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Healthy profits for LighterLife franchise team

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Husband and wife team, Paula and Geoff Atkinson, are going from strength to strength despite the continuing recession. With their businesses based in County Durham and Sunderland Tyne and Wear, working together has given them a new lease of life with an improved work-life balance, and a year on year increase in turnover.

Having been a LighterLife Counsellor for four years, Paula’s success and passion for her franchise spurred husband Geoff to re-train and qualify as a counsellor himself.

Working together has meant the couple have spent more time together discussing business issues, as well as giving them more free time. Paula feels very lucky as in her previous job she had very little time for her and her husband and two children. They now get to spend days together making the most of the flexibility that their LighterLife business gives them.

The couple have no regrets and since joining the business, Geoff has built their second location in Tyne and Wear very successfully and wife Paula has nothing but praise for him:

“He has established six groups in just four months which is great and receives tremendous feedback from clients.”

By expanding the business, the husband and wife team are on target to achieve a much higher turnover compared to last year which is a great achievement especially in the current economic climate.

Business is booming and for Paula and Geoff the fact that they are now sharing this experience makes it all the more rewarding.

Date Published: Aug 24, 2009 - 10:09 pm

New franchise owner has seen it all before at Prontaprint

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Sunderland entrepreneur, Peter Phillips, has made the ultimate leap up the career ladder – taking over management of Prontaprint in Sunderland where he has worked for the past four years and becoming his own boss.

Peter has seen the Prontaprint centre at Mowbray Park flourish during his time in the role of Business Development Executive and when he was presented with the chance to take over the business from retiring owners Tim and Kathy Morris, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

He has a strong print background spanning over 30 years, holding administration, sales and print production roles across the North East, so is well positioned to ensure that the centre’s high levels of customer service is maintained and exceeded.

Former owners Tim and Kathy Morris successfully built up the business located on Toward Street over 30 years, investing in the latest technology, providing excellent customer service and taking key roles in the local community, such as their continued sponsorship of the Sunderland Young Achievers Award. Peter will continue the Morris’ good work and anticipates that the transition will be seamless thanks to his wealth of experience, coupled with his personal knowledge of the centre’s customer base and clients’ individual requirements.

Peter, who was born and raised in Seaham and has lived in Sunderland for more than 20 years, comments: “I’ve always wanted to run my own business and having seen the centre grow from strength to strength, I jumped at the chance to invest in such a strong and established business.

“I am looking forward to the new opportunities and challenges of becoming my own boss and putting my plans for the centre into action. The hard work to ensure that the business continues to flourish is just beginning!”

Keith Davidson, head of marketing at Prontaprint, adds: “We are always on the lookout for experienced and enthusiastic franchisees and we have every confidence that Peter will embrace the challenge of running the Sunderland centre. We wish him every success in his new venture.”

Date Published: Aug 23, 2009 - 10:09 pm

Petpal's pawprint for franchise business success

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Leaving the rat race well and truly behind, husband and wife team Sallyann and David Gray realised a lifelong dream to work with animals when they set up pet services franchise Petpals in Darlington in 2006.

By the end of the first year former nursery nurse Sallyann had cared for more than 400 pets and was busy enough for David to join her in the business. In fact demand has been so high for their cat and small animal sitting, dog walking and boarding services that David established neighbouring franchise Petpals Tees Valley, which covers Middlesbrough and surrounding areas, a year later.

“Not that long ago people wouldn’t have dreamt of paying someone else to walk their dogs, “says Sallyann. “But we are all so busy now that we are used to paying for extra services, including looking after pets, to make our lives a little easier.”

David, a former police officer and senior manager in the retail industry, set up Petpals Tees Valley just over a year ago and now the couple are expecting to turn over in excess of £100,000 between them this year.

The Gray’s youngest child starting at senior school helped catapult Sallyann into the world of pet care. She said: “I could now focus on what I really wanted to do with my work life without having the time restraints around school runs.“

The family raided savings and even sold their caravan to raise the finance needed to get the new franchise off the ground. Already experienced pet carers thanks to their menagerie at home – comprising three dogs, two cats, two rabbits, a corn snake, tropical fish and a pony – Sallyann and David felt the move was right for them and their three children.

Now Sallyann and David hope to expand into neighbouring areas where demand is high for the Petpals’ professional pet care service. Sallyann concluded: “I thoroughly enjoy working for myself. Growing the business and maintaining professional standards is still a great buzz for me. I love the work and my customers can see my passion. They know that this is more than just a job – it’s the lifestyle change I dreamed of.”

Date Published: Aug 18, 2009 - 10:09 pm

Not considering retirement while franchising with Chemex

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When others are thinking of retirement the former hotel maintenance manager has switched careers by launching a new business venture supplying cleaning and hygiene products.

Ray has invested in a franchise with Chemex International covering Newcastle Gosforth, Tynemouth, North Shields, Prudhoe, Whickham and Longbenton.

Chemex provides businesses with cleaning products and free advice on health and safety and hygiene matters.

Ray set up the franchise after deciding he needed a new challenge in life. “I’ve worked in the building sector most of my life and I’m a member of the Chartered Institute of Building but with market conditions the way they are I felt it was time to take a new direction,” said Ray who lives in Morpeth.

“Chemex is a long established company which has a track record of innovation and customer service and I am delighted to be part of it and looking forward to developing the business.

“In today’s volatile economic conditions Chemex is as close to a recession proof business as you can get because we supply necessities not luxuries.

“Our customers stretch across all industry sectors and we are particularly strong in healthcare - especially residential homes – leisure, the licensed trade and hotels and restaurants.

“I have always fancied being my own boss and I’m looking forward to developing the business and providing the best possible service to my customers.

“I know some people are thinking of retirement at 58 but not me. I enjoy a challenge and I am excited at the potential for my business on Tyneside.”

Date Published: Aug 06, 2009 - 10:09 pm

Card Connection Franchisees Increases Sales by 20%

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Leading greeting card publisher and franchisor, Card Connection, has today announced that Andy Thompson and his wife Vicki, franchisees for the Sunderland, Berwick and Durham region, have increased their sales by 20% in the past year.

“Since joining Card Connection in 2004, Andy and Vicki developed their area and within three years had doubled the size of their franchise to become one of Card Connection’s first Platinum franchisees. This means they run one of our largest franchises,” explains Andrew Cutler, sales and franchise director of Card Connection. “However, they have continued to grow their business significantly and now work with more than 300 retailers supplying Card Connection greeting cards. Despite challenging economic times, they have seen sales grow by 20% compared with last year and have recently recorded their best ever month.”

Ex Royal Navy Petty Officer, Andy Thompson puts this success down to: “a sustained team effort to bring on new retail customers. By making a name for ourselves, through word of mouth and networking, we have been introduced to local shop managers, owners and even some store area managers which has helped extend our customer base. In addition, we aim to follow-up and convert leads provided by Card Connection’s head office within 24 hours.”

Card Connection’s franchisees use a proven system to place quality greeting cards and gifts in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis. This means the stock and display equipment are installed on free loan to the retailer. This is one step beyond ‘sale or return’ as Card Connection customers never have to buy the stock initially, only paying for what they sell. Card Connection’s award winning merchandising service provided to retailers by local franchisees has proved popular with retailers all over the UK and Ireland including Card Connection’s key national accounts such as Netto, Budgens, Londis, Spar and Shell.

Card Connection 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 £50,000 per annum.

“People always need greeting cards, it is almost a ‘recession proof industry’ and I believe there is a long-term market opportunity for the continued sale of such quality products,” explains Thompson. “We are excited by the prospects for the future and we already have plans to get a third van on the road and increase the size of our team of staff in the next few months.”

Date Published: Jul 29, 2009 - 10:09 pm

Baguette Express set to mark its first anniversary

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The Waterloo Street, Sunderland branch of Baguette Express, the fast-growing sandwich chain franchise, is marking its first anniversary on18th July with a great new offer where all filled baguettes and baked potatoes will be sold for a credit crunch-busting price of just £1.

In addition, every customer will be given a voucher to win an iPod. And that’s not the end of it, for every Tuesday and Saturday all the way through to 17th August, all filled baguettes and baked potatoes will be on sale for just £1.

Sunderland franchisee Jaz Hayer, said: “This is our way of saying a thank you to the people of Sunderland who have made our first year of trading such a great success. Our five-strong team at Baguette Express is now firmly established in Waterloo Street and we’re determined to keep serving the population with our delicious range of healthy snacks.

Baguette Express, which celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year, anticipates it will have around seventy stores operating by the end of 2009 and sales of £15m. It now employs 540 people across the UK and that figure will rise to around 750 as the openings proceed. Mr. Hayer himself plans to take up a second Baguette Express franchise by opening in Shields Road, Byker, within the next few months where up to five people will be employed.

The North-East Master franchise of Baguette Express is owned by Azeem Arshad, a successful local businessman, who is in charge of recruitment and business development in the area as well as having input to expansion strategy.

A new outlet will open in St Mary’s Place, Newcastle in August and Mr. Arshad expects to be operating a Baguette Express outlet in a prime site in Gateshead’s Metro Centre by the end of the year. He plans also to oversee the opening of stores in a territory which stretches from Alnwick in the north to Middlesborough and Darlington in the south and Hexham in the west.

He said: “We are determined to see up to fifty outlets in the region, creating as many as 500 much needed quality jobs over the next few years.”

Baguette Express is the brainchild of Scots entrepreneurs Robin and Billy Stenhouse, who established it to provide an alternative approach to the world of healthy snacking.

The stores cater for all tastes, though success has been driven by concentrating on a core market of young professionals, students and office workers who are attracted by the policy of a fixed price for all baguettes and the personal, friendly service and relaxed atmosphere of the colourful outlets.

Date Published: Jul 08, 2009 - 10:09 pm

Internet Revolution Spurned by UK Businesses Print Voted Top

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Despite the rapidly rising popularity of the internet for email and social networking, new research has uncovered that only one in 10 businesses prefer electronic communications to more traditional printed mediums when it comes to corresponding with consumers.

The study, commissioned by Kall Kwik, revealed that 93 per cent of businesses still choose to use printed mailings ahead of electronic communications, and only 14 per cent of companies would consider using text messages – despite there being more than 90 million mobile phones in circulation across the UK.

The ease with which consumers can hit the ‘delete’ button was the key reason for rejecting electronic marketing, with consumers reading only two in every10 corporate text messages and four in 10 marketing emails. By contrast, consumers read six of every 10 pieces of printed marketing collateral they received - a figure which further increases when the mail is personalised.

Laurence Knott, head of marketing at Kall Kwik, comments: “While advances in technology have made it easier for companies to communicate with consumers, the most advanced ways of reaching a target audience are clearly not always the most effective.

“Our research shows that consumers are quick to discard communications they see as intrusive or irrelevant, and with methods such as email and text this process becomes almost instantaneous – with messages often being deleted before the subject has even been digested.

“Companies are right to be wary of investing heavily in this type of marketing – consumers are more likely to read and act upon material they receive in printed form, while finding text communications in particular more irritating than interesting.

“Further advances in ‘spam blocking’ also mean many mass email and text campaigns are never even seen by the intended recipient, instead going straight in the electronic bin. Print allows businesses to communicate with their customers in a way which is simply not possible electronically. Consumers appreciate the physical contact print brings - and it also allows firms a whole host of options to make their material look and feel more appealing. “

Kall Kwik provides high quality print, direct mail and design services to businesses throughout the UK using the latest digital printing equipment, graphics design software and fully trained network of more than 150 franchisees.

Date Published: Apr 23, 2009 - 10:09 pm

Franchising - A Way To Beat the Crunch

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Twenty-five year old Mike Racz is battling the credit crunch and succeeding. Already a franchisee of three Domino’s Pizza stores, he plans to open another three this year, in Stockton-on-Tees, Washington and Sunderland.

Born and educated in Hungary, Mike moved to the UK in 2004 and began working at his local Domino’s Pizza - after just two months he was made assistant manager, and then area manager within a year.

He says: “I wanted to be my own boss and was set on owning a store but, at 23, the financial outlay required was beyond my means so I partnered with Roland, the store supervisor I had hired.

“When I weighed up starting from scratch versus buying into an existing set-up, it was a no-brainer! With a brand like Domino’s, the risks are much lower and you’ve got ongoing support - it’s effectively owning a business with stabilisers.”

Mike’s long-term plan is for another ten Domino’s stores. He adds: “It’s there for the taking but you’ve got to have the drive and determination. I have complete confidence in the brand and a quality product, which will endure through the bad times as well as the good.”

Starting a business is daunting at any time, but the stakes seem higher during an economic downturn when even some established businesses are floundering. Good opportunities do however still exist for budding entrepreneurs.

The first half of 2008 has been another success for Domino’s Pizza, with a record 25 store openings and an increase in year-on-year profts of a third (32.7%).

Andy Hirst, Head of Franchise Development at Domino’s Pizza, says: “Consumers are “trading down” - eating out less often and staying at home. With a fanatical focus on customer service, an outstanding product and the support of an established brand, our franchisees can only go from strength to strength.”

Date Published: Aug 11, 2008 - 10:09 pm

SPONSORSHIP PUTS DRAIN DOCTOR AT THE HEART OF A WINNING TEAM

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A kind hearted franchisee of Drain Doctor Plumbing, Britain's largest emergency plumbing and drainage company, has purchased new kit for his local primary school football team.

Award-winning Middlesbrough Drain Doctor James Stairmand has sponsored the Grange Town Primary school football team, thanks to a plea from his wife Maria. The children, all in year five and year six at the school, were delighted with the new kit.

Maria, who teaches part time at the school, said: "The school is in an area close to the old steel works in Grange Town. It is quite run down and unemployment is high. The reality for the children is quite hard.

"When I realised that the team needed new kit but didn't have a sponsor like the other school teams in the area I persuaded James to help."

The new season for the primary school league is now underway and Grange Town Primary school team has got off to a winning start in their new kit. They have notched up 11 goals so far in 5-6 and 5-0 wins.

Katrina King, PE co-ordinator at Grange Town Primary, said: "I would like to say a big thank you to James and Maria at Drain Doctor. The new kit looks great and the kids are really excited by it. They have all said how proud they are to be playing in it. I've asked them not to get it dirty yet!"

Next year Maria hopes to persuade James to extend his sponsorship to provide a tent or awning for the team to shelter in on the touchline when the weather is bad.

Drain Doctor Plumbing has quickly grown since its launch 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 in every part of the country with each franchise - such as the one in Middlesbrough - run as an independent business.

The company provides a genuine 24-hour service with no call-out charge and no extra charges for calls outside of normal working hours. Customers get a fixed price quotation so they know exactly how much they will have to pay before work is started.

James Stairmand's Drain Doctor Plumbing franchise covering Middlesbrough was recently named most progressive new franchise at the national group's annual awards ceremony. In addition, Middlesbrough Drain Doctor technician Steve Richmond was named Golden Service Provider of the Year.

Group founder and chairman Freddie Mitman presented James and his wife,Maria, and Steve Richmond with their trophies at a gala awards night at the Stratford Manor Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Date Published: Apr 22, 2008 - 10:09 pm

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