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All systems go at Baguette Express franchise

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Following the Bluebird Care model and have no regrets

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After working in the care at home care sector for 20 years, Prafula Joshi was keen to become her own boss. With her husband Munjal by her side, Prafula took the plunge and launched the first Bluebird Care franchise in March 2007. Since then the couple has gone on to build a thriving business following the Bluebird Care model and have no regrets.
“I started out as a carer and over the years worked my way up to care co-ordinator at a care at home agency,” reveals Prafula. “My husband Munjal worked in IT. We both reached a point where we had had enough of working hard for someone else and so discussed the idea of starting up a business of our own.
“Investing in a franchise was the safest way for us to become selfemployed as we would have the back up and support of the franchisor. Care at home franchise Bluebird Care caught our attention because not only would it utilise my existing skills and experience, it was also a new franchise and had, we felt, the most comprehensive franchise package on the market. Having previously worked at a care agency with Bluebird Care Managing Director Paul Tarsey and Franchise Director Simon Dalziel, I trusted them straight away and knew they had the experience and drive to make the brand a success.”
“We purchased the Harrow territory and then went on a one-week intensive training course, which taught us everything we needed to know in order to run the business. Since then, we have had ongoing support, which has been wonderful.
“It took us around three months to get our professional accreditation and Bluebird Care was behind us every step of the way. This included helping us with the documentation and answering any questions we or the accreditation body had about the way the business operated. Since then Bluebird Care has been a source of constant support.
“We love running our own business and like the fact we dictate the hours we work and are able to take holidays when we want to. Last year Munjal and I went to India for two weeks and later this year we plan to take another holiday. At present, we have three members of staff who help us run the office on a day-to-day basis and we are a great team!”
Unique franchise proposition with Platinum Property Partners

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In times of economic recession, maintaining good levels of cashflow in your business is more important than ever. Platinum Property Partners (PPP) is a unique franchise proposition which offers an opportunity that’s cash-positive from the outset.
The concept that ‘standing on the shoulders of giants’ is the most efficient route to success has been proven time and again, so it’s no surprise that franchising, as a sector, has continued to flourish, even in these difficult times. Platinum Property Partners – the world's first, and currently only property investing franchise - is not only a prime example, but a market leader, having gone from start up to 40 active Franchise Partners (franchisees) in just two years.
The NatWest/BFA Franchising Survey 2009 reported that most franchisees can expect to break even by the end of year two. Unlike almost all other forms of buy to let investment, the PPP core business model generates such high levels of rental income that each property acquired by a PPP Franchise Partner is expected to be cash-positive to the tune of £1,000+ per month, from the outset. This means their investments truly are assets from the start – servicing their own debt and providing profit on top – which will then bring additional, lump-sum returns and rewards in the medium to long term.
The Founders of PPP, multi-millionaire property investors and entrepreneurs, Steve Bolton, Nick Carlile and Richard Davies, have invested in excess of half a billion pounds in property over the last 20 years, across 14 different countries, and have vast cumulative experience in residential, commercial, self-build, land and property development. Franchise Partners are given personal, intensive initial one to one mentoring and then ongoing training and support in order to help them follow the various systems & strategies Steve, Nick & Richard have developed and refined in building their own portfolios, using strengths in different markets to maximise cashflow and capital growth.
Partly because of the reputations of the three Founding Partners and partly because of the undeniable quality of its Franchise proposition, PPP has been able to attract leading figures in their relative fields to become part of its ‘power team’, which offers coaching, mentoring and support to those within the franchise. This group of advisors and experts in the business, legal, financial and property spheres, includes individuals and organisations that it would be either impossible or prohibitively expensive for people outside the franchise to access.
Unlike most other franchises, the business assets (properties) are owned by PPP Franchise Partners and, because property is a constantly shifting market, the 'best’ business strategy – i.e. the Franchise ‘product’ – has to change along with it. The huge benefit of working with such experienced Franchisors is that they are able to predict trends and opportunities, can quickly adapt and roll out updated best practice, and are able to offer their Franchise Partners a variety of investment strategies. The PPP franchise has also been designed to be flexible and non-exclusive, so Franchise Partners can operate their business from home, part-time or full-time, and are not only allowed to have other income streams, but are encouraged to do so.
Over the past twelve months, despite the ongoing economic recession and property market downturn, Franchise Partners have continued to grow and make excellent profits from their UK portfolios. The business models for maximising return on capital have proved both resilient and adaptable to the current global crisis, and many Franchise Partners are also experiencing elevated profits, thanks to the current low Bank of England base rate and its effect on repayments on tracker mortgages.
Manali, investing in West Drayton, is making £1,700 a month pre-tax profit on one house in multiple occupation (HMO) and £1,800 on another, after the mortgage and all bills associated with the property have been paid. The rental income for properties let in this way – typically 6 rooms rented individually to working adults, rather than letting the whole property to just one family or to students - is significant, and provides an average yield of 14%. Kim and Steve, based in Cardiff, are making just over £2,500 a month from two HMOs, the relatively high outgoings for one property with a significant mortgage repayment, balanced by rental income of nearly £3,400 a month.
While profits have remained high for Franchise Partners, the huge changes in the mortgage lending market over the past year or so have meant a massively increased level of capital input is required to purchase and renovate a typical HMO. The Founders have put a lot of extra time and resources into training and workshops, and some new strategies have been adopted to take advantage of the best opportunities currently available. Working with passive investors and taking control of a property by way of a lease, rather than buying it outright, are two examples of ways in which PPP is encouraging and helping Franchise Partners to conserve their capital and maximise returns.
To further help Franchise Partners accelerate the growth of their business and diversify their portfolios, PPP has also developed passive investment opportunities, which require capital input, but no time commitment. With Platinum Portfolio Builder, PPP turns an investment of around £27,000 (plus a variable amount of working capital, returned at the end of the project term) into significant equity by sourcing, acquiring and managing a small portfolio which is bought at a minimum 25% below current market value, verified by a RICS surveyor. Many Franchise Partners are already using PPP's systems for acquiring properties like this themselves, and achieving even higher discounts and returns through spending more time sourcing and negotiating deals.
There are other passive investment opportunities, including: a loan scheme which offers excellent returns and can provide extra income for high net worth individuals who have significant amounts of capital in the bank or in under-performing investments; and overseas investment projects, available when and where market conditions offer sound and secure returns. These additional investment options are also available outside the franchise, to selected parties who are invited to join as Passive Investment Partners.
All those involved with the Franchise have a genuine desire to give back - whether that's in terms of money, time or sharing skills - and tend to approach life with a win-win attitude. PPP’s holistic approach to business is reflected in the organisation’s mission to ‘Be more, do more, have more, give more’. It measures the success of Franchise Partners not just by financial performance, but also by health, happiness and contribution to others, and provides personal development workshops, books and other learning materials to help Franchise Partners set and achieve their goals.
Alex Ferretti is a Nutritional Therapist, who joined PPP as a foundation Franchise Partner. “The reason I joined the franchise was so that I could benefit from not only the great strategies and support provided on the property investment front, but also the continuous personal development opportunities offered to Franchise Partners, and the focus on health, balance and happiness. This holistic attitude to achieving freedom and success in life is something I had not come across before in any other company, and I can honestly say I am proud to be a part of this group of truly inspirational people.”
Redundancy gave new lease of life with Martin & Co franchise

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Molly Maid Wimbeldon named UK's top franchisee

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Wimbeldon Molly Maid named UK's top franchisee

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Furniture Medic franchise compliments established lifestyle and business

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Steve Rollinson, Furniture Medic franchise owner, Romford
We bought our Furniture Medic franchise (part of ServiceMaster group) in 2006 and we are delighted to report that it has been a successful investment for us. The business has run smoothly and it is the perfect compliment to our already established upholstery business.
We were very impressed with all the support given from Furniture Medic head office; this includes I.T, technical, administration. Generally, whenever we need to speak to someone they are readily available on the telephone or they respond promptly to emails. Even now, it is good to know they will help or deal with situations that arise from time to time.
The most important matter to any business is that invoices are paid on time. Servicemaster understand this and ensure that we are paid within the terms and conditions of the invoice. This provides us with the comfort and security of always knowing our financial situation.
Overall, we are very pleased with our decision to join ServiceMaster through buying a Furniture Medic franchise. We feel that the franchise arrangement works well for both parties and we look forward to carrying out further business on behalf of Servicemaster.
Getting Involved in the Community

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Zulfikar Somji
McDonald's Franchisee, East London
Zulfikar Somji believes working with the community and building local contacts makes a winning difference to McDonald's image. McDonald's 'Just Bin It' litter-busting campaign had been a part of his community activity calendar for four years before he won the national 'Just Bin It' title. He won the prize for the many links he forged with local councillors, editors and community partnerships.
But what stands out for Zulfikar are the links with the local schools, and the sense of pride his management and staff get from what they have achieved within the local community. He and his managers get involved with education at many levels, talking to business students about franchising and self-employment, and helping with interview techniques. They also volunteer as reading partners for local children with reading difficulties. Their award from the local borough for their commitment to Work Related Learning takes pride of place in the restaurant.
In a community with many friends and family affected by the Asian tsunami, Zulfikar's Forest Gate restaurant in east London quickly became a focal point for fundraising efforts. Says Zulfikar: "People were happy to give their money to McDonald's to forward to this appeal, which I think demonstrates a great deal of trust in the Company."
EX-COFFEE REP REFRESHES DRAIN DOCTOR LONDON FRANCHISE

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A former restaurateur and coffee distributor with over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry is meeting the credit crunch head on by setting up his own recession busting business.
Yiltan Hurer is putting his business management skills to the test by starting his own plumbing business. He has taken on the London North West franchise for Drain Doctor Plumbing, offering emergency plumbing and drainage repairs.
Yiltan brings a wealth of business experience with him. He is a restaurateur by profession and spent 20 years running his own restaurant before joining Italian coffee roaster Levazza as the UK distributor for its roasted coffee beans.
“My cousin Mehmet Moustafa is taking on the North London Drain Doctor franchise. He asked me for advice and I came up with Mehmet to meet Drain Doctor directors Jan and Freddie Mitman.
“I got on really well with them from our first meeting and decided there and then that I would also take on a Drain Doctor franchise. It is important to get on well with the people you work with and I was very impressed by their successful approach to business.
“Drain Doctor has a proven system. It offers a recession-proof opportunity where I can be an independent operator running my own business but with all the back-up that comes with being part of a large national organisation. I aim to give businesses and householders in North London the ‘dazzling’ level of service in plumbing and drainage which Drain Doctor provides across the rest of the country.
“My customers get fixed-price, no obligation quotes, a complete guarantee on all our work, and a full 24 hour per day seven day per week service with no call out charges – so people pay the same price for work at any time of day or night. What’s more, my plumbers turn up at the agreed time!”
Yiltan’s cousin Mehmet is running the neighbouring Drain Doctor franchise so the pair intend to pool some resources. They will share office premises in Barnet although their technicians will cover different areas.
“As well as sharing office resources to reduce costs we are working out a system whereby we can offer enhanced emergency callout services covering each other’s areas. We will be working out a rota using all of our technicians so that we always have on call emergency cover but they can also get time off.”
Yiltan plans to begin trading with two technicians. He intends to expand that to three at the end of the first year and increase the business again and have four vans on the road by the end of year two.
“I want to grow the business in a sustained and controlled way but despite the credit crunch and the impending recession I don’t intend to hold back on investment,” said Yiltan.
Launched in the United Kingdom in 1993, Drain Doctor Plumbing quickly grew to become the country's largest emergency plumbing and drain repair service. It now provides a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year service across the country with each franchise area such as London North West run as an independent business.
Popstars Academy franchise opened by S-CLUB 7 star

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Local residents attended the launch party of the Popstars Academy for Children’s Dance Classes and Parties opened by S-CLUB 7 star Bradley McIntosh at The Chiswick Town Hall. The excitement reverberated through the building as Bradley entered the hall and officially opened the Academy by cutting the ribbon with Popstars Academy owners and 90’s Popstars Lee Brennan from 911 and Lindsay Armaou from B*witched.
Bradley joined his fans and taught them the official dance moves from S-CLUB 7s Record of the year and Brit winning hit ‘Don’t Stop Movin’. The children thoroughly enjoyed dancing with the star and Bradley mingled with all the happy guests and children, signing autographs and having his photographs taken with all the fans.
Bradley shared his own experience of dance by saying he believes that “Popstars Academy is a great place for young children to build up their self confidence and learn how to dance to different styles of music. The atmosphere I felt today at the launch party was inspiring and it was great fun teaching the children some of the S club 7 dance moves. Even some of the parents were joining in! It’s such a positive thing for children to do and I know the benefits as my two sisters go to dance classes and they love it and it helps to keep them active which is really important’’
S-Club 7 had huge success with 5 Number One singles! They released Pop Classics like – Reach, Don’t Stop Movin’, S-Club Party, Bring It All Back and Never Had A Dream Come True! ‘Don’t Stop Movin’ won Record of the Year and a Brit Award for best song! S-Club 7 went their separate ways in March 2003 but are to be re-united this year as a five piece group to tour around the UK.
Popstars Academy franchise owner Lindsay said ‘’ The launch party was fantastic! Bradley was an absolute star. He made sure everybody had an autograph and he said he would love to come back again and teach the children some more dance moves. We had a great turnout and we look forward to welcoming all of our students for their free trial next Tuesday 17th March. All the children were thrilled with their free Popstar Microphone and were singing into them during the dance teaching’’
THE POPSTARS ACADEMY are the UK Specialists for Dance Classes and Parties. The Dance Classes are a mixture of energising ‘feel good’ routines combined with more challenging choreography as well as use of an array of dance props.
Their ethos is for the children to progress whilst enjoying themselves, building self esteem and confidence without the pressure of exams. Suitable for ages 4-11. Free trial class is available. POPSTAR PARTIES provide Dance Instruction to current chart songs combined with some all time favourites.
Choreographed Dance Routines with a mix of Popstar Games, music, lights, and many Popstar Props including Blow Up Guitars, Glitter Microphones, Cheer Leader Pom Poms.
Also very popular are High School Musical and Grease ‘themed’ Parties. The owners of the Popstars Academy franchise for Richmond & Twickenham are Lindsay Armaou and Lee Brennan. Lindsay Armaou enjoyed worldwide success with Irish girlband B*Witched with hits such as ‘C’est La Vie’ and ‘Blame it on the Weatherman’.
Their first 4 singles debuted at Number One in the UK, putting them in the Guinness book of records as the first girl group ever to achieve this. Lee Brennan is famous for being the lead singer of the boyband 911 who were one of the biggest pop acts of the nineties releasing 13 singles and 4 albums, including a platinum selling number 1!
Lee and Lindsay’s experience in the Pop World has inspired them to launch their new business and Lee says ‘Being a part of the Popstars Academy is a fantastic opportunity for Lindsay and I to pass on our experience and knowledge of the Pop World. It’s all about inspiring children and helping them build in confidence while having heaps of fun.’ To find out more about the Local Dance Classes & Popstar Parties T : 020 8568 6886 www.PopstarsAcademy.com
Welcoming Sign from Local Business

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Children and staff at Avonmore Primary school have been collaborating to make their main entrance a real talking point! They’ve been working with their local FASTSIGNS® centre in Hammersmith to design and produce a new welcome sign.
Head teacher Mr Hale said: “Our old sign wasn’t big enough and people didn’t realise it was our main entrance. I decided to approach Fastsigns and see what they could do. They agreed to take care of the technical aspects of the work and we’ve got all our children involved in designing and decorating the sign.”
Children from the school’s nursery are creating characters to decorate the sign, whilst the older children are designing the letters. Each class is responsible for one of the letters.
Mr Hale commented “We’ve been really pleased with Fastsigns. They work just around the corner from us and we’re excited to be using the children’s art for a school project with a local company.”
Abbie who works for Fastsigns in Hammersmith has been handling the venture. She added: “It’s great to see what the children have come up. We’ve had a great time working with the school and hope this will be the start of a long-term relationship.”
To contact Fastsigns Hammersmith call 02077 511121
Welcoming sign from local business

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Children and staff at Avonmore Primary school have been collaborating to make their main entrance a real talking point! They’ve been working with their local FASTSIGNS® centre in Hammersmith to design and produce a new welcome sign.
Head teacher Mr Hale said: “Our old sign wasn’t big enough and people didn’t realise it was our main entrance. I decided to approach Fastsigns and see what they could do. They agreed to take care of the technical aspects of the work and we’ve got all our children involved in designing and decorating the sign.”
Children from the school’s nursery are creating characters to decorate the sign, whilst the older children are designing the letters. Each class is responsible for one of the letters.
Mr Hale commented “We’ve been really pleased with Fastsigns. They work just around the corner from us and we’re excited to be using the children’s art for a school project with a local company.”
Abbie who works for Fastsigns in Hammersmith has been handling the venture. She added: “It’s great to see what the children have come up. We’ve had a great time working with the school and hope this will be the start of a long-term relationship.”
BOYZONE star opens Postars Academy franchise in Isleworth

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THE POPSTARS ACADEMY are the UK Specialists for Dance Classes and Parties. The Dance Classes are a mixture of energising ‘feel good’ routines combined with more challenging choreography as well as use of an array of dance props. Their ethos is for the children to progress whilst enjoying themselves, building self esteem and confidence without the pressure of exams. Suitable for ages 4-11. Free trial class is available. POPSTAR PARTIES provide Dance Instruction to current chart songs combined with some all time favourites. Choreographed Dance Routines with a mix of Popstar Games, music, lights, and many Popstar Props including Blow Up Guitars, Glitter Microphones, Cheer Leader Pom Poms. Also very popular are High School Musical and Grease ‘themed’ Parties. EX-ESTATE AGENT BRINGS DRAIN DOCTORS DAZZLING SERVICE TO LONDON

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UK-born Turkish Cypriot Mehmet Moustafa, a former dry cleaner and estate agent, is putting his business management skills to the test by starting his own plumbing business.
Mehmet has taken on the London North West franchise for Drain Doctor Plumbing offering emergency plumbing and drainage repairs in Barnet, Enfield and the surrounding areas.
Mehmet brings a wealth of business experience with him. He is a dry cleaner by profession and spent 20 years running a family owned dry cleaning business in the Turkish Cypriot community in North London. During that time he also built up a property portfolio.
“After working for so long in the dry cleaning industry I felt I needed a change so decided to leave and get a ‘civilised job’. I worked for a while in an estate agency to build up experience then used my property development experience to set up my own estate agency in partnership with someone. When the partnership broke up I went back into the retail business running a coffee shop.
“Because I didn’t find this fulfilling or challenging I started to look around at franchising opportunities in different areas of business and settled on Drain Doctor.”
Drain Doctor has a proven system and I relish being part of a winning team. I wanted to make the change ahead of potential hard times and realised franchising offers a much better chance of success than individual enterprise. Drain Doctor offers a recession-proof opportunity.
“I can be an independent operator running my own business but with all the back-up that comes with being part of a national organisation. I aim to give businesses and householders in North London the ‘dazzling’ level of service in plumbing and drainage which Drain Doctor provides across the rest of the country.
“My customers get fixed-price, no obligation quotes, a complete guarantee on all our work, and a full 24 hour per day seven day per week service with no call out charges – so people pay the same price for work at any time of day or night. What’s more, my plumbers turn up at the agreed time!”
Because he has purchased an existing franchise Mehmet will work with an existing Drain Doctor technician to learn the job but after three to four weeks he plans to leave the plumbing to the professionals and concentrate on telesales and marketing.
Mehmet’s cousin Yiltan is to run the neighbouring Drain Doctor franchise so the pair intend to pool some resources and share office premises in Barnet although their technicians will cover different areas.
Launched in the United Kingdom in 1993, Drain Doctor Plumbing quickly grew to become the country's largest emergency plumbing and drain repair service. It now provides a 24 hour a day, 365 days a year service across the country with each franchise area such as North London run as an independent business.
