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New Year opening for the Little Gym franchise in Harrogate

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

The Little Gym franchise is preparing to open a new curriculum gymnastics centre, in Harrogate, early in the New Year. Bringing the total number of UK franchises to eight, the opening follows earlier expansion in Harpenden and within the Westfield Shopping Centre in London. Despite the current climate, all new centres are flourishing, demonstrating the huge demand for a quality children’s gymnastics provision in the UK.
 
Founded in the United States in 1976, The Little Gym offers a progressive gymnastics programme that evolves with each stage of a child’s motor-skills and cerebral development, taking youngsters of all abilities from 4 months to 12 years. Ranked number one in its category of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Franchise List - for the third year running - The Little Gym currently has over 300 locations in 19 countries.
 
Annette Eckhardt, COO of The Little Gym Europe, commented: “There’s huge demand for quality children’s activities across the UK, coupled with a large rise in the number of professionals looking for new careers and a better work/ lifestyle balance.   By offering a progressive programme, that focus’ on both motor-skills development and confidence building, The Little Gym brings something really unique to the table. Meanwhile, the professional structure of the business, with its unique training programme and facilities, gives franchisees all the tools they need to build a rewarding and flexible career.”
 
The Little Gym currently has seven franchises in the UK, with open centres based at Chiswick, Hampton Hill, Wandsworth, Westfield London, Bishop’s Stortford, Harpenden and Stoke. Following the opening of Harrogate in the New Year, further openings will follow in the Greater London area.


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Apollo franchise sales stars live it up in Monaco

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Star sellers from Apollo Blinds have lived it up on a trip to Monaco after topping the company’s sales league.
 
Eight franchise owners from stores in Glasgow, Cardiff, Stirling, Salisbury, Chatham, Harrow, Perth and Kirkcaldy were treated like royalty on the jaunt to the Mediterranean principality.
 
The cream of the crop of Apollo Blinds’ network enjoyed fine dining at top restaurants, helicopter rides over the marinas, trips to the casino and shopping excursions as a reward for their hard work.
 
The company runs an annual incentive scheme as a way of boosting sales and this year it was a significant factor in keeping the business in a healthy position, according to general manager Gary Chambers.
 
“The trip to Monaco symbolised everything that is good about the network of franchise owners we have at Apollo Blinds,” he said.
 
“All Apollo Blinds stores deserve a medal for surviving the last 18 months. Many of our businesses have been over performing in the current climate and have delivered great sales in what has been a very challenging time and they deserve to be recognised for their achievements and reap the rewards.
 
“All of those businesses that went to Monaco traded very well thus proving that sales are there for the taking.”
 
Tony and Julie Holt from Chatham, Kent, typify the desire of Apollo Blinds franchise owners to generate business.
 
“We will have maximised every opportunity within our franchise network,” said Julie. “We have even done promotions using loss leaders as part of a campaign to continually get us in front of customers and keep the name Apollo Blinds upmost in the minds of local people."
 
Chambers added that as well as stimulating sales, the incentives had proved popular and created friendly rivalry within the network from franchise owners vying with each other to book their seats on the plane.
 

He said: “A lot of stores were neck and neck for months and those that missed out this time have stated their intention to double their efforts for next year’s trip where we hope to take our star sellers somewhere in the States.”



Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Mac Tools announce franchise offensive

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Leading automotive tools supplier Mac Tools has gained British Franchise Association accreditation and unveiled plans to recruit new franchisees across the UK. 
 
This recruitment drive will build on the 110 strong franchisees already in place who sell a range of tools to garage mechanics from a fleet of Mac vans.   It follows a recent business restructure by parent Stanley Works, the $4 billion global organisation and owner of the world famous Stanley brand. Key developments include launching a completely new franchise model, the appointment of a new support team, negotiating beneficial business partnerships and unveiling a range of new tools, equipment and storage systems.
 
David Osborne, Marketing Director for Mac Tools, said: “Securing bfa accreditation is a fantastic accolade and reinforces our position in the franchise market. The building blocks are in place and we look forward to moving up a gear in our recruitment drive to find new franchisees that are looking for an exciting opportunity to invest in a financially strong and healthy business with a market leading reputation.”
 
Tom Endean from the British Franchise Association said: “The bfa only allows franchise companies into membership who have passed an in-depth accreditation process; ensuring that they are offering a sustainable, well structured and ethical franchise opportunity. To hold this standard based membership, Mac Tools is welcomed alongside some of the best in franchising. Despite tough trading conditions, franchising continues to demonstrate its tenacity and ability to succeed – continuing to provide many new futures for people looking to take control of their lives and succeed professionally, financially and personally.”


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Bluebird Care franchise welcomes Whitehall plans to fund care at home

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The UK’s fastest growing care at home franchise Bluebird Care has welcomed Government plans to help keep up to 280,000 people out of residential care for as long as possible.
 
If the Government Bill becomes law, those with the most pressing care needs - including older people and disabled adults – will be offered professional help to carry out essential basic tasks such as dressing, getting out of bed and making breakfast in the comfort of their own homes.
 
The proposals were contained in a Personal Care at Home Bill, unveiled in the Queen’s Speech - the Government’s legislative programme for the coming year - at the opening of Parliament yesterday (Wednesday). HM The Queen said the Bill would “enable the wider provision of free personal care to those in highest care need”.
 
Speaking on BBC Television’s Working Lunch, Bluebird Care Franchise Director Simon Dalziel said: “Care is about choice and most people prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible, rather than being moved into a residential home. Their families often prefer this option as well.”
 
Petersfield-based Bluebird Care, which has 63 offices across the UK and Republic of Ireland, now provides around 45,000 care visits a month – a growth of 105 per cent on last November.
 
The company is on target to recruit 25 franchise owners in the UK and a further eight in the Republic of Ireland during 2009. In November 2008 there were 41 offices, which has risen to 63 this month and a 54 per cent growth in network size.
 
The Bill, which will only come into force if Labour win the next general election, is designed to spare the elderly the ordeal of losing their home in order to pay for nursing help or residential care. Care at home would be free to many, but would be means-tested and those with savings over £23,000 would get part-funding only.
 
Bluebird Care customer Martha Price, who employed a carer after developing problems with her hips, said: “The help I receive is vital. I couldn’t get dressed or out of bed without the carer. They also try to take me out for a walk and give me a bath.”
 
The Government proposals are designed as an “interim measure” ahead of plans for a National Care Service, a new authority designed to run alongside the National Health Service providing comprehensive nursing support for the elderly and disabled. The proposals will be set out in a White Paper in the New Year.
 
If approved, it will be jointly funded by the Departments of Health and Communities, with the £670 million cost being met by cuts in Whitehall advertising, communications and administration.
 
Bluebird Care has retained its position as the UK’s fastest growing provider of care at home with a turnover of around £12 million, it revealed at its annual conference in the Midlands earlier this month.
 
The company specialises in working with people requiring health care and their families, alongside Social Services, GPs and Primary Care Trusts. Bluebird Care also offers live-in support for people who would like, or who need, a greater level of care provision.


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

gas-elec franchise take on vehicle branding campaign

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gas-elec, a leader in the field of gas and electrical safety services and products, has taken to the streets with a vehicle branding campaign to advertise their energy-saving solution, the g3.
 
The g3 a three-pronged product bundle that incorporates specialist products in order to provide an effective solution to not only save money on heating bills, but to reduce carbon emissions.
 
“gas-elec’s award-winning g-save smart boiler economiser and comparison website, gas-elec Compare, and the e-save Electricity Monitor tackle the combined issue of saving money and energy,” says John Davidson, gas-elec Managing Director.
 
John went on to say that vehicle advertising is an extremely popular form of promotion for businesses due to its high visual impact at eye-level, high success rate and low maintenance cost.
 
“It is an affordable, effective outdoor advertising solution which is also relevant to the current economic climate and has already generated a heightened awareness of our energy-saving offering,” adds John.
 
Research shows that branded vehicles are the perfect setting for an effective advertising campaign. Not only does the vehicle offer a large surface area to get the message across, but the vehicle has a constant stream of passersby – pedestrians, drivers and passengers – attracting their attention to the offering throughout the vehicle’s journey and whilst parked.
 
“We have also put in place a monitoring element, so that we can monitor the response to the campaign, which will assist with future vehicle branding campaigns,” concludes John.


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Mechanics' favourite, Mac Tools franchise, promises to be great to work with

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Building on a solid reputation in the UK, leading automotive tools supplier, Mac Tools, has undergone a major relaunch designed to improve service, product range and quality for mechanics.
 
The company has unveiled an eye catching makeover for its vans which takes the familiar Mac red and mixes it with black and chrome to create a thoroughly modern look that will definitely get the Mac van noticed on the forecourt.   The contents of the van have also been boosted with the addition of Britool and Facom tools now available for the first time from Mac vans. 
 
The new look has been applied across everything Mac does – from uniforms and catalogues to new leaflets and promotions, all of which are supported by a new website which offers a chance for customers to check out the latest offers before the van turns up. 
 
These developments follow a recent business restructure by parent Stanley Works which has resulted in the launch of a completely new franchise model, the appointment of a new support team and the unveiling of a range of new tools, equipment and storage systems. 
 
David Osborne, Marketing Director for Mac Tools, comments: “We are really excited with the new look and feel for Mac Tools. We have re-designed everything right from the uniforms worn by the Mac Tools franchisees to the brand new Mac Tools vans to our website.
 
“For mechanics there is a really comprehensive range of professional tools to choose from with the inclusion of Facom and Britool tools to the vans. While for franchisees, there is renewed excitement and enthusiasm behind the Mac brand and the promise of a support team that is great to work with.
 
“We have enhanced our training and support for franchisees and embarked on a recruitment drive to find new franchisees that are looking for an exciting opportunity to invest in a healthy business with a market leading reputation. In short, we have taken the best parts of our heritage and used them to build an exciting future and we are really enthusiastic about where we are heading.”


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Martin & Co franchisee joins elite

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Sue Hopson of Martin & Co UK Ltd is one of only 15 lettings practitioners across the country to be awarded the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) Diploma in Residential Letting and Management.
 
Sue is celebrating a double success having just recently been promoted to Brand Standards Director at Martin & Co’s head office, based in Bournemouth, Dorset. Sue has worked for Martin & Co for over 4 years starting as a lettings manager for the local office, before taking on the new role of Best Practices Manager. Sue joins an executive team of two (all who report to the Managing Director, Ian Wilson) and is the first Martin & Co employee to be promoted to a role at this level.
 
On her recent appointment and exam success Ian Wilson, Managing Director said, “Sue’s hard work and commitment has really paid off, and I’m delighted that she’s part of the executive team.”
On her recent promotion Sue commented, “I have really seen Martin & Co progress over the years and I am excited by the challenges this new role brings. The lettings sector is vibrant and ever changing and with increasing legislation and regulation it is essential that as a large network and established brand in this sector we continue to work with our franchise owners in raising the standards and knowledge.
 
 NFOPP, the umbrella body for five of the leading professional bodies representing those who work in the property sector, launched the diploma last year as part of its drive to raise standards and recognise excellence. Sue Hopson has joined an elite group by becoming one of the first practitioners in the UK to achieve the profession’s top qualification.
 
Ruth Lilley, head of membership and professional development at NFOPP, said: “I heartily congratulate Sue on her achievement. The Diploma is our highest level qualification, and one that carries real weight. The award is tangible evidence of a commitment to best practice and the highest standards of professionalism and I am delighted to say that we are now seeing a growing surge of interest from those employed in the industry in other parts of the country keen to follow Sue’s example.
 


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Staggered Dream Doors franchise deal sets new industry benchmark

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

 

New Management Service Fee Structure Equals More Profit – and Bigger Smiles – for Kitchen Facelift Franchisees
 
Dream Doors, the UK’s largest kitchen facelift franchise, has announced a radical realignment of its Management Service (MS) fee. In a move that will encourage sales, the MS fee has been staggered to reward high turnover.
 
Says Dream Doors’ founder and Managing Director, Troy Tappenden: “This new deal adds thousandsof pounds to our top performing franchisees’ bottom line. Those who continue to push themselves each year, and help Dream Doors to grow more rapidly, could see a 20 percent increase in their profits as a result of the new initiative. The move is a huge incentive for  our existing franchisees, and will also encourage new franchisees to join Dream Doors. For many, this is the icing on the cake!”
 
Already, six well-seasoned Dream Doors franchisees – ones who have been with the company for several years – have surpassed the £400,000 mark and are benefiting from the new scheme.

Confirms Tappenden: “Dream Doors’ current MS fee is calculated as a percentage of a franchisee’s turnover. For those that sell up to £275,000 of kitchens and kitchen facelifts, the fee is set at 9.2 percent. Once this first benchmark is hit, the fee automatically drops down to 6.2 percent of turnover secured over £275,000. On sales of more than £400,000, the fee plunges to a mere 4.2 percent, well below the current market average of 12 percent for most franchises.
He adds: “The 9.2 percent MS fee had been fixed for many years. Today we feel the new staggered arrangement offers the best deal for all our franchisees – it’s a much fairer, more incentivised system that has gained wide support from the network. Experienced franchisees are more motivated than ever, and we still have all the resources we need to sustain our award-winning training capabilities, and support system – particularly for new entrants.”
 
Dream Doors’ staggered MS fee deal starts on January 1st each year to encourage franchisees to hit higher targets before the end of the financial year, and so benefit from the reduced MS payments.
 
Says Dream Doors’ Operations Director, and bfa Regional Chair, Kelly Chambers: “In franchising, the MS fee is there to ensure franchisees get the right level of backup they need. It also provides franchisors with a vital revenue stream to invest in marketing the brand, growing the franchise network, and providing training and support for all franchisees. We spend hundreds of thousands of pounds each year on these things. Without the MS fee, it simply wouldn’t be possible to sustain a brand the size and scale of Dream Doors.”
 
She adds: “Lowering the fee for increased turnover could be seen as a risky strategy, but we’re confident the net income to Dream Doors will be more or less the same. Ultimately, it will encourage those franchisees that are happy with a turnover that sits around the mid £300,000 mark to push that little bit harder and break through the £400,000 barrier. Doing that will make their businesses more profitable, secure more revenue for Dream Doors as a brand, and help fund further developments within the business.”


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Revive 'Game-Keeper Turns Poacher' as Head Office Manager Buys a Franchise

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

What better endorsement for a franchise than when the business development manager reaches into his own pocket to buy a territory!
 
That’s exactly what’s happened at Revive!, the country’s leading SMART* repairer.
 
Denzil Evans (34) has been with the company for just over six years starting as a technician before becoming the training manager and moving to his present post as business development manager 18 months ago. Now he’s bought his own Revive! franchise and will be setting up the mobile cosmetic paint repair business in Northampton in January 2010.
 
Said Denzil: “I know the set-up here inside out and have no hesitation in buying my own Revive franchise. I’ve seen the success of the business model first hand and have all of the skills I need to do the job.  I am confident that with focus and hard work there’s a lot of profit for me to make. Being my own boss has always been one of my ambitions and I can’t think of a better business opportunity than Revive!”
 
So why doesn’t Denzil just take his painting skills and set up on his own, without the financial outlay of buying a franchise?
 
“Working with Revive enables franchisees to buy into a much bigger set up with the opportunity to earn far more than the initial investment and ongoing annual management fee. 
 
A significant proportion of our contracts are national accounts won by head office. All of the franchisees benefit from this work giving us the opportunity to work for big name dealerships including Ford, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes. There’s a real sense of family at Revive which means that Revive technicians working in adjacent territories are happy to help each other out at busy times and the ongoing support from head office is second to none,” he explained.
 
Commenting on Denzil’s decision, Revive recruitment director Terry Mullen said: “We are always on the lookout for top quality candidates to become franchisees. I’m delighted that Denzil has decided to invest – he knows the business model inside out and will be very successful.  From a head office point of view we are obviously sad to lose him but happy he will be bringing his considerable skills into the branch network.”
 
*SMART" is a term used in the car bodywork profession. It stands for Small to Medium Area Repair Technique.


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Fastsigns franchisee Janie proves she is best of the bunch

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Birmingham business owner Janie Drury is on top of the world after winning a national award for FASTSIGNS® Birmingham.
 
Janie beat more than 22 fellow franchise holders in the UK and scooped The FASTSIGNS Award at the company’s UK National Convention and Awards Dinner.
 
She opened FASTSIGNS Birmingham in Great Charles Street, Queensway in 1996 and has taken the company from strength to strength, at the same time doing all she could to help other FASTSIGNS colleagues along the way.
 
Her loyalty and patience were rewarded at the company’s awards dinner when she was praised for “living the spirit of the FASTSIGNS award” for more than 13 years.
 
FASTSIGNS’ UK Managing Director Garth Allison said it was a pleasure and a privilege to honour Janie with an award for the franchisee who best represents the concept and the spirit of the FASTSIGNS name, both in the business community and within the company.
 
“She is eager to assist fellow owners, particularly sharing marketing ideas and initiatives,” he said. “She has been very cooperative, patient, generous and helpful when potential franchisees call or visit. She has consistently invested in the people and infrastructure needed to move the business forward, and to increase the strength, size and integrity of our network.”
 
“She also shows this same spirit when dealing with her customers.  It allows Janie to understand, meet and usually exceed her customer’s expectations.  Although Janie has the FASTSIGNS’ network, technology and know-how behind her, she still runs her business with an ‘every job matters’ attitude.  She will not let customers down”
 
Janie was bowled over when her name was read out at the awards ceremony in Oxford. “It was a very big surprise,” she said. “We do try to help our colleagues, but we don’t do it for any reward. It’s great to feel appreciated – it’s put a skip in my step!”
 
Janie runs FASTSIGNS Birmingham with her husband Martin. “It’s a huge part of our life,” she said. “We have great plans going forward, looking at our marketing, structures, and our target market. Turnover is nice and steady and we’re feeling very positive, despite what’s going on out there in the economy.”
 
FASTSIGNS offers a full range of custom signs and graphic products to businesses, including banners, posters and exterior and interior signage.
 


Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Bluebird Care's first franchise owner goes from strength to strength

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

From local authority housing manager to successful businesswoman – Sue Milakovic embodies the Bluebird Care success story.
 
After extensive research, Sue decided to be Bluebird Care’s first franchise owner back in October 2006, signing her Franchise Agreement during the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham.
 
Since then, Sue has “grown” a successful care at home business in Cannock, West Midlands, which has been awarded the highest possible rating of three stars by health and social care services independent regulator the Care Quality Commission.
 
In the process she has created 30 jobs – while Bluebird Care have expanded rapidly, opening another 61 offices across the UK and Ireland.
 
Now Sue has returned to this years’ NEC National Franchise Exhibition to receive a bouquet from Bluebird Care’s managing director Paul Tarsey to celebrate her three successful years in business – and is planning to open another office in Stafford in the New Year.
 
She said: “It was a leap of faith at the time, as I was the first franchisee, but I liked the idea of putting something back into the community and it felt right. I looked at one other possible franchise but once I had met the Bluebird Care team I wanted to work with them. It is great to now be part of something much larger – like being part of a growing family!”
 
Sue was the first of what is now a successful network of 62 Bluebird Care offices, operating as franchises – reflecting the public’s growing requirement for quality care at home.
 
Previously a housing manager for a local authority, she opened her office in Broad Street, Cannock, and now has 30 staff and is planning a second office in nearby Stafford in the New Year.
 
Bluebird Care’s franchise director, Simon Dalziel, said: “We are delighted that Sue’s business has gone from strength to strength and that she will be expanding in the New Year – it’s a great success story.”
 
The Hampshire-based company recently celebrated its fifth birthday and currently operates in five countries – stretching from Cardiff to Canterbury and Limerick to Edinburgh.
 
Bluebird Care attributes a large part of its success to tailoring its care packages to mirror public demand; with the emphasis on a straightforward, professional approach and recognition of each customer’s individual needs.

The company works with Social Services, GPs and Primary Care Trusts and also offers live-in support for people who would like, or who need, a greater level of care provision.       



Date Published: Nov 19, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Last chance to support the UK's Green Office Cartridge World

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The closing date for submitting nominations to the first ever Cartridge World Greenest Office Award is fast approaching with all nominations required by Sunday, November 22 2009. If you know of a company which is home to innovative green initiatives and staff who are keen recyclers and energy savers, then this is your last chance to nominate that company for this national award.
 
Cartridge World, the UK’s market leading retailer of refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges, in partnership with carbon offsetting company, co2balance, launched The Greenest Office Award in September 2009 to find the number one company in the land that can best demonstrate ‘green’ practices and energy saving activities.
 
Everyone who nominates a company will be entered into a draw to win £300 worth of Center Parcs vouchers, and a Ricoh R50 10 megapixel camera. They will also receive a 25 per cent off discount voucher to be redeemed at Cartridge World. To nominate a company, visit www.cartridgeworld.co.uk/greenestoffice.
 
Mark Holland, UK General Manager for Cartridge World, said: “As the initiative continues to gather momentum, we have received some excellent nominations for the UK’s Greenest Office. We are looking for innovative ideas that make an organisation stand out from the norm in respect of its environmental policy. The UK’s Greenest Office will be the catalyst to inspire companies across the country to implement a cost-effective environmental policy enthusing them to take green issues seriously in their ongoing business practices.
 
“If you have been impressed by a company’s green policies, then make sure we get your nomination by November 22nd. The business community in the UK can do so much more to reduce carbon emissions, and one way of driving this forward is to highlight the companies that are truly ‘green’.”
 
The competition is free to enter, and is open to all companies across the UK, whatever their size. It will highlight successful initiatives with the aim of inspiring more companies to follow suit and adopt green practices. The competition is split into six regional categories; Scotland and North East England; North West England; Midlands; Wales and the South West; London and the South East; and Northern Ireland. The winner from each region will progress to the final in January 2010, from where one overall winner will be named The UK’s Greenest Office. To enter the awards, visit www.cartridgeworld.co.uk/greenestoffice.
 
The company crowned the UK’s Greenest Office will receive a Carbon Footprint Assessment, Management and Accreditation from co2balance, the award-winning company that helps businesses become ‘carbon zero’ with carbon assessment, management and offsetting services.
 
The competition underpins Cartridge World’s commitment to the environment. Cartridge World provides the ‘green’ alternative to buying replacement inkjet and laser printer cartridges, preventing empty cartridges from being thrown needlessly into landfill, where over 45 million are sent annually in the UK*, each taking up to 1,000 years to decompose**.
 
Cartridge World is the market-leading retailer of refilled and remanufactured printer cartridges. Using specifically formulated inks or toners, the Cartridge World stores can refill all major brands of inkjet or laser cartridge. The end result is a high quality product offering the customer substantial savings on the cost of an original and an environmentally friendly alternative to throwing the cartridge into landfill.
 
Co2balance ltd is a leading carbon management provider offering carbon calculation, management and reduction services together with an ethical way to offset greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency projects in Africa and Asia. For more information visit the website at www.co2balance.com.


Date Published: Nov 16, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Franchisee renewals at all-time high for gas-elec

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gas-elec, a leader in the field of gas and electrical safety inspections, services, products and advice, has announced that 94% of their franchisees that were due to renew their franchise agreements for a further five-year term in 2009, have signed.
 
“The gas-elec franchisee agreement is for a five-year term and this year, we are delighted that out of the 18 franchisees that were due to renew this year within the Group, ten have renewed for a second five-year term and seven for a third term,” says Carol Otway, franchise director.
 
There are currently 126 franchisees within the network that operate from 18 regional offices across the country. Despite the global recession, gas-elec has recorded a 12% growth in Q1 and Q2 2009, which is indicative of the strength and success of the business model.
 
gas-elec was founded in 1996 and pioneered the provision of combined safety inspection services in the United Kingdom (UK): One engineer, in one visit, carries out two or more inspections and provides one report or certificate.
 
“We have an established a reputation and clients know that they can depend on the impartiality of our reports, and the quality of our work. Over and above the gas and electrical inspections that we are known for, gas-elec can also carry out EPCs, fixed wiring inspections and more recently, commercial catering equipment inspections,” concludes Carol.


Date Published: Nov 16, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Fastsigns franchise nets a winning partner

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Mark Wright, owner of FASTSIGNS® Bolton, has come up with a winning sponsorship deal with Bolton Arena.
 
Mark kicked the recession into touch and decided to build his client base while helping other local businesses at the same time.
 
He agreed to sponsor the £15 million sports and leisure complex in Middlebrook Leisure and Retail Park by producing its signage for the next year. In return, FASTSIGNS becomes the arena’s official sign provider and will put some of its own posters and banners on show.
 
The Bolton Arena is one of the leading academies in the country and provides training facilities for talented athletes, sports clubs and the local community. It also hosts exhibitions, as well as football, boxing, and badminton tournaments, and needs signs to promote events.
 
Said Mark: “The recession is a pain in the neck. But if we sit around and expect business to happen, we’ll wait forever. Sponsorship deals like this one supports the community, and gets our name out there – especially as the arena has a 9,000 capacity. It’s a win-win.”
 
Commercial Manager at Bolton Arena Gwyn Hughes said: “Support from companies like FASTSIGNS helps to raise our profile and support our charitable objectives. We’ve been delighted with the quality of work they’ve done for us.” 
 
FASTSIGNS offers a full range of custom signs and graphic products, including banners, window and vehicle graphics, floor graphics, safety and identification signage, exhibition graphics and exterior signage for interior and exterior use.  


Date Published: Nov 16, 2009 - 6:07 pm

Business Doctors franchise appoints new Business Development Manager

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Newton-le-Willows based Business Doctors has appointed Amy Newport as Business Development Manager.

 

Business Doctors provides expert, friendly, practical support and advice to small and medium-sized businesses, from strategies for sales and profit growth to people engagement and help with accessing funding and financial support.

 

Amy's appointment follows a highly successful year for the company, which has seen the management advisors open several new franchised offices across the UK.

 

Amy's appointment will see her developing the business in the Merseyside region and further afield, working with companies to achieve their business goals and get the best from their business.

 

Amy said: "This is a very exciting time to be joining Business Doctors as the company is rapidly expanding nationally.  I am very much looking forward to developing new relationships in Merseyside as well as in the other territories we are now working in."



Date Published: Nov 15, 2009 - 6:07 pm
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