.com gallonesfranchise.com GALL001

Home Xperts

The innovative HomeXperts franchise model enables you to start your own estate and letting agency working from home or a small serviced of ce. You will be trained to industry standards, whilst receiving continuous, comprehensive support and receive access to the award- winning HomeXperts Franchisee Hub. By working hard and following the proven franchise model, you could secure your nancial future by earning more than £25,000 in invoiced commissions in a month.

• Industry leading training package • iPad, Wide-angle lens camera, Digital measurer • 24/7 access to the award winning HomeXperts Hub • Access to all of the major UK property portals • Local website and a national branch page • Full back of ce support

01905 678853 franchise@homexpertsuk.com www.home-xperts.co.uk HOME003

Jackson Fire & Security

Do you want to be in a situation where the harder you work, the more money you earn?

Want to be a self-motivated business owner where you’re in control?

Jackson Fire & Security works with a rapidly growing base of franchisees providing fire protection and safety equipment throughout the UK. These business owners manage their own jobs, set their own schedules and generate their own money, fully supported by a system that is proven to work.

• Receive on-going training and support • Make a real difference to your customers • You’re free to get on and do the work you love • No experience required • Sales and networking background ideal • Work in an industry with constant demand • Can earn up to £10,000 per month

01352 755866 franchise@jacksonfire.co.uk jacksonfire.co.uk/franchise JACK001

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FRANCHISE FOCUS

Just Shutters

Just Shutters have earned an enviable reputation and true brand affection and we would like motivated individuals to join us and be part of our success story.

We offer our franchisees an excellent launch, training, marketing package, ongoing support and mentoring. This is a great opportunity for fantastic return on investment while being part of a much loved brand with like-minded individuals.

• Enviable work-life balance - lifestyle • Luxurious product • Excellent return on investment • Exceptional individual local launch package • Dedicated ongoing mentoring and support • Proven business model • Excellent bespoke systems

01202 233744 franchise@justshutters.co.uk www.shutter-franchise.co.uk JUST002

Mathnasium

Join the fastest growing children’s education franchise. Make Money - Make a Difference!

With over 800 centres worldwide our unique membership-based learning programme produces outstanding results with dramatic changes in attitude, confidence and school progress, helping children catch-up, keep-up and stay ahead in maths.

Proven business model developed over 40 years; strong branding and striking high-street premises - a unique opportunity to build a rewarding business on many different levels.

• Over 800 franchised centres • Simple, proven business model • Guidance with property acquisition • Personalised business plans • In person, online and in-centre live training • Proprietary management software system • No maths or teaching experience necessary

0161 791 0686 andrea.white@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.co.uk

Investment Level: £40,000 MATH001

McDonald’s

Have you ever considered what a life-changing opportunity a McDonald’s franchise could offer?

Being a McDonald’s franchisee means owning your own business – working for yourself, but not by yourself. It’s about setting your own goals, managing your own restaurants and reaping your own rewards.

McDonald’s franchisees are hands-on, businesssavvy and ambitious people who are ready to make a long term commitment to a business.

“I didn’t know anything about the food industry, so coming in and getting all that training gives you a lot of confidence and comfort.”

Jane Blackwell - McDonald’s franchisee, Banbury

www.mcdonalds.co.uk/franchising MCDO002

TaxAssist Accountants

TaxAssist Accountants is the UK’s largest network of accountants servicing the needs of small businesses and the self-employed. TaxAssist takes on both accountants and business/ finance professionals as franchisees can employ accountants while they concentrate on building their business. With an established brand and known for breaking with tradition in an industry that has not experienced this before, TaxAssist Accountants stand out from the crowd operating from highly visible and welcoming shop front premises.

• 5 star franchisee satisfaction award for four years running • Awards from franchise and accountancy arenas • Accountancy fee banks are a saleable asset • In demand services • 1st class support and training

0800 0188297 daren.tillson@taxassist.co.uk www.taxassistfranchise.co.uk TAXA001

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05/09/2017 18:17

FRANCHISE FOCUS

Techclean

Are you ambitious to run your own business?

Customer driven and well organised?

Can you follow a proven business system?

This is an ideal opportunity to own a business with access to a huge and growing market Techclean territories are generous –each catchment area includes at least 10,000 business.

No premises are needed, making the franchise a perfect business to run from a home office with minimal outlay and low operating costs.

Current franchisees report net margins of 55%-65%

• Marketing and promotion tools • Group purchasing power • Internet and web support • Business management and planning • Ongoing marketing programmes • Day to day troubleshooting

01530 513300 edownes@techclean.co.uk www.techclean.co.uk

Investment Level: £19,500 THEB002

The Family Holidays Franchise Our business has been created by travel professionals to open up this exciting industry to those with a passion for travel, who want the freedom of running their own business.

We are here to support you and your business to be as successful as you want to be.

So if you have a passion for helping families create lifelong memories, whilst being able to travel the world yourself, a travel franchise is the perfect option.

Tutor Doctor

At Tutor Doctor, we believe that success isn’t just measured by profit – it’s also about making a difference.

If you’re a motivated, people-oriented person who wants to own a business that enables you to have more flexibility in your life, work from home, make a difference in your customers’ lives and have control over your income, then we want to talk to you!

Join the #1 one-to-one tutoring franchise in the world and the fastest growing educational franchise in the UK!

• Latest technology and forward thinking • Award winning agency • Support network • Access to over 200+ suppliers • Uncapped earnings • No previous experience necessary • Fast growing market

0121 200 5561 opportunities@familyholidaysfranchise.co.uk familyholidaysfranchise.com THEF005

• Low start-up cost • Minimal overhead • Ability to generate income in 60 days • Comprehensive training, tools, systems and support • Excellent earnings potential • Work from home • Provide a rewarding service to your community

020 8133 3525 http://franchise.tutordoctor.co.uk/ TUTO001

Zero Dry Time

Join a Zero Dry Time Franchise and join a business community that earns you money.

A flexible way to make a real income is on offer with Zero Dry Time. We offer a sustainable business model with fantastic prospects running and managing your own Dry Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Company.

You will build a fantastic business “Providing dry carpet, upholstery & hard floor cleaning solutions that deliver a fantastic service whilst giving great value” to the home & business owner alike.

• Fantastic earning potential • Low running costs • Management options • Regular loyal repeat customers • Carpet Club creating a residual income

0191 270 9202 info@zerodrytime.com zerodrytimefranchise.com ZERO001

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05/09/2017 18:17

DISCOVERY DAYS

Arrange a meeting with us today and find out if we are right for you!

Do you dream of owning your own Tearoom?

Discover more about our franchise opportunity Call us on 01747 871819 opt. 2 to secure your place!

BEAT001

~ Bringing Elegance to your Table ~ www.beatonstearooms.co.uk Beatons Tearooms @beatonstearooms

Book your Discovery Day now!

Use your business experience to empower others with a Business Doctor franchise.

Attend one of our discovery days and find out how we have helped over 7,800 businesses achieve their vision.

We will introduce you to our proven business model, collaborative network, delivery and marketing tools.

Take control of your own destiny with an established brand and enjoy giving something back!

Take your ďŹ rst step and call us today.

BUSI002

Request more information

enquiries.uk@boconcept.com

BOCO001

Helping companies improve their bottom lines Discover more about the benefits of an ERA franchise at a FREE Discovery Day E R AF R AN C H I S E .N E T

For more information or to reserve your place, contact us on: tel: 023 8082 9737 email: franchiseteam@erauk.net EXPE003

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DISCOVERY DAYS

The Low Cost, Fast Start Franchise GutterPRO is a Van based franchise, exhibiting fast sales growth, coupled with the peace of mind of the GutterPRO £5000, 3-month sales guarantee.

Investment level: £8250 +vat

Join us at our next Awareness Days: TELFORD - 25/08 TELFORD - 21/09 For more information about our upcoming Awareness Days, please visit:

www.gutterpro.co.uk/franchise-opportunity

To find out 100% of the information about the award-winning HomeXperts model, book your discovery meeting by emailing franchise@homexpertsuk.com.

A discovery meeting will explain the innovative franchise model in full, helping you to decide if HomeXperts is right for you.

Discovery meetings are held around the country on a weekly basis, including London, Manchester and Worcester.

If you have any initial questions, call the HomeXperts Franchise Recruitment Team on 01905 678853.

Phone: 01905 678853 Email: franchise@homexpertsuk.com www.home-xperts.co.uk

GUTT001

HOME002

Discover how to MAKE MONEY and MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Mathnasium is one of the world’s fastest growing education franchises with over 800 centres worldwide.

Manage your own profitable and fun maths-only learning centre in the local High Street. It could be the most rewarding move you ever make!

No maths or teaching experience necessary Simple, effective and proven system Low investment, great returns “A Mathnasium franchise seemed like a perfect fit. This is such a rewarding business and you can’t put a price on the feeling that you get from helping a student succeed. I now know the difference between a job and a career.”

Matrice Williams, Owner and Centre Director Join us for a discovery day and experience the Mathnasium Method and Model, held in Manchester and Hertfordshire, call now to book your place 0161 791 0686 or email andrea.white@mathnasium.com franchise@jacksonfire.co.uk

01352 755 866

JACK001

www.mathnasium.co.uk

MCDO002

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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taimoor milktaimoor sheikh milksheikh

DISCOVERY DAYS

I am a franchisee & this is my McDonald’s

‘The best part of being a franchisee is the responsibility that comes with a large workforce.

Ilooking am aafter & franchisee & Giving local people a chance to this is their McDonald’s my McDonald’s develop skills, grow in confidence, progress their career – it’s something I find part of being ‘The best being aa franchisee franchisee really rewarding.’ is the responsibility that that comes comeswith with Taimoor, operates four restaurants looking after a large workforce. in South East London workforce.

Giving local people aa chance chance to to develop their their skills, develop skills, grow grow in in confidence, progress confidence, progress their their career – it’s something I find career – it’s something I find really rewarding.’ rewarding.’ really Taimoor, operates operates 4four restaurants Taimoor, restaurants in South South East East London in London

Come and talk to us at our Insight Day in Milton Keynes 22nd September 2017 www.mcdonalds.co.uk/franchising

Come and talk to us at our Come to us at our Insightand Daytalk in Elstree Insight Day in Elstree

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MCDO002 30/06/2016 09:50

Feeding your Future... ...the perfect opportunity to get to know OSCAR at a relaxed and informal meeting.

Discover OSCAR The door is open to a variety of backgrounds and life skills, guiding you towards a new career – working for yourself with flexibility and choice.

Discovery meetings at many locations around the UK. Please call for details.

0800 068 1106

discover@oscars.co.uk www.oscar.co.uk

OPPO001

Are you dreaming of owning your own photographic business?

take that exciting step now!

Discover more about our franchise at our 1-2-1 meetings in the comfort of your home.

Samples of our products will be provided along with all you need to know about becoming a franchisee.

0800 622 6008 For more information about 1-2-1 meetings, please call Jan Massey 01207 299500 OR 07826841224

OSCA001

www.photographyforlittlepeoplefranchise.com

PHOT001

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DISCOVERY DAYS

Butcher, baker and cabinet maker... our franchisees come from all works of life!

Join our Award-winning Team of EXPERTS!

But they all have one thing in common. They all wanted to take control of their own destiny and become their own boss.

“The teams that perform the cleaning tasks are always very thorough, professional and quick.

I would certainly recommend using them” Fund Management group

Franchises Available

ve We ha been teaching pendent swim inde irth for 15 ming from years. b

Discover the Puddle Ducks difference.

Our next Discovery Days are on: 17th November 2017 and 19th January 2018

Book your place today. Call Katherine Craig on: 01477 410084

Visit puddleducks.com/franchising for more information.

Why choose Techclean? + We have been in business since1983 so have experience and credibility. + Franchisees can work from a home environment. + The operating cost base of the business is very low, consequently profit margins are high with current franchisees are making 55%-65% NET MARGIN. + We operate in a huge and ever growing market.

t: 01530 513300 e: edownes@techclean.co.uk w: www.techclean.co.uk

PUDD001

DISCOVER MORE… about running a business that puts you in the driving seat. We know there’ll be lots of questions about joining Wilkins Chimney Sweep.

Is there really a need for chimney sweeps?

(Indeed there is and we can show you why…)

Can I make this a business?

(Indeed you can and we can show you how…)

We run Discovery sessions every couple of weeks in different places – check out our website to learn where the next event is – or give us a call!

Attendance is free…contact us to find out more about running your own successful, sustainable, year round, profitable business.

03300 885769

franchise@wilkinschimneysweep.co.uk

WILK002

Call us to learn about our Discovery Days

THEB002

Are you ready to be your own boss?

Franchising in the UK today offers you security and piece of mind that your investment is on a tried and tested business model.

Zero Dry Time franchise offers you this stability that not only is your money well invested but you can build a sustainable business for the future with endless earnings.

Zero Dry Time provide dry carpet, upholstery & all hard floor cleaning solutions that deliver a fantastic service whilst giving great value to the home & business owner alike.

Think our franchise is for you?

Then contact us, come and see us in Newcastle and see how it’s done.

0191 270 9202 info@zerodrytime.com

ZERO001

SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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Get inspired

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05/09/2017 18:01

Jane Maudsley founder & managing director Little Voices

Many happy returns

With Little Voices rapidly approaching its tenth anniversary in business, Jane Maudsley is feeling nostalgic and recounting some of the useful things it has taught her over the years

W

here does the time go? Little Voices is rapidly approaching its tenth birthday and, over the last decade in business, I’ve absorbed a ton of information. Believe me, I rely on it all: it helps me focus and inspires me to continue every day. I have spent this month reflecting and pinpointing what has kept me motivated so I wanted to share the things I've picked up on my journey so far and what I plan to do with everything that I've learnt.

Learn from adversity There is always a solution to every problem and every problem is sent to teach you something. I have learnt this after many years of challenges and I urge you to tackle every hurdle head on; we learn when we're faced with adversity and we push our boundaries. Our businesses are ever changing and developing and we need to keep adaptability at the forefront of our minds.

Be plan focused not opportunity driven This was a saying one respected franchisor highlighted to me some time ago and it makes a lot of sense. As entrepreneurs we are constantly coming up with ideas, seeing opportunities or having other people put tempting offers in front of SEPTEMBER 2017 | elitefranchise

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us. You must learn to say no. I have had to say no to so many things lately: this month a few carrots were dangled in my direction and I had to make some hard calls about where I was spending my time and energy. This is not easy for me and I don’t like to let people down so I’ve learnt to say: “Can I come back to you with a response on this?”

Then I take time out to reflect, assess whether my time could be better spent and whether it is going to get us to our goals and then respond.

Use your time wisely This leads me onto another very valuable piece of advice. Time is our most precious commodity and it is the one thing that we all have in common.

Everyone has the same amount of time in a day.

What we do with that time varies dramatically but we do have a choice. At Little Voices, we have a vision and a plan and that plan needs time to be implemented so I must be spending every minute that I have available executing that plan to the very best of my ability. As my mum always says “you get out of life what you put in”.

Surround yourself with the right people Over the years lots of people have come and gone.

As the saying goes, we have people in our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. It is the same in business as it is in your personal life. It’s tough and life will send curveballs that you need help to overcome: having the right people around you means that you will cope and you will succeed.

The franchise industry is diverse and yet small and incredibly supportive. I have many franchisor friends and a whole host of franchisees that I learn from daily, there have been several consistent advisors and mentors – my accountant being one of them – and of course my family. I feel lucky and privileged to be involved in franchising, as it means I am surrounded by the right people.

So what am I intending to do with all this knowledge I have accrued? As we all know franchising is a model and the replication of

a system that works in a supported way. I look at it like teaching and sharing knowledge. I believe at my core that we have a duty to share information and so franchising was the natural step for me and for Little Voices. I know that what I have learnt and the journey that I have been on can help to inspire someone, somewhere and one of the best ways to share my knowledge and expertise is to write. So as we reach our 10th birthday party on September 18, it is my ambition to write a book.

A friend and business associate of mine, Lucy Mathews, is about to launch her book this month and apparently I feature in a section of it. And the fact that she is at the point of publishing hers has inspired me to get my own into print.

My book will all be about what I have learnt and how I can help those just like me to achieve their dreams and fight through whatever challenge comes their way, be it in their personal or professional life. My initials are JEM, so rather than ‘gems’ I will be sharing ‘JEMs’ and I have a lot to share. Watch this space:

by Christmas I will have ticked this goal off my list.

My philosophy in life is that we are here to continually learn and develop and once we have the knowledge we have a duty to share it. I am hungry for the next ten years to start now and I look forward to sharing with you JEMs along the way as we head towards 2027.

There is always a solution to every problem and every problem is sent to teach you something 90 elitefranchise | SEPTEMBER 2017

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