ISSN 1744-6988 01 EXPERT

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GO FROM DEGREE TO FRANCHISEE What enterprising graduates need to know What THE PRICE OF SUCCESS Discover the true cost of franchise ownership BUYING A FRANCHISE Franchise Why you should let your head £3.99 | VOLUME 17 ISSUE 1 what-franchise.com rule your heart

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY While taking care of business

XCELERATE POWERBRANDS SPORT, FITNESS & OUTDOOR GYMS OPPORTUNITIES BUILT TO BE DIFFERENT -page special

PAGE PAGE PAGE IN-HOUSE OR ON A MILLION- THE WORLD OF 13 OUTSOURCE? 14 POUND MISSION 70 WORK IS CHANGING Recruitment options for Join Fantastic Services’ And fl exible o ce ambitious franchisors seven-fi gure club franchisees can cash in

CONTENts HIGHLIGHTS

GO FROM SPORT FITNESS INVESTING IN DEGREE TO & OUTDOOR A FRANCHISE 34 FRANCHISEE 45 62 Our special Powerbrands You shouldn’t let your Graduates can broaden their career report highlights how opportunities heart rule your head, so here are our prospects by setting up their own in these sectors can help aspiring top tips for keeping your emotions business. We explore how a proven entrepreneurs get their careers in out of the decision making process franchise can help them do just that shape

COVER STORIES 25 STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE 74 HOODZ INTERNATIONAL’S Now’s the time to get into home care, GLOBAL EXPANSION Bluebird Care says Partner with the leading kitchen exhaust 13 IN-HOUSE OR OUTSOURCE? cleaning franchise Recruitment options for ambitious 30 TAKING THE PROVEN PATH franchisors Why investing in Guardian Angel Carers INSIGHT was a change for the better 14 ON A MILLION-POUND MISSION 32 BEST CHOICE, BEST SERVICE, 78 THE POWER OF PR Join Fantastic Services’ seven-figure club BEST VALUE Why it’s even more important as we come Bargain Booze is at the forefront of out of lockdown 26 THE PRICE OF SUCCESS franchised off licence Discover the true cost of franchise EVENTS ownership 38 MEYERS FRANCHISE PROVES PERFECT MOVE 80 FRANCHISING FACE TO FACE 50 XCELERATE GYMS Alex Hill hasn’t looked back since joining IS BACK Built to be different the estate agency brand The International Franchise Show returns 70 THE WORLD OF WORK IS 39 DRILLING DOWN INTO A NEW with a range of safety measures in place CHANGING CAREER INTERVIEWS And flexible office franchisees can cash in Tom Giles has swapped the oil sector for a Revive! franchise 96 HOW TO STAY HEALTHY 82 A CUT ABOVE THE REST While taking care of business 40 CELEBRATING 20 YEARS IN Barber to stars of TV, sport and music, BUSINESS SliderCuts is a trusted figure in the wider OPINION Caterpillar Music has reached business community a major milestone 11 EVOLVING INDUSTRY 42 A PLACE OF FUN & INVOLVEMENT FLAVOUR Why engagement is at the heart of the Thai Express is planning a UK 45 British Franchise Association roll-out of its popular food concept 98 DON’T FALL FOUL OF A SCAM Be cautious of unscrupulous schemes 69 SUCCESS DESPITE posing as business format franchises COVID CRISIS In terrible times, Laser Clinics FRANCHISE franchisees are doing terribly OPPORTUNITIES well 73 IT’S A REAL 23 THERE’S NOTHING ELSE I’D PARTNERSHIP RATHER DO Lesley and Barry Lavin have Grant Attwood’s Right at Home franchise been OSCAR franchisees has soared past all projections for 20 years

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 5

FROM 34 THE EDITOR

hile analysis of Companies W House data has revealed that the average age of a UK business owner is early to mid-forties, a signifi cant trend in the Elsewhere this month, we take an in-depth look at franchise sector in recent sport, fi tness and outdoor opportunities, the true cost of years is that franchisees are becoming a franchise owner and how you can remain fi t getting younger. and healthy while being your own boss. According to the latest IWG head of franchise Julian Chambers also writes British Franchise Association about why the move to remote working has meant the survey, 18 per cent of all operator of Regus and Spaces has seen an increase in franchisees are under 30 (the demand for its fl exible offi ces of 50 per cent-plus in same report states the typical some parts of the country. mean age is currently 44). Regus was launched in 1989, entered the UK franchise This fi gure looks set to market in 2018 and recently signed some impressive grow, as the pandemic’s effect deals with major names in fi nance and telecoms that on the job’s market, particularly for people in their twenties, will be give their employees access to IWG’s thousands of felt for at least the short term. offi ces around the world. It’s probably no coincidence then that government statistics As a result, this sector looks ripe for investment, but reveal a 15 per cent jump in the number of young people starting as Julian warns, prospective franchisees need to move their own business last year compared to 2019. quickly if they want to make the most of this shift in how Franchising can help like-minded individuals follow a fulfi lling and where we work. path into self-employment, providing, as one expert put it, a bridge between experience and ambition. This is underlined in our ‘degree to franchisee’ feature in this issue. It highlights that franchisors are actively seeking university Jeff Ja es Editor, What Franchise educated candidates in their twenties. One we spoke to is offering fi nancial incentives to invest in [email protected] its brand providing you meet certain criteria, while another is stepping up its work with universities and business schools in order to further promote what franchising has to offer. @whatfranchise We’ve also interviewed some fantastic franchisees who’ve NEXT ISSUE combined their drive and ambition with the training, systems and linkedin.com/company /what-franchise know-how provided by an established franchisor to build their own ON SALE: care, children’s services, fi tness and tutoring businesses. July 29 facebook.com/whatfranchise what-franchise.com

FROM THE ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Millie Hall. 01323 471291 CREDIT CONTROL PUBLISHER OF Richard Davies Tel: 01323 471291 [email protected] Sue Carr Tel: 01206 505903 Email: [email protected] CIRCULATION MANAGER EDITOR INSIDER INFO

Quiznos retrospective Global Can the QSR brand return after its fall from grace? Rely on resilience Joseph Gibbons Tel: 01206 505912 Jeff James How franchisors can stand up Franchise to scrutiny SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS globalfranchisemagazine.com Recruitment changes A new world requires a fresh MASTER, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING acquisition approach Rachael Wenham. 01323 471291 SUBSCRIPTIONS DESIGNERS INDUSTRY Published by Aceville Publications Ltd [email protected] CONTRIBUTION Pacifi c House, Innovation Business MULTI-UNIT Tel: 01795 414667 Adam Barford, Luke Rogers, FRANCHISING REPORT Park, Eastbourne BN23 6FA. Printed SUMMA FRANCHISE Everything you need to WINNER know, just in time for Multi-Unit Month Steve Streeting & Lee Francis CONSULTING: The award-winning GLOBAL FRANCHISE consultancy that’s developing AWARDS 2021: Luke Elliott. 01323 471291 in England © Aceville Publications Ltd franchises around the world WINNERS ANNOUNCED PUBLISHER British Franchise

PAGE MICHAEL PAGE NED PAGE EMILY 18 O’DRISCOLL 44 LEVITT 72 SADLER Concluding the triple The death of master Future-proofing your [email protected] disruption discussion franchising? franchise agreement Association Matthew Tudor PRINTED IN ENGLAND ABC certifi ed circulation: Professional ISSUE 4 13,347 January- Matthew Gilley. 01323 471291 HEAD OF CONTENT FRANCHISING NEWSTRADE SALES Affi liate and Supplier FEMALES IN FRANCHISING December 2020 Office Evolution Awards 2019 Ohana and innovation [email protected] James Fell Marketforce. Tel: 0203 1483300 in a virtual world

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SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR YEMI PENN How to ON RUNNING A FRANCHISE 10,000 handle MILES AWAY No part of this publication may be copied, broadcast, interpreted, or stored, in any form, for any purpose, without the written permission of the publisher. founder NO EXPERIENCE fatigue NECESSARY GUIDE MEET THE BRANDS START A BUSINESS IN AN THAT GIVE BACK

From the publisher of UNFAMILIAR SECTOR What Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and details given are believed accurate at the Franchise Global Plus: 9 leaders on how to grow a brand • 24-page franchise Franchise opportunity special • Invaluable insight from successful boss ladies time of going to press. However, no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of responding to any information or advice given or inferred. GLOBALFRANCHISEMAGAZINE.COM 7 InFacts and fi gures the from the world of franchising know

Number QUOTE ME ON THAT “We’re happy and proud crunching to see more and more motivated people joining Of small and the seven-fi gure club.” medium-sized Rune Sovndahl, co-founder of Fantastic 79% enterprise owners Services, wants to help 1,000 franchisees become millionaires. Find out more on are making significant personal pages 14-16. sacrifices in order to keep steering their ship in the right direction. Discover eight simple ways to stay healthy on pages 96-97.

One other UK launch that has got the British public extremely excited is Wendy’s. The iconic brand - and third largest burger chain in the world TRENDING ONLINE: FAST FOOD behind McDonald’s and Burger King - is going to be opening BRANDS FROM ACROSS THE POND stores imminently. This has meant that the Wendy’s franchise profi le on Iconic American fast food brands have an uncanny ability to create what-franchise.com has exploded with traffi c and enquiries a UK consumer frenzy. from budding Wendy’s business owners who want a slice of the A notable recent example was when cult California burger action. The brand was by far the most enquired about in the enterprise In-N-Out ran a temporary, London-based, pop-up month of May. location and was met with fi ve-hour queues. Want to explore the Wendy’s opportunity, including how much Fried chicken favourite Popeyes has also announced its upcoming capital you require and what profi ts you can expect to make? Head UK launch to much fanfare. to what-franchise.com and search ‘Wendy’s’.

8 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 NEWS IN BRIEF Image owned by HSBC by Image owned

Mark says: “High quality carried out by the independent HSBC WINS Ex-pro launches and fun football coaching for experts at Moneyfacts. The kids is in such high demand BUSINESS broker and business community football and lockdown has increased is also consulted for feedback. MONEYFACTS franchise this demand as parents Lee Tillcock, editor of Soccer Stars Academy, a football look to get their children AWARD Business Moneyfacts, says: class provider for children aged out the house and involved It’s the third year in a row HSBC “The fi nalists and eventual between 18 months and nine in healthy, active and has won the Best Franchisee winners at this year’s awards years, has launched as a challenging activities with Banking Provider accolade. should be rightly proud of their franchise. their friends.” NatWest/Royal Bank of achievements and have o ered Established in 2017 by ex- A Soccer Stars Academy Scotland was commended a range of products and services and Lloyds Bank was highly that have best supported the professional footballer and PE franchise costs £12,000. The commended in the category. sector at a time when its success teacher Mark Molloy and wife company has agreements All entries go through a and growth remain vital to the Siobhan, the business, based in place with several major rigorous product assessment, recovery of the wider economy.” in Scotland, currently runs 28 banks to potentially fund up classes per week coaching over to 70 per cent of the start-up 500 kids. fee plus working capital.

ISLAND POKÉ SIGNS FIRST UK FRANCHISEES The grab-and-go food brand has recruited its fi rst two UK franchise partners. The deals will see 23 sites opened in the next fi ve years, trebling the Island Poké UK footprint. The company’s plans will Opportunities businesses while supporting initially focus on London, other local companies, followed by more residential in Sir Stelios particularly in the current areas, a key focus for Island Poké as working patterns challenging climate.” It’s since developed a loyal venture change due to the pandemic. easyMarketing says it’s following, particularly among Serial entrepreneur Sir Stelios developed a system that enables Known for its innovative workers looking for lunch Haji-Ioannou is o ering businesses of all sizes to access menus, energetic service and alternatives to the mainstream franchise opportunities in a single source agency that is interiors that evoke feelings of sandwich and similar o erings. easyMarketing, the newest plain speaking, transparent and the Pacifi c shores, Island Poké member of the ever-expanding cost e ective. was one of the fi rst movers in the market, when founder easy family of brands. The company’s aim is to Keep up to date with the latest The easyJet founder says: become a national and European James Gould-Porter saw the news at what-franchise.com “This addition to our easy entity over the coming years, opportunity for a vibrant, healthy and interactive food Follow us on Twitter portfolio will empower local establishing itself as the go-to @whatfranchise marketeers to grow their own solution for marketing services. concept.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 9

OPINION

Our industry involvement is evolving Engagement is at the heart of what we’re trying to become as an organisation

WORDS BY PIP WILKINS

e talk a lot about ‘engagement’ at the “We warmly invite discussion, no British Franchise W Association. Last year, matter what stage you’re at in I announced my big three objectives, which were growth, promotion of your franchise journey” franchising and engagement, so THE AUTHOR you can see it’s right at the very Organic transformation around what each member would have Pip Wilkins is CEO of top of my list of priorities. as a topic at their own TED Talk. the British Franchise Our foundations are in standards I thought it would be good to The exercise was only a bit of fun, Association and I believe that, while this was explore why this is so important for me necessary for the industry and we will but we posted it on LinkedIn and it personally, for us as an organisation never lose sight of this core guiding became a fascinating thread due to and for the wider industry. principle, it’s time for the bfa to evolve. the contributions of others. Ideas The reason engagement is such As part of this organic have been shared and it’s sparked an area of focus for me and the transformation, we’re building on some exciting discussions about association is that it’s key for all of the way in which we communicate, potential ideas for future content too. us, both online and in real life. whether that’s online, through the virtual events we’re holding Reaching out to Building relationships and, when the time comes for us non-members Inviting feedback and engaging to return to them, through face- We’re also making a bigger in dialogue is how you build and to-face events and meetings. effort to engage with those strengthen relationships. My vision for the bfa is an outside our membership. Particularly in these times, where organisation that keeps a focus During the pandemic, we’ve been so many of us are working remotely, on all the-important factors our operating the Franchise Collective, the building of an online community members look to us for, but that a support forum on LinkedIn for all with shared goals can be incredibly actively invites a two-way dialogue. franchisors, not just bfa members. powerful, from lobbying governments I see us as a hub where the whole We also run our Buy a Franchise to crowdfunding investment. Now, industry can share information and seminars aimed at those new more than ever, it can start with a participate in meaningful dialogue. to the world of franchising and click and end up changing the world. I would like to pause for a considering their options. We place so much value on moment and think about the We will continue to expand these engagement as a concept because word ‘meaningful’ too. services. In the meantime, we warmly it’s at the heart of what we’re trying We recently posted an exercise invite discussion, no matter what stage to become as an organisation. we carried out in a team meeting you’re at in your franchise journey.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 11

OPINION

In-house or outsource?

Franchisors have two options when it comes to recruiting the best franchisees

WORDS BY SUZIE MCCAFFERTY

hile there has been a crowded fi eld and who is going to the answer to everything, it might drop in the number of take on this role for your brand? be a solution worth considering. people prepared to buy Adding to your headcount and An agency will work for a W retainer and doesn’t come with a franchise in the last payroll, particularly in the early stages 12 months, there’s been no shortage of growth, is not something most any employment baggage. of people wanting to franchise their businesses can afford. But you still It will also have the skills you need business or existing franchisors need the skills and work hours to because the tasks are spread among THE AUTHOR putting in frankly heroic performances effectively launch your brand to the a team of specialists who provide Suzie McCafferty to keep their networks together. thousands of people out there looking social media management, PPC, is CEO of franchise As restrictions lift and summer for the perfect franchise opportunity. photography, video shoots, branding consultancy Platinum and design, copywriting, media Wave approaches, most brands are starting Inevitably, you’ll fi nd yourself to see enquiry numbers trickle back facing a chicken and egg conundrum: engagement and campaign strategies. up and some are standing by for a you can’t afford to invest in a That would be your lead generation fl ood. This means that competition marketing team until you sell taken care of, but what about lead for good franchisees is going to some franchises and you can’t sell management and selection and recruitment? If you can fi nd a company be even more fi erce than usual. franchises without good marketing. offering all three services, you can Being visible expect to pay a monthly retainer with Time management a commission on each franchise sold. Of course, the more franchises there You’ve built a great business that’s are, the more diffi cult it becomes for ready to franchise, so there’s a Take advice prospective franchisees to identify good chance you could take on The franchise recruitment world is the good ones. So how do you make most of it yourself, but do you noisy, crowded and competitive, so ask sure your opportunity is visible have the time, which after all is around and take advice before deciding and attractive in an increasingly your most valuable resource? what will be the best approach for you. There are some quite specifi c skills There are many franchisors who required, including sales, marketing, have done it all themselves, only presenting, copywriting and even adding a team member when they design. Anyone who has them all to a had simply too many franchisees to high standard will be able to command manage alone. Some have appointed a very good salary. But is it really a an internal recruiter right from full-time role at this early stage? the off, while others pay for time While outsourcing isn’t always saving external support, typically on a six-month review basis. Only you know your budgets, your existing in-house skill sets and the speed you want to recruit at, but it’s good to know you have options.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 13 INTERVIEW

ON A MILLION POUND MISSION

Rune Sovndahl, co-founder of Fantastic Services, gives us the lowdown on the company’s progression, how it navigated the pandemic and his aim of having more franchisees join the business’ seven-fi gure club

14 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 une Sovndahl is the co-founder of R Fantastic Services, an international brand founded 12 years ago that combines technological innovations with bespoke customer care to deliver services for the home and offi ce that range from cleaning, gardening and waste removal to locksmithing and appliance repair. Rune, who is Danish, moved to London 20 years ago to study for a degree in business information systems design at South Bank University. Following the completion of his degree, he was accepted onto a graduate programme with British Telecom. In 2003 he established the European Young Professionals committee in London and was involved in the creation of its “We proved that thriving during diffi cult website, as well as the recruitment of more than 200 new members. times is possible by adapting our traditional Before establishing Fantastic Services with his partner Anton services and implementing new ones” Skarlatov in 2009, Rune was head of SEO for lastminute.com. When we looked at the market While Fantastic Services was His aim is to help 1,000 and saw how jobs were allocated, growing very fast, at the same time Fantastic Services franchisees we considered franchising and we were developing the operating build million-pound businesses saw the enormous benefi ts, software to make sure that while in the next 10 years. but also the limitations. we scaled we could also meet the That’s when we designed a new demand for home services. It was a How has the business system and called it ServiceOS. It’s balancing act and we made it work, developed since you operating software for running a thanks to our fantastic staff and a lot of tolerance and engineering. founded it in 2009? profi table service company that We have gone from strength enables us to automate thousands of to strength. interactions - from bookings and job What was the Initially, we started by offering biggest lesson you allocation to marketing and invoicing. learnt following cleaning services in London. A ServiceOS is a key differentiator in short while later we introduced the coronavirus our franchise model. Once we had this outbreak in the UK? an entirely new way of booking technology in place, it allowed us to I learned numerous lessons. services by developing an online revisit franchising, revolutionising the However, one of the most important booking form and a customer UK’s service industry for everyone, relationship management platform. including customers, tradespeople, Today, Fantastic Services has employees and the planet. grown into a multi-niche service FANTASTIC SERVICES IN NUMBERS company, providing over 100 services Fantastic Services has for the home and offi ce with a global • Founded in 2009. network of over 530 franchisees grown signifi cantly since • Operates on three continents. operating on three continents - you launched it. How Europe, Australia and the USA. has this been possible? • Its 530-plus franchisees and nearly 2,000 We followed the principle of always experts deliver services to over 50,000 Was it always investing more in marketing clients globally each month. your intention to the actual services than the • Six of its franchisees currently turn franchise it? franchise part itself, as we believe over £1 million-plus. demand will come through No. Initially, we set out with the • The company employs around 500 intention of making the best promotion and word of mouth. specialists responsible for web design, company for fi nding tradespeople. I have a background in consumer mobile applications, online and marketing Our goal was - and still is - to marketing from my days at optimisation, IT solutions and sales. lastminute.com, where I was in make our customers’ lives easier • In 2019, the business delivered over by fi nding reliable, trustworthy charge of growth and took every £40 million-worth of services. and professional cleaners. The step possible in making our business franchise model followed later. noticeable and recognisable.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 15 INTERVIEW

“We’re aiming for career progression within the service industry, allowing people to start out as cleaners and progress to exclusively franchising in an area and ultimately building a seven-fi gure business”

ones was about the strength of was to reach seven fi gures and we the right to operate under the being a franchise company. made it in less than two years. name of a recognisable brand We had several services that This success formed the that attracts clients and uses dropped in demand and others foundation for the Fantastic technology to make it the most that grew, but by having a network Academy, where we documented accessible place to get a service. and a centralised training system our steps, failures and successes. We provide all our franchisees we managed to reskill and retrain We wanted to scale this and pass with advanced training and many of our franchisees. This our knowledge to our people, personal coaching. After the way, they were able to ride the who come from all walks of life. onboarding, we continue to wave of changing demands. We’re aiming for career invest in our franchisees and With a franchise, you have progression within the service their businesses, so it’s a the power to do this. The industry, allowing people to start long-term process to help them lesson was not to be afraid of out as cleaners and progress develop and grow alongside us. discussing the impacts, but to exclusively franchising in an We assist them with to be open and transparent area and ultimately building marketing, sales, systems about what was happening. a seven-fi gure business. and IT development, as well We decided to open it up, After announcing our million- as fi nancing and service to become more about team pound mission, we’re happy design. So there’s a huge spirit and empowerment for our and proud to see more and amount of infrastructure, franchisees, many of whom have more motivated people joining support, leads and guidance not only survived, but thrived the seven-fi gure club. for all levels of franchisee. over the past 12 months. What type of What’s next for How did you assist your franchisees are you the franchise? franchisees during looking to recruit? We’re proudly founded this diffi cult time? Our franchise is suitable for people on the principles of We worked harder than ever at from different backgrounds. innovation and creativity. headquarters. We put in more We have three levels of franchise: Perceiving the pandemic work hours than ever before, working franchise, area development as an opportunity, we proved developed new services that franchise and master franchise. that thriving during diffi cult could fi t the new normal and Each of them requires different times is possible by adapting optimised many of the processes. skills. However, our training our traditional services and We let everyone help. Even platform and high-end systems implementing new ones. some of our area development are designed to support each We’re currently in the middle franchisees joined the headquarters franchisee every step of the way. of a global expansion. Our for consulting and helped us with The working franchise starts business model and innovative some of the management work. with training on service delivery technological solutions, which All in all, we weathered the and equipment use, while the area help franchisees run a business storm and it made me believe in development and master franchises smoothly and effi ciently, make the strength of franchising. are focused on recruitment, our franchise an attractive training and managing people, as opportunity for many people Tell us about your well as marketing, investing and who want to start a business. aim of making 1,000 growing a successful business. What we’ve been through millionaires through revealed that being one step your franchise What do they get for ahead and thinking outside business? their investment? the box is necessary in order to When we established Fantastic First of all, we are a slightly different remain on top and make your Services in 2009, our fi rst goal franchise. All our franchisees get franchise recession proof.

16 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1

InHabit is a new franchise concept that is transforming lives by working with partners, including charities and investors, to put people into property. As a Franchisee, you can look forward to a healthy income for you, a good return for your investors and making an important difference to people’s lives.

You will benefi t from our experience and expertise in franchising, property investment and refurbishment InHabit was founded by property specialist David and from being part of an amazing community. The Edwards and franchise expert Trevor Brocklebank. charities we work with are asking for more properties Since 2015, the business has successfully sourced, than we have available, and we also have a pipeline of renovated and managed a portfolio of over 70 waiting investors. Therefore, there is an urgent need for properties in the North East. Now, having developed and Franchisees to join us and help meet that demand. refi ned the business model over multiple properties and investors, we’re looking for Franchisees who share our values to provide high quality housing and a safe environment for tenants. Becoming an InHabit Franchisee is a great opportunity to realise your life ambitions, be your own boss and achieve a better work-life balance; whilst making a real difference to people’s lives. Our Franchisees work in a number of ways, including sourcing and purchasing property, refurbishment and repair, sourcing tenants, managing the lettings process and facilitating property sales. As people get older, keeping mobile, interacting socially and being mentally stimulated are more important than ever.

We transform people’s confi dence, as well as their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing – by adapting games, sports and dance to their environment. Enriching day-to-day experiences and enhancing quality of life.

If you are looking for a change in career or to run your own business; one that has purpose and that will improve the lives of people in your local community, then our new franchise opportunity will allow you to build a successful business in a growth sector.

Whilst a passion to make a di erence is essential, experience in the sector is not. If you are prepared to work hard and have good people skills we can teach you all you need to know to run your own Rise franchise.

To fi nd our more about the franchise please visit or call: www.rise.life | 0330 912 7880 | [email protected]

BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - FASTSIGNS International Inc

AT A GLANCE FASTSIGNS INTERNATIONAL An opportunity INC

Established: 1985 Number of franchised outlets: 750+ (24 in the UK) open to all Location of units: international Investment range: £125,000-plus Minimum required capital: £36,000 Contact: 01785 253140 [email protected] Signage may seem technical, but any skill set can fsfastsigns.co.uk achieve success with FASTSIGNS

ASTSIGNS doesn’t hide from the fact F that it operates in a technical industry - that’s what makes the company’s franchise opportunity so exciting. Its product range includes a diverse number of signs built using specialist machinery and substrates, with each sign being made bespoke to the customer’s requirements. FASTSIGNS knows its model works because over 750 franchisees, from varying backgrounds and many without any previous signage industry experience, are building successful businesses for themselves today. FASTSIGNS understands that a quick synopsis of what’s involved in the business can be daunting and you may wonder if you have the capability or experience required. In an attempt to simplify the diverse in central London that’s able to MARK PHELPS: group of franchisees FASTSIGNS has accommodate their family life. FASTSIGNS KINGSTON in the UK, its network is mainly made After a successful corporate career up of four distinct categories of people: RICHARD WEDGWOOD: in the industrial gas industry, partnership duos, such as husband and FASTSIGNS MANCHESTER Mark knew that with the right wife teams; high level corporate staff & BOLTON team around him he could utilise looking to use their business acumen to After a career as a senior level his natural affinity for leadership facilitate their own gain; creative types, executive, Richard tired of the and analytical mind to provide who are drawn to the technology and jet-set lifestyle and purchased his exemplary service to his customers. creative opportunities; and team leaders, first FASTSIGNS centre in 2009, The beauty of the FASTSIGNS who know they have what it takes to model is that the company excel in a management-type business. growing it to become one of the most successful in the network. provides the required training that While these segments are fairly ensures franchisees understand broad, these entrepreneurs have its service offering, allowing all joined FASTSIGNS with varying MELANIE MARTINEZ: them to then build a team and diverse skill sets. Here are some CO-OWNER, FASTSIGNS around their skill set to enable examples from the network: CRAWLEY them to effectively deliver it. Previously a freelance artist, Melanie Typically, a team is made up of SIMON AND FRIEDERIKE purchased her centre with her the franchisee, who’s responsible for SLEE: FASTSIGNS husband and their business partner, the management of the business, HAMMERSMITH utilising the technology available outside sales professionals, graphic An investment banker and landscape to delight their local customers. design, production personnel architect respectively, this husband and With Mel’s eye for design, she’s and marketing executives, who wife duo pooled their skills in sales and able to create visually stimulating work together to deliver signage consultative design to build a business signs for her customers. to their local community.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 21 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Franchise Resales

AT A GLANCE FRANCHISE Leaving RESALES Contact: Michael Bohan Tel: 01522 246811 Email: [email protected] lockdown: franchiseresales.co.uk

“Controlling the key issues capacity, stock and order What businesses need to consider as the country returns levels will to some form of normality, according to Michael Bohan, help you avoid managing director of Franchise Resales disappointing anyone and ow the UK has begun remote working has proved to to ease lockdown be convenient and accessible. In alienating restrictions and the fact, 74 per cent of polled CEOs N return to normality is have stated they expect COVID-19 clients” in sight, what impact this will have to infl uence lasting changes on companies and the economy as in daily employee workfl ow. lockdown restrictions, consumer a whole is of crucial importance. confi dence is starting to rise. Below is a brief overview of THE STOCK MARKET WILL Alongside the renewed some of the key points and how EXPERIENCE A BOOM support for workers and the they will relate to businesses The stock market is heavily vaccine roll-out, hopes of a across the UK. It may infl uence impacted by consumer spending rebound are high. your planning and decision making investing and confi dence. Research conducted by ISA from now and into the future. For that reason, an effective provider Scottish Friendly and The date on which all road map out of lockdown, as the Centre for Economics and restrictions and their associated well as putting measures in Business Research revealed legal rules will be lifted is place to prevent another one, that households intend to take estimated to be June 21. But what will lead to many companies more holidays both at home does that mean for businesses? encountering a stock value boom and abroad, travel and eat for a time until markets stabilise. out in cafes and restaurants. IS REMOTE WORKING HERE TO STAY? SUPPLY LINES WILL BE YOU MAY NEED Remote working is currently a RECONSIDERED AND TO CONTROL hot topic of conversation. FURTHER PROTECTED It seems that it’s become YOUR CAPACITY It’s not hard to see how many Some businesses may see an something of an expected businesses have suffered because of increase in the number of norm, a convenience we’ve all the lockdown, despite how necessary customers hoping to attend relied on and a means to offer it was, and how supply lines have their premises, such as shopping alternatives to your workforce. been affected by changing norms. in person instead of online or From meetings on Zoom to Semiconductor shortages were visiting a restaurant instead onboarding new recruits online, near eviscerating many technology of ordering food remotely. companies’ willingness to sell This means that carefully products at the manufacturer’s controlling capacity, stock suggested retail price, for example. and order levels will help you So it’s anticipated that many avoid disappointing anyone industries will invest more in and alienating clients. It’s trying to protect themselves from important to take this into such vulnerable exposure again. consideration when planning your day-to-day business. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE No matter what happens in IS GROWING 2021, one thing’s for sure: we’ll As the government implements all appreciate getting back its plans for the further easing of to some form of normality.

22 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Behind the Brand - Right at Home

AT A GLANCE RIGHT AT HOME There’s nothing Established: 2010 Number of franchised outlets: 70 Location of units: England, Scotland and Wales Investment range: else I’d rather approximately £125,000 Minimum required capital: £40,000 Contact: Kate Dilworth, franchise recruitment manager be doing rightathomefranchising.co.uk “The last Grant Attwood’s Right at Home franchise has not only 18 months survived a pandemic, it’s soared past all projections have definitely been a roller-

n 2019 Grant Attwood and I always felt I wanted to do coaster ride” took the decision to something more real that would I leave manufacturing and give back to my community. set up his own business “I have a good affinity for “The franchisee support doing something more rewarding. older people, so a care franchise has been excellent. My He knew a franchise would ticked all the boxes; start a weekly meetings with my help him get established. What business, make a difference, business support manager he didn’t bank on was COVID-19 help older people - everything are an opportunity to discuss putting the nation into lockdown just came together. plans and ask questions. shortly after he started trading. “It was quite a change, though. “She has a wide range of 15 months later, Grant’s business Previously, I’d been sourcing experience and works with has not only survived trading machinery raw materials and offices at various growth points, through a global pandemic - it’s advising on logistics. I’d no so she can share all kinds of soared past all projections. direct experience of care and advice and best practice if I’m that’s why a franchise was the struggling with something. only viable route for me. “Obviously, the pandemic DOING SOMETHING REAL “It has been really rewarding. struck us all hard and Right at He says: “My career was in At times it’s stressful, like with Home really helped with ensuring manufacturing, producing things any new business start-up, I we had correct PPE and knew like paper plates and greeting cards, guess. You’re dealing with people the protocols to follow for the and people have problems that new coronavirus guidelines. they turn to you to deal with. “We have clients who love “At those times of stress, I’ve to go out, but trips to garden thought to myself: ‘Did I make centres and theatres and the right decision? What else things have been impossible, would I rather be doing?’ And the so we’ve been limited to walks answer has always been: ‘There’s on the beachfront or going for nothing else I’d rather be doing.’ a scenic drive. But as things “The growth of the business so start to reopen, we’re looking far has been much better than I forward to giving clients had anticipated. And while I’m those opportunities again. still very involved in the day-to- “The last 18 months have day, my role has become more definitely been a roller-coaster strategic as the team has grown.” ride - managing the growth and adapting to operating in a pandemic has brought FAMILY FRIENDLY challenges I never imagined. Grant’s wife accepts that sometimes “But I’m incredibly proud of it’s difficult for him to switch off. the way we’ve protected our “But family for me is the clients and the team’s dedication number one priority and I has been incredible. It makes love being able to manage me very positive and confident my own hours to be there about the future for Right at when needed,” he says. Home North Somerset.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 23

BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Bluebird Care

AT A GLANCE Step up to the BLUEBIRD CARE Established: 2004. Started franchise model in 2006 Number of franchised outlets: over 200 challenge Location of units: UK-wide, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Investment range: total investment is approximately £115,000 Minimum required capital: a home care Now’s the time to get into the home franchise package is £37,500 Contact: Sarah Wilkins. +44 (0)2392 care business, according to Bluebird Care 009978. [email protected] bluebirdcarefranchise.co.uk

t’s never been more need and has franchises available important to protect to purchase across the UK. our elderly and With over 200 businesses already I vulnerable loved ones. operating across the company’s “Bluebird Care Over the course of the pandemic, network delivering over 20,000 is expanding one message has remained clear: customer visits every day, you can to stay safe at home wherever become part of an established and to meet this possible. For the people Bluebird well respected brand that has won Care cares for, this has sometimes awards for its high quality home care. national need and meant their relatives cannot check in on them as often as FULL TRAINING has franchises usual or that they cannot get You won’t need to worry if you out as they normally would. haven’t had any experience in available to the care sector, as Bluebird Care MEETING INCREASED provides full training to all new purchase across DEMAND franchisees from day one. Bluebird Care has been stepping To ensure you start off on the the UK” up to the challenge of providing right foot, the company takes you care for an ageing population through the business planning In addition, the company’s during a global pandemic. Where process and even introduces you franchisee network enjoys many industries have been forced to the banks Bluebird Care works support from the marketing team, to close, the home care industry is with. It will also give you ongoing including dedicated regional- meeting an increased demand for support even after you’ve got your based marketing experts who domiciliary and live-in services. business set up and running. offer help on a more local level. This demand will only keep You will benefit from the expert growing, with one in five UK staff at Bluebird Care’s franchise STRENGTH OF THE BRAND residents predicted to be a part of support centre, including a dedicated Paul Barry, owner of Bluebird Care the 65-and-over age group by 2030. quality manager who will make Chichester, Epsom & Kingston, As a result, Bluebird Care is sure you’re compliant and help you Oxford, Reigate, Sussex Weald, says: expanding to meet this national deliver the very best care at home. “I was attracted to Bluebird Care for three reasons: the size of the UK care market, the strength of the Bluebird Care brand and the ability of their business model to be resilient in tough economic conditions. “When I joined, I found the support and training offered by Bluebird Care to be very strong, particularly in the early days when all the care terminology plus policies and procedures can be new and slightly bewildering.” If you’d like to be a part of the solution and help protect the ageing population, you can join one of Bluebird Care’s franchises and benefit from award winning training, continued support and the collective expertise of over 200 businesses across its network.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 25 ADVICEINSIGHT

The true cost of buying a franchise It’s not just about the initial investment. There are other elements to take into account to ensure you start life as a franchisee on a sound fi nancial footing

WORDS BY CHRIS ROBERTS

uying into a you pay and what you’ll have to these elements to ensure franchise could purchase separately in order they’re accurately set up B be the best thing to have everything you need. and run correctly. you’ve ever done These costs fall into two Also, this gives you in your working life. distinct timeframes: your more time to concentrate You’ll be the owner and boss of start-up/pre-trading costs and on sales, marketing and your own business and instead your actual trading costs. Let’s getting customer service THE AUTHOR of working hard for somebody deal fi rst with the former. spot on, so you hit the Chris Roberts is else you’ll be able to earn an ground running and make a chairman of the income and build the value of splash in your marketplace. Chantry Group Start-up/pre- your business that one day trading costs Budget around £400-£500 you’ll be able to sell, hopefully There will be legal costs to pay, (plus VAT), which should include for a decent amount of money. as you’ll need a solicitor who some training on the things Statistics show that franchising is experienced and qualifi ed in you’ll have to do each is a much safer way to start a franchising matters to help you. month and each quarter. business. Largely, this is because Use them to explain to you Your franchisor will you’ll have purchased a business what the various clauses mean undoubtedly give you a format that has been proven as in the franchise licence. You’ll list and explanation of successful, safe and profi table. also need them to help you if the physical things you’ll You’ll normally have the you’re entering into a lease over need to buy in order to set benefi t of a recognised business premises. Budget for up your new business, but it’s brand, training and business around £500-£750 (plus VAT) not a bad idea to talk to some and marketing systems to and possibly even twice this existing franchisees to get their follow. So what - apart from a if there’s property involved. view on costs, sourcing and what pandemic! - could go wrong? You’ll need a professional else they needed that might not One thing for sure is not business plan and a set of fi nancial have been on the original list. having enough money, or access projections. Don’t scrimp on these, to enough money, to negotiate as they’re your road map and Trading costs the early part of your journey. will help show you the true cost Now let’s move on to the second of running your business (more phase: once you start trading. Delve deep on this later). Budget on paying a Most businesses will make a The cost of buying the franchise business consultant or accountant loss in the fi rst six months or licence is nearly always apparent in the region of £1,000 (plus VAT). so of trading - some for a longer at the outset. The licence gives You’ll normally also need to period. While this is not always you the right to use the systems set up a limited company and the case, it’s fairly commonplace. and brand name, etc for a defi ned organise your bookkeeping, This can be for a number of amount of time - often fi ve years. payroll and VAT systems. reasons, including the time But you have to delve much If you don’t have hands- it takes for your business to deeper to understand what on experience in these areas, become known and in some else is included in the price it’s much better to outsource cases trusted, compared to the competition. It may take you time to become profi cient at providing the service, reducing “Talk to some existing franchisees waste, hitting your margins or becoming a good salesperson. to get their view on costs, sourcing So sales may be lower initially than your break-even point. and what else they needed” Unfortunately, whatever you earn

26 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.517.1 COSTS TO CONSIDER ON TOP OF THE 6 INITIAL INVESTMENT 1. Legal. 2. Business consultant/ accountant. 3. Working capital. 4. Ongoing fees to the The only way to work out what of at least one month’s overheads, franchisor. level of working capital you’ll need as so many things outside of is to use your business plan - in your control can hit you when 5. Contingency fund. particular, the cash flow part. you’re least expecting it. 6. Your time. Speaking to other franchisees And finally, money aside, another and your franchisor about this true cost is the cost of your time. each month, your fixed overheads, important part of the process There is, of course, a trade-off. such as rent, wages, insurance will help, but whichever way you Running your own business and utilities, will still need to look at it this is often a large does mean you can time swap, be paid. As a result, you’ll need hidden cost that isn’t always which will enable you to go and some of your own money - called identified correctly at the outset. see your children on sports day working capital - to cover these What else do we need to factor in and take a bit of time off for costs until the business becomes to understand the true cost of buying important things whenever you profitable and self-sustaining. a franchise? Don’t forget there will need to. But generally, running Also, some businesses will be a royalty - or management service your own franchise business means need to pay its employees fee - to pay to your franchisor. working on it, or in it, 24/7. first and give, say, a month’s This is normally somewhere The rewards, though, can be credit to its customers. A good between 5-10 per cent of sales. huge. We sell on existing businesses example of this would be a There is also sometimes to new owners often for hundreds of commercial cleaning franchise. something like a one per cent thousands of pounds, which makes Similarly, you may have to national marketing fee to pay on the hard work and investment very pay for stock before you receive top of this, which is used by the worthwhile for the original owners. the sale proceeds. Either way, franchisor to advertise the brand. So good luck to you on your this is another reason for I would also recommend having a business journey, but make sure sufficient working capital. safety net/contingency equivalent you do your homework first.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 27 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT

AT A GLANCE The best ACTIONCOACH Established: 1993 in Australia. 2001 in UK Number of franchised outlets: 200-plus in the UK decision of Location of units: UK-wide Investment range: £69,000 Minimum required capital: £20,000 Contact: If you want to be influential in helping my life… business owners transform both their lives and businesses and you’re the kind of person who: A. Loves learning and helping people; Well, okay, apart from marriage and kids! B. Has enjoyed success in your career, business or a sport; and C. Is willing to invest if you see substantial returns can be made… Then find out more by watching the overview video at actioncoach.co.uk/overview

going into food retailing, being able to use his experience in the industry to help, but nothing seemed to resonate. There was one brand that created a good first impression though - the event sponsor, ActionCOACH. In his previous roles, Alan had his own executive coach, which enabled him to understand the benefits. It immediately struck a chord with him and he decided this was the path he was destined to take when he left his corporate career behind. “The more I looked into ActionCOACH, the more it appealed,” Alan says. “It’s a professional services business with a focus on giving back to other people. “From my exposure to coaching, I could see how rewarding this would be - not just financially, but ollowing an almost apart from marriage and kids! For personally too. On top of that, I two-decade-long those in search of a meaningful don’t think I was brave enough career in the way to spend the rest of your F to start a business from scratch, corporate world, life, you’ll do a lot worse than so franchising was the middle Scotsman Alan Smith wanted to having a look at ActionCOACH. ground. I’d have a business to get out of the rat race and try his The best part of it all is knowing call my own, with the support hand at business ownership. I’m helping business owners.” of the network behind me. What was once a nagging Alan enjoyed a good corporate “ActionCOACH’s 14 Points of thought at the back of his mind career with PepsiCo, Cadbury Culture had a huge impact on my quickly became reality when and Mondelez International. decision. They are the core values he launched his ActionCOACH However, there was a constant that a franchise partner lives business in 2014. Seven years on desire to go it alone and by, but I quickly came to realise from starting his franchise, Alan start his own business. they’re not just a set of words on reflects on his career change: To satisfy his curiosity, paper. During my due diligence “All I can say is joining Alan attended an event for process, they really proved ActionCOACH was the best entrepreneurs on how to set themselves, as everyone I spoke decision of my life - well, okay, up a business. He considered with echoed the same culture.”

28 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Behind the Brand - Xxxxxxxxxxx ActionCOACH

LEARNING THE ROPES be difficult, but the franchise Alan’s 10 days at ActionCOACH provided a buffer. I would be “It felt great to be the University was his first proper busy networking and becoming exposure to the business coaching familiar with the skills to market beacon of hope for many franchise in real depth, an my business, while a support team experience he hails as life changing. member did a wonderful job of business owners” “The training was intense, attracting prospects. Before long, yet extremely comprehensive,” I felt confident in my abilities and Alan says. “I don’t think there it’s only got better since then.” for my clients. ActionCOACH was any aspect of business not commits to providing quality covered and it’s something I MOVING ON UP over quantity and I’m excited to look back on fondly now. Back to the present day and continue being a good coach for “It didn’t just teach me how to Alan has well and truly found his the benefit of my clients - their success makes all this worth it. do business or be a business coach, stride. As the challenges from the “On a personal level, I’m it helped me learn how to become COVID-19 pandemic threatened focused on creating an even a better person. It encouraged me his clients’ businesses, he was bigger asset for my young family. to look at things from a different available to offer support and My children, Finlay and Freya, perspective and I noticed there advice. And the results speak are teenagers and I want to was a whole world outside of for themselves, banking an demonstrate how hard work corporate waiting for me.” average of £22,000 a month of can pay off. I’m adopting similar Alan understood the first client income and increasing his attitudes with my children as year of his business would be revenue by 18 per cent in 2020. I would with my clients and I “The situation illustrated tough, but he also accepts it as a hope it’s something they can how much people needed me,” critical part of his development appreciate in the future. Alan says. “It felt great to be the as a business coach. “My wife, Mhairi, has been beacon of hope for many business When he returned home to able to leave her employed role owners, as they couldn’t quite see Scotland, he spent much of his and start her own furniture what the future looked like. As a time learning. Thankfully, due to upcycling business. To allow community, we worked together on the extensive knowledge library her to have that freedom available from ActionCOACH, the solution, which was amazing.” is extremely rewarding. Alan could get up to speed “ActionCOACH hasn’t just with various disciplines to help FINDING A HAPPY allowed me to have the business bring in his first clients. WORK-LIFE BALANCE I craved, but has also helped “I’m extremely grateful for He adds: “I’ve currently got 23 us all to achieve a positive what I went through in those clients and I know how many lifestyle. I can continue marathon first 18 months, as it was a great I can handle at one time. running, for both social and learning curve,” he says. “There’s an opportunity to health reasons, and we can “Going from training and having grow, but I never want to lose all enjoy Finlay’s football and to put things into practice can my consistency of delivery Freya’s diving passions.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 29 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Guardian Angel Carers

AT A GLANCE GUARDIAN High flyers ANGEL CARERS Established: 2012 Number of franchised outlets: 4 Location of units: UK Investment range: £37,500 take the Minimum required capital: £50,000 Contact: Vicky Brown [email protected] 03333 660550 proven path gacarers.co.uk/franchise “We own a Tim Corry and Alex Duncan, two former Royal Air Force business doing and commercial pilots, tell us why investing in a Guardian work we love and Angel Carers franchise was a change for the better share a vision with others doing hen Tim Corry left while the energy, high support the RAF, he had only ratio and rolled-up sleeves the same” W considered flying as approach was motivating. They a future role in the noticed no one was asking them Help with figures, navigating belief that was where his skills lay. to do anything they hadn’t done the regulatory requirements and “But an officer’s role is incredibly already. It gave them confidence. care training has impressed too. varied,” he says. “I’d learnt skills The home care industry also “We’re given all the and gained experiences I’d inspired them because of its time we need to improve taken for granted and missed. compassion, incredible people all we do,” Tim says. Establishing our franchise in and the advances in enabling home care meant I could employ technology and preventative A SOLID FOUNDATION the best of all those skills.” approaches to medicine and care. Tim and Alex recognise that Alex Duncan agrees. Keen “We want to be part of the Guardian Angel Carers to run their own business, that in a company that is franchise model gives them franchising offered the ideal positively evolving care for a solid foundation. way in, with a proven model the better with the choice of “We own a business doing and knowledgeable support. care at home,” Tim says. work we love and share a vision “We looked at a few options, As they establish their with others doing the same,” Tim but Guardian Angel Carers stood business, Alex and Tim say says. “I’d highly recommend it.” out for us,” he adds. Christina and the headquarters Alex advises that it’s vital team are giving them a lot of time. to do your homework: “You’re POSITIVE MOVE “They’ve supported us every signing up for the next 10 years. The step into home care came step of the way,” Alex explains. “Align your values to a when the pandemic hit and “We’ve always been given company, working with people commercial flying had all but the fullest picture of what’s who match yours. That way, stopped. So Tim and Alex started involved and what to expect.” it will be a smooth flight.” to volunteer in their community. “We realised our raison d’etre of service was our real motivation,” Tim says. It prompted them to make a change. Research led to Guardian Angel Carers. “Their ethos, spirit of compassion and warm familial feel chimed with us and Christina Bassadone’s Olympic story to entrepreneur founder inspired us to get in touch,” Tim says.

PART OF THE FAMILY Tim and Alex felt these values aligned well with their backgrounds,

30 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 PAUL BAKERY page_WHAT FRANCHISE 11/03/2021 14:07 Page 1

Indulge Yourself in a Premium Bakery

CONTACT US TODAY Andy Hulbert, Franchise Recruitment Manager www.paul-uk.com/franchise Mob: 07766 027562 | Email: [email protected] BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Bargain Booze

AT A GLANCE Best choice, BARGAIN BOOZE Established: 1981 Number of franchised outlets: 450-plus best service, Location of units: England and Wales Investment range: £15,000 upwards Minimum required capital: best value £15,000 Contact: 0333 300 0693 bargainbooze.co.uk/abetterfuture Significant investment in the Bargain Booze brand has assured its future at the forefront of franchised off licence POWERFUL COMBINATION here’s good reason It’s this powerful combination of that Bargain Booze factors that enables franchisees T is one of the most to succeed - retailers are given the sought after franchises tools they need as part of a turnkey on the high street. solution - and gives consumers Not only does this market leading the best choice, best service and brand inspire loyalty and engagement best value on the high street. across a broad customer base, but As a Bargain Booze franchisee, you’ll significant investment in the Bargain be your own boss, but have the brand’s Booze brand over the past three team beside you every step of the way. years has assured its future at the You can expect the full support of forefront of franchised off licence. the company and you’ll get your own EPOS system and branding, as well as MARKET LEADING marketing, POS and digital support. The company’s key product lines And it doesn’t stop there, as Bargain include discounted craft beer, lager, knowledge and expertise across off Booze’s experienced franchisees cider, wine, spirits, soft drinks, e-cigs, licence, retail and convenience. are only too pleased to share snacks, confectionery, soft drinks and Its legacy in off licence is unique, experiences and help and support groceries, while it leads the market alongside buying power that comes you on your journey into retail. in adapting fast to new consumer with scale and strength of purchasing. purchasing behaviours, often In addition to Bargain Booze, its SUPPORT PACKAGE bringing NPD lines first to market. headquarters operates the UK’s largest Bargain Booze’s franchisee model The Bargain Booze range is backed franchised off licence and convenience enables you to have multiple up by a package that’s second to none chains and as part of its future proofing centrally controlled stores and in franchising, led by a team - based has recently added two new concept includes the following: in Crewe - imbued with immense stores, Tippl and BBs, to the portfolio. • Market leading alcohol offer with a much loved fascia. I’VE GONE FROM ONE SITE TO FIVE • A centrally managed EPOS system with online ordering. Gareth Wynne owns Bargain Booze in how to operate multiple sites. My like- • Back office support. Select Convenience Store Mold in for-like sales are now in double figures. • The ability to adapt fast Wales and has grown from a single-site “We compete strongly - and to market trends. operator to a multiple franchisee. successfully - against some of the • A best-in-class marketing and He says: “I was a ‘millennium’ franchisee bigger retailers locally and also generate digital marketing platform. when I joined Bargain Booze and in the good rewards on purchases. • A hand-balled premium delivery last 21 years we’ve certainly come of age. “It’s a well managed solution service (up to two deliveries per “We’ve grown from one site to five, due that gives me time to focus on week within a four-hour window). to the simplicity of the model, which is the stores, our people and our • Two-weekly special offers. well thought through. The Bargain Booze customers. This engagement is of vital • Four-weekly promotional package. team has helped me grow my business, importance, as our local community • 14 days’ credit. giving me strong support and guidance is at the heart of our business.” • Access to Bargain Booze’s Jisp click and collect/home delivery app. • Access to the Uber platform.

32 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Behind the Brand - Just Clear

AT A GLANCE JUST CLEAR The time was Established: 2012 Number of franchised outlets: 133 Location of units: UK Investment range: £20,000-£50,000 Minimum required capital: £20,000 right to take Contact: [email protected] the leap just-clear.co.uk

Jamie Hynze explains how along with husband us the opportunity to travel down this new path with Mikey the couple have become the successful nothing holding us back. As with starting any new Just Clear business owners they aspired to be business, we were apprehensive as it picked up slowly. During met Mikey in 2009 this time we came across and among the many Just Clear, a London-based I things that sparked company that contracted a few an attraction was a business opportunities to us. like-mindedness in the sense of I researched the company and planning our future together. found they were UK based and In many ways, being like- had been established since 2012. minded helped as any decision We realised they represented making came effortlessly who and what we strived to and for the most part we achieve and aspire to be. were on the same page. BECOMING NEW DIRECTION FRANCHISEES Fast track to 2015 and now We built a good working married with a child, Mikey relationship with Just Clear and I had been in the same and after some time the careers for several years and word ‘franchise’ came up. while I’m more reserved Mikey If anyone told us five years always knew he would one ago that we would be buying day become his own boss. into a franchise in 2021, we A few mistakes were made would not have believed in establishing exactly what them. Nevertheless, we type of venture we wanted enquired about the financial to pursue, but we always requirements to do so. seemed to come back to house With an investment of removals and clearances. £49,000 and a minimum Mikey is a people person, so capital requirement of £19,000, didn’t want to be sitting behind we felt apprehensive about a desk for seven hours a day, the monumental journey we while I thrived on organisation were about to embark on. and simply helping people out. This led to a meeting with Just Clear CEO Brendan O’Shea, who DECISION TIME explained the proven business In March 2020 Mikey was made model to us and illustrated redundant and the country was the potential and growth we hit by the pandemic. We didn’t could achieve with not only know whether the time was right the assistance of head office, to start our own business as but also the support of Just planned or simply look for a new Clear’s 130-plus franchisees. job and continue life as it was. They continue to give us I knew Mikey wanted to take the scope, knowledge and the leap and the security of a support to grow the successful redundancy package and me business we had planned still working full-time gave for so many years ago.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 33 INSIGHT

Young entrepreneurs go from degree to franchisee Graduates can broaden their career prospects by setting up their own business - and a franchise is a proven way to do it

WORDS BY LINDA WHITNEY

he number of young Domino’s Pizza, The Wheel Specialist entrepreneurs is and hundreds more in many LEARN MORE ABOUT T growing. 2020 saw a 15 business sectors. FRANCHISING per cent increase in the Becoming a franchisee involves number of young people starting an investment, but it can be a faster, The British Franchise their own businesses over 2019, less risky way into business. Most Association and Lloyds Bank created the Leaders research by government business business degrees do not provide of Tomorrow guide to THE AUTHOR initiative Innovate UK shows. much information about the Linda Whitney writes highlight to younger people However, too few young franchise model, but more young about franchising for the possibility of careers in the Daily Mail, What entrepreneurs know about the people are investing in franchises. franchising. franchising route into business At least one in fi ve new franchisees Franchise and many You can download it here: ownership. is under 30, according to the British other publications thebfa.org/the-leaders-of- Here’s how it works: the franchisor Franchise Association. tomorrow. (the company that runs the franchise) sells you (the franchisee) Franchisors Consider taking the Prospect the right to run your own outlet Franchisee Certifi cate welcome graduates course. It will help convince using its brand, proven business Franchisors welcome applications franchisors you are serious. model and operations techniques. from suitable graduates. It’s free online at bfa. Many well known brands are Julie Waites, consultant and trainme.tv franchises, including Dyno-Rod, recruitment specialist with The “At least one in fi ve new franchisees is under 30, according to the British Franchise Association”

34 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Franchise Company, says: “I would definitely recommend franchising as a route into business for graduates, WORKING FOR A FRANCHISE CAN HELP YOU BECOME A FRANCHISEE as it’s a good way to start in business “Starting as a franchise frontline worker is a well trodden path to becoming a franchisee,” without any previous business says Simon Mills of franchise consultancy Franchise Focus, who also recruits franchisees for management experience.” clients such as the Christies Care home care franchise. Worldwide express courier service “Many super-successful franchisees in all sectors started out working on the franchise provider InXpress offers a ‘Young frontline,” Simon says. Guns’ franchise package aimed at “Experience working for a franchise will give you the edge when you apply to become a graduates with business degrees. franchisee, either with the same franchise or another. InXpress global CEO Mark Taylor “One of the things Christies looks for in prospective franchisees is care sector experience. says: “When I was 20 and about “Working in a franchise means you learn how the franchise model works and what life to graduate, I didn’t want to work is like for the employees, which helps make you a good team leader when you become a for some corporate organisation, franchisee. becoming a slave to the 9-5 for “As an employee, you learn about finding and retaining customers and the importance someone else’s benefit. of marketing and teamwork - good transferable skills that you should highlight on your CV.” “I was introduced to franchising as a way to make the most of my life, while making a difference in others. This is what we offer graduates through the Young Guns programme.” Graduates who pass suitability At toddler football franchise A degree in business, accountancy screening are offered three months BabyBallers, business development or some other subject relevant to of paid work with an existing director Chris Elms says: “With a franchisor’s sector may help, but franchisee, so they can learn the many graduates struggling to other subjects are fine. business from the inside and then, if find employment at the moment, Rather than a degree, they continue to meet the InXpress franchising can be a good franchisors look for people who are criteria, are offered a franchise at alternative to starting a business enthusiastic about their business half the normal price. on your own. sector, are willing to learn new Neil Randall, UK chief executive “We provide unlimited support skills and work hard. GRADUATE of gym franchise Anytime Fitness, and training to those who have the A CV with evidence of delivering JOBS FALLING says: “A key future objective for us right talent, ambition and passion.” high quality customer service, • The number of graduate jobs is to work closely with universities, working under pressure, managing business schools and personal dropped by 12 per Why a franchise could your time, teamwork, sales and training qualification providers to cent in 2020, with be a better way into problem solving, gained in the the majority of em- support and encourage more young workplace, will help convince ployers anticipating people into franchising and help business for graduates • Franchisors do not expect you to franchisors you have skills to be a further decline next inspire them to become business have experience in their sector, franchisee. year, according owners. to the Institute of which gets you out of the ‘no • You may already know more “Graduates’ skill sets and high Student Employers. about franchising than you think. levels of enthusiasm lend themselves job, no experience, no job’ trap. to running their own health club.” You don’t need prior experience Many students have worked in • In 2020, employers because franchisors offer the franchised businesses, perhaps received 14 per cent training and support to start and delivering pizzas, providing more applications run your business. domiciliary care or serving in a fast for graduate roles • You don’t need an upper second food restaurant. and nine per cent more for internships or a first to stand a chance of If your current or past employer and placements. getting on board, unlike many is a franchised business, ask your employers’ graduate schemes. boss about how the model works.

RAISING THE MONEY Plenty of franchises can be started with less than £10,000, some with less than £1,000 - though don’t choose your franchise on cost alone. Check that it’s the right franchise for you.

Money raising options include: • Savings. • Family borrowing. A formal legal agreement prevents arguments and proves to franchisors and other potential investors you have sufficient funds. • Peer-to-peer lending or crowdfunding. • Banks and other lenders generally prefer to lend for franchises than for independent start-ups. Franchisors can introduce you to potential lenders. Also look at the Start Up Loans Company and the Prince’s Trust.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 35 INSIGHT

Connor Thorne: Rachel Stamper: MagiKats Anytime Fitness “I still feel part of a team, as I “We didn’t want a business did in teaching”

that was just about sitting in You don’t need a business degree to start a franchise. Geology and geography graduate Rachel Stamper got a an o ce” PGCE to qualify as a teacher and taught primary children for seven years before starting her own tutoring business as a Connor Thorne always knew he wanted to work for MagiKats franchisee. himself. Rachel, from Coventry, says: “I was researching starting “I chose to take a degree in business management my own tutoring business when I discovered there were with that in mind,” he says. various tutoring franchises. I investigated and found After graduating in 2018, he set up in business with MagiKats suited my values.” his dad Steve, who owned an exhibitions company. She opened her franchise in 2019, providing maths, “We decided the franchise model offered better English and reasoning tuition to children. prospects than going it alone and chose the Anytime After moving online for lockdown, she resumed face-to- Fitness franchise,” Connor says. face sessions, in a local church hall, in April. Now 26, he and Steve have opened two Anytime “I do some tuition myself and employ four other tutors,” Fitness health clubs on the south coast and are now on Rachel says. track to achieve fi ve in their fi rst fi ve years. “My degree and work as a teacher have been key, but the Connor, just back from St Helier, Jersey, where he franchise gave me the skills and support I needed to start oversaw the opening of their third club, says: “My my own business. degree has helped a lot. I learned about profi t and loss “As part of a franchise, I can talk to the franchisor and accounting, cash fl ows, interviews and the franchise other franchisees in the network, so I still feel part of a team, route and I did a sandwich year with a pharma company as I did in teaching.” that gave me hands-on business experience.” Connor and Steve were both interested in fi tness franchises. “We didn’t want a business that was just about sitting in an offi ce,” Connor says. “With a fi tness business, you get the reward of having a positive impact on members’ lives.” Anytime Fitness has provided the support they needed to get up and running fast. “The connections we’ve had through Anytime Fitness, the models we used at the beginning, the designing, the recommendations of kit and the professional marketing are all priceless,” Connor says. “Before you open, you get a checklist of everything you need, including licences, health and safety certifi cates, insurance and legal arrangements. We’d have been lost without that level of support.” He advises students and graduates: “Don’t overlook the franchise career option. It can be a great way to start a business, especially if it’s your fi rst one. “It means you can get your business underway faster and I think it’s a more reliable route than setting up independently.”

36 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Nihar Vithlani and Devin Gohil: BabyBallers

“We chose the franchise route as we had not owned a business before” Fellow economics graduates Nihar Vithlani and Devin Gohil decided to start their own business by investing in a BabyBallers franchise. Nihar, 24, says: “We both graduated in economics from Nottingham in 2017 and went into jobs in fi nancial services. “When we felt ready to start our own business as a side hustle, we chose the franchise route as we had not owned a business before.” They chose BabyBallers, the franchise that involves running football and movement skills sessions for toddlers. Devin, 25, says: “We both love football, had played in Sunday leagues and used to hold mini-coaching sessions with friends.” “The franchise package includes a website, social media, class plans and equipment, support and training,” Nihar says. “Having an existing, proven business model means you can set up faster and more easily and focus on growth sooner. “In the future we’ll recruit coaches to take sessions, but we will Trisha and Preeti Mehan: always do some of the coaching ourselves because we love it.” Nihar and Devin funded the franchise from their savings and the fi rst Christies Care classes started in Ruislip in May. Devin adds: “A franchise is an easier way for graduates to start a business than setting up independently, especially if you want to run it “You bring the energy and alongside a day job. “However, ensure you’re passionate about it because it’s easier to drive to succeed” keep pushing the business along if you’re genuinely interested.” Pharmacy graduate Trisha Mehan (pictured) qualifi ed as a pharmacist in 2018 and works for a drug company as a clinical trials pharmacist. She’s also a co-franchisee in a Christies Care home care franchise in Greater Manchester. Trisha, 26, says: “My mum, Preeti, and I had discussed opening a social care business because she was studying social care and I had seen so many people trapped in hospital because of a lack of social care. “When we researched it, we found that a franchise would give us the structure, policies and regulatory help required, so we could add our dedication, qualifi cations and experience.” Trisha and Preeti became co-franchisees and launched in June 2020. Trisha contributed to the investment from her savings, alongside other family members. “Mum is the registered manager and I’m the registered provider,” Trisha says. “I deal with tendering, regulatory oversight, internal audits, social media, recruitment and staff supervisions around my permanent job. It’s hard work, but enormously rewarding. “A franchise is a good way to launch a business when you’re young. The franchise provides the foundation and offers support from the franchisor and other franchisees and you bring the energy and drive to succeed.”

WHATFRANCHISE.COM 37 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Meyers Estate Agents

AT A GLANCE MEYERS Meyers ESTATE AGENTS Established: Meyers established 2011. Franchise established 2014 Number of franchised outlets: 9 Location of units: currently across south franchise UK and expanding Investment range: £25,000-£30,000 Minimum required capital: £12,500 franchise fee Contact: [email protected] proves perfect meyersfranchise.co.uk

“Our Meyers franchise has now grown into an office hub on a local move business park as a base for the seven staff who are now all an essential part of our business. Alex Hill hasn’t looked back since joining “This still costs around half of a high street location, so we’re the expanding estate agency brand able to devote more resources to marketing properties. with complaints and recruiting “Better quality and more for new staff when good but prominent online marketing disillusioned people had left. means 95 per cent of our enquiries “I felt the corporate company’s come from our presence on the focus on our customers had leading portals. As a result, we shifted over time, until it left generate more interest and can significant room for improvement. prove we get closer to the asking “I’ve known Mark Meyer for price for the homes we sell than many years and we’d discussed the any other agent in the local area. possibility of starting one of the “I’m 100 per cent glad I first pilot franchises for Meyers. In made the move to Meyers. 2016, I made the move to Meyers I’ve absolutely no regrets. and haven’t looked back.” “It’s been fabulous to set up and grow my own business through low TAILORED TRAINING cost investment and be provided lex Hill had 20 years’ Mark provided Alex with training with all the support any new experience as a corporate that was tailored to his needs self-employed person needs. estate agent before around how to run a new business. “The attention to detail in how A joining Meyers Estate “The volume of support provided we work with our clients and sell Agents as a self-employed franchisee ensured I got off to a great start properties is now phenomenal. for Poole in Dorset in 2016. and Meyers’ customer centric It means we can offer the best In his first year, he sold 32 approach meant I was soon able service and get the best price for properties and has since grown the to grow the business,” Alex says. our properties and the structures business - selling 21 homes last “Once we were financially stable, in place as part of the franchise month alone. my wife Leanne also joined the ensure we can do this.” franchise and my son is involved EMPLOYEE TO too. I think clients like the fact it’s START-UP FRANCHISEE a family business and we can offer OPPORTUNITIES Alex explains: “Working as a that personal attention to each sale. Meyers currently has other low cost regional manager at a corporate “Because Meyers is not on the start-up franchise opportunities estate agent had become a job high street, originally I set up available in various locations. where I just seemed to deal working from home. This keeps Experience of the property initial overheads low and our market is not always necessary as success proves you no longer Meyers’ system is so easy to learn. “It’s been fabulous to need a high street branch with Full training and support powered all those associated costs. by proven processes is offered to set up and grow my own “At the start, lots of local the right candidates looking for a marketing around Poole was family friendly business opportunity business through low cost needed to generate interest, but and wanting to achieve a healthy now most of our work comes work-life balance and the chance to investment” through recommendation. earn a great living at the same time.

38 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Revive! Auto Innovations (UK)

AT A GLANCE Drilling down REVIVE! AUTO INNOVATIONS (UK)

Established: 2004 Number of franchised outlets: into a new career 55 Location of outlets: nationwide Investment range: £32,000 Tom Giles has swapped the oil sector for a fulfilling Minimum required capital: £20,000 life in the automotive industry with Revive! Contact: [email protected] revivefranchise.com

he global pandemic has an anxious two months waiting impacted every aspect to see if they would let me go.” of life. But for Tom Fortunately for Tom and Revive! T Giles, the new owner his application for voluntary “The more I of Revive! Aberdeen, it’s provided redundancy was accepted. read about the the impetus and finance he needed to make a major career change. NEW CAREER company the Originally from Canada, Tom knew there was a strong Tom spent his working life demand for a top quality SMART more impressed in the oil industry, moving repair service in the area. But while to Aberdeen in 1998. he had excellent management I became” and financial skills, he lacked the QUESTIONING HIS FUTURE necessary knowledge needed to set The already volatile oil industry off in this new direction and all his Tom went to the Revive! training was one of the worst hit by the research kept pointing to Revive! academy for his final week of pandemic and Tom was asked to “I knew that following a proven practical training, which was make half his team redundant in business model was the way to go carried out following the strictest April 2020 - a task he hated and one and it was just a matter of choosing social distancing procedures. that led him to question his future. the right franchise brand,” Tom says. “By the time I went to the Tom says: “It was just the worst “Revive! came top of all the Revive! training academy, I’d time. Having to let really good, internet searches I made and the already met so many people via talented people know by Zoom that more I read about the company Zoom that everything felt very they were going to lose their jobs the more impressed I became.” comfortable and familiar,” he says. didn’t sit comfortably with me. “The time learning the “I was working really long hours TRAINING PROGRAMME technical aspects of the job and felt like I was on a constant The Revive! management has been invaluable, giving me hamster wheel. My work-life franchise training programme a solid foundation on which balance was terrible and I just has been adapted as a result of to learn and the confidence wasn’t enjoying it any more. the lockdown, with classroom to know I will eventually get “When the call went out for sessions being held online rather to where I need to be.” volunteers in the second round of than at the franchise’s new redundancies, I applied and spent headquarters complex in Rugby. HIGH DEMAND Tom and his two technicians opened Revive! Aberdeen on March 29 and their two vans were quickly on the road. Retail demand has been so high that Tom is considering adding another van already. “If it weren’t for COVID, I probably would never have left the oil industry and not had the chance to start a whole new career as my own boss doing something I love,” he says. “I’m building a business for the future and feel lucky I’ve had this opportunity to set off on an exciting and challenging new path.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 39 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Caterpillar Music

AT A GLANCE Caterpillar Music CATERPILLAR MUSIC

Established: 2001 Number of franchised outlets: 13 is celebrating 20 Location of units: all across the UK Investment range: currently £7,500 (plus VAT) until June 30, 2021 Minimum required capital: £1,000 years in business Contact: Helen Simmons caterpillarmusic.com/ franchise-opportunities

CEO Helen Simmons explains how the company has grown as it reaches a major milestone “We’re thrilled to

t’s hard to believe that 20 video pages serve as an additional be back running years ago our very fi rst income stream - for example, at Caterpillars walked, our award I holiday times or times when a crawled or were carried customer misses a session. through our doors. Over the last tricky 12 months, winning face- We feel our 20th birthday this year is Caterpillar Music head offi ce not a milestone worth celebrating - only supported our franchisees to-face sessions particularly after the year we’ve had. with additional training in community opportunities, information sessions HOW WE FARED DURING and weekly Zoom calls for sharing venues and THE PANDEMIC tips and ideas, but our new During the COVID crisis, our priority Caterpillar Music Club was born, nurseries across was to assist our current franchisees to providing our customers with be able to deliver Caterpillar Music additional activities to do at home. the UK” Baby and Toddler Music Movement We’re also extremely proud to and Sensory sessions into the homes have won a Bronze Award from the and an ambassador for of thousands of families across the UK. Approved Franchise Association for Encouraging Women into Within the fi rst week of lockdown, Best Franchise Support 2020, as Franchising, all of which give we enabled them to go online with well as a Best Franchisor Diamond additional peace of mind to our their music sessions and now that our Award 2021 from Trustist for franchisees and customers and face-to-face classes have resumed demonstrating an extremely high have incredible benefi ts for our these online sessions and dedicated level of review collection. whole network.

THE BENEFITS OF THERE HAS NEVER BEING PART OF A BEEN A BETTER TIME FRANCHISE We’re thrilled to be back running Running your own business can be our award winning face-to-face daunting at times, which is why we sessions in community venues and wholeheartedly believe in the nurseries across the UK. benefi ts of having a team of Thousands of new families are like-minded franchisees to network contacting us every week to book with, together with the continual our popular sessions for their support of our head offi ce team, babies born during lockdown. rather than going it alone. Not only are our sessions so It’s widely known that a franchise benefi cial for the development of business has been statistically social skills, but many lifelong proven to be more likely to succeed friendships are also made between than a new start-up business. the grown-ups. Caterpillar Music is an accredited Many areas have customers on member of both the Approved waiting lists, which is why we Franchise Association and The believe there has never been a Quality Franchise Association. The better time to launch a baby and company is also a member of the toddler business. We’re currently Children’s Activities Association running our discovery days online.

40 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Join HOODZ International’s Global Franchising Expansion

Leading kitchen exhaust cleaning franchise welcoming ambitious entrepreneurs to join the company’s expansion into Ireland and the U.K.

7 reasons HOODZ is the best Franchise Opportunity

1. Proven model with experienced support infastructure 2. Low Start Up Cost - Low Overhead - No Inventory 3. Steady predictable income with no seasonality 4. Mandatory need-based service - not a fad 5. Quick start up: No build out headaches 6. Recurring revenue stream 7. No “hard” sales required

Exhaust Fan Hinge Kit & Access Panel Installation Exhaust Fan Belt Replacement Grease pad Cleaning Equipment Cleaning

England & Wales: Iain Martin - [email protected] | 01562 261162 Ireland & Scotland: Mikayla Whittle - [email protected] | 0141 2212600 HOODZFRANCHISE.COM BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT

AT A GLANCE A place of fun THAI EXPRESS Established: Montreal, Canada in 2000. First unit in UK 2012 Number of franchised outlets: 300-plus globally. 8 in the UK and flavour Location of units: Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex; Grand Central, Birmingham; Intu Derby; Vauxhall, London; Boxpark, Wembley; Boxpark, Croydon; Lane 7, Leicester; The Friary, Guildford Investment range: £150,000-£300,000 Global brand Thai Express is planning a UK roll-out Minimum required capital: £100,000 of its popular food concept Contact: [email protected] thaiexpress.co.uk

veryone loves a good FOR EVERYONE Pad Thai and although AND ANYONE Allowing customers to choose Thai Express prides Changing the notion of having Thai their level of spice, Thai Express E offers a huge range of gluten free, itself on delivering just food as a special meal from your that, the brand offers so much more. local Thai cafe, Thai Express aims vegan and halal options, which From humble beginnings in to bring Thai food to the everyday, means it’s menu is suitable for all. Montreal, Canada in 2001, the for everyone and anyone. The In addition, all food is cooked company quickly went from one to brand’s price point is a testament in an open kitchen, allowing 200 franchised stores within seven to that, as students can afford customers to view the theatre years - becoming one of the fastest it, as well as families who want element of the chefs on the wok. growing Thai franchises globally. to enjoy a meal out together. As Thai food is a popular cuisine in the UK, Thai Express restaurants are based in high footfall locations in order to attract the maximum number of customers and raise the profile of the brand. Thai Express is constantly working to stay relevant when it comes to the latest food trends. Although its menu has core dishes, the company regularly adds seasonal specials and new twists on regular favourites. This helps keep the menu fresh and customers engaged.

EXPANSION THROUGH FRANCHISING The company says that the aim has always been to franchise the concept. Because of this, for the past eight years Thai Express has built a solid supply chain from its central warehouse in north London, which has the capacity to cater for a national network of restaurants. To maintain menu consistency, Thai Express prides itself on sourcing high quality ingredients, which ensures customers are always happy. Another element of the franchise business is the processes and procedures that have been developed that allow franchisees to run the business with ease and focus on customer satisfaction.

42 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Behind the Brand - Xxxxxxxxxxx Thai Express

Technology also plays an • QSR+. Larger outlets of 1,000- important role, as it helps 1,800 sq ft with 50-plus seats and “When someone joins franchisees keep costs under creating 30-minute dwell time. control, while providing customers Ideal for ambitious investors the Thai Express with a first class dining experience, and operators, Thai Express whether in restaurant or at home. recently launch this format in family and becomes a Pre-COVID, the company had Fosse Park, Leicester with its been planning a national franchise newest franchisee partner. franchisee, it’s our duty roll-out. However, because of the • Fast casual. 1,800-3,000 sq ft to make sure they’re pandemic the last 12 months have restaurants offering a full been spent on reformulating and dining experience with table successful” rethinking where Thai Express service, higher average spend fits in a post-COVID world. and a full drinks menu. This that is focused on providing Operations director Uzma concept will extend and push the excellent ongoing support. Pattani says: “The food industry boundary of the brand globally. “When we bought the UK master has changed. Food delivery The first estaurantr of this type franchise for Thai Express, the has dominated and although will be launched in Edinburgh goal was never to run before we have adapted we need to this summer under the name we could walk,” Uzma says. be ahead of the game.” Thai Express Kitchen. “We had to be absolutely certain So what’s in store for Thai No matter which Thai Express that everything was in place before Express? outlet you visit, you’ll want to we began franchising, including “We believe a successful roll- share a photo of it on Instagram, a head office support team and out will be a multilayered game as each one transports customers a robust supply chain with the plan,” Uzma says. “Customers out of their everyday life to a ability to distribute nationally will be craving an in-store place of fun and flavour. on a consistent basis - the key experience and our restaurants elements franchisees require to have to become destinations BECOMING A FRANCHISEE open a store in a timely fashion. that are located in strong food When becoming a franchisee, “When someone joins the Thai delivery catchments, so we can the goal is always to invest in a Express family and becomes have the best of both worlds.” profitable business, learn how to a franchisee, it’s our duty to run it quickly and run it with ease. make sure they’re successful. THREE STORE FORMATS Thai Express is looking for “We are only as good as our Thai Express franchised people who want to remain in the franchisees, so now is a very restaurants come in three formats: food industry for the long term. exciting time for us and we’re • QSR. Small footprint outlets It’s keen to sell territories confident that although Thai food (500-1,000 sq ft) with high and be the backbone for strong has been a favourite for a long footfall, which are ideal for new franchisees who want to own time in the UK we offer something franchisees entering the sector. multiple units and join a brand that is ‘same same but different’.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 43

FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 45 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM

CAREERS IN SHAPE CAREERS IN SHAPE ENTREPRENEURS GET THEIR ENTREPRENEURS GET THEIR

FITNESS, BRANDS POWER THESE BUSINESSES CAN HELP ASPIRING HELP ASPIRING THESE BUSINESSES CAN OUTDOOR SPORT AND SPORT OPPORTUNITIES “Pent-up demand for fi tness fi demand for “Pent-up make customers t20, fi At and slow involves “It Niri says: of numbers limited very “With distant and “These socially targets which The franchise, YOUNG FRANCHISES FRANCHISES YOUNG THE NEW BOOSTED BY EMPHASIS ON HEALTH franchises new Unsurprisingly, to the demand for that cater - and outdoor workouts outdoor appearing. now - are working as well as supporting current as supporting current well as clubs. further to own franchisees cant was memberships signifi and these new during lockdown substantial demand clubs saw potential members.” from appointments at smallindividual sessions on weekly studios for the machines under resistance trainer. of a personal tutelage a high for movements careful workout deep core intensity, the increases that gradually tness. and fi strength customer’s at once in cool people training no panting or there’s rooms, and equipment can besweating clients. cleaned between easily in place were protocols hygienic the pandemic, so it is an before even now.” customers option for attractive the 85 per among from customers don’t who cent of people in the UK originated a gym membership, have and has 160 in the Netherlands now countries. It studios in 10 locations in the UK and has seven year. next seven plans another “The vaccine roll-out and roll-out vaccine “The While closed during lockdown, allowed As soon as the restrictions time to invest a fantastic “It’s Fitness Anytime Meanwhile, Randall Neil Chief executive where the brand has fi clubs, says: ve has fi the brand where a big uptick in sales even saw “We April 26. on the reopening before ts of the benefi awareness more meant a lifestyle of a healthy we’re but in memberships, surge visit booking system our keeping in place capacity and reduced work can all members to ensure and enjoyably.” out safely tness fi many like Fitness, énergie an online created franchises, deliver instructors where platform on- 200-plus also provided classes. It demand videos, yoga and meditation on nutrition.classes and seminars started holding it, the company classes in distanced outdoor socially aims to open two Matt local parks. year. the end of the clubs by new he adds. tness industry,” in the fi how “The pandemic has reinforced is and well-being vital health and business enjoyable a hugely it’s in, full of passionate work to people.” and motivated healthUK, one of the largest opened nine club operators, the end of locations before new locations adding to its 175 May, the UK and Ireland. across has seen year “The past says: lives their people reassess many and it’s and business objectives us to be able to for been great to the network, faces new welcome WORDS BY LINDA WHITNEY LINDA BY WORDS

uddenly we we all want uddenly - lifestyle tter a fi and if achieving it means getting

business on the back of pent-up customer demand the back of pent-up customer business on S When fi tness clubs reopened When fi franchisee Roberts, master Matt Fitness, sport and outdoor Fitness, sport and outdoor managing director Niri S Patel, This could be a sign of a HOW FRANCHISES HAVE FRANCHISES HAVE HOW TAKE CHANGED TO OF AN ADVANTAGE MARKET EXPANDING have franchises existing Many in operate they ways adapted the customers. new to attract order a surge saw April, many in and many of customers announced plans to expand. Fitness in Scotland, énergie for outdoors, all the better. all the better. outdoors, such as FitStudioZ, franchises one-on-one provides which seeing are training, personal on the back ofbusiness surge customers. demand from pent-up tness fi a growing t20, of fi where franchisees franchise that deliver open small centres training 20-minute personal, three rst “In the fi sessions, says: April, in reopened we after days we people signed up than more in a month.” experience usually in attitudespermanent change made pandemic restrictions after value the people realise many activity. tness and outdoor of fi time be a good could If it is, now franchisees prospective for a look at franchise to take opportunities in this sector. TO INVEST IN THE THE IN INVEST TO ISSUE 17.1 |

FITNESS INDUSTRY FITNESS IT’S A FANTASTIC TIME TIME FANTASTIC A IT’S This is also true of sport and outdoor opportunities, which are seeing a boost in seeing a boost opportunities, of sportThis is also true are which and outdoor THE AUTHOR Linda Whitney writes for about franchising What the Daily Mail, and many Franchise other publications

FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS FRANCHISE 46 WHAT POWERBRANDS FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS

“During lockdown the ACTIVITY AND SPORT SET TO GROW pest population Activity levels in England were on course to reach record highs before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, according to thrived, so our the latest Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey. When lockdown started, the government’s services are in advice that people could get outside for an hour a day for exercise led to a boom in walking, running demand” and cycling. In the fi rst seven weeks of lockdown, walking was the most popular overall activity, with more than 21 million adults walking at moderate intensity, while running was also popular. The number of people cycling for leisure or sport increased from 6.1 million to 7.2 million during the fi rst few weeks of the 2020 lockdown, compared to the same period 12 months prior. Exercising at home also saw a boom compared to the same two-month period in 2019. Over the fi rst seven weeks of lockdown, home exercise participants grew by 2.1 million - an increase largely driven by women.

“In the fi rst three days after we reopened in April, more people signed up than we usually experience in a month”

GYMGUYZ, a mobile franchise It plans to recruit eight to 10 bees and combs, swarms and that involves bringing personal franchisees this year and another colonies from chimneys, walls, training to customers in their fi ve annually for fi ve years. roofs and trees without using homes, gardens, parks and even insecticides or pesticides. car parks, has 260 franchisees in WORKING IN THE “The bees are extracted alive the USA and now has three in the GREAT OUTDOORS and relocated, either to a new UK, with potential for 330 more. The trend for outdoor activity home in a beekeeper’s hive or if UK managing director Laike necessary to a bee hospital,” Peter also means outdoor franchises Mantori says: “This meets the says. “The colony can be supplied look set for growth. demand for personal training with a new queen bee if necessary.” The PGH Beegone franchise, without the need to go to a gym and No other franchise offers which launched in December unlike online training GYMGUYZ this combination of services 2020 after 14 years as a family trainers provide equipment.” and pest controllers are business, is looking for franchisees He’s looking for investors or classed as key workers, so who like working outdoors. personal trainers as franchisees the business has remained and the franchise provides training Peter Higgs, founder and operational during lockdown. and recruitment support. managing director, says: “Now’s Peter is looking for franchisees The Rise franchise was started a brilliant time to invest in who are passionate about wildlife by four fi tness industry veterans in the PGH Beegone franchise, conservation, relish the thought of 2021 to cater to the new demand for which offers both pest control making a difference and who have personal training post-lockdown. and live bee removal. excellent customer service skills. Co-founder James Cotton, formerly “Honeybees have been in the Prospective franchisees need with Anytime Fitness, says: “Rise press recently regarding insecticide no previous experience of bee is an affordable and fast way for regulations and need our help removal or pest control, as the people interested in fi tness to set up more than ever. During lockdown franchise provides full training. a business delivering personalised the pest population thrived, so You can start as an owner- training plans and nutritional advice our services are in demand.” operator or a management to customers indoors or outside PGH Beegone specialises in franchisee, recruiting technicians and with the support of apps.” the expert removal of live honey to do the practical work.

WHATFRANCHISE.COM 47 FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS

Shad Straker and Victoria Deborah: GYMGUYZ “We could immediately see the potential for delivering fi tness services in a new way”

“The lockdown has changed the way people see fi tness,” Shad Straker says. “It no longer automatically means going to the gym.” Shad and co-franchisee Victoria Deborah now own the Kingston, Surrey GYMGUYZ franchise, which provides personalised fi tness training to customers wherever they want it - in their homes, gardens, local parks, even offi ce car parks. “When we saw the GYMGUYZ franchise model, we could immediately see the potential for delivering fi tness services in a new way,” Shad, a former property developer, says. Victoria (pictured), who formerly competed at national level in athletics and went on to work in the City, says: “I used to live and breathe the gym, but when I went through depression at university I found that exercising at home was massively helpful, so I know that home exercise can deliver the same physical and mental benefi ts as gym workouts.” They found the franchise just before the fi rst 2020 lockdown and launched last September. “COVID has complicated things, but it’s also meant people are looking for fi tness training in new ways,” Shad says. “We now employ fi ve mobile fi tness coaches, who visit people to deliver individually tailored exercise programmes, and we’re now recruiting another 10. “People can choose the kind of training they like. At present, boxing is hugely popular, especially among the young. Yoga and pilates are big and HIIT and martial arts are always fashionable.” “It’s not just about physical fi tness,” Victoria adds. “Working out together helps promote bonding between couples and families and increasingly, when clients see the results, they ask if their partners and families can join them, so business grows organically. Our coaches become part of their family.” The pair are now developing partnerships with private hospitals and communities of new mums to help then get back in shape after giving birth. “We’re planning on picking up over 100 clients a months in the next few months and hoping to achieve a £1 million turnover with 40 per cent profi ts within two years,” Shad says. “But it’s not just about money. Helping people reach their personal fi tness goals is more rewarding than I ever expected.”

48 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 POWERBRANDS FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS

David Hasler: PGH Beegone “You get two businesses for the price of one”

David Hasler had always been fascinated by bees. Now he’s starting life as a franchisee with PGH Beegone, which offers live bee removal and pest control solutions. David, from Bury St Edmunds, says: “Bees have always interested me - they are such clever creatures - so when I was looking to buy a franchise as a way to run my own company PGH Beegone immediately grabbed my attention.” David, a former refrigerated courier for The National Laboratory Service and the Environment Agency, looked at various franchise “It was different from all the other franchises I had seen and you options over a few months, but didn’t fi nd anything that excited him until he came across PGH Beegone. get two businesses for the price of one,” David says. Franchisees provide expert removal of swarms and colonies of He launched his franchise in April after completing his training, honeybees and their combs from chimneys, walls, roofs and trees which included a series of external courses to lay a foundation without using insecticides or pesticides. of knowledge and 12 days’ face-to-face theoretical training with The bees are extracted live and transported to their new home PGH Beegone, plus shadowing the company’s support centre before the structure is bee-proofed to prevent bees returning. technicians on a wide variety of treatments. They also offer pest control and prevention services, covering “In the future, I hope to take on some technicians and more rodents, birds, large animals and insects. territories and build on the business year on year,” David says.

Kieran Igwe: fi t20 “I can scale and benefi t more customers, but am free to go on holiday”

When personal trainer Kieran Igwe first heard about the fit20 franchise, he was sceptical. Kieran explains: “I had my own business with a number of personal training clients and I suspected fit20 was just another fad. “But I researched it and liked the slick, clean studios, the precision of the machines and brand feel.” He believed his own company had gone as far as it could, but that the fit20 business would be easier to scale and deliver a beneficial impact to more customers. “A 20-minute session once a week is much more appealing to people than giving up your family life or favourite TV programme to go to personal training and the fit20 organisation the gym there times a week,” Kieran says. had 10 years more, which was a winning He opened his first fit20 studio in Leeds, now combination. has two and is planning a third. “I can scale and benefit more customers, but “I got great support from fit20 from the am free to go on holiday, knowing my team can beginning,” Kieran says. “I had experience in operate the business while I’m not there.”

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 49 “In addition to our X-NATION X-NATION “In addition to our we GYM XCELERATE every “At AT A GLANCE AT GYMS XCELERATE Established: 2020 1 outlets: Number of franchised North London of units: Edgware, Location £100,000+ range: Investment capital: Minimum required (+VAT) £100,000 Contact: Mark Chambers CEO & Co-Founder [email protected] Simon Hayes & Co-Founder CWO [email protected] xcelerategyms.com them, as well as the amazing as the amazing well them, as gyms.” in all our members OUR STRONG OUR STRONG COMMITMENT TO OUR BUSINESS OWNERS beyond extends This service level of and is at the core its members B2B support strategy. XCELERATE’S are Ensuring its business owners with all the required provided When describing the membership When describing the membership Athlete GB former experiences, Ashley-Faye Director and Product a designed have “We said: Helsby children for full class programme as well as and 12-15 8-11 5-7, aged fitness sessions weekend family and soul and full mind, body adult members our classes for members all our to help ensure X. of their value the achieve is focused which kids membership, we on combat sports and fitness, also launched the X-NATION have annual new This is our Games. will which pairs encourage event, to together, to train members and push themselves motivate with the goal and each other, being to compete in the Games. view a full 360-degree will take health, fitness members’ of our them the giving wellbeing, and from support, tools and advice to help every leading experts world element maximise every member and soul.” mind, body of their MADE DIFFERENT. MADE DIFFERENT. MADE BETTER. MADE FOR EVERYONE

On his aims for XCELERATE, XCELERATE, On his aims for and products new “In creating will show we “In doing so, based on products and services and services based on products designed to support that are to of the family member every X. their help them achieve has been a really “It said: Mark I but everyone, for difficult time look to find the positive always situation. I believe in every crisis comes that out of every look hard you if opportunity enough hard work enough and determined are We it. to achieve will be a GYMS that XCELERATE the sector. for disruptor positive service levels the high delivering members, our and support for a new will create we I believe within the fitness market. category business owners prospective the can reimagine we that provide we of support level

e now live in a world world in a live e now the health, which in fitness wellbeing and of the population is

different The brainchild of industry of industry The brainchild by the industry Set to take W the #1 priority of the government, of the government, the #1 priority in the media and an the #1 story millions for focus ever-increasing that know now who of people avoid to proactively way the best fit. fit and stay ill is to get getting CEO Chambers, Mark heavyweights and Simon Hayes, & Co-Founder, XCELERATE & Co-Founder, CWO health newest GYMS is the UK’s with a unique and fitness franchise at its core. offering family the and beyond, storm in 2021 built to be different, was brand and unrelenting with an unrivalled the determination to deliver most well thought well through, offers designed membership fitness franchise industry by storm industry fitness franchise Built to to Built be ISSUE 17.1 | XCELERATE GYMS is primed to take the take GYMS is primed to XCELERATE BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER BRAND: THE BEHIND

FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS - XCELERATE GYMS FRANCHISE 50 WHAT FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS - XCELERATE GYMS WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 51 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM As the final plans for additional additional for As the final plans as a crowded view some what In further like would you If “We are determined that determined are “We will GYMS XCELERATE for disruptor positive be a sector” the maximise all the opportunities maximise all the opportunities that the concept allows.” THE CATALYST FOR FOR THE CATALYST FUTURE SUCCESS GYM The opening of XCELERATE is a symbolic moment Edgware for and a catalyst the brand for of XCELERATE’s the activation with plans, expansion positive in Solihull two site number announced, plus four already sites announced in May. more up as being drawn are properties is the expectation to press, go we 9 gyms will have that the brand and year the end of the open by 2022. June 15 gyms open by like does feel it really marketplace, and in town brand is a new there some real one that has created vision that has many with a noise, excited truly business owners will hold. the future what for about the XCELERATE information and opportunity GYMS franchise you should invest, why to find out with the team today. in touch get “I’m so proud of what we we what of “I’m so proud On opening the first XCELERATE XCELERATE On opening the first With the pre-sale starting in starting in With the pre-sale Previously a combat sport a combat sport Previously member and maintaining a strong and maintaining a strong member business owners.” our yield for have created and thanks to to and thanks created have the support of the central we team, I am determined that GYM, Hardip said: “The XCELERATE “The XCELERATE said: GYM, Hardip GYM concept is game-changing health and fitness in this for with the particularly country, being placed on emphasis now whole the importance of the being fit and healthy. family December and having been run all been run all and having December to open lockdown, through way the and members with +1000 the gym day position from in a profitable one is an outstanding achievement. the testament to the brand, It’s to members available products has positioning that and its overall and engagement buy-in seen real the local community. from gym, the premium location was was location gym, the premium the XCELERATE by secured with the team, GYMS property the Project by construction managed an team to deliver Management open gym on time and on budget fit out. with a best-in-class THE JOURNEY BEGINS THE JOURNEY BEGINS IN EDGWARE by owned GYM Edgware, XCELERATE Sandhu, opened Hardip franchisee 2021. at the start of May its doors The expertise and support and support The expertise bring These trusted suppliers On timing the launch of the skills team’s “Combining our markets targeted clear “With our expertise and tools they need to need to and tools they expertise and successfully, open quickly agreements maximising property position a profitable and targeting of opening. day the first from to its handpicked extends provided These include partners. and expert company management project Design, equipment BMS, Prosper Plate Power Dyaco, providers experts property WattBike, and and fitness Investments SMP and marketing brand industry specialists 100AND10%. the to make decades of experience GYM vision of each XCELERATE so that each business a reality, for plan can confidently owner and Simon success as Mark the maximum to achieve work each franchisee. for returns site first opening their brand, commitment to its and its clear Simon commented: franchisees, the right is absolutely “Now XCELERATE. time for with that of our and networks enhanced alongside our partners, will be a concepts, membership the sector. shift for gear genuine of fitness enthusiasts, fitness aim is our and families, consumers position by a centre-market ‘own’ to an accessible price point, retaining to the value amazing delivering while PLEASE CONTACT GEORGE TAYLOR ON 07785628319 email: [email protected] WWW.EASYGYM.CO.UK/FRANCHISE FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS - Onside Coaching WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 53 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM bfa membership is no different. is no different. membership bfa We have to find ways to show to show ways to find have We full support as having well As on draw Onside franchises practice sharing good it’s Whether AT A GLANCE AT ONSIDE COACHING “It shows that shows “It Onside Coaching are franchises legitimate, ethical and well organised” Onside Coaching established Established: Onside Coaching established established 2018 First franchise in 1997. 4 outlets: Number of franchised of units: Midlands and expanding Location £20,000 range: Investment capital: £10,000 Minimum required (funding options available) Contact: [email protected] onsidecoaching.co.uk demonstrates to our customers customers to our demonstrates and role our understand we that the importance of high standards children. looking after when role our take we important that It’s and let seriously as a franchisor that Onside franchises know others and good built on high standards are a business perspective. from practice DOING THINGS PROPERLY of teaching and industry In our are there activities, children’s business opportunities many through either out there, otherwise. or franchising do things properly, we that children’s the fantastic it’s whether as a business offer we services we the amazing support or network. as a franchise deliver and a Directors three from Manager, dedicated Franchise also utilise in-house franchises design services such as graphic and web development. the across from experiences network. joint franchisees, with other picking simply planning or strategic brilliant to it’s brains, each other’s with an Onside franchise that know is part of the Onside team. everyone We pride ourselves on the fact on the fact pride ourselves We around centred As an organisation Onside Coaching is a proud Onside Coaching is a proud WHY DID WE JOIN WE JOIN WHY DID DOES AND WHAT US? TO IT MEAN is, quite Becoming a member we but process, a rigorous rightly, model franchise our having feel with it brings the bfa by approved that Onside shows credibility. It legitimate, are Coaching franchises organised. well ethical and in someone invests when that an Onside Coaching franchise, becoming part of an they’re network established, reputable success. model for with a proven and education, Onside children of being a network Coaching is proud with Ofsted. It registered that’s member of the British Franchise of the British Franchise member Association.

he British Franchise he British Franchise Association is a body governing franchising for

T The primary objective of the bfa of the bfa objective The primary sets a benchmark The organisation These criteria include an is to offer impartial advice, guidance guidance impartial advice, is to offer enter who people and support for of franchising. world in the work and in franchising best practice for in place to and conditions are a franchisor whether determine membership. can be granted assessment of the business model, of the franchise an evaluation of the training a review agreement, and proof and support provided can maintain that franchisees businesses; this is in profitable from feedback addition to getting of franchises. network the current and acts on behalf of both and acts on behalf of both and franchisees. franchisors

credibility to the children’s activity company company activity the children’s to credibility Built Built highon

good practice good standards and standards a British Franchise Association member adds further member Association a British Franchise Mark Morrey of Onside Coaching explains why being why Onside Coaching explains of Mark Morrey BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER BRAND: THE BEHIND BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS - FitStudioZ

AT A GLANCE FITSTUDIOZ

All the gain - Established: 2018 Number of franchised outlets: 2 Location of units: UK Investment range: from £24,000 none of Minimum required capital: from £15,000 Contact: Seb Ferrari [email protected] 020 3811 9612 the pain fitstudioz.co.uk/franchise

‘live above the shop’, you can That’s the motto of FitStudioZ, which allows you live nowhere near any shops to grab a part of the rapidly expanding fitness market and as far away as you want.” at a hugely attractive price VIRTUOUS CIRCLE There are no staffing or human relations issues, as all the trainers ust a quick look at the country are reporting full bookings, are self-employed and the business figures shows how packed gyms and even extra demand model becomes a virtuous circle J strong the value of as the nation realises it must work for everyone involved. The more your investment could off those ‘lockdown pounds’. work they get, the more the trainers be in a FitStudioZ franchise. But as they’re working out, you’ll earn and the more they need your Membership of fitness studios be sitting back and enjoying the studios - and the more you earn. and gyms last year broke the 10 returns from your investment. FitStudioZ also boasts a fully million mark for the first time automated solution, integrating all and the industry is now valued PROFITABLE your needs, from surveillance to at more than £1.2 billion. PARTNERSHIP stock levels, access logs to booking Also, in these difficult post-COVID FitStudioZ will help you choose system and payments. All from times operators up and down the suitable locations, provide all the comfort of your smartphone. the technology, help with any “Everyone’s a winner, including planning aspects, supervise the the clients, who get fit,” Seb says. build and fit-out and see you along every step of the process. ATTRACTIVE The company then opens its PROPOSITION books to you - with thousands In business since 2018, when of trainers wanting to pay to get established entrepreneur Seb into your sites. Plus they commit first devised this idea, he was to be constantly on top of any fortunate to be able to run it by innovation or new technology in a friend and client with huge this ever changing business. experience of working in the City. Co-founder Seb Ferrari, an award “My business partner has 20 winning personal trainer with years’ experience of working at a more than 10 years’ experience in senior level for one of the nation’s the business, explains: “This is the ‘big four’ banks and his is the franchise where you don’t have to perfect example of how you can give up your day - or night - job. invest, but stay in your regular “You’ve invested in our exclusive post, as he has done,” Seb says. tech-based solution for you to “I hadn’t even finished explaining gain access to fully equipped my business model before he bricks and mortar studios bristling said: ‘I’m in’. It’s fantastic for the with the latest equipment and business, as his financial savvy with a ready-made workforce. and know-how is simply the best.” “Once you sign up with us, Every business projection you instantly get access to our agrees the fitness industry will database of 2,000 individually continue to grow and around checked personal trainers, who 10,000 personal trainers come are ready to pay to take their onto the market every year. clients to your facilities. “They all need somewhere “With our unique entry custom to take their clients,” Seb says. app, you not only don’t have to “This is the solution.”

54 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS - TRIB3 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 55 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM TRIB3 harnesses the most TRIB3 harnesses the most +48-spot studio A The result? who TRIB3 franchisee, recent A With the right business model As you start the journey to to start the journey you As While it has been a challenging AT A GLANCE AT TRIB3 Year established: 2016 Year 7 outlets: Number of franchised of units: UK, Spain, Russia, Locations (coming Ireland of Finland, China, Republic (coming Q3 2021) and the Netherlands Q3 2021) £232,000-£422,000 range: Investment depending on location and specification capital: £137,000- Minimum required can be Cash requirement £309,000. with bank 50 per cent around by reduced funding Contact: [email protected] trib3.co.uk/franchise DEMAND FOR DEMAND FOR CONNECTION connection and The demand for is fitness offerings experiential more even to flourish expected as communities ease out of restrictions. related COVID-19 social elements of the powerful intimate boutique model and with a unique studio fuses them design that maximises space. break-even a fast for that allows communities powerful and creates loyalty. brand with huge in the midst 2020 August opened in break- of the pandemic, achieved of trading. at month two even you growth, set for in an industry a got you’ve confident can feel passion for A success. for formula fitness and the right franchisor need to step into this you is all Your side of franchising. exciting waiting. in fitness is future becoming a TRIB3 store owner, owner, TRIB3 store becoming a a dedicated site tour have you’ll part in a session, take you’ll where team and coaches meet the store so TRIB3 stores makes what and see This is a key shareable. inherently the business part of making sure excited feel you model makes the future. for and empowered of all operators 12 months for the fitness shapes and sizes across has been a renewed there industry, spotlight placed on and robust role it plays. fitness and the positive

As part of selecting your your As part of selecting ‘one TRIB3, the signature At PASSION FOR THE PASSION FOR THE PRODUCT experiential with other Fitness, as is all about offerings, franchise the product. passion for and concept, franchisor preferred out the product, need to try you prospective your step into you shoes and see if customers’ do. it as much as they love is model one studio’ workout, proprietary underpinned by an unrivalled technology, coaching team and cutting edge customers to keep programming more. coming back for experience in the industry, but but in the industry, experience passion with a tremendous came by fitness that, underpinned for of dedicated training 150 hours over support, translates and ongoing results. to continued next-level

’d love to get into that into that to get love ’d no but I have industry, in it. Isn’t experience This that a bit of a risk?

results Achieve Achieve I As a rapidly expanding global global expanding As a rapidly to franchisees of the first Many What you need is a franchisor need is a franchisor you What There are several different fitness fitness different several are There boutique which of models out there, arm. growing fastest fitness is the founded was TRIB3 fitness brand, of the UK one of the pioneers by Kevin CEO boutique fitness market, working and the support team Yates, of a century with him has over in the sector. combined experience working no TRIB3 had little or join RAPIDLY EXPANDING RAPIDLY

is a qualm franchisors hear a lot. But a lot. But hear is a qualm franchisors need hands-on experience don’t you sector. into a new to move of experience levels with robust can you so in the industry, confidence in the support have offered. and training next-level next-level break-even and huge brand loyalty and huge brand break-even Boutique fitness business TRIB3 offers a fast a offers TRIB3 Boutique fitness business BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER BRAND: THE BEHIND

PACK45 is one such concept. It’s such concept. It’s is one PACK45 concept also another There’s able to bridge therefore are We Studio is the easyGym Studio, easyGym more, What’s AT A GLANCE AT easyGym Established: 2010 20 outlets: Number of franchised Kenya of units: UK, France, Location £250,000-£1,200,000 range: Investment Studio based on easyGym big-box sq ft) or a large (3,000-6,000 sq ft) (6,000-20,000 capital: £150,000 Minimum required £350,000 Studio and easyGym easyGym big-box Taylor Contact: George [email protected] easyGym.co.uk really build community and and build community really results. get help members type of functional an interactive different with seven training, each workouts types of group lasting 45 minutes. Members and inspiration structure get within a fun environment. called developed we’ve which supports CUBOFIT, comfortable to feel members with barbells and dumbbells than weight of a lighter that are bar. Olympic a traditional a fundamentally the gap between and the of training way sound in most people, that this sort fear, very the for is only of training with our This is in line experienced. people of empowering philosophy and bringing fitness to the many. boutique to our brand umbrella will which offering, house two distinct concepts that to three variety more franchisees give us with and allows work to to bring the price down. if used on a standalone basis, will double up as a traditional gym outside of class times. Most run only boutique franchises on, but easyGym classes are when will be open 24/7. Studio WHAT ARE THE ARE THE WHAT KEY BENEFITS FOR FRANCHISEES? great recognition, brand Great support - and tons great systems, have They’ll of digital innovation. them the a lot of tools to give chance to be successful. greatest

easyGym To this day, we still have many of of many still have we this day, To Within every easyGym, the the easyGym, Within every to has the ability franchisee unique boutique bolt on several concepts. The we’ve reason these concepts is that created workouts that group found we’ve more easily, making the process making the process easily, more all that much smoother. WHO’S BEHIND THE THERE A BRAND? IS OF EXPERIENCE? LOT a tremendous there’s Yes, experience amount of sector within the team. Aside from the original members. part of the team has a large myself, now. years many with us for been INCLUDED WHAT’S WITHIN THE FRANCHISE AND FRANCHISE AND STUDIO? easyGym

forward Then we help you to arrange to arrange you help we Then an get you In a nutshell, unique investment opportunity unique investment

WHAT HELP DO HELP DO WHAT FRANCHISEES GET FROM ? easyGym very the right to use a get You you give We brand. well-known to all the tools and know-how design it and fit find a property, way. it out in a user-friendly the launch itself the pre-launch, to operate on how you and guide on out. there the business from to be able established system business a lot your to manage WHAT LED TO THE THE LED TO WHAT FRANCHISE easyGym BEING CREATED? have to already fortunate were We a successful business model, but to put it in the hands of wanted and investors ambitious individuals than big corporations. rather

ISSUE 17.1 Moving the Moving |

brand expertise with innovation to give franchisees a franchisees give to innovation with expertise brand fitness industry industry fitness CEO Paul Lorimer-Wing shares how easyGym combines easyGym how shares Lorimer-Wing CEO Paul BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER BRAND: THE BEHIND

FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS - easyGym FRANCHISE 56 WHAT FITNESS, SPORT & OUTDOOR POWERBRANDS - easyGym WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 57 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM ’S In addition, we’re building building we’re In addition, provides franchise The easyGym I think the low cost model has model has cost I think the low during difficult well done always because recessions times or to tighten up, but have pockets people still need a place to go. and active still need to stay They to let off steam. workout a enjoy ARE easyGym WHAT THE FUTURE? PLANS FOR a global agenda pursuing We’re deals across and arranging is There continents. several on Europe, an initial focus the where because that’s mainly known. well is most brand so that products technology and can find a trainer members anywhere from workout do a exciting! It’s world. in the YOU WOULD HOW SUM UP YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY? to way wonderful a I think it’s get To time. own your control always in a space that’s involved Some to be relevant. going but good things come and go, human need. health is a core to be part with an opportunity you will be This of the community. the technology enhanced by further the franchise building to give we’re set of rounded well nice, very a to tap into. franchisees for anchors WHY IS 2021 A GOOD WHY IS 2021 A GOOD TIME FOR FRANCHISEES THIS INVEST IN TO BUSINESS MODEL? We review the information the information review We usually Once this is in place, it’s Because of the strength Because of the strength could look you example, For can synthesise all of these We “Some things come and go, but good health good things come and go, but “Some human need” core is a The markets have opened up opened up have The markets has which ease, as lockdowns the process. quickened sign the franchise provide, you and together agreement properties. begin to look for months. 2-6 This can take to set up an weeks 8-10 around and open the doors. easyGym will Studio Setting up an easyGym but that model be much quicker, at the trial stage. is currently HOW LONG DOES DOES LONG HOW THE PROCESS TAKE FROM TO ENQUIRY COMPLETION? WHERE CAN WHERE CAN FRANCHISEES SET UP THEIR GYMS? in can exist minds, easyGym In our but not necessarily places, many a model of positioning follow We all. visible locations, gyms in highly our with a decent catchment of group. people in the 20-50 age a clear there’s brand, of our and visibility between correlation already as people are sign-ups, with the concept and familiar offers. that the brand quality Bristol or of Croydon at the likes into. venture places to as good also about the micro- But it’s within the locations. positioning and franchisees details for to them experience lend our need it. may they whenever

Our biggest challenge has has challenge biggest Our Boutique exercise classes classes Boutique exercise If members can socialise at can socialise at If members To us, that means high quality high quality us, that means To we continually head office, At Yes, there are always always are there Yes, when challenges transitioning business models. the right kind been creating We’ve system. of membership in building an heavily invested team to help us experienced as the well as pull that together, to bring it to life. technology HAVE THERE BEEN THERE BEEN HAVE ANY CHALLENGES WITH SETTING UP THE FRANCHISE? To be honest, developing the the be honest, developing To part always was further brand plans pre-pandemic. of our without doubt, part of the are, this to embrace want We future. as building well as movement, to the to cater digital products habits shift and new cultural all witnessing. that we’re HOW HAVE YOU BEEN BEEN YOU HAVE HOW AFTER PIVOT TO ABLE AND THE PANDEMIC LOCKDOWNS? the same time that they can can the same time that they fitness their towards move win-win. a then it’s goals, Primarily, it’s because people because people it’s Primarily, all We social beings. are connected. to feel want TELL US WHY BOUTIQUE WHY BOUTIQUE TELL US FITNESS CONCEPTS RISE. THE ARE ON Although we operate in the in the operate we Although aim has space, our value been to be the premier always within this space. brand service and equipment, friendly of ownership sense a strong the - from the team through to the owner. cleaners business of the on the culture work and deliberate very and are to ensure efforts conscious in our to down ethic filters the brand level. the gyms on the ground WHAT MAKES easyGym WHAT OTHER DIFFERENT FROM FITNESS FRANCHISES? VISITING ANGELS 1.2_WHAT FRANCHISE 12/03/2021 16:34 Page 1 FitStudioZ The Home of Personal Training

ALL the gain - none of the pain!

That’s the motto behind the unique offering from FitStudioZ that allows you to grab your own part of the rapidly expanding fi tness market at a hugely attractive price ... and then sit back and watch it grow.

And just a quick look at the fi gures shows how strong the value of your investment could be in this booming business.

Investment Range - from £24,000 Minimum Required Capital - from £15,000 Expected Revenue after 2 Years - £120,000

Co-founder Seb Ferrari, an award winning personal trainer with more than ten years experience in the business explains: “This is the franchise where you don’t have to give up your day - or night - job! You’ve invested in our exclusive tech-based solution for you to gain access to fully equipped bricks and mortar studios bristling with the latest equipment and with a ready made workforce.”

“Everyone’s a winner, including the clients who get fi t!,” Seb

Contact: Seb Ferrari seb@fi tstudioz.com | 020 3811 9612 www.fi tstudioz.co.uk/franchise BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Wonderlawn

AT A GLANCE WONDERLAWN From Established: 2010 Number of current franchises: 12 Investment range: £20,000 Minimum required capital: £0 Contact: 0333 7006000 recruitment to [email protected] wonderlawnfranchise.co.uk

grass roots head office, they install several lawns a day across Birmingham and Staffordshire. Dean plans to take on another team of installers in the summer. Wonderlawn met all Dean Fuller’s requirements during his search for an industry leading franchise opportunity THE ARTIFICIAL GRASS MARKET The artificial grass market in the irmingham businessman installation methods and a UK has bloomed in the last 10 Dean Fuller spent hands-on, supportive structure.” years - even more so in the last B years working in the two years. recruitment industry. JOINING WONDERLAWN With lockdowns in place, But due to health concerns, he knew The starting point is always the Wonderlawn found that many it was time to look for something new. same with a new Wonderlawn customers are concentrating After years of commuting franchise. Wonderlawn generates on improving their gardens, and managing business teams, enquiries in your area, agrees sales rather than spending disposable Dean wanted outdoor work, on your behalf and trains you and income on holidays. to work flexibly and be home- your team on actual installations. They’re improving their gardens based, yet still feel part of So as a new franchise company for families and pets, meaning a nationwide company. you hit the ground running. they’re looking for a higher quality He started researching It’s like a business boot camp, product that’s more durable than franchising online and found where everything is ready cheap DIY grass. These customers artificial grass to be an exciting for you to take the reigns as are also looking for their grass new business area. Dean soon as you’re fully trained. to be installed by professionals. recognised that franchising could In his first four months as As a Wonderlawn franchisee, be a successful way to launch a franchisee, Dean was able you’re dealing with the his own business quickly and to generate and install over premium end of this market. effectively by using an established £100,000 of business. The company actively brand like Wonderlawn. Mel says: “The Wonderlawn targets enthusiastic customers After weeks of searches, talking system of setting up franchisees who understand the value in to franchisors and managing is a huge shot in the arm Wonderlawn’s products and directors, he narrowed his search for a small business. installation. You avoid the down to two companies, with “We’ve developed this system ‘middle ground’, where the Wonderlawn being the main choice. over a number of years and it’s only reason to purchase is Dean says: “I looked at several the best way to start out. price, driving down your profit artificial grass companies in “It allows you as a business to and ultimately restricting the my area. I warmed to Mel, just install grass and complete growth of your business. Wonderlawn’s managing jobs, while Wonderlawn head office director, and his knowledge of deals with the initial marketing WONDERLAWN the industry. But it came down and lead generation headaches to Wonderlawn having better FRANCHISES all new businesses face.” Wonderlawn’s franchises cover 12 areas across the UK and Scotland. SCALING UP The company is currently looking Dean has been so successful for franchisees in key areas of in his first six months that Manchester, Nottingham, Norwich, he now has two full-time Plymouth, London, Glasgow and teams working for him. many more areas across the UK. Using his previous skills in Get ahead of the competition recruitment came in handy. by contacting Wonderlawn today Hiring another team of grounds to learn more and be the first workers and installers, then having to have an industry leading them trained by Wonderlawn franchise in your local area.

60 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1

INSIGHT

Don’t let your heart rule your head when buying a franchise Top tips for keeping your emotions out of the decision making process

WORDS BY STEVE WITT

ou’ve found an exciting told your friends and family franchise opportunity. about your exciting business. Y You feel it’s a great one. Of course, having faith and You spend hundreds being hungry for success are of hours research the brand and all prerequisite for being an tell all your friends about it. But entrepreneur. However, deep something is holding you back. down you may have doubts about One example of this would be in THE AUTHOR Should you go ahead or drop whether it’s right for you. Perhaps house buying, such as a property’s Steve Witt is co- the idea? Whatever you do, you others have questioned how well- asking price. As the potential buyer, founder of Not Just should keep your emotions out suited you are to the business? you can be led by the asking price Travel and The Travel of the decision making process. Your emotional instinct might be and feel making a signifi cantly Franchise. Investing in a franchise is a to continue with the opportunity, lower offer is unreasonable. passion project. You put everything as you’re so tied to it now. You In purchasing a franchise, into it and are ready to make start to look for ways to justify this could manifest itself considerable sacrifi ces to make it sticking with the bad decision, in the demographic of your work, be that fi nancial, time with even though it doesn’t make sense. ideal customer, level of loved ones or precious weekends. Leaving the process now feels like investment or price point. Yet it’s foolish to plough on you’re walking away with nothing But don’t stick to one thing. Get while being led only by your and you’re back to square one. scientifi c - analyse what happens heart. A business idea has to This can be the stage when when you change a variable and make sense fi nancially too. having someone with an objective model it to see the effect. You I help people who are considering view at your side is crucial. could make more money selling buying a franchise and training Inviting an objective view could to less people with a higher price in a new career to apply fi nancial help you decide whether or not point or a lower price point rigour and due diligence to the to proceed or walk away. may bring in more customers process. I’ve previously told Alternatively, speak to people and profi t. Do the sums and people they aren’t the right fi t who have already invested in the do them thoroughly. as an entrepreneur. Being led franchise - both those who have emotionally can lead to you just started out and those who Confi rmation bias making the wrong decisions. have been in the business for years. You truly think the Here’s my advice on how It could give you the evidence of opportunity you’ve been to take the emotion out of success you need or the answer researching is for you. buying a franchise and let your you might not want to hear. As you develop your head, not your heart, lead: Either way, it could be a matter business plan, you of tweaking a few ideas, pivoting continue to believe The sunk cost fallacy substantially or walking away this is how you will This is the notion that if you’ve to fi nd a better opportunity. make your fortune. put signifi cant time, effort or You then start money into something, it’s Avoid anchoring fi ltering out facts best to continue with it. Anchoring in decision making that contradict For example, you’ve spent can occur when a person places countless evenings researching too much importance on an various franchises and you’ve initial piece of information.

“A business idea has to make sense fi nancially too”

62 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 "Being led emotionally can lead to you making the wrong decisions"

will only focus on the negatives and be scared to take risks. Starting a new business means taking risks. By being open and by recognising this bias - and the negative opinions of the people around you - you can retain a more balanced view and build a better this. You start by simply relying business that you initially imagined. on facts that confirm your view. Self-deception starts when Be open-minded people believe what they want to Simply by being aware that believe. It’s human nature; we all various cognitive biases exist and do it. That’s why we live in our the fact you may be susceptible social media silos, being friends to them allows you to be more with people who mainly support aware of the self-deception your our views. Again, this is when emotive side is carrying out. you need someone offering an Developing a business can objective, professional view and be a painful process, with to accept advice when it might bumps in the road and, in some contradict your emotions. cases, complete roadblocks. Some franchises will use By being open-minded, you’ll give attractive headline commission yourself the option to emotionally figures in their publicity, but when remove yourself from the process you ask them for proof they can’t objectively. Taking advice from a provide evidence you will be given mentor or two - people who have the support to achieve these sums. experience in building businesses When a franchisor sends you and who know the opportunities financial information, make sure and pitfalls - can be essential. you know what you’re comparing The success of franchising is and that it all stacks up. Dig deep. down to the fact many franchisors Ask for proof of commission offer a well trodden path to success. on the basis they promote it. With a franchise opportunity, you have a ready-made company and a Negativity bias proven success record. By following This is when an individual the advice and business plans of focuses more on the negatives those who have already succeeded, than the positives to confirm you can literally copy and paste a preconceived idea. what they did and know it works. For example, have you ever We say to all our franchisees, been to a job interview that 99 per cent of whom are starting went pretty well, but afterwards out as travel consultants with no you just focused on what you travel experience whatsoever: could have done better? “Do what we tell you to do, follow Criticism sticks in our memory our sales process and listen far better than compliments. to your provided mentors.” Sometimes, friends and family The rest is simply implementing can be detrimental at this tried and tested strategies. They stage. They project their minimise risk and by following own fears onto you. the stepping stones we offer If you’re surrounded by them our franchisees build the risk averse naysayers who confidence to become experienced talk you out of trying travel consultants - and very something new, you successful ones at that.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 63 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT

AT A GLANCE VISITING ANGELS Time to thrive Established: 1998 US. 2017 UK Number of franchised outlets: worldwide 700. UK 15 Location of units: nationwide Investment range: £80,000-£110,000 The home care services provided by Visiting Angels Minimum required capital: £30,000- have never been more essential £50,000 Contact: Dan Archer. 07584 178458 visitingangelsfranchise.co.uk here are few franchise per year and supports 100 families, employing over 100 staff.” opportunities that have service and society at large has The solid foundations of the grown substantially looked to social care companies like T pilot business have also led to during lockdown. ours for additional support. the expansion of a network Care franchising does offer a “Our operational business has of franchisees. significant opportunity for the never been busier and our franchise “We have nine offices across the right franchisee. Since the start of network has doubled in the last six the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus UK and we had a socially distanced months. As lockdown eases, we’re on the efforts of those in the care training course in May 2020, with seeing yet more demand for our sector has never been clearer. eight new franchisees attending. service and the terrible situation Established in the US in 1998, I’m delighted that our model is one with COVID-19 in residential care Visiting Angels is a global care giant of the franchise success stories of homes means more families than with community-based values. the past 12 months.” ever are choosing care at home as Today, the franchise is one of the a safer alternative.” largest care franchises in the world ADDITIONAL SUPPORT and proudly supports 600-plus Many business opportunities claim TREATING CARERS franchisees in five countries. The to be recession proof. The reality BETTER business was launched in the of the past six months has been Dan feels that treating carers better UK in 2017 and has experienced that some businesses making that has been at the heart of Visiting phenomenal growth. claim have been forced to close Angels’ success: “Our business their doors. Home care franchising, was built on valuing carers more FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE however, has never been more than other care companies. What UK managing director Dan Archer essential and thanks to initiatives has happened with the COVID-19 explains: “Before launching the such as the clap for carers outbreak is that society has also franchise, I wanted to launch and movement, the wider population is started to realise that carers need run a pilot business in the UK. I felt now recognising this. to be valued better.” it was important that I was able For many businesses, the struggle Visiting Angels calls this to support our franchisees from a has been to survive, but Dan says approach being carer centric. The position of first-hand knowledge. for his business it has been a time focus is clear from the mission My business in Sheffield is now to thrive: “We have faced a huge statement of the UK business to turning over more than £1.7 million challenge as a nation and the health ‘Become the UK Care Sector’s Employer of Choice by 2022.’ “I want our caregivers to want to work in care and choose to work for a Visiting Angels office,” Dan says. Many care workers are underpaid and poorly rewarded, but the approach taken by Visiting Angels is different. Dan says: “We want to ensure our caregivers are among the best paid in the care sector. We pay more, we incentivise training and development, we reward loyalty and we offer excellent benefits.” By focusing on its caregivers, Visiting Angels has found it’s able to ensure the company has a ready supply of them. “We have found that the culture of caregiver support we have built in our offices has protected us from high staff turnover, meaning that the clients who we support

64 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Behind the Brand - Xxxxxxxxxxx Visiting Angels

“Our franchise network has doubled in the last six months” get the same caregiver each week,” Dan says. “Happy caregivers are best placed to ensure that clients are delighted.”

DRIVING DEMAND Dan feels that society is also changing its view on the type of care provided: “Research conducted by Hanbury Strategy, with support from the charity Independent Age, during April-May 2020 showed that around a third of people polled said they were now less likely to want to put their relative in a care home. “Residential care has been at the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak. In our pilot business in Sheffield, we’re receiving calls from relatives who are deciding that they would rather keep their loved ones at home to avoid the risks within care homes. “A backlash against residential care was already driving demand for care in the home. If COVID-19 is “Shared best practice and over many years and come from increasing the feeling that people group buying power for things like the experience of hundreds are safer at home, the demand for personal protective equipment of franchisees. the Visiting Angels service is set to have been huge benefits of being The franchise fee is £24,995 keep rising.” part of one of the world’s biggest and franchisees interested in this care providers.” opportunity will need £25,000- LEADING FROM Franchising provides the £30,000 in liquid capital in order to THE FRONT benefit of not having to go it secure bank funding for the total At times of crisis, the global alone. UK franchisees receive investment, including working Visiting Angels business has comprehensive training and capital of up to £100,000. pulled together. support from both the UK and A substantial, premises- “We’ve led from the front in our US management team. based management franchise, local markets, with world class The management team are the potential exists for a six- training for our carers to keep hugely knowledgeable, but many figure turnover in year one and them safe and ensure clients are of the best practice initiatives in a projected million pound-plus protected,” Dan says. the business have been proven turnover by the end of year three.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 65 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Fantastic Services

AT A GLANCE Claim £5,000 to FANTASTIC SERVICES

Established: 2009 start your own Number of franchised outlets: 530-plus Location of units: UK, Australia and USA Investment range: from £6,500 Minimum required capital: from £1,500 Contact: 0203 7463106 or business [email protected] FantasticFranchise.com

Fantastic Services is giving up to £1 million-worth of cash grants to help people launch a franchise in the “We can domestic service sector provide a viable ith half of businesses “Through our new grant scheme alternative to experiencing a decrease we’re making a vow to support W in turnover recently, those affected during the pandemic employment the world is offi cially by offering a grant covering most entering the post-COVID era. of the expenses for starting a through As a result, Fantastic Services, the home services business in London UK’s leading home service franchise, and other areas of Britain.” franchising” saw the need for immediate action to stimulate businesses in the London GIVING BACK TO area by launching a grant scheme. THE COMMUNITY HOW TO QUALIFY The company is currently offering Fantastic Services, which FOR THE MAXIMUM a total of up to £1 million-worth specialises in cleaning, GRANT OF £5,000 of cash grants to help 200 people gardening, handyman, pest Anton Skarlatov, co-founder start a working franchise - an control, removals and other and CEO of Fantastic Services, opportunity that involves managing property services, saw signifi cant says: “Our grant programme is a small team and delivering growth during the past year. designed to help those who have one or a range of services. It expanded into 20 new areas lost their job, self-employed Fantastic Services co-founder across the country and experienced tradespeople, as well as small Rune Sovndahl says: “As COVID-19 revenue growth of 7.8 per cent businesses within the service has changed the business landscape despite the pandemic. Fantastic industry that were negatively in several industries, the demand for Services is now giving back to the impacted by the pandemic.” property maintenance has boomed. community by launching a grant scheme under the slogan ‘For those WHO CAN APPLY? who CAN’T, we give a GRANT!’. The programme is suitable for Rune says: “Since the start of the tradespeople or technicians with pandemic, we’ve looked for ways to give experience in the service industry back to the community, offering free or people looking for alternative services to NHS and frontline workers. business opportunities. “With the new grant programme, Once approved, applicants we can provide a viable alternative will be trained and on the fi eld to employment through franchising in less than two weeks. and help anyone restart their career They’ll be providing their chosen or business in a high demand sector.” service under the brand name of The grant, worth up to £5,000, Fantastic Services, so they have to will cover initial business costs be eligible to work in the UK, have and be supplemented by an in- customer service experience and house training programme to at least one member of the team ensure all grant recipients end has to own a driving licence. up with a successful franchise. The scheme is available to HOW TO APPLY anyone in the UK, but particularly For more information and individuals based in London and to apply for the grant, visit the south east, where demand for FantasticFranchise.com/ domestic services has been on Fantastic-Grant and fi ll out the rise during the past year. the application form.

66 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Guardian Angel Carers By your Side Every Step of the Way Prime UK Territories Available - Economically resilient Top 5 UK Growth Sector

Join Our High Support Franchise Family

Contact: Vicky Brown to get your franchise flying! 03333 660 550 | [email protected] | www.gacarers.co.uk

BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Laser Clinics

AT A GLANCE LASER CLINICS Success despite Location of units: UK Established: 2008 Number of franchised outlets: 165 Location of units: UK, Australia and New Zealand COVID crisis Investment range: £200,000 Minimum required capital: £80,000 Contact: [email protected] laserclinics.co.uk/franchise-opportunities In terrible times, Laser Clinics franchisees are doing terribly well

hat a nightmare. You in the mere 98 days she was allowed Australia and the demand for Laser buy a franchise, you’re to open her doors. Clinics’ services that she wasn’t even W raring to go and a All three credit the wraparound slightly tempted to go it alone. pandemic pops out of support they’re given by Laser Clinics “Laser Clinics really is the nowhere and forces you to close UK’s head offi ce for helping them business,” Sophie says. your doors repeatedly in one of the succeed so soon, as well as a UK “It’s so successful in Australia and most disrupted trading years in market that’s never had access to an such a proven business model that I recent history. effective, professional hair removal wouldn’t have dreamed of opening a A disaster, you might think. But service at a reasonable cost before. clinic with anyone else.” for three women who picked the With more than a thousand toughest year in which to buy a Laser DEMAND clients under her belt already, Clinics UK franchise, their experience Laser Clinics brought its brand Sophie’s counterpart Gillian has no has been quite the opposite. to the UK from Australia, where regrets, either. waxing’s reserved for surfboards, “Working so closely with clinics DISTINGUISHED not legs, and all three franchisees in Australia gave me a real taste for Sophie Al-Sharhan, for instance, have people biting their arms off running my own clinic,” she says. can’t believe how quickly her for the chance to have professional “A lot of clinic clients asked why I didn’t have my own. But I wanted the clinic in London’s Brent Cross laser hair removal from their highly backing of something big. I wanted a began hitting £100,000 a month trained therapists. business model that I knew was tried in turnover - and she’s already Sophie could have opened her and tested.” considering buying a second own clinic in competition with In Luton, Anna says her clinic franchise as well. Laser Clinics, of course, with all is doing “incredibly well”, despite Gillian McDougal’s clinic in the stress and uncertainties that being closed several times during Glasgow distinguished itself on day go with fi nding a site, inventing a the pandemic. one by achieving the best sales in the brand, protecting the intellectual entire UK network. property rights, sourcing equipment, PHENOMENAL And Anna Muskett’s Luton clinic recruiting staff, then making sure “Our fi rst ‘wow’ moment was the became the fi fth best performing the right people have heard of it and amount of revenue we took in the in the entire global chain less want to use it. fi rst two and a half weeks,” she than three weeks after launch, as But she had so says. “It was phenomenal. well as attracting much experience 1,134 new clients “People come up to us and ask of the market in what we’re doing there because the clinic looks like it belongs to London and we say: ‘Darling, we’re bringing London to Luton,’ and they love that.” Praising head offi ce for helping her fi nd the perfect location with the right amount of footfall, Anna still effervesces with enthusiasm. “I didn’t know what to expect so I jumped right in,” she recalls. “Now I absolutely live and breathe Laser Clinics. “I never thought I would change industry, but this is defi nitely the life for me. It suits me down to the ground.”

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 69 INSIGHT

Why fl exibility is the new face of franchising Newly liberated customers are providing increasing opportunities for fl exible offi ce space franchisees

WORDS BY JULIAN CHAMBERS

f I was to predict the to see diners fi ll tables at local adapt offerings in order to get back trends that would restaurants, socially distanced up and running in this ‘new normal’. I shape franchised coffee catch-ups between friends As the world continues to businesses in 2021 and the reopening of retail. reopen, there are increasing a few months back, would You don’t need me to tell you opportunities to tap into the you have believed me? It’s how challenging the past year has shifting attitudes and needs of a amazing how quickly things been for many of these businesses, newly liberated customer base. THE AUTHOR can change and thankfully in particular for traditional This is especially true in the Julian Chambers is we’re beginning to see some franchise industries such as case of fl exible offi ce space. head of franchise light at the end of the tunnel in coffee shops, gyms and hotels. In 2020 we witnessed the world’s at IWG, operator of Regus and Spaces the UK across most sectors. Having faced periods of closure largest enforced trial of remote With restrictions easing for the for the majority of 2020, they have working, which is still ongoing. fi rst time this year, it’s refreshing had to pivot their operations and Businesses and employees alike

70 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 have experienced the full range of benefi ts that a hybrid working “There’s a high level of unmet demand for model can offer, from a better work- life balance to reduced overheads. professional workspaces countrywide, but However, unlike other sectors the changes to when and where we work particularly in smaller towns and suburbs” are here to stay long-term. We know that most people now prefer to work closer to home and because of this Newcomers to the commercial Some large businesses are there’s a huge unmet demand for property space spotted the already waking up to these investment in meeting these needs. opportunity generated by remote demands from their employees. Refl ecting on how the working during 2020. Now Standard Chartered now fl exible workspace market has experienced franchisees from a offers its 95,000 employees the fundamentally shifted in the past wide range of backgrounds are option to work from any of IWG’s year, here’s my take on what we can also realising the stability that 3,500 offi ces worldwide, while expect for the remainder of 2021: diversifying into new sectors global telecoms company NTT can bring to their portfolio. recently signed a similar deal A broader spectrum However, they need to move for its 300,000 employees. of experience and at pace or risk missing one of While all this is good news for backgrounds the most popular investment the fl exible offi ce industry, it also At this moment in time, there’s opportunities of 2021. looks like it will have a positive a high level of unmet demand impact on local economies and for professional workspaces More people will other franchise sectors, such as countrywide, but particularly in become their own boss gyms and hospitality. With many smaller towns and suburbs. If there was one word that could people now working outside of a As a result, the profi le of sum up working in 2020 it would city for at least part of the week, there’s a greater need to serve potential investors is no longer have been fl exible. Not only in the infl ux of this more fl exible limited to those who know terms of working away from the workforce in suburban locations. the city property market well. offi ce and setting up base at home, In fact, it’s the opposite. but also in how professionals view their roles and career aspirations. More demand for In some cases, additional time smaller spaces With more people looking for a at home allowed more headspace work base close to home and the to reset and as a result we’ve continued focus on maintaining seen an increasing number of social distancing, the demand for people starting new businesses smaller individual workspaces or creating that side hustle rather than larger open plan work they’ve always dreamed of. areas will continue to grow. Aside from this, concerns still This trend played out in our sales linger around job security in some last year, when we observed a 19 sectors and if the opportunity per cent increase in interest for presents itself I would expect that our one-two person workspaces we continue to see people becoming compared to pre-pandemic levels their own boss and potentially - and it’s one that will be a key taking the leap into franchising. consideration for offi ce space franchisees in the next year. A return to an offi ce that’s closer to home A future of fl exibility According to IWG research There’s no doubt about it that commissioned in September 2020, how we live and work has six in 10 workers still want to work changed for the long term and in an offi ce for at least part of the in some cases for the better. week - but one closer to home. The concept of hybrid working 77 per cent even say that this is a has banished the expectation of must-have for their next job move. a two-hour commute and made In the fi rst quarter of this year, the traditional fi ve days based at we’ve seen demand for offi ce space a company headquarters a rarity. in commuter hot spots such as Everyone from businesses to Welwyn Garden City, Bromsgrove employees have realised what and St Albans climb by over 50 per the benefi ts of being closer to cent compared to the same period home can offer and there’s now a last year. In fact, since the start huge investment opportunity for of 2021 we’ve had an increase of franchisees to be a part of this one million new users overall. change and fi ll a gap in demand.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 71 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Molly Maid UK

AT A GLANCE Join us on the MOLLY MAID UK Established: 1984 Number of franchised outlets: 67 Location of units: all across the UK next stage of our Investment range: £18,975 (plus VAT) Minimum required capital: £8,000 Contact: Aaron Watson [email protected] development mollymaid.co.uk/franchising

Molly Maid is on the highest growth trajectory since it “The brand is started cleaning homes in the UK 35 years ago, Aaron the most well Watson, director of business development, says known and n a global health crisis, it’s But coming out of this last lockdown, most searched no surprise that cleaning we’re literally bursting at the seams. has become big business. I think this is as much to do with cleaning service I Faced with relentless the fact Molly Maid is the most messages about the importance well known brand in the industry in the industry” of cleaning and sanitising your and our trademarked HomeSafe home to keep your family safe, cleaning procedures instantly more families are turning to convey ‘safety’, as an overall Franchising is more than just professional housecleaning increase in customer demand. procedures, though. It’s about the companies like Molly Maid. But regardless of the reasons, brand and its instant awareness As a result, our industry is set Molly Maid is on the highest growth and credibility with potential to experience unprecedented trajectory since we started cleaning customers, which in turn helps growth in customer demand homes in the UK 35 years ago. to grow sales and profits. over the next few years. This is why Molly Maid is the SYSTEMS IN PLACE best choice in the cleaning industry. FAVOURABLE Over the years I’ve often been asked Simply put, the brand is the most CONDITIONS why franchising as a business well known and most searched I’ve been involved in the house model and why Molly Maid? cleaning service in the industry. cleaning industry for the past 12 Franchising as a business model years and never seen such favourable means there are systems in place that REDUCING THE RISK conditions for our franchise have been developed so you don’t Having spoken with hundreds of owners to build a profitable and have to spend time working out how individuals considering moving successful business as I do now. to effectively operate your business. from the security and perhaps even At the beginning of the pandemic, The benefit of this was constraints of employment (on we saw a noticeable increase in underlined during the past year, their income, their ability to make searches for ‘home cleaning’ and ‘house when new systems, procedures decisions or control over their time) cleaning’ and a wave of new customers and marketing were needed to for the freedom and excitement of wanting a known and trusted brand deal with a fast changing and becoming their own boss, I often like Molly Maid to clean their home. dynamic business environment. find it’s a battle between heart and head - the heart telling them what a fantastic opportunity owning a business provides, versus their head warning them of the potential risks. Let me be honest and say the decision to start a business always carries some risk, but when you factor in a huge and growing industry, proven systems and a well known brand, the risk is greatly reduced. We would love for you to join us on this exciting next stage of our journey, so make the right decision, increase your freedom and control and reduce the risk by choosing Molly Maid.

72 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - OSCAR Pet Foods

AT A GLANCE “It’s a real OSCAR PET FOODS Established: 1994 Number of franchised outlets: partnership” 80-plus Location of units: nationwide Investment range: from £8,995 (plus VAT) Minimum required capital: Lesley and Barry Lavin are celebrating 20 years as £8,995 (plus VAT) OSCAR Pet Foods franchisees Contact: Janet Walmsley 0800 068 1106 oscar.co.uk s Lesley and Barry Lavin how far they’ve come: “The celebrate 20 years of first flushes of excitement and running their OSCAR enthusiasm at owning our own A Pet Foods franchise, business stick out as a memory. “OSCAR has stand-out memories reveal that “We went everywhere. We teamwork and tenacity have been would approach dog walkers grown not only in key to their long-lasting success. in the park and friends in the OSCAR Pet Foods Cheadle Hulme street and ask: ‘Have you heard size, but also in has given them the flexibility to of OSCAR Pet Foods?’ ‘Do you manage their family commitments, own a pet?’ ‘Can we help?’. To be professionalism as well as a rewarding home delivery fair, people were lovely to us. business centred around pets. “We were really green in those and support days. I’m pleased to say that as for us” ENTHUSIASM the business began to grow so did Looking back over two decades, our professionalism. The same Barry and Lesley recall just can be said for the company, too. In 20 years, OSCAR has days and I’m just support crew grown not only in size, but to help load and fetch things also in professionalism from A to B,” Barry says. and support for us “All credit to her, she’s stuck as franchisees. It’s a at it and all her hard work and real partnership. tenacity has put the franchise “We’ve also had our where it is today - she has luck. About two or three made a great success of it.” years in, our neighbouring franchisee sold to us and, REWARDS as a result, we extended Previously a midwifery sister, our customer base. Lesley’s life has always revolved “Teamwork with around caring for others. Her fellow franchisees in desire to help people, combined neighbouring territories with skilled communication, has always been an has brought its own rewards important part of the to the couple’s franchise and journey and we’ve forged its surrounding community, great bonds along the creating a special service that pet way - with head office owners have come to rely upon. support confirming the “I love my chats with Richard strength of the network.” Martin, managing director of OSCAR Pet Foods, who shares little gems WISDOM of information about the products,” Alongside the couple’s Lesley says. “He won’t budge on natural ability to quality and that’s what gives me embrace opportunity such confidence in the brand. lies their wisdom in “I know my customers want the understanding that to best for their pets and I know that’s get the ‘yeses’ you’ve what OSCAR provides. We won’t sell got to take the ‘noes’. our customers anything they don’t “Lesley is firmly in need because honesty and integrity the driving seat these in what we do is absolutely key.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 73 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT

AT A GLANCE Join HOODZ HOODZ INTERNATIONAL

Established: 2009 Number of locations: 125 active franchised regions (out of 135 available) International’s in the USA Total investment range: £70,000-£90,000 includes franchise fee, training, van and all equipment required to launch Contact: global England and Wales: Iain Martin - [email protected] or 01562 261162 Ireland and Scotland: Mikayla Whittle - [email protected] franchising or 0141 2212600 hoodzfranchise.com

expansion “If you’re going to leave a career Partner with the leading kitchen exhaust to start a new cleaning franchise life as a business uilding on its strong If you want to own a recession- owner, you want growth throughout resistant business that serves an B North America, HOODZ untapped need in a fast-growing to be sure that the is bolstering its global industry, investing in a HOODZ presence by expanding into Ireland franchise is a wise choice. reward is going to and the United Kingdom in 2021. With more than 135 territories “We’re looking for passionate owned throughout the US and be worth the risk” entrepreneurs who want to own a Canada, HOODZ is the premier business that keeps restaurants in kitchen exhaust cleaning franchise, global leader in services franchises. their community safe, compliant thanks to its superior customer Manuszak says: “If you’re going with regulations, and open for service, exceptional training and to leave a career to start a new business,” says Joseph Manuszak, certifications, and the extensive life as a business owner, you VP of international development resources and support from being a want to be sure that the reward for BELFOR Franchise Group. part of BELFOR Franchise Group, a is going to be worth the risk.” HOODZ offers robust training and ongoing franchise support to help turn driven individuals into savvy, seasoned entrepreneurs. By providing training that focuses on technical expertise and business development, marketing support, a 24/7 call centre, and access to industry experts who know how to grow a commercial kitchen cleaning business, HOODZ takes the guesswork out of owning a business and will help you chart a clear path to growth.

WE HELP RESTAURANTS STAY CLEAN AND SAFE Unlike other brands in the food service industry, HOODZ focuses on helping restaurants - and any building that serves out of a commercial kitchen

74 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 Behind the Brand - Xxxxxxxxxxx HOODZ International

- remain in compliance with health and safety codes. The brand specialises in cleaning kitchen exhaust hood systems, conveyor ovens, pressure washing, hood filters, grease containment, and appliance deep cleaning. Its services prevent grease fires, on-the-job injuries, workers comp insurance claims, and help maintain a level of cleanliness that today’s consumers expect. The best part? Because the majority of the brand’s services are Owning a kitchen exhaust a highly lucrative niche in a mandated by law, HOODZ doesn’t cleaning business is a relationship- booming segment, HOODZ is the have to look far for customers. All driven endeavour. Owners of right opportunity for you.” commercial kitchens in restaurants restaurants and managers of You may not have any experience must have their kitchen exhaust commercial kitchens understand in cleaning exhaust systems systems inspected and cleaned on the need for compliance, health in commercial kitchens. You a regularly scheduled interval. and safety codes, and they want may have never set foot in a Clients include not only to hire a company that is reliable, commercial kitchen before - and restaurants, but also schools, professional and transparent. that’s okay. HOODZ’s training hospitals, arenas, and thousands Because the industry is fragmented platform is designed to fast- of other locations that need to and the majority of businesses track you from novice to expert hire a certified and professional in this sector are independent in a short period of time. provider to help them to comply operators, HOODZ is able to secure At the brand’s training facility, you with Health & Safety legislation. relationships and retain business are taught everything you need to Because the majority of operators simply by being accountable, know about how to become proficient in the restaurant cleaning industry professional, and by offering a in the services that HOODZ offers. work independently, HOODZ is able comprehensive menu of services. The brand will teach you how to use to secure long-term contracts and its equipment and walk you through establish longstanding relationships the services on offer with hands-on with its clients because it delivers HOODZ OFFERS COMPLETE KITCHEN EXHAUST training. By the time you graduate a level of professionalism that from training, you’ll be proficient in sets the standard for the industry. SYSTEM CLEANING: performing all services at a high level. This means that franchise • Exhaust fan hinge kit and owners benefit from not only access panel installation. HOODZ HELPS YOU KEEP multiple lines of service, but also • Exhaust fan belt replacement. • Conveyor oven cleaning. YOUR COSTS LOW recurring revenue streams. HOODZ is a home-based business • Filter cleaning and exchange. “There are two big things that for a reason. The organisation • Soak tank service programme. most potential franchise owners doesn’t want you to have to spend • Kitchen floor cleaning. look at when they’re evaluating money on renting an office space • Grease trap cleaning. the HOODZ franchise that set and hiring an office manager • Equipment cleaning. it apart from most of the other in the pivotal early months of opportunities out there,” says Keith the launch of your business. All of these services are designed to Turner, president of HOODZ. Because of this, HOODZ gives you make commercial kitchens safer and “The first of those is the recurring access to a 24/7 call centre that are invaluable to restaurant owners aspect of the work we do. The work exists to pick up the phone when your and managers, all while generating we do is not a one-time sale or a customers call and ensure that their several significant additional revenue one-time service, but something experience with HOODZ is positive streams for our franchise owners. that we do over and over again for from the get-go. This invaluable the life of a client’s business. support will not only keep you “The other piece of it, which OUR TRAINING organised, but it will also allow you is equally important, is the fact AND SUPPORT to focus on building your business. that it’s compliance-based. “The training that BELFOR HOODZ also provides you “Most of the services that we Franchise Group provides is with the full support of its in- provide are required services. far beyond anything else in house marketing team. They’re not optional services. So it’s the industry,” Turner says. Marketing can be one of the most not something where you’re trying “From the marketing support challenging aspects of launching a to convince a prospect of the need to the call centre, to the ongoing new business, but HOODZ has the for the service. It’s something that coaching, you will have all the team to assist you. It will provide they know they have to have. It’s resources you need to get established you with the necessary marketing just a matter of who they’re going quickly and grow your business. materials to help you build brand to pick to go with for the service, “The demand for our services awareness, as well as assistance and from that standpoint, there’s no is truly enormous, and it’s only with establishing your digital one out there that can compete with going to increase going forward. footprint, gaining online reviews, the quality and service of HOODZ.” If you’re ready to capitalise on generating leads, and more.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 75 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - TaxAssist Accountants

AT A GLANCE TAXASSIST The journey ACCOUNTANTS Number of franchised outlets: 245 franchises operating from 406 shops and offices Established:1995 has been Location of units: UK Investment range: £100,000-£150,000 Minimum required capital: £40,000 Contact: worth it [email protected] taxassistfranchise.co.uk

Kam Aujla’s TaxAssist Accountants franchise has seen “Growing the exponential growth during the last two and half years business has model and when I stumbled been a real across TaxAssist I recognised the potential immediately. team effort” “I was familiar with franchising and knew it would enable me to build a practice faster FRICTIONLESS and with more security and He adds: “We’ve always tried to support than going it alone. It offer customers a service above certainly hasn’t disappointed. and beyond their expectations and “The six-week initial training we strive to make their journey course that all new franchisees as frictionless as possible. attend was very insightful and “I’ve also had a wealth of upon completion I felt really support in my time as a franchisee engaged, informed and ready from other franchisees in the to launch my practice. network, who are always willing “The whole TaxAssist team to help and share best practice. are very knowledgeable and “We really are one big family and experienced, as well as friendly I’d encourage any new franchisees and helpful, and their hard work to reach out and make use of this and dedication have made a resource, as we all have something massive difference to my business, we can learn from one another. erby-based Kam particularly over the last year. “We’ve seen exponential growth Aujla has recently “Growing the business has been during the last two and half years. D celebrated signing a real team effort, with new clients We’ve worked long hours and up his 400th client coming from leads generated as had very little time off. However, - just two and a half years a result of my local marketing the journey has been worth it after joining the TaxAssist efforts and from TaxAssist’s and we look forward to what Accountants franchise network. national marketing activity. the next few years will bring. With an MBA, a first “Staff at the support centre “Thanks to the whole TaxAssist class degree in accounting are a great resource and their team - my success wouldn’t have and finance and Chartered assistance gives me more time to been possible without you.” Institute of Management spend on business development. Accountants membership, he “My branded car has LARGEST was always destined to work definitely helped to generate TaxAssist Accountants is the UK’s in the world of finance. awareness of my business largest network providing tax locally - it’s hard to miss - and advice and accountancy services POTENTIAL it’s definitely paid for itself. specifically for sole traders, But it was seeing an advert to “I’m also active on social media partnerships, limited companies join TaxAssist Accountants and enjoy networking with local and personal taxpayers. that sparked Kam’s interest professionals who refer clients on.” With more than 375 offices in setting up in practice for Referrals from clients have also nationwide, the network provides himself via the franchise route. played a big part, which is directly accountancy services, tax He says: “My ambition had driven by how happy customers returns, payroll, bookkeeping, always been to work for myself have been with the level of service tax savings and tax advice in a business with a scalable they received, according to Kam. to 78,000 customers.

76 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1

INSIGHT

It’s vital to let people know you’re still open for business Why PR is even more important as we come out of lockdown

WORDS BY MICHAEL DONALDSON

lmost 70 per cent of organisations need to utilise UK, all of which are battling to UK business decision different tools to fi ll this void. reconnect with audiences. It’s A makers see PR and Sales enablement will play a very crowded marketplace digital marketing as a key role, so we recommend with fi erce competition. crucial in the months ahead. that franchises concentrate on Put simply, now is not The next few months are going improving communications and the time to sit back and to be a vital time for everyone in particular content creation, hope for the best, it’s time THE AUTHOR involved in the franchise fi ndability and analytics. to shout about successes Michael Donaldson industry, as we not only battle and support your network is PR director to reconnect with pre-lockdown in the best way possible. at Crossford Enhancing your Communications audiences, but also look to company profi le attract new customers with Today, PR is vital for managing Reconnecting with differing needs and values. your company profi le, improving your audience There’s no denying the world your reputation and achieving What are the best ways to has changed signifi cantly, your business objectives. reconnect with your audience? so it’s time to embrace it If you make a list of everything Advertising is an option, but and show people you’re you’re trying to accomplish as a it’s much better if someone else still open for business. company, all points can be linked is showcasing your business and enhanced by targeted, positive and how good your product Keep your PR. People need to know you’re is. This is why cost effective, competitive edge there, know what you’re doing targeted PR works so well for Strong leadership and and trust needs to be rebuilt. franchising. Every franchise resilience has never been As a small to medium-sized has a proven product and more important as franchises enterprise, we’ve seen business more than one story to tell. look for that competitive edge steadily grow through lockdown However, deciding you that will help them navigate and as a company we’ve want positive PR is not through all this uncertainty. grown by over 30 per cent. as easy as it sounds. Franchises, big and The reason for this is simple: Every day journalists small, need to listen to their organisations need to fi nd fresh are being bombarded with customers, reassure them ways to communicate and utilise information, so why should and adjust sales messaging. new channels. Expert, innovative, they take notice of the story We’re already seeing a shift eye catching content has never behind your brand? The away from salespeople relying been so important. Habits are answer is simple: you have to on personality and rapport changing forever, so business give them what they want. to a more strategic and data habits need to change as well. Whether you’re looking to driven plan of action. send out a press release or Face-to-face meetings and Shout about your write a feature or case study, customer interactions have successes you have to make it newsworthy been very limited lately and There are more than 900 franchise and relevant, as a poorly this is likely to continue, so brands currently operating in the written article or an advertising ‘puff’ piece will, unfortunately, go straight in the bin. It’s important to engage with “Every franchise has a proven PR experts who specialise in communicating with the public, product and more than one can gauge public interest in a business and are skilled in story to tell” creating a buzz around a brand.

78 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 REASONS WHY EFFECTIVE PR IS KEY 5 TO YOUR SUCCESS IT CAN: Reconnect and 1 re-energise your customer base.

Enable you to share 2 your successes and let people know you’re still around.

Rebuild your reputation 3 - don’t assume everything is still the same.

Assist you to attract 4 new franchisees. Working from home has changed many things and a lot of people will be re-evaluating their lives and considering their options.

Give your network a 5 much needed boost at both a local and national level.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 79 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - International Franchise Show

AT A GLANCE INTERNATIONAL Franchising FRANCHISE SHOW

When: October 1-2 Where: ExCeL London face to face All attendees must preregister at thefranchiseshow.co.uk For sponsorship and exhibiting information contact Simon Chicken +44 (0) 1179 902 is back [email protected]

The International Franchise Show returns this autumn The organiser of the International Franchise Show adds that the with a range of safety measures in place safety of all attendees is its number one priority and has put in place a number of measures following the industry-wide ‘All Secure Standard’.

PILOT CONCERT A recent pilot concert held in Liverpool saw 5,000 music fans partying at a nightclub without face masks or the need to social distance. All party-goers were required to take a supervised lateral flow test at one of four testing centres in the city the day before, with admittance only being allowed if their test returned a negative result. Attendees were retested on May 7 in order to determine whether there was any spread of the virus. For the events industry, these pilot schemes are crucial and pave the way for live events to return safely. The pilot events also ver the past year, The roll-out of the UK’s demonstrate what sort of measures, exhibition organisers vaccination programme, increased such as ventilation, need to be have had to spend an testing and trials of live events implemented for future exhibitions. O increasing amount of has brought confidence that time planning and putting in place live exhibitions will return. VISITOR additional measures to ensure PREREGISTRATION the safety of guests returning to OPENING DOORS At this year’s International Franchise live events amid the pandemic. One exhibition eager to open its Show all visitors will be required to Research conducted in 2021 doors once again is the International preregister at thefranchiseshow. by Explori, an attendee feedback Franchise Show, the UK’s biggest co.uk in advance and follow strict platform for events, expos and franchise event, which each year social distancing measures. event venues, and sponsored delivers Britain’s largest selection The organiser will be monitoring by event management software of franchise brands under one roof. excel.london/visitor/your-safety specialist EventsCase found On the planned autumn return, and updates will be communicated that the primary focus of event marketing manager Joshua via the show website, email and organisers is on delivering Christopher says: “On October 1-2 the social media to ensure guests are postponed events, developing new International Franchise Show will well informed before attending. sources of revenue, engaging target play host to over 250 exhibitors and In addition to ExCeL’s strict audiences and understanding more show features than ever before. cleaning regimes, the International changing customer needs. “After being postponed for more Franchise Show has teamed up with After a year - or more - of than one year, we’re super excited ElectroClean, which will provide a postponements, event organisers to put on our biggest exhibition to deep electrostatic clean of the hall have had to adapt in order to stay date and we cannot wait to again prior to the event, so attendees afloat and find new ways of delivering welcome guests to our event in can rest assured everything has value to their audience and exhibitors. a COVID-secure environment.” been done to protect them.

80 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - PAUL UK

AT A GLANCE PAUL UK The flexibility to Location of units: UK Investment range: £350,000 Minimum required capital: £500,000-£1 million Contact: Andy Hulbert fit any location [email protected] paul-uk.com/franchise

Artisan bakery PAUL offers viable retail formats “Smart, warm for multiple trading environments and comfortable,

AUL has been baking appreciation of higher quality stores are based bread and pastries for products, authentic provenance and on traditional 130 years in France and real differentiation. There is scope for P has traded in London a premium national bakery to emerge designs with for the last 20 years, building a across the UK - the PAUL bakery. loyal customer base who enjoy the The company’s flexible retail affordable product quality produced by its format offers opportunities for varied trained bakers. sizes, including café environments, fit-out costs” The company has a passion for service stations, town and city its artisanal methodology of baking centres and suburban and traditional through in-store bakery preparation. bread and pastries and is looking for village bakeries. The company supplies and trains like-minded investors and operators Smart, warm and comfortable, you, providing everything you need who are equally passionate about stores are based on traditional to hand-craft products in your own becoming PAUL franchisees. designs with affordable fit-out bakery within the framework of the costs. PAUL products are designed PAUL brand. OPERATIONAL MODELS to be finished off in-store to ensure PAUL looks forward to sharing its It offers various operational models maximum freshness, providing passion for the brand and the joy that provide viable formats for theatre and delighting customers of training you to produce the high multiple trading environments - from every time. quality baked products and bread high footfall ‘express’ concepts that that differentiate PAUL and make it a offer coffee and ‘grab and go’ options FRANCHISE BENEFITS brand that consumers love. for busy commuters or business PAUL brings artisan bakery to high The company’s team is the secret individuals, to village-style local footfall areas. Its tried and tested ingredient of the business and community stores that provide more operation offers franchisees a each member of the PAUL family is individual service. national supply chain, economies of highly valued. Their success is the PAUL specialises in affordable scale, a store model with the flexibility company’s goal. luxuries at a time when consumer to fit any location, breadth of range The most important asset of tastes are evolving towards and a better customer experience any business, especially within the hospitality sector, is its people. PAUL strives to nurture individuals to build great teams, providing everyone with the opportunity to develop within the business.

OPTIONS TO SUIT Franchisees are looking for different businesses to suit their investment plans and aspirations. With a proven PAUL bakery model, the company is set up for all types of entrepreneur. If you’re interested in the opportunity of opening and trading PAUL locations in your area of the country and you have the financial means and operating capability to develop a successful business, PAUL would be very interested to discuss and explore the opportunity with you.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 81 INTERVIEW

A CUT ABOVE THE REST Barber to stars of TV, sport and music, SliderCuts - aka Mark Maciver - honed his razor-sharp skills at an early age. His acumen and knowledge has also made him a trusted fi gure in the wider business community

82 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 liderCuts has been cutting hair “I believe in leading by example, which S professionally since 2003. During that time is what I do every day running my own he’s built an impressive client list, which includes basketball legend company. I’m playing my part to help LeBron James, world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, people grow as much as I can” TV personality Reggie Yates and rappers Stormzy and Tinie Tempah. amazing to have business flowing for, while generally, in real life, Today, he imparts his again and to be making money, so I’m always helping people. business knowledge in person, every month I’m not in a position I’ve also written a book called in print and online. to have to find money to pay bills. Shaping up Culture. It’s a guide Seeing the other staff members to help people approach those Tell us about yourself. here as well and them in a position initial steps of setting up a How did you get to make money is really good also. business and I’m in the process of writing some new chapters, So it’s great to have the into barbering? which will be released soon. I got into barbering when I was studios back open because this I do vlogs that are available 13-15 years old. I was getting my is a community centre and the on YouTube that offer business haircut at home from my older community needs it, it feeds advice. I host online classes as brothers and mum and was tired people’s families and everybody well that focus on subjects such of getting - no offence - sub- loves a barber shop because as how to set up a business, how standard haircuts, so I decided you leave here looking better to use Instagram and how to to pick up the clippers myself. than when you walked in. create a brand. While people have That was how I got into barbering, to pay for these, I’ve made sure but I was always interested in You’ve been described they’re affordable and accessible. hair. I used to look at people’s as a business role In addition, I believe in leading haircuts on the street or on TV by example, which is what I and say, when I get older and model. How are you helping small do every day running my own finally go to the barber shop I’ll company. I’m playing my part to get that haircut or that hairstyle. companies and help people grow as much as I can. When I was 18, I got an unofficial aspiring entrepreneurs apprenticeship/internship at a to succeed? What’s your business barber shop while I was in college. By providing a lot of free philosophy? I then worked hard to build information. On my Instagram, Whatever you are in, do it to my own business - SliderCuts for example, I’m always giving the best of your ability, which - and the rest is history. out information to help small comes from a scripture in the businesses grow, as well as advice bible - Colossians 3:23: ‘Work How has COVID affected on managing the times we’re in. willingly at whatever you do, as your business? Outside of that, I mentor various though you were working for the I haven’t been able to work, as people, which I don’t charge Lord rather than for people.’ we’ve been shut for about seven- eight months of the last 12. It’s affected the business significantly, but I’m working my way through it. During lockdown, I was working on other things. I’ve been running online business classes, where people have paid to learn various barbering skills. I’ve also been increasing my social media presence and investing in other areas. How does it feel to have SliderCuts open again? You sometimes forget how good it feels to connect with people, so it’s amazing. It feels like this has been missing, this whole community, this whole connection, because of the period of time we’ve been closed. There’s a great buzz, there’s a great vibe in the air and it feels

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 83 INTERVIEW

GET TO KNOW SLIDERCUTS

PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT? Business wise, opening up SliderCuts Studios and being able to employ staff, which to me means providing people with jobs that help them support themselves. I’m also proud of being recognised for my work with awards from the industry and nominations like the Evening Standard Business Awards. Away from business, I’m really proud of my marriage and children. To me that’s success. Having a stable, happy family life and being part of my children’s lives has always been one of the things I’ve wanted since I was young.

GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE ANYONE HAS EVER GIVEN YOU? I don’t know if it’s the greatest, but it was given at the point I needed to hear it - when I was opening up SliderCuts Studios. There were so many delays getting it open and someone said to me: “Just get it done. Whatever it is, do it.” It was easier said than done, but it resonated with me and focused my mind.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? The road you are on is probably going to feel lonely, but continue to pursue your dreams, as they will pay off in the end. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t follow the crowd. It might be awkward and frustrating, but you’re doing the right thing. What would you potentially there are more benefits, GREATEST SACRIFICES YOU’VE say to someone but it’s definitely not easier. MADE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE? considering becoming Time and money. I sleep very few hours because their own boss? What will people I’m always supposed to be doing something and This is a conversation I have quite learn from Shaping need to prioritise to ensure I give time to my a lot with people. I believe the best up Culture? children, my home life and my wife, as well as my way to share your knowledge is by How to approach business in business. So yes, time is a big sacrifice. asking questions, because ultimately a better way and develop an I’ve had to do everything with no money, so you cannot say to someone they understanding that business I’ve had to make financial sacrifices to pursue my starts with themselves and the business goals and dreams. can or can’t, but you can help them come to their own conclusion development of their character. Why do they want to be their own They’ll learn the first five steps boss? What will make their business that don’t get spoken about in different from the competition? most business books because they Another thing that’s important is always make the assumption people whether they are boss material. Do already know these things and start you want to be your own boss simply from a place a lot of people I know, for the title or do you actually feel for example, don’t start from. like you have a role where you can The book may also help people help and serve people? Ultimately, to understand why some of their a good boss is a servant. I’m a endeavours in life aren’t going the servant to my customers. I’m even way they hoped, whether that’s due a servant to my staff in a sense. to steps being missed out or areas I also make sure I share how not being addressed, which Shaping being your own boss often up Culture will help them identify. means you’re going to work harder and longer than when Where do you see you worked for someone else. yourself in five years? So if you think it’s going to be an At the SliderCuts Studios and easier option, I’m here to tell you moving into a new house local to that it’s not. It takes a lot of work, the shop. Hopefully, I would have time, energy and sacrifice. I’m not started my SliderCuts Academy and trying to put people off, but make maybe, since I’ve got my beauty them aware of the road ahead. studio, I’ll be teaching things like Yes, it could be more fruitful and nails and hairdressing as well.

84 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1

BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Encouraging Women into Franchising

AT A GLANCE ENCOURAGING Get your career WOMEN INTO FRANCHISING

Visit ewif.org and thebfa.org for your first back on track step in finding a new career.

CAN FRANCHISING HELP? With women losing their jobs at a faster rate than men, Encouraging Women into Franchising thinks so. In fact, how can you rediscover your purpose? Encouraging the not-for-profit organisation Women into Franchising offers some advice believes when you find the right franchise and know you belong we are stronger together. So the fact you’re exploring your options within franchising means you’re curious about what you can personally achieve by running your own business.

HERE’S HOW • Franchising can give you renewed confidence inyour capabilities. You can step into the world of business ownership following full training provided by your franchisor. This includes everything from operating under its brand to business management and staff management. • You can gain a sense of purpose as the boss. The only person you compete against is who you were ‘yesterday’. The success of your business depends on the effort you put into growing it. Find a renewed sense of purpose as you hit your targets and achieve your goals. ave you been affected operation and Development, the • You have role models and by the fallout from impact of the pandemic ‘hit women supportive people to inspire you. the pandemic? The the hardest’ - a clear indication of Seeing women like you, H the disproportionate challenges coronavirus crisis building amazing business for has seen women bear the brunt women continue to face. themselves, renews our hope of increased unemployment or an in our own abilities. If she urgent need to exit the workplace to WHAT IS YOUR can do it, so can you. You are focus on family, which has intensified PURPOSE? the author of your future. their sense of isolation and fear of Many of us have various ‘purposes’ being left behind in their career. for different stages of our life. WHAT’S NEXT? This has led to a loss of purpose There’s a time to be a student and Decide which industry you want to and increased anxiety about a time to step onto the first rung run your business in and the type of returning to work in the future. of the career ladder. There may be franchise you want to operate and According to the Women in a time to raise a family. There may explore what’s available. The EWiF Work Index 2021, produced by also be a time to become a CEO. and British Franchise Association PricewaterhouseCoopers for the There’s definitely a time for you websites can help you do this. Organisation for Economic Co- to choose your purpose and to work Then take your first step. out how to make it a reality. And Approach the franchisor and “Franchising can give you while your purpose can be affected ask them about their upcoming by the situations you encounter, discovery day and how you can renewed confidence in such as redundancy, losing your book a place on it. Go along and job or changing direction, these find out more about what you your capabilities” don’t define you in the long term. can achieve with its support.

86 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 The artifi cial grass market has grown dramatically over the last 5 years to where we are today, a £300 million industry! Join our franchise team and start your new business today!

Our franchisees hit the ground running with a typical turnover of £200,000 in their fi rst year, even in these uncertain times! Wonderlawn will walk you through the business step by step, generating enquiries, training you on site and managing stock and deliveries. For more information please call: 0333 700 6000 Or visit: www.wonderlawnfranchise.co.uk The Secret of our Success? Simple. It works. Ask The EXPERTS Our panel of industry specialists answer your franchise questions

HOW HAS THE UK FRANCHISE SECTOR Q PERFORMED SINCE THE COUNTRY FIRST WENT INTO LOCKDOWN IN 2020?

ALAN WILKINSON WRITES: the pandemic. Some of the best results One of the attractions of franchising is have been seen in outdoor franchises the resilience it shows through hard such as lawn care, indoor services such times such as a recession. Over the past as loft conversion and tuition 12 months or so, this has also proved to businesses, which have offered classes be the case for a global pandemic. wholly through video conferencing. Franchisors have had to adapt and This success has been seen not only modify the way they trade and some through increased franchisee turnover, have been hit far harder than others. but also in the number of new Some have had to close totally or where franchisees being recruited. they have been able, they’ve traded on a It’s therefore been a bit of a mixed far more limited basis. Others have bag of great successes on the one hand adapted their offering, with businesses and other businesses hanging on by such as fitness classes providing their their fingernails on the other. The one services online instead of face to face. thing that’s certain is franchising will We’ve seen examples of franchisors remain buoyant as the world begins to having record results in 2020, despite open up again.

ALAN WILKINSON is head of franchise development at The Franchising Centre and has been in franchising for over 25 years.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING A Q BUSINESS-TO-CONSUMER FRANCHISE?

JOHN PRATT WRITES: credit account, which is generally As with all franchises, you have required by businesses. to ask yourself: Is this the sort Here there is, of course, a downside of business that interests me? and that is dealing with payment Are you a people person, because issues with consumers because of in franchises where customers are the number of accounts may be more consumers and not businesses there time consuming, but increasingly will be much more interaction? specialist software deals with this With a business-to-consumer aspect of running a franchise. franchise, you’re going to have fewer If you’re a people person and don’t large accounts, so that bad debts want to expose your business to the will be less of a problem. You’ll not negative impact of a large customer have a big customer getting into not paying, then a business-to- financial difficulties and impacting consumer franchise may be for you. your business by being unable to pay. Having said that, during the Generally, consumers will pay period of COVID lockdowns by credit or debit card and will business-to-business franchises pay before goods or services have tended to fair better than are supplied rather than have a business-to-consumer ones.

JOHN PRATT is senior partner at specialist franchise firm Hamilton Pratt and has advised franchisors for over 25 years.

88 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 HOW LONG SHOULD IT TAKE TO MAKE MY Q INITIAL INVESTMENT BACK?

LOUISE HARRIS WRITES: Unless you’re a pilot franchisee The initial investment in a franchise - testing the initial model or its varies greatly across the industry, expansion beyond the home territory but it’s one figure franchisees should - you should ask the franchisor for have a clear handle on before buying evidence that it’s possible to achieve in. Once known, a key question is its projected income and profit. If it how long will it take to make that can’t provide this, you should ask investment back? Of course, it varies. the franchisees who are trading. There are a few rules in franchising. It’s fair to expect that the The first is you must be able to make business may not break even in your investment back within the the first year, but beyond that it term of your franchise agreement. will depend on the anticipated A five-year agreement therefore growth of the customer base, sales indicates a maximum of five years of the goods or service, capital to recoup your initial investment. expenditure required and costs. That alone, however, is not Make sure you get under the skin necessarily very attractive, since of the financials before buying into this implies no profit in that time. the model, as it may not be for you.

LOUISE HARRIS is an experienced franchisor, having built and sold an award winning franchise. She’s currently franchise operations manager at Mathnasium UK.

WILL A FRANCHISOR ENSURE I OPERATE Q MY BUSINESS WITHIN THE REQUIRED HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES OF THE SECTOR I OPERATE IN?

SHELLEY NADLER WRITES: A franchisee, as an employer The franchisor should provide health and business owner, is required by and safety guidelines appropriate law to protect their employees and to the sector the franchise operates others from harm. Failure to do so in as part of the franchise manual. can lead to criminal liability and the There will be an obligation on the person affected may make a claim franchisee to comply with all laws and for compensation under civil law. regulations applicable to the business. Franchisors often audit and inspect Initial and ongoing training franchisees. For food businesses in provided to franchisees and their particular, franchisees can expect employees will include health and part of this assessment to include safety procedures. The franchisor compliance with health and safety and will train the franchisee and will food safety procedures and processes. usually require the franchisee to If a franchisee does not train their employees and ensure comply with health and safety they comply with all obligations. requirements, a franchisor may There may also be a requirement require these deficiencies are for the franchisee to carry out remedied fairly quickly. If they’re risk assessments to identify not, it may lead to the termination hazards and assess risks. of the franchise agreement.

SHELLEY NADLER is a legal director in Bird & Bird’s international franchising team and has many years’ experience of advising on all aspects of franchising.

Got a question about franchising? Email [email protected] or check out the ‘Ask’ section at what-franchise.com

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 89 SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP WITH ANGIE COATES What Franchise’s resident business agony aunt Angie Coates, founder and CEO of Monkey Music, answers your business and entrepreneurial conundrums

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE FOR A Two variables will determine your success personal attributes and how they fi t CAREER IN A FRANCHISE BUSINESS? relative to other franchises in the network. with the ethos of Monkey Music. The wonderful thing about choosing One is demand and competition in All successful franchise owners are to join a franchise network rather than your sector/territory, so always do market natural communicators, hardworking, becoming an independent business research before investing. The second is resilient and adaptable, but beyond that owner is that you’re buying into a proven you - your skills, experience and character there is no perfect franchisee profi le. business model and a network of support. - so complete a personal SWOT analysis to In fact, we’ve found the variety of There will be plenty of people who better understand your profi le and which skills, professional backgrounds and can answer any questions you have businesses on your shortlist are likely to personalities in the Monkey Music network match your values and help you thrive. about building and running a successful means everyone has their strengths and Finally, having settled on a franchise, franchise, but I would advise prospective weaknesses. This benefi ts everyone, as franchisees to do some desk research during the application process I advise we encourage franchisees to share best before speaking with future colleagues. speaking and/or meeting with existing practice and learn from each other. There is a vast amount of helpful franchisees at different stages of Shared learning from diverse approaches information online that will help you their careers to get under the skin and providing mutual support above that understand how franchise models operate of the franchise family and the day- offered by head offi ce defi nitely makes our and what will be required of you. to-day running of the business. Good places to start include the British network more successful and enjoyable, a Franchise Association website - in particular HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M GOING TO fact that was even more apparent during the the free Prospect Franchisee Certifi cate - and BE A SUCCESSFUL FRANCHISEE? spotlight of COVID, when franchisees were franchising communities like franchise.org. The reward and satisfaction that come from going out of their way to support one another. Once you have a feel of what building a successful franchise business are Given there’s no perfect profi le, I’d setting up and running a franchise incredible, but the required investment of suggest if you believe in the brand you’re involves and the variety of franchise both time and money can be daunting. looking to work with, are prepared to work models available, create a shortlist of Unsurprisingly - and reassuringly harder than you have ever worked before, franchise brands that appeal to you. - a question most Monkey Music can take the odd setback, are dreaming The personality and structure of franchise applicants ask early in the of building a successful business with every franchise network is different, the process is: “Will I be good at this?”. like-minded people and love learning new investment varies signifi cantly, franchisee While answering this question and things you will be a successful franchisee. success rates differ and the assistance others raised by a prospective offered and control exerted by a head offi ce franchisee’s research and support team is specifi c to each franchise. the discussions they may Have a question you wish to ask Angie? Finding a franchise that suits your have had with existing Email [email protected] personality and skills can make a Monkey Music franchisees, Check out Angie on Instagram: huge difference both to your chances we fi nd the conversation @angiecoatesmusic of success and your returns. often turns to individual

90 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - d&t

AT A GLANCE Looking after d&t

This multi-award winning team of chartered accountants and expert business advisers has clients in multiple industries, as well as over 100 different the numbers franchise networks.

For more information visit team-dt.com Our network accountancy services can help franchisors gain the fi nancial insight they need, Phil Archer, manager at d&t, says

eeping across of sales, marketing spend, the income and other expenses and turnover. expenditure The dashboard connects K in franchisees’ directly into the cloud accounts has never been accountancy packages Xero as important as during or QuickBooks. Once set up, the past 12 months. it saves franchisees time so For a franchisor, knowing they can concentrate on the the numbers means having a day job and there’s no need for clear snapshot of the health franchisors to chase up the data. of the franchised network The benchmarking tool and being in a position to lists franchisees against each offer the necessary support to other, so KPIs can be compared franchisees at the right time. instantly. The dashboard can However, the pressures also report how well each caused by the pandemic franchisee is performing against have highlighted how many a similar-sized franchise and franchisors don’t have also compare with their own easy and instant access business plan, which can be to franchisees’ fi gures. tracked on a month-by-month basis. “We can quickly The data can be helpful to identify IMPORTANT INSIGHT any issues. Perhaps one franchisee Although the need to report see and share is paying too much for their phone fi nancial information is included contract compared with another. in the vast majority of franchisee information In this way, it can help save costs. contracts, for many franchisors, gaining an insight into how much with BUSINESS CRITICAL franchisees are spending and franchisors” Prior to the pandemic, it might earning is often a laborious process. have been a ‘bit tricky’ to obtain It can require regular ‘nudging’ basic fi nancial information from of franchisees to deliver the right franchisees. Now it’s suddenly information at the right time. This franchisors; when franchisees become business critical. usually needs to be manually added are doing well or spotting issues If accounts are just slightly off into a tracking tool, often resulting early if they need more help. and a franchisee doesn’t get the in frustration on both sides. We can also help identify the support they need in time they may At d&t, we like to do things reasons why a franchisee is doing not survive. From a franchisor’s differently. We’ve developed a well or struggling - perhaps perspective, it’s also helpful to network accountancy approach they are experiencing a higher understand the value of the network. that means we look after the cost of sales, for example. If the past year has taught us accounts of enough of the anything, it’s that we all have the franchisees in a network to gain BENCHMARKING TOOL potential to work differently. Our an insight into how the business Crucially, we have also created a network accountancy services should be run, including the franchise accounting dashboard can now help franchisors gain the challenges, trends and pitfalls. tool for our partners that valuable fi nancial insight they need This familiarity with the business instantly shows the high level to look after the numbers and look model means we can quickly key performance indicators for after and support their networks see and share information with each franchisee, including cost better, when they need it most.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 91 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Caremark

AT A GLANCE CAREMARK A rewarding Established: 2005 Number of franchised outlets: 120 Location of units: UK, India, Ireland and Malta Investment range: Approx £112,000 opportunity Minimum required capital: £35,000 Contact: 01903 266392 [email protected] caremarkfranchises.com Caremark can help you make a difference to the numerous leading high street most vulnerable people in your community banks plays a major role in helping new franchise partners aremark’s thriving to fund their venture. network of in-home C care and support TRAINING AND franchisees have ONGOING SUPPORT enjoyed sustained growth Caremark offers comprehensive through the political uncertainty in-house training and ongoing of Brexit and economic support through a structured turbulence of COVID-19. 10-day initial training Founded in 2005, the company programme and a field support has grown to become the team once up and running. leading franchise provider of This two-pronged support in-home care services in the UK. from head office and the It currently has an established regional management team network of over 110 franchisees includes business development, and with 12 overseas territories is staff training and regulations, enjoying an increasing presence, IT, PR, marketing and roster both at home and abroad. Over the years, Caremark has management support. Caremark’s tried and tested developed and refined a robust Once a business has franchise model has proven to system bolstered by strong been registered by the Care be extremely resilient to the policies and procedures, which Quality Commission, new recent global challenges, along assist franchisees to deliver franchisees also benefit from with an unrivalled support the highest standard of care a straightforward process that structure, allowing for record and support. It also enables makes it easy to launch their growth. When these challenges them to grow a sustainable business and introduce Caremark present themselves, being a business at the same time. to their local community. wholly interdependently UK- This proven model allows owned franchisor allows for every Caremark franchisee A SUSTAINABLE AND strategic business decisions to focus on developing their RESILIENT BUSINESS to be made swiftly, benefiting business, which the care manager OPPORTUNITY the network on all fronts. builds at the same time as Caremark’s proven business supervising a team of trusted opportunity continues to attract MULTIPLE care and support workers. a wide variety of professionals REVENUE STREAMS Adhering to such a robust, from different sectors. The growing diversity of services resilient system reduces risk for Having a background in that Caremark offers means there new business owners, especially care is not necessary due to are multiple revenue streams during the crucial first year. the full training and ongoing open to a franchisee, including: As a full member of the support, although business • Live-in care. British Franchise Association, management experience is • Respite care. Caremark prides itself on honesty required along with a passion • Companionship and and transparency. Thanks to for the care sector, a genuine social services. its strong code of ethics, the desire to grow a community- • Dementia care. company places this at the based service and the drive to • Children’s services. centre of everything it does. build a sustainable business. • Personal care. Caremark has built a respected The common denominator and reputable brand, giving among all Caremark franchisees In addition, innovative new care instant credibility to new is their desire to be in a business systems such as PatchCare offer franchisees. It instills credibility, that gives something back to support and help when clients which is key to building a society and makes a difference want it, whenever they need it, in working client base. Caremark’s to the most vulnerable people the comfort of their own home. excellent relationship with in their communities.

92 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1

BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Hitachi Capital Franchise Finance

AT A GLANCE HITACHI CAPITAL Seeing beyond FRANCHISE FINANCE

For more information call 01844 355575 or visit hitachicapital.co.uk/ the best rates franchise-finance

“Finance can be Hitachi Capital Franchise Finance reveals what else delivered within you can look for in a lender a matter of days he cost of credit is an owners to get the funding they important factor when need. However, with lending or it could take T choosing a lender, large sums of cash comes an months” but there are other element of risk for the lender. things that should be considered Each institution will have when choosing whether a product their own eligibility criteria for to provide funding to the is right for your business. credit and appetite for risk. customer more quickly. There are many elements to It’s important to consider Depending on the size and take into account in advance your credit history, as this complexity of your finance of approaching a lender plays a key part in the lender’s proposal, finance can be for finance, including: decision making process delivered within a matter of alongside its eligibility criteria. days or it could take months. • Which lenders have the risk The appetite of the lender is Some lenders will also have appetite to meet your needs? something your broker, if you capacity within their workforce • Will that lender provide opt to use one, should have to process your proposals during the level of support knowledge of. If you don’t use busier periods, so they may be you require/desire? a broker, it’s advisable that able to provide certain products • Who can facilitate your needs you speak to several bank at a faster pace than others. quickly and effectively? and non-bank lenders. • Does ethical practice mean SUSTAINABLE something to you? A PERSONALISED DEVELOPMENT CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE AND ETHICS Let’s take a deeper look: We all appreciate that finance With a greater focus in the can be quite complex. Some modern world on sustainable YOUR ELIGIBILITY people might be well versed and ethical practice, you AND THE LENDER’S in this area, while others may want to look at projects RISK APPETITE may wish to focus more your prospective lender Lenders will offer an array of on where their time and has worked on that have finance products that provide skills are better placed. contributed positively to opportunities for business There are highly responsive protecting the environment. and attentive lenders that You may want to work are equipped to provide a alongside a business with values support platform and can that are aligned with your own. navigate you through the complexities of funding. ARE YOU MAKING Evaluating whether THE RIGHT CHOICE? your business goals will be There is no right or wrong better achieved and by how answer when deciding much is important when between finance providers, weighing up if a bespoke whether bank or non-bank. service could be beneficial. However, it’s crucial that either you or your broker take SPEED AND EFFICIENCY the time to chat with each one How soon do you need and research the products the finance? on offer to ensure you’re Processes and technology making the best decision. are continually improving, These are challenging helping lenders make faster times, so you must ensure the and more accurate financial decisions you make fit the needs decisions and allowing them for you and your business.

94 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - What’s On In

AT A GLANCE WHAT’S ON IN

Minimum required capital: franchise costs £798. Interest free Growth market loan available Contact: Dani Smith [email protected] 07860 833822 What’s On In is the website for people wishing to fi nd woifranchise.com out what’s on in their town, city and holiday location

user friendly for the advertisers and account, which means excellent that we could offer any business a cash fl ow. free sales web page. 82 per cent of UK businesses have no website, so OPTIONAL 50 50 SYSTEM we needed to address this with a What’s On In has an optional free web page for every advertiser.” 50-50 system, whereby you have a commission only sales person THREE FRANCHISE building your postcode area for PACKAGES you, offering complete freedom, What’s On In offers three types and is perfect for someone with of franchise: an existing business or job who wants a ‘hands off franchise’. • Single franchise postcode. This option obviously requires • Master franchise, UK or globally. less commitment from the • Corporate franchise, Europe franchisee. and globally. Potential monthly incomes are £5,000-£20,000, depending on commitment. Franchisees receive FLEXIBLE OPPORTUNITY a fully exclusive postcode area. A typical What’s On In website not The exclusive online franchise f the What’s On In only offers a franchisee an excellent members’ area provides in-depth franchise, managing income from advertisers, but also and comprehensive franchisee director Dani Smith allows them to place affi liates on O support and access to tips, says: “It was simple, their website, which pay franchisees advice and training tools. we know the UK online advertising up to 70 per cent commission. There market is worth £189 million and we are three income streams: saw the market was wide open. LOW COST ENTRY “We also wanted to make our • Income for main businesses. Dani believes What’s On In offers franchise available to anyone and • Income from tradesmen. the perfect low cost entry into that’s why we priced it at £798. The • Income from affi liates. the profi table franchise arena. return on investment is amazing. New franchise opportunities We also offer an interest free A franchisee needs no technical are continually added throughout fi nance package and payment over knowledge, as all loading of adverts the UK. With its self service three-six months.” is carried out by the What’s On In platform, high visibility, full support team. Bookings are made tracking and low advertising USER FRIENDLY online via the website and payment cost, the What’s On In franchise She goes on to explain: “I needed is made within three minutes offers the ultimate in online to make sure our web platform was direct to the franchisee’s PayPal advertising.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 95 INSIGHT

8 ways to stay healthy

How to look after your well-being while taking care of business

WORDS BY JOE GAUNT

s Mahatma Gandhi short and long-term memory and excellent ways to improve your once said: “It is ability to maintain concentration. physical and mental well-being. health that is real A recent study conducted by A wealth and not the University of Westminster 3. Get on top of pieces of gold and silver.” and the University of East London your nutrition But when you’re in charge of found that just 300ml of water Another saying that’s been around a franchise business, staying on can boost attention by almost 25 for a long time is: “Never make a THE AUTHOR top of all your work and home- per cent. So to ensure you’re fi ring decision on an empty stomach.” Joe Gaunt is founder life responsibilities can be a on all cylinders, top up on H2O And the evidence backs this up. of hero, the award tall order. It’s a balancing act as much as you can throughout winning health tech Research shows that hunger and leading well- that can lead to some serious the day, while minimising your signifi cantly alters people’s decision being provider fatigue and well-being woes. caffeine intake to help balance making, leading to impatience and According to mental out your hydration levels. the increased likelihood of settling health charity Mind, one in for smaller rewards that come six workers is experiencing 2. Take time away sooner rather than larger rewards depression, stress or anxiety. from your desk that are longer in the making. Furthermore, a study by Opus There will always be another email With that in mind, eating Energy found 76 per cent of small to send or phone call to make. But better and in a timely manner can and medium-sized enterprise remaining in your chair all day is signifi cantly benefi t your physical owners are losing sleep over not good for your physical or mental and mental health, keeping you the state of their business, health. Just like dehydration, it charged up throughout the day. while 79 per cent are making can drain your brainpower and This is supported by the NHS, personal sacrifi ces to keep adversely affect your well-being. which says: “Eating at regular steering their ship in the right In fact, a study by the University times during the day helps burn direction. This includes missing of Illinois concluded that prolonged calories at a faster rate. It also out on personal time, reducing attention to a single task hinders reduces the temptation to snack holidays and going without pay. performance, highlighting the on foods high in fat and sugar.” So what can you do to ensure importance of brief mental breaks. As with the formation of any you’re feeling on top form, As hard as it can be to prise healthy habit, routine is key, mentally, physically, socially yourself away from your desk, so try to avoid skipping meals and emotionally, ready to take make sure you take regular fi ve and be aware of not only what on all that work and life in to 10-minute timeouts to stretch you eat, but when you eat it. general has to throw at you? your muscles, free up some Here are my eight tips on how headspace and perhaps engage 4. Be mindful to look after your well-being in some light-hearted corridor or A mindfulness or meditation while taking care of business: WhatsApp chat with colleagues app, like Headspace or Calm, can to boost your social health. provide you with an effective 1. Keep the Going for a lunchtime walk tool for de-stressing after a H2O fl owing and adding in some exercise long, hard day at the offi ce. When work is in full swing, we before or after work are more The trouble is, mindfulness can easily go hours without and meditation are often having a drink, which can misunderstood, which is why some have a negative impact on our people claim they don’t work. concentration levels, clarity of Instead of eradicating feelings mind and general brain effi ciency of stress and challenging - all of which are essential for emotions, the purpose of these successfully operating a business. 76% practices is to help you fi nd The reason? Astonishingly, the of small and medium-sized positive ways to process and enterprise owners are losing brain is 75 per cent water, but react to them, recognising that sleep over the state of their it can’t store any of the water business. they are part of your journey. it uses. Therefore, it requires a Bear this in mind when constant fl ow of this magic liquid Source: Opus Energy. using these types of apps, as to function properly, affecting its sticking with them can have a

96 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1 signifi cant impact on your ability to think clearly and handle life’s “When running a business, it’s easy challenges, enhancing your mental health in and out of work. to become all work and no play”

5. Don’t neglect You can even download easy to 8. It all starts with you your social life prepare, healthy recipes (including One fi nal point to make is When running a business, it’s nutritional data and instructional that company culture starts easy to become all work and no videos) and barcode scan all your and ends with you. play. But it’s important to balance food to track your nutrition. By demonstrating to your your work-life with positive Better still, a built-in Wellness employees that you value your home-life experiences to support Library provides articles on personal well-being as well as your all-round well-being. all aspects of health, including theirs will rub off on them, helping Spending some time with mental, physical and social you build a stronger, healthier, friends and family can be a great well-being, creating a one- happier and more productive way to blow off steam, wind down stop shop for all your needs. workforce, whether you own and share your thoughts and By using a platform capable one franchise unit or many. feelings - including the things of supporting your holistic It’s never too late to start you feel excited or worried about well-being, you’ll be much more improving your well-being. So - with those closest to you. aware of the actions you need what’s going to be your fi rst move? What’s more, a study shows to take each day to become the that people with strong social healthiest version of yourself. relationships have a 50 per cent better chance of living longer, so it really does pay to be sociable.

6. What’s in your control? As a business owner, the thought of not being in control is probably one of the things that scares you the most. But in reality it’s pretty much impossible to control everything all at once. What you can control is the way you engage with and manage the internal and external aspects of your business. Learning to be fl exible when things don’t quite go to plan will help combat your stress levels and enhance your mental well-being in the long term. 7. Use tech to your advantage Using a digital well-being platform/app, like hero Navigator, can help you achieve all the above points. Navigator allows individuals and businesses to manage and progress goals (including sleep, steps, exercise, nutrition, breathing, activity, habits and recovery) and track these in a handy calendar. It also works with all the leading wearable technologies, including Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit and Garmin.

WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 97 OPINION

Don’t fall foul of a scam Be cautious of unscrupulous schemes posing as business format franchises

WORDS BY EMILY PRICE

hen it comes to being your own boss, W there’s no doubt business format franchising should be in your thought process. THE AUTHOR For many years, the Emily Price is chief risk associated with operating offi cer at achieving success running the British Franchise Association a franchise business has been signifi cantly lower than that of starting an independent entity because of the following elements:

• The proven business model, which has been tried and tested, with all the mistakes already made and fi xed, which is yours to build on. • Training and support is plentiful - from initial onboarding and throughout your entire business journey. “The bfa strongly recommends you • A franchisee is able to focus on growing their business, while the undertake comprehensive research franchisor continues to invest in research and development. before making an investment” • Favourable lending ooptions are available due to the reduced risk, as banks like franchising. Pyramid selling business format franchise that offers • You benefi t from community The past 12 months have seen many the features already outlined. know-how - you’re in business people searching for alternative for yourself, but not by yourself. ways to derive an income, which has Word of warning • Development opportunities are resulted in an upsurge in pyramid Franchising is not regulated in the UK. available for high performing selling schemes in the UK. Therefore, the bfa strongly recommends franchisees, meaning you Unfortunately for our you undertake comprehensive research can choose to accelerate industry, pyramid selling is before making an investment. growth if you have the desire sometimes described as a form Visit thebfa.org, where you’ll fi nd and resources to do so. of franchising, which can pose details of our accredited brands. In challenges when looking to build addition, we offer a free online course A franchisee has the rights to sell relationships with community if you’d like to learn more about the franchisor’s goods or services, consultants and educators. fi nding the right franchise for you. as well as use the franchisor’s At the British Franchise As with any investment, it’s important designs, quality control, training Association, we’ve come across you take the time to fi nd something and benefi t from advertising and people who don’t understand the you’re comfortable with. If you get to promotions, accounting systems difference between the two. the investment stage, ensure you have and operating procedures. If you’re looking to start your own the franchise agreement reviewed by A franchisee should also have business and want the assurance an independent franchise lawyer. A the right to sell their business that it’s a viable opportunity and list is available on the bfa website. at the end of their term, subject will provide you with a return, I wish you the best of luck and the bfa to the franchisor approving plus an asset to sell in the future, looks forward to becoming your trusted the incoming franchisee. you should be searching for a partner in franchising in the future.

98 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 17.1