Feed: UK Franchise News from whichfranchise.com - AggScore: 47.4

Yeehaa! There's a new crust in town from Domino's Pizza franchise

Yeehaa! There's a new crust in town from Domino's Pizza franchise

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Domino’s Pizza, the pizza delivery expert, is bringing a taste of Texas to mealtimes with the launch of its new Saucy BBQ Stuffed Crust and Boneless Ribs.

Pizza lovers can now enjoy their favourite Domino’s Stuffed Crust with an extra saucy stuffing of Domino’s classic Texas BBQ sauce in the crust. Every Domino’s Stuffed Crust is made from scratch using fresh dough with mozzarella cheese with a hint of garlic and herbs. The new Saucy BBQ Stuffed Crust is particularly tasty when eaten with a Domino’s Texas BBQ pizza.

If the pizza wasn’t enough to fill your cowboy boots, Domino’s has also launched a delicious new side order – spicy Boneless Ribs. Served with a BBQ dip, these bite-sized juicy pork ribs are the perfect accompaniment to any pizza. For a limited period, pizza lovers can get a free portion of Boneless Ribs with every large Domino’s Stuffed Crust.

Simon Wallis, sales and marketing director at Domino’s Pizza, said: “Domino’s Stuffed Crust went down a storm with new and existing customers when we launched it last year so we’re very excited about this new guest crust which will be on our menus from today. With Saucy BBQ Stuffed Crust, we’re sure there will be some showdowns at meal times as pizza lovers reach for the last slice of the new most wanted crust in town.”

To mark the launch of Saucy BBQ Stuffed Crust, Domino’s is making pizza deliveries by horse. Delivery driver Rebecca Middlemass saddled up her hot bags accompanied, by roving cowboy Gordon Penman, to deliver a piping hot Saucy BBQ Stuffed Crust to Lindsay MacDonald in Baberton, Edinburgh.
 

BCR Associates franchise kicks off 2012 with a recruitment hat-trick

BCR Associates franchise kicks off 2012 with a recruitment hat-trick

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

BCR Associates, the leading profit improvement franchise which enjoyed a record breaking 2011, is kicking off 2012 with a bang following the appointment of three new franchisees.

Hamilton Comely, from Ashtead, Surrey; Dek Hardy from Newcastle and Trevor Burrell from Reigate, Surrey join the BCR Associates network in January 2012, bringing the total number of franchisees up to 16.

Hamilton and Dek first identified BCR Associates as a possible new business opportunity in September 2011. Their first impression of BCR Associates and subsequent research to validate the business potential was so favourable that it took just three months for them to make the decision to invest in a BCR Associates franchise. Dek had actually been reviewing the cost reduction industry for two years, with a view to entering the market, and having witnessed BCR Associates’ meteoric rise to fame was immediately convinced! Trevor initially made contact with one of the company’s founding directors 16 months ago, but required a longer lead-time due to the need to organise his exit from an overseas base.

Commenting on the new appointments, Franchise Recruitment Manager Phil Gaffer says, “With so many enterprises failing in the current economic climate, our ‘recession proof’ business model is going from strength to strength in terms of its appeal to franchise prospects. This combined with the unique proposition to customers (we pass on 100% of all savings made on essential running costs with the exception of water and rateable values) coupled with our innovative approach to training and marketing, all contribute to positioning BCR Associates a natural choice for a new business venture”.

Images: (From top) Dek Hardy from Newcastle, Trevor Burrell from Reigate and Hamilton Comely from Ashtead, Surrey.
 

Take advantage of a Contempo franchise business opportunity

Take advantage of a Contempo franchise business opportunity

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

The buy to let market is currently very strong with demand being high from tenants and more and more investors seeing property as providing the highest yield on the market. The residential lettings market remains one of the most stable sectors of the property market despite the poor economic climate.

Contempo Lettings is a British Franchise Association (BFA) approved lettings and property management franchise that is keen to expand in your area and we are looking for the right partner to help drive Contempo forward in Dundee. Our unique model provides you with a turnkey business opportunity to build a portfolio of managed properties providing you with residual monthly management commission. This year all of our branches, which are based in Aberdeen and throughout Edinburgh and Glasgow, grew with some growing more than 30% - an impressive result in the current market.

We would welcome the opportunity to tell you more about our franchise opportunity at a seminar held on the 22nd March 2012. Managing Director, Carolyn Donaldson will host the evening and you will have the benefit of hearing first hand from award winning Franchisee Judith MacDonald along with Neil Freshwater one of our newest partners. You are invited to attend this free event without obligation.

We look forward to meeting you!  

Card Connection's Farnham Franchisee Expands Territory

Card Connection's Farnham Franchisee Expands Territory

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has announced today that Latif Twigeri, franchisee for the Farnham and surrounding area, has expanded his territory to include Kingston and Sutton. Latif Twigeri, who has been a Card Connection franchisee for eight years, now supplies more than 500 retail outlets with Card Connection’s extensive, range of quality cards and gifts.

“The Card Connection franchise is a very good business,” confirms Twigeri. “However, we always need to be planning ahead for expansion and development. I have grown my team and now work alongside two full time merchandisers and a part-time packer. These days, I occupy a more managerial role and my time is divided between opening new retail accounts, visiting high-value customers, improving the displays to help retailers and any troubleshooting that is necessary along with office administration.

“With the new purchase, my territory is now substantial and stretches from Petersfield in the south, all the way to Reigate and now includes the affluent areas of Kingston and Sutton,” explains Twigeri. “The expansion means I have already seen a significant increase in turnover, 38% up on unit sales, compared with the same time period last year.

“Despite the difficult market conditions for retailers, it is still an exciting time for my business,” continues Twigeri. “I still enjoy the challenge of running the franchise and, with the support of head office, I am looking forward to optimising the efficiency of the new area and further improving the profit margins of my business over the next 12 months.”

Card Connection is part of UK Greetings, the largest publicly owned greeting card publisher in the world and has limited vacancies for franchisees who are keen to run an expanding business. Successful candidates would ideally have some management experience as, once established, they would be expected to employ a small team, operate a warehouse and have several liveried vans on the road.

Because the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are complete, the available opportunities now consist of acquiring an already-established territory from an existing franchisee. These vary in price according to their level of development, but start at £20,000 (+ stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50K per annum.
 

New sites for Mail Boxes Etc. franchise stores

New sites for Mail Boxes Etc. franchise stores

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Following the success of the recently opened store on the Reading University campus, business services franchise Mail Boxes Etc. is considering more stores in alternative locations, building on its reputation for reliability and service and as the most convenient supplier to local people and companies.

The new Reading campus store is owned by Patrick Woodlock, an experienced businessman who already owned the Reading town store and wanted a second location specifically to cater for the needs of university community.

A branding and marketing specialist, Patrick worked with high profile multi-national corporations in the UK and the USA before joining Mail Boxes Etc. He was pleased to discover that the store in his home town of Reading was up for sale and he believed it offered a viable opportunity to develop a very successful business.

Recognising the potential that Mail Boxes Etc. offered in the UK and drawing on his own experience of running a multi-million pound enterprise in a nearby Berkshire town, Patrick knew that there was a genuine local need for Mail Boxes’ extensive range of services in Reading, which is home to many large corporations with national and regional headquarters.

The business thrived but Patrick wanted to address a gap in his customer base: despite Reading University being one of the top ten research universities in the UK, there was a surprising lack of customers from the campus-based enterprise and business park communities and, similarly, very few under-graduate customers coming to the Reading store. These groups were all potential customers Patrick wanted to attract as he was confident they would want to use the services he offered. When he found that a suitable unit was available conveniently on campus he was keen to set up his second store there.

Now the campus store is up and running, Patrick can offer the whole range of Mail Box services, including the two most popular at the university; packing and shipping and document printing and binding. The store caters for students, academics and businesses based on site. With a manager running the town outlet, Patrick has become more involved in the university store and is concentrating his efforts on this for the immediate future.

He comments: “I think Mail Boxes Etc. is great, not least because of the myriad of services that we can offer our customers. For some franchisees, Mail Boxes Etc. is a lifestyle business and for others it is a genuine opportunity to build up a substantial enterprise with several stores. The beauty of the MBE franchise is that everyone can be their own business person.”

“We get great support from head office, particularly with creative materials and new marketing initiatives. We also develop our own materials and commission brochures and other print items,” he added.

Chris Gillam, who heads Mail Boxes Etc.’s franchisee recruitment, said: “We recognise the need to consider alternatives to our traditional High Street locations, which we have always favoured. The introduction of campus-based stores and second satellite stores seems a very sensible way of serving our wide and growing customer base, particularly in a rapidly changing retail environment.”

IT Expert changes career with a Revive! franchise

IT Expert changes career with a Revive! franchise

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

In a complete change of career direction computer expert Adam McCaig has decided to set up his own franchise business, Revive! Slough, repairing minor damage and scuffs on vehicles and alloy wheels.

For the past 7 years, 44-year-old Adam worked as an IT manager for the National Health Service, but has always enjoyed fixing up and looking after cars for as long as he can remember.

Adam, who is from High Wycombe, said: “I originally worked in electronics and became involved in IT because no one else in the company knew how to deal with computers. I have spent the last seven years working for a NHS trust as an IT manager but it was never something I really wanted to do.

“I had been looking for something new for a couple of years and whenever I spoke to friends in the same position as me I always advised them to set up on their own in business. I eventually decided to take my own advice and started looking at various different franchises. I liked the idea of being my own boss, but with the reassurance of following a proven business model combined with ongoing support from head office.

“I decided to go with Revive! because I have always been interested in cars and liked the fact that the company has led the way in getting ATA accreditation for cosmetic smart repair. I have very high standards and wanted to be involved with a top quality business.”

The father-of-one has taken on the Revive! franchise for the area around Slough and after a month of training at the Revive! IMI approved training centre in Rugby he is now raring to go.

Smart repair is a quality, cost effective and time-saving alternative to taking the vehicle to a body shop for minor paintwork repairs. Costing far less than most insurance policy excesses, the work is carried out at a time and place to suit the customer, minimising vehicle downtime and protecting the owner’s no claims bonus.

Adam added: “I am a people person and I am also very practical and hands-on so the Revive! franchise suits me down to the ground. It was a big decision to make but my girlfriend backed me a hundred per cent and I just decided to go for it.”

Revive! Slough is an easy to use service and Adam specialises in dealing with unsightly scrapes and marks on most makes of cars and vans with next to no fuss and at highly competitive rates. He will travel to anywhere in Slough and the surrounding area and can carry out the work at customer’s home or place of work.

Revive! has one of the largest networks of technicians across the UK and is the preferred supplier of SMART repairs to major car dealerships and fleet operators. Customers include Alfa Romeo Fiat, Lex Autolease and Mercedes.
 

Energie franchise club moves into Grade II listing building

Energie franchise club moves into Grade II listing building

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

The énergie Group has announced the opening of its new Fitness Club in Banbury.

The 8,000sqft fitness club located in the stunning Grade II Listed St Leonards’ Old School on Middleton Road has created up to 10 new jobs from management to administration positions and brings the very latest state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to the town. Énergie Banbury features Precor cardio equipment with personal viewing screens, and Precor resistance machines alongside two free weights areas; abs room; spinning and classes; treatment rooms and saunas.

To celebrate the opening, the club is hosting an open weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February where anyone can visit and meet the team. Events and activities will take place throughout the day, including a charity ‘rowathon’ where two teams will compete to see who can row the furthest in two days. The winning team will get to choose the charity to which the money raised is donated, with the new ownership donating a further £1 for every 1000 metres rowed.

Young Entrepreneur, Chris Djuric (22) is the franchise owner, he said: “énergie has a completely unique approach of making fitness available to all levels and abilities but prides itself on delivering results. With over 90 clubs in the UK, members will be supported by one of the biggest up-and-coming brands in the industry.

“We are investing all our efforts into ensuring the quality is delivered to our members to encourage them to come back week after week and enjoy their experience at énergie.”

Franchisor Rosemary Conley impressed the nation on ITV's Dancing on Ice

Franchisor Rosemary Conley impressed the nation on ITV's Dancing on Ice

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Skating legends Torvill and Dean unveiled a stellar cast of celebrities and have taken on their biggest challenge in ITV1’s hit series Dancing On Ice.

The celebrities of the 2012 series are: Dallas icon Charlene Tilton, Hollywood actor Corey Feldman, Sugababe Heidi Range, singer Chesney Hawkes, actress Laila Morse, diet and fitness guru Rosemary Conley, children’s TV presenter Sam Nixon, actress Jennifer Ellison, TV presenter Andy Akinwolere, Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden, Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter, founder of freerunning Sébastien Foucan, Britain’s top female skier Chemmy Alcott, and children TV presenter Mark Rhodes and Coronation Street star Andy Whyment.

The new series is currently being filmed live at Elstree studios and the skating stars compete each week to perform the specially choreographed routines live in the studio.

Phillip Schofield and new co-host Christine Bleakley present the 7th series and unveiled an all new Ice Panel. Returning Head Judge Robin Cousins is joined by double Olympic champion Katarina Witt and acclaimed chorographer Louie Spence who they will be ready and waiting to deliver their verdicts. Head coach Karen Barber returns to offer her expertise and support to the show’s celebrity skaters.

Following in the footsteps of previous winners Sam Attwater, Hayley Tamaddon Ray Quinn, Suzanne Shaw, Kyran Bracken and Gaynor Faye, our skating stars are currently battling it out to win the approval of the all important judges, capture the hearts of the nation, and compete for the title of Dancing on Ice Champion 2012.

Unfortunately, Rosemary was knocked out of the competition on the 12th of February but we are incredibly proud of her achievements - especially as we saw her skate through to the sixth programme in the series, to make her the oldest celebrity to ever make it through to that stage in the programme

More on Rosemary Conley

Age: 65

Professional partner: Mark Hanretty

Dancing On Ice has made me feel like I’m 25 again! My husband has said he's never seen me so happy in the 28 years that we've been together!

Diet and fitness guru Rosemary Conley admits she’s having the time of her life rehearsing for the new series of Dancing On Ice, so much so her husband has commented that he’s never seen her so happy. Partnered with professional skater, Mark Hanretty, Rosemary brings them both pack lunches to ensure they are eating the right foods before training.

Rosemary says, “The only healthy thing that I’m doing is eating more which I can with all the exercising I am doing. I take Mark’s lunch everyday because I want to make sure that he is going to be well looked after. So while I’m packing my own lunch, I’m packing his as well.”

She continues, “To be honest I’m not suffering with any aches and pains. I always do my stretches afterwards and we always warm up carefully and Mark is very thorough with his tuition and his discipline, how to look after us and so on. I just want to get to January in one piece. I've been on the ceiling with excitement since I started training; my husband has said he's never seen me so happy in the 28 years that we've been together!” Rosemary reveals that she was at first intimated when she met skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

She says, “It’s almost like you can’t describe your first meeting with Torvill and Dean and it’s because you’ve just got so much respect for them they are such unique and amazing skaters in their own right but they’re just so genuinely lovely. Before the programme I was a bit intimidated by Christopher Dean, and in actual fact he’s absolutely lovely. The reason I’ve been intimidated by him is because I’ve picked up over the various series that he’s asked people to do things that are really quite tough and after all that he’s just a hard task master but he’s been totally lovely and Jayne Torvill is a joy.”

Having earned huge respect for her diet and fitness advice, Rosemary admits that skating is teaching her to get into poses she never thought possible! She says, “I’m certainly getting my body into positions I didn’t know I ever could and I’m certainly bending backwards more than I thought I ever would or could!” Rosemary continues, “I’m dreading throwing up after I’ve done a spin on the ice! Last week we practiced the spin but when Mark put me back down on the ice, I couldn’t get up! When I got home, I couldn’t eat my dinner – it took me four hours recover! "

Article: ITV Press Centre

Award Winning Creation Station Franchise combats rising childcare costs

Award Winning Creation Station Franchise combats rising childcare costs

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

The crippling cost of childcare means that 1 in 4 working parents are forced into debt or have to consider leaving work as they cannot afford to pay their childcare costs. The report, published jointly by two charities – the Daycare Trust and Save the Children, comes at a time when childcare costs have never been higher.

Sarah Cressall set up her own business with three children under three and a half years “The childcare costs where prohibitive for me to go back to work and yet I needed to bring in an income”

Cressall established The Creation Station to provide educationally based art and crafts experiences for children. “The business system I developed enabled me to bring my three boys to work where they joined in with the classes. I removed all our families childcare costs and could contribute to the our income” states Cressall “As my boys have grown, I have also been able to be there for them as I can work flexibly around their needs”

Due to the demand for alternative family friendly work solutions Cressall franchised The Creation Station with support from the British Franchise Association. In the past 12 months the number of Mums running their own Creation Station franchise has doubled from 20 to 52 franchise owners.

The Creation Station announced today they have awarded the Crème de la Crème Business Award which showcase and celebrate the very best in business excellence.

Angela Hood from Tyne and Wear recently gave up her career as a solicitor and has just completed her training to run he own Creation station Franchise. “The cost of childcare and the fact that I had hardly any time with my daughter made me seriously reviewing my situation” said Hood “Running my own franchise, with the systems and support in place gives me the opportunity to earn, with no childcare costs. Plus I now have the work life balance I really want so that I can now be there for my daughter”

The Creation Station supports families looking for alternatives to rising childcare costs and is providing the family activity centre at the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC on February 24th and 25th 2012 and at Olympia on the 16th and 17th March. The Creation Station is also proud to be sponsoring the Working Mums Live Exhibition at the Design Centre in London on the 27th March.

Christopher Watkin of Belvoir Lettings franchise reveals ambitious plans for UK

Christopher Watkin of Belvoir Lettings franchise reveals ambitious plans for UK

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

“Belvoir currently has 142 offices nationwide and we plan to open 15 new franchises in 2012,” says Christopher Watkin, head of Belvoir recruitment “Since the news of Belvoir’s stock market flotation listing appeared in the national and trade press there has been a noticeable increase in enquiries from the South East and London - areas we specifically aim to target this year.”

“All a potential franchise owner needs to succeed is drive, determination, enthusiasm and excellent communication skills, as Belvoir can provide the necessary training. Prior to starting with Belvoir just two per cent of our franchise owners had a property background and yet our top 25% of franchise owners achieved an average turnover of £313,721.91 and our top 10% of offices achieved an average turnover of £408,831.16. (Rolling YTD Jul 2011). One of our offices turned over £397,924.95 in its third year of operating and the turnover record for our best office was in excess of £650,000.

“We have discovered that the things that really matter to potential franchise owners are the strength of the Belvoir brand and the level of support they will receive. They are also able talk to other franchise owners and become part of the Belvoir family, receiving support and advice from people who have been in the same position.

“Lettings is a consistently growing market in the UK, and a Belvoir franchise can give franchise owners the opportunity to take advantage of a lucrative, recession-proof business with an award-winning brand. I think it gives out a very powerful message that we feel confident enough about the Belvoir brand to be able to challenge any potential business owners to not just take our word about the pros and cons of running a Belvoir franchise, but to pick up the telephone and ask any of our franchise owners for their honest opinion.

“Belvoir already has a strong presence in the Midlands and North West and we are actively targeting other areas in 2012 including Northern Ireland and the South of England.

“Throughout the year Belvoir will be running a series of free Discovery Seminars, which are designed as a stepping-stone for people who have expressed an initial interest in a lettings franchise but don’t feel they have sufficient information to commit to coming to Central Office for a full day in order to find out if a Belvoir franchise is the right opportunity for them.

“Belvoir also now has a presence on the Lloyds TSB franchise seminars and it is a testament to the strength of the Belvoir brand that we have been invited to take part in these. Throughout the year the Belvoir recruitment team will be visiting many major cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and London and we will also be attending many franchise shows.
 

Dream Doors franchise conference celebrates another year of record growth

Dream Doors franchise conference celebrates another year of record growth

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

For a brand that has grown by almost 20 percent last year, Dream Doors' Annual Conference provided the perfect platform to celebrate. Top of the tree were Dream Doors Oxford's Mike and Elaine Hurley, who walked away with an unprecedented triple trophy haul that included the coveted 'Franchisee of the Year' award for the showroom with the highest annual turnover.

Taking the top award for the first time with sales of £745,000 – and one stand out day in September that secured £69,000 and the award for the most 'Outstanding Monthly Performance' – the Hurleys beat their closest rival by more than £100,000. Holiday vouchers and luxury hampers were warmly received, but it was the people's choice, or 'Player's Player' trophy that the couple will cherish the most, an award voted for by all 40 Dream Doors franchisees.

“We knew about the 'Franchisee of the Year' award because everyone's figures are published for the whole network to see,” says Elaine. “But we really didn't expect the other ones, particularly the 'Player's Player' award. That one really meant a lot. It was quite an emotional moment for us since we were chosen as winners by our peers, and not just as a result of our financial performance.”

“This does make it all worthwhile,” she adds. “We've been under pressure lately, managing the logistics and installations that follow such high sales. And what with Christmas and a holiday planned we've not had much time to reflect on our achievements. This is real reward for all that effort, and we'll be enjoying all three hampers well into the New Year.”

Amongst the other prizes handed out during the black-tie ceremony were the 'Checkatrade Award' for the branch that demonstrated the best in customer care, the 'Head Office Award' for the franchisee that had given most support back to the brand, and the self-explanatory 'Most Improved Franchisee' won by Dream Doors Bath's Ivor McKeown.

Says Ivor: “I'm totally shocked. The award was a real surprise for us, but it's an accurate reflection of the year we had. The first half of 2011 was pretty poor, and May was the worst month we've had in three years of trading. But since then things have just got better and better. January has been the same and one of the best months we've had.”

He adds: “The head-office directed online marketing has helped by generating lots more internet based enquiries. But more importantly I have total belief in Dream Doors and the products and the service we provide. Customers want to see that and respond to enthusiasm and belief. Plus I couldn't do this if I didn't enjoy it, and I really love what I do.”
 

Cafe2U franchisee winners of 2011

Cafe2U franchisee winners of 2011

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

At the Cafe2U National Leadership Conference, held in Bristol last weekend, the Cafe2U Franchise Partner of 2011 was announced and awarded a fantastic holiday in Rome.

Laura Macrae from Cafe2U Aberdeen West had a superb 2011 with record sales and being highly commended at the Beverage Standards Awards and, to add the sprinkles on top, she has now been awarded Franchise Partner of the Year 2011! Laura was extremely happy to be recognised for the quality of her work: “I continually check that the coffee I am serving is of the best standard and sometimes I can re-calibrate my coffee grinder 10 times a day! I love my work and I am really lucky to be supported by my wonderful husband Stuart – it is so important to have the backing of your family when you start your own business.”

The world’s biggest mobile coffee franchise which now has over 50 franchise partners in the UK also recognised the achievements of several of their network during the awards dinner and ceremony:
Supreme Bean for the best performing newcomers: Antonio Petrosino, Merton, London
Barista of the Year: Lance Hill, Cardiff Central & Docks
Top Performers of the Year: Gary & Rachel Wilson, Bristol North; Laura Macrae, Aberdeen West; Faye Cochrane, Edinburgh; Tim Shaw, Reading West.

The Leadership Conference, attended by Cafe2U franchise partners, staff and guest speakers, enjoyed a motivational and eye-opening talk from keynote speaker and UK author Mike Heppell on how to free up an hour of your time each day. The weekend also included some business development plans for 2012 and a Barista Jam where the Cafe2U baristas tried to beat Jon, Cafe2U’s head of training and coffee guru, with a ‘latte art-off’!

Cafe2U’s UK Managing Director, Tom Acland thinks that these annual conferences are extremely important for the company and moving all of its franchise partners forwards together: “This year our conference theme was geared towards ‘working smarter’. As we move our global brand forwards, we must all work towards consistency, and higher brand standards, allowing us to grow and develop in the most sustainable way.”

“The Franchise Partner of the Year Award Programme recognises those who have been both active within our community and have consistently delivered a high quality in both product and service to their customers. To achieve the distinction of being awarded the National Franchise Partner of the Year is recognition of Laura’s high standards of excellence.”

Proudly born and bred in Australia, Cafe2U is already the world’s largest mobile coffee franchise with over 110 mobile coffee vans in Australia, over 50 in the UK and Ireland and the first few recently launched in the USA.

Image attached:
From left to right: Laura Macrae, Angela Bakun (Antonio’s partner) and Antonio Petrosino, Lance Hill

New ERA franchisee signs client only 6 weeks after completing training

New ERA franchisee signs client only 6 weeks after completing training

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Fresh off of foundation training, Steve Cummings is delighted to have already signed his first client with the assistance of Expense Reduction Analysts’ new Academy Business Manager.

Wanting to be his own boss after a 32 year career in the corporate world, Steve was seeking a role that allowed him to utilise the skills and industry knowledge that he had acquired, with the freedom of being his own boss.

Speaking of his initial meeting with his first client, Steve said: “The first meeting went very well as I had pretty well lined the client up before the visit, using my existing contacts and experience in my new business. As I had just completed my foundation training, I was able to quickly identify the issues that they were experiencing with their suppliers.”

It is Steve’s belief that the extensive training taught him a significant amount that was useful in signing his first client: “The main thing that I used from the training was the knowledge and the confidence in the service we supply. Truly, it is the anecdotal information and style, which is provided by the consultants who ‘practice what they preach’ in the training programme that was of major assistance here.”

Expense Reduction Analysts’ training programmes are run by established consultants and training professionals who are able to share their authentic industry experience and knowledge.

Once the initial training is completed, the support hub provides ongoing support and guidance to new franchisees in the first stages of their business through their own dedicated Business Academy Manager. Steve describes the support he received once his initial training was completed: “I have found the support to be exceptionally helpful and proactive whenever I have required their assistance. Andy Bannister, Academy Business Manager, has demonstrated a genuine ongoing interest and involvement in my business, even attending my first client meeting with me so I was able to see the theory I’d learnt in training put into practice very well. This certainly helped when I had my first solo flight! There is a real desire within Expense Reduction Analysts to see the ‘new kids’ do well.”

Delighted with signing up his first client, Steve has immediately set out to deliver significant savings and improve procurement processes across a range of different categories.

To find out how you can become an Expense Reduction Analyst Consultant, book a free Discovery Day, or visit us at a franchise exhibition:

"Auditel franchise - A Strong Business Model"

"Auditel franchise - A Strong Business Model"

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Moreland Insurance Brokers and bfa announce new partnership

Moreland Insurance Brokers and bfa announce new partnership

Franchise News from whichfranchise.com

Moreland Insurance Brokers, a highly recognised independent sector specialist, today announced an important new partnership with the British Franchise Association (bfa), as part of a new bfa Brand Partnership initiative.

The strategic relationship means that Moreland, a member of the Willis Commercial Network, one of the world's largest insurance intermediaries, will be able to offer new, exclusive benefits to members of the bfa in recognition of their dedication to, and investment in, ethical franchising.

The company specialises in products and packages tailored to the unique requirements of both franchisees and franchisors, with innovative polices recognising the specialised risk in franchising.

Maurice Logie, owner and director of Moreland, said: “Franchising has always been of great interest to me. We have supported the industry for many years and have done all we can to get behind important activities such as the bfa’s Scottish Franchise Week.”

"The sector represents tenacity and stability - attributes which are attractive to our key partners in the insurance industry - and this new relationship with the bfa enables us to enhance our previous work in the industry and demonstrate our long term commitment.”

The partnership, part of a strategic drive by the bfa to engage with suppliers to the sector, will see Moreland working alongside the Willis Affinity team, creating the ability to offer the right insurance solution for any size or complexity of franchise.

Brian Smart, Director General of the bfa, added: “Moreland is now a brand well regarded in the industry and that is largely a result of the unwavering commitment by Maurice to pursue excellence in the services he provides to ethical franchising.”

“Insurance is an area of business that we all need to take seriously, whether we like it or not, and it is a great comfort that we are able to find a partner in this field as passionate about franchising as we are.”