ISSN 1744-6988 04 EXPERT INSIGHTS 9 771744 698037 Transform Your Life Follow the smart path to self employment What Conquer The Commute 6 reasons to invest in a home-based franchise Supersize It Franchise Your guide to multi-unit £3.99 | VOLUME 15 ISSUE4 what-franchise.com franchising

MAKING Taking A SPLASH The spectacular success positive of Puddle Ducks SMASHING action DIVERSITY How Sean Purcell is The franchise sector now championing is open to all budding entrepreneurs with ActionCOACH

POWERBRANDS

The Warrens Bakery franchisee FOOD & DRINK growing a multi-unit retail operation 19-PAGE SPECIAL

PAGE PEOPLE PAGE BOSSING PAGE BEATING 41 FIRST 90 IT 94 BURNOUT 3 ways to create a Your go-to guide to Simple steps to fight happy franchise culture buying a franchise the modern menace WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 2 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 3 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 17/07/2019 10:04 Page 4 CONTENts HIGHLIGHTS Transform Food & Drink Smashing 12 Your Life 17 Powerbrands 74 Diversity A franchise can change Setting up a food business Proving that it’s not your life, but how do you manage is a sure winner, right? In this special just a passing trend, we look at why the process to produce positivity? 19-page section we focus on everything organisations that embrace diversity We give you the hacks to survive you need to know before jumping in. are outperforming those that don’t, and thrive on change. The future challenges, avoiding the and discover that franchise businesses pitfalls, trends to watch and how to are leading the way again! know if this is the sector for you.

COVER STORIES 28 WAKE UP AND SMELL 89 THE BRANDS THE COFFEE EMPOWERING WOMEN Could you be mobile coffee business The brands behind the 2019 41 PEOPLE FIRST Cafe2U’s next success story? EWIF winners 3 ways to ensure you create a motivated franchise culture 37 GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND The founders of Monkey Puzzle Day 46 BEAT THE COMMUTE Nurseries believe regular training is ADVICE AND INSIGHT 6 compelling reasons to invest in key to a healthy business a home-based franchise 38 TOP UK FRANCHISE OF 2019 10 STAR QUALITIES 48 SUPERSIZE IT What makes Driver Hire such a The 5 key characteristics all top All you need to know to go from successful franchise model? franchises possess start-up to scale- up 67 TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS 58 THE TRUE COSTS OF 50 THE POWER OF COACHING Rising Star Raspinder Singh reflects BUYING A FRANCHISE Sean Purcell on his success as an on his first year as a Caremark What you need to know before ActionCOACH franchisee franchisee signing on the dotted line 52 MAKING A SPLASH 82 SECURING A FUTURE 59 MONEY MATTERS Puddle Ducks founders share FOR HER CHILDREN Discover if you can benefit from new how they became a multi award- FASTSIGNS franchisee Achi Atanda r&d tax relief scheme winning business on building a strong family business 64 THE 4 PILLARS APPROACH 90 BOSSING IT 86 LOOKING FOR A How to strengthen, protect and grow The 5 stage process to BRIGHTER FUTURE? your franchise business franchise success Partner with Shuttercraft, the UK’s leading wooden shutter supplier 94 BEATING BURNOUT REGULARS Simple ways to reduce the 92 AWARD WINNING effects of stress PARTNERS Power couple Mike and Liz talk 56 ASK THE EXPERTS about running their successful Our panel of franchise experts FRANCHISE Revive! Franchise answer all your questions OPPORTUNITIES 93 A CUT ABOVE 57 5 MINUTES WITH… Just Cuts enjoying success on We chat to Denise Hutton-Gosney the UK hair salon scene 25 BRAVE DECISION about her Razzamatazz success Kareemaa Musa on becoming a 69 GET CONNECTED Subway franchisee as a tribute James Fell talks filming, digital trends to her late husband SHOWS AND EVENTS and why you need to grasp multi- media marketing 26 APPETITE FOR A NEW CAREER 83 WOMEN IN BUSINESS EXPO 97 INSIDE THE BFA Muffin Break franchisees benefit We sit down for a Q&A session with All the news and forthcoming from the backing of a global brand Event Director, Christie Day events from Emily Price

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 5 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 6 FROM THE EDITOR

ranchising offers a great way to F reap the rewards 52 of being your own boss using the tried and tested systems and know-how and drink franchises can provide proven opportunities in a of an experienced franchisor competitive market and interview Jo Stone, the remarkable that has a vested interest in co-founder of Puddle Ducks. your success. Along with her business partner Tracy Townend, Jo has That message was delivered built a small village enterprise into an award winning franchise loud and clear at the British network that teaches around 20,000 babies and children how Franchise Association to swim every week. As well as discussing the challenges of HSBC Franchise Awards in building her company, Jo provides an insight into what she June, where a number of looks for in a franchisee, as well as some expert advice on how franchisees and franchisors to franchise your business. were recognised for their achievements - from young male and female While our focus is on the UK franchise industry, we also like franchisees of the year and operators of multi unit businesses to high to cover topics that effect all business owners. flying franchisors and brands with an emphasis on social enterprise. Avoiding burnout is crucial if you want your business to We have something to shout about too, as both What Franchise and flourish. Admittedly, for busy entrepreneurs this is easier said Global Franchise were announced as the winner of the bfa Professional than done, but there are some simple steps you can take to Affiliate and Supplier Award for Industry Contribution. It was great to avoid the modern day menace, which is now recognised by be recognised for our continued support for ethical franchising and our the World Health Organization as a legitimate medical efforts to bring the franchising industry to a wide and diverse audience. diagnosis. Tania Diggory, founder of Calmer, which helps The diverse nature of the industry was also on display at the event, individuals maintain good mental health and well-being, which is why we’ve taken an in-depth look at the subject in this issue. reveals all in this issue. Far from just a buzzword, research has shown that organisations with higher gender and ethnic diversity were more likely to perform better We hope you find your perfect franchise partner within than competitors that were lacking in this area. Best of all for people these pages. wanting to start their own businesses by investing in a franchise, the inclusive nature of the industry means, providing they have sufficient @whatfranchise funds, possess the right skill set and are able to follow a proven system, they can! linkedin.com/company Jeff James /what-franchise Elsewhere this month, we look at how becoming a franchisee has Editor, What Franchise facebook.com/whatfranchise changed people’s lives for the better, have a special report on how food [email protected] what-franchise.com

GROUP ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER SUBSCRIPTIONS ASSISTANT EDITOR NEXT ISSUE ON SALE Richard Davies Tel: 01323 471291 Tel: 01795 414667 Catherine Eade October 10 Professional Affiliate and Email: [email protected] Supplier Awards 2019 PUBLISHER ART DIRECTOR ASSISTANT ADVERTISEMENT Matthew Tudor Lloyd Oxley MANAGER Published by Aceville Publications Ltd FROM THE Neil Phillips Tel: 01323 471291 HEAD OF EDITORIAL (BUSINESS) DESIGNERS Pacific House, Innovation Business Email: [email protected] Emily Seddon Luke Rogers, Adam Barford PUBLISHER OF Park, Eastbourne BN23 6FA. Printed CREDIT CONTROL INDUSTRY in England © Aceville Publications Ltd ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE PRINTED IN ENGLAND Sue Carr Tel: 01206 505903 CONTRIBUTION Craig Bartlett WINNER ABC certified circulation: CIRCULATION MANAGER EDITOR NEWSTRADE SALES British Franchise 13,344 January- Joseph Gibbons Tel: 01206 505912 Jeff James Marketforce. Tel: 0203 1483300 Association December 2018.

© Aceville Publications Ltd 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. 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 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. 324 GLOBAL FRANCHISE | ISSUE 8.34.3 UPFacts and figures fromFRONT the world of franchising

Number crunching QUOTE ME ON THAT The number of “When you franchisees who put people in said they were making boxes, it can feel a profit in 2018. demeaning - Source: British Franchise Association/ discrimination is 93% still discrimination, whether it’s positive or negative.”

Joshua Barker, Head of Marketing, Neighborly Read why the franchise sector is open to all in our special feature on diversity in this issue.

be just as high. We weren’t wrong - the impressive growth of the brand so far resulted in 700 franchise enquiries in just 14 days.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR UK EXPANSION PLANS We’re confident the UK will replicate, if not surpass, the US in terms of growth speed and breadth of coverage. Studies show that nine out of 10 parents want their children to learn how to code. We want to provide that service to every community in the UK that will support it. BEHIND THE HEADLINES WHAT TYPE OF FRANCHISEE ARE US kids coding franchise Code Ninjas has YOU LOOKING FOR? launched in the UK. We spoke to founder and People who are passionate about empowering kids CEO David Graham to get the inside track. to unlock their potential. That could be anyone TELL US ABOUT CODE NINJAS from white collar professionals looking for a more Founded in 2016, Code Ninjas offers afterschool rewarding career, to IT and technology professionals programmes and camps that teach kids how to code who already understand the value of learning to code, by building video games that they love. Our centres are as well as educators. called Dojos, teachers are called Senseis and our little The most important thing is being able to follow the Ninjas progress through a game-based curriculum proven system. If you’re business savvy and are willing to made up of nine belts, just like martial arts. learn the Code Ninjas way, we want to hear from you. Students work through the self paced curriculum during weekly drop-in visits to Code Ninjas centres. HOW MUCH DOES A CODE NINJAS FRANCHISE COST AND WHAT DOES A WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LAUNCH IN THE UK? FRANCHISEE GET FOR THEIR MONEY? Coding is a global language and with so many cultural The initial franchise fee is £24,000, with working and commercial similarities, making the trip across capital depending on personal circumstances making the pond was a natural progression for us. We’d had an overall investment of between £80,000-£100,000. approaches from investors in the UK asking when we Franchisees get comprehensive training and a lifetime were coming, so we had an inkling that demand would of support in all aspects of the business.

8 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 SAVE THE DATE

Scottish Franchise Week 2019 is taking place in September and the bfa will be holding a series of informative and inspirational events to promote and showcase franchising opportunities. “Scottish Franchise Week is bringing you a host of networking and educational events across 2 days in Glasgow, along with Franchise Opportunities to showcase what the industry has to offer prospective franchisees,” states Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa. DRIVING GROWTH 10th September Prospective Seminars Subway has opened its first drive-thru in the south of England. Situated at a new development in Swindon and conveniently located underneath a th Travelodge hotel, the franchise also has seating for 32 customers. 11 September Scottish Regional Forum The outlet is owned by Steve and Sue Pasco. The duo own 15 Subway stores HSBC Social Evening in Bristol and the surrounding areas and are also business development agents for the company in the Bristol and West region. 12th September bfa Business Breakfast The store is Subway’s sixth drive-thru in the UK and Ireland, with existing Ask The Expert ones located in Rochdale, Salford, Wakefield, Guisborough and Belfast. Franchise Opportunity Exhibition

For more details go to www.thebfa.org and check out their events.

DIARY DATES

The National Franchise Exhibition FIT TO FRANCHISE NEC, Birmingham Flying start October 4-5 An award winning gym has If you need proof of the benefits of investing announced plans to franchise its in an established franchise brand, read on. Women in business in September. The Anytime Fitness franchise in Fleet, Business Expo Opened in January 2018, onePT in Hampshire is celebrating a global record after Rochdale recently won the National it opened its doors with 1,396 members. Farnborough International Club of the Year and Regional Club of Owned by franchisee Gurpreet Singh, Conference & Exhibition Centre the Year for the North accolades at the the UK’s 163rd Anytime Fitness club beat October 16-17 UKactive Awards. the previous record of 1,300 members, Set up by Dr Neil Fell, onePT which was held by a club in Australia. The Business Show provides members with personal Stuart Broster, Anytime Fitness UK CEO, training, nutrition plans and says: “I’m proud that the global presale ExCeL, London assessments, unlimited gym access record is now held by a UK club. This shows November 27-28 and a range of classes. both the current network and prospective Neil played a key role in the franchisees the potential of the Anytime The British & International development of Total Fitness health Fitness brand and that even in uncertain Franchise Exhibition clubs before setting up the sports economic times the fitness industry Olympia, London medicine and human performance continues to prosper.” facility at St George’s Park, where the January 31-February 1 England national football teams train. The concept was always designed Keep up to date with the latest news at International Franchise Show London to be franchised, Neil says, who adds: www.what-franchise.com ExCeL, London “We have ambitions both in the UK and abroad.” Follow us on Twitter @whatfranchise April 3-4

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 9 ADVICE

The choice is yours The four broad types of franchise business you can invest in

WORDS BY CATHRYN HAYES

lways wanted to run possible to take on staff and step and manage your team. You will your own business, but back a bit from the day to day often need higher levels of working A don’t know where to running of it. capital and office premises could start? Maybe you’re fed Costs are often at the lower end be required. up with the corporate rat race and of the franchise range, so they are Typical franchises in this category want to take your future into your a good opportunity to get into could be in the care sector, expense THE AUTHOR own hands. business without having to take reduction franchises, commercial Cathryn Hayes is Investing in a franchise could on any property leases or other cleaning or franchises where you franchise director be the answer. It gives you an big financial commitments at the will be managing a team of people at Revive! Auto existing brand and structure to Innovations outset. There are a wide range delivering the services you provide. operate within, as well as training of opportunities in this lower and support to help you build a cost bracket, including children’s Retail and fast successful business, for yourself but activities, window cleaning, oven food franchises not by yourself. cleaning, van-based sales and 3 This type of franchise To help you understand what’s delivery franchises. needs a much higher investment the right franchise for you, you level at the outset, as premises should consider the different Management will be required, normally in good types available: franchise locations, so there’s plenty of 2 The franchisee manages the footfall to generate sales. Job or operator business operations, typically with Many of these franchises will franchise employees carrying out the work expect their franchisees to run 1 These owner operator involved. These will often be in the multiple outlets and sometimes franchises are usually home based, business to business sectors. a development agreement will be which keeps overheads down to a Your leadership and signed, committing the franchisee minimum. The franchisee is the organisational skills will be relevant to opening an agreed number of key driver of the business, although to this type of franchise, as you will outlets within a set period of time. as the business grows it may be need to drive the business forward Investment franchise This type of franchise 4 needs a significant amount of financial investment and the franchisee will not normally expect to be working in the business on a day to day basis. An example of this type of operation could be large hotel chains, where the franchisee is a corporate investor who already has an executive team in place to take on the business operations.

Although buying a franchise should reduce the risk of going it alone, it stills involves lots of hard work and commitment on your part to “Owner operator franchises are ensure success. Therefore, you need to make sure the business is one usually home based, which keeps you will enjoy and can see yourself doing day to day, so always do your overheads down to a minimum” research at the outset.

10 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 17/07/2019 11:16 Page 11 INSIGHT

A franchise will change your life Embrace the positive effects the smart route to self employment can have

WORDS BY LINDA WHITNEY

franchise will change company, you may be able to your life. All franchisees borrow the money. “Paying yourself “It may take around 2 years A will testify to this. an income as part of a loan is not to replace the salary you Changing your life the same as a salary, but it can is exciting, but it also involves risk, help keep you going until the earned as an employee” which can be frightening. Fear of business starts to pay you directly,” change sounds weak, but rebranded Dugan says. does not understand why you as caution it’s a positive feeling that want to become self-employed. encourages you to investigate the Changes for others Often, they will worry about a potential changes, how you feel “Doubts on the part of spouse and drop in your income. about them and how the risks can family are the most common reason “It’s important to explain to be mitigated. I see for people failing to invest in a your closest circle, right from the While the changes are different franchise,” Dugan says. beginning, why you are planning for each person, some changes face He explains that often the THE AUTHOR to invest in a franchise and Linda Whitney writes everyone investing in a franchise. motivation to set up a business what the practical and financial about franchising for is the result of your painful arrangements will be,” Dugan says. the Daily Mail, What Goodbye monthly salary experiences as an employee. “You may have to work hard to Franchise and many Most new franchisees have formerly However, your spouse has not convince them this is a other publications been employees and the lack been on the same journey and good idea, but your of a regular pay cheque can be frightening. Dugan Aylen, head of franchisee recruitment at franchise consultancy The Franchising Centre, says: “This is one of the biggest fears, but planning how you handle the transition can alleviate the fear.” It may take around two years to replace the salary you earned as an employee, but you can plan and budget for this. Dugan says: “This is no different from the kind of forward planning you do with employed income. Your business plan should take into account the money you will need to fund your own life as well as the business, until you get into profit.” If you are investing savings, set aside a calculated sum to cover this or assuming you start the business as a limited

12 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 experience of selling the idea to The self-employed frequently you buy, so make use of it. them will stand you in good stead hear this from friends who are “Franchisors typically offer for being a successful franchisee.” employees and it’s true that telephone help to franchisees, Franchise recruiters usually want some people find it hard to sometimes 24/7, so if you have a to speak to your spouse as well work without the boss breathing problem or a question, call them,” as you when you are considering down their neck. Dugan says. “Don’t be too proud to a franchise to ensure they fully However, it’s amazing how ask any question, however simple. support your idea. motivating the prospect of no Many franchisors say that the pay cheque can be and most franchisees who asked the most Changing your skills franchisors have systems to questions at the start are the ones All franchises require sales skills help you organise your work, who go on to be the and the majority of aspiring such as customer relationship best performers.” franchisees assume they don’t have management software, route them. Worse, they are often afraid planning software, accounting Some things won’t change of selling. However, most people systems and monthly reports If you think a franchise will banish have sold ideas - they just do not that must be completed. You all the unhappiness you felt as an recognise it as sales. If you have just have to adapt to a different employee, think again. Even successful “It may take around 2 years ever talked enthusiastically about organisational system and most franchisees have bad days. There a new product or service you’ve franchises have a franchise will likely be nights you lie awake to replace the salary you received or convinced a friend to manager to help you adjust. worrying, often about things no earned as an employee”” try out a particular restaurant, you employee has to fret about, such as have sales experience. Changing ‘the VAT returns, employee problems or Ian Christelow, co-founder employee mentality’ the accounts. of business coaching franchise While being a franchisee means “It’s not always going to be easy ActionCOACH UK, says: “Most you are not in business alone, being a franchisee, but hopefully there franchisees struggle with the sales you are not an employee. You are will be many more good days than process because they think it is responsible for your own success. bad. In any business, you must expect something scary like cold calling. However, unlike someone who downsides as well as upsides - just as They worry about someone saying starts a business entirely alone, you would in a job.” ‘no’ to them or because they don’t you always have someone to help know where to start.” you. Support from the franchisor If you’re afraid of selling, explain is part of the franchise package “Planning how this to any franchisor you are talking to. They will explain their you handle the methods and the training they provide. Few use hard sell sales transition can techniques these days - they rarely alleviate the fear” work - preferring relationship selling and networking. Many provide you with leads, so there is no cold calling.

Being your own boss “I could never get anything CHANGE IS NEVER GUARANTEED done if I didn’t have a boss to TO GO WELL tell me what to do and when.” There are people who do not weather the change to franchising. One franchise consultant says: “I knew a man who went from a white collar role in marketing to a mobile franchise. He started by driving a van, but with a view to moving into a management and marketing position in the business later. “He found it hard being a van driver, taking a cut in income and being treated by clients like a blue collar worker. He’s now back in marketing, as an employee. “It was not the end for the franchise though. His business partner replaced him with a van driver and the franchise was so successful that it later sold for far more than the initial investment.” The lessons? However carefully you prepare for change, there is still a risk you will not like it. Before investing in a franchise, spend time with existing franchisees doing the job. Practical experience will tell you things that no amount of discussion ever can.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 13 INSIGHT

I MADE MY SECRET DREAM A REALITY “It was always my secret dream to own a hair salon, but I had no hair or beauty qualifications,” Magda Deaconescu says. Nevertheless, she became the first Just Cuts hair salon owner in the UK in March 2019. Now she owns two salons and says: “This is my dream career and I still get to take my two daughters to school and attend their activities. “As a software developer in South Africa, I didn’t enjoy sitting behind a computer all day, so when I moved to the UK I became a project manager in the NHS. That gave me management and client communications experience, but when the children came along I became a stay at home mum.” When Just Cuts was launched as a franchise in the UK by its Australian franchisor, Magda invested. “I always wanted my own business and I’m fascinated by hair and beauty,” she says. “It’s empowering to see a client walk out of the salon with a spring in their step, transformed. “It’s a huge change from my previous careers, but I love working with the staff and interacting with clients - and I can “This is my dream career and I still bring my two girls in after school, so it’s great for work-life balance.” get to take my two daughters to school and attend their activities”

BREAKING THE TIES OF RED TAPE A world trip and a franchise helped Guy Baldwin-Brown escape red tape. He launched his Snap-on franchise in Ellesmere Port in 2009. Guy studied to be a PE teacher, but soon decided it was not for him and joined the fire brigade. He says: “I loved the active job, changing scene and helping people, but then accepted promotion. It meant sitting at a computer all day working on strategy and policies and it didn’t suit me. I wanted to escape the public sector and its red tape.” Guy resigned, went backpacking around the world with his wife and came back determined to be his own boss. “I’m out on the road selling tools to garage staff, meeting different people daily and enjoying the thrill of making sales,” he says. “I’m in charge of my own income, earning more than I would have in the fire service and seeing more of my wife Helen and our girls, Isabella, seven, and Molly, four. I’ve escaped the office - and the red tape.”

“I’m in charge of my own income, earning more than I would have in the fire service and seeing more of my wife Helen and our girls”

14 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 I LEFT THE LONG HOURS CULTURE BEHIND Gary Riches, a former HGV driver and transport manager, says: “I was working 11-hour days, extra at weekends and was a retained firefighter too. I was making good money, doing 70-hour weeks, but something had to give. “I’d take my kids to the cinema and sleep through the film. I was grouchy and snappy. Eventually, the stress made me feel like I was having a breakdown. My GP sent me to a counsellor and when she heard about my lifestyle she said: ‘You’re not getting enough sleep. It’s killing you.’” Keen to work for himself, in 2012 Gary bought the Colchester Driver Hire recruitment franchise - a resale - with three staff. “I had the transport experience and the franchise provided the recruitment training,” he says. Turnover is now over £1 million a year. “Now I work 8.30am to 5pm and I’m in charge of my own workload,” Gary adds. “It’s hard work, but I love it. Family life is better, my wife is happier and I can go to midweek Norwich City games.” Last year he had a three-week holiday for the first time ever and this year he is taking two-day holidays every month - so far, to New York, Germany, Cromer, Sicily, Germany and York. “I could cut my staff numbers and make more profit, but it would mean longer hours, for me and them,” Gary says. “If more workplaces adopted this “Family life is better, my wife is happier and attitude, there would be fewer mental health problems.” I can go to midweek Norwich City games”

I ESCAPED TO THE OUTDOORS Clinton Bondin used to work in a dark printworks. Now he runs a Countrywide Signs franchise from an office in the Peak District. He says: “I used to hate working inside buildings because I’ve always loved the outdoors. I’m from Malta and used to holiday in England just to see the countryside.” Six years ago Clinton moved to the UK and in 2015 became the Huddersfield franchisee with Countrywide Signs, driving around his territory managing sign boards for estate agents. He now has three territories, a team of five drivers and is usually office based, managing the business and setting strategy, but he still loves to get outdoors. “Our office overlooks a farm and if I want space to think, I go out and look at the animals - they have lamas, sheep and horses.” Clinton says. “I still go out in one of the vans if we are short staffed or if there’s a new territory to learn about. I particularly love one of our rounds in Nottinghamshire, where the countryside is especially lovely. I like to take my lunch and sit outdoors listening to the birds. “I used to hate working inside buildings “Even in the winter, the snow makes the Peak District particularly beautiful. We’re because I’ve always loved the outdoors. lucky - the business is growing and all of us are very busy, but driving around managing I’m from Malta and used to holiday in sign boards means we can appreciate the England just to see the countryside” scenery every day.”

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Junior Einsteins Science Club® By now Junior Einsteins Science Club® is a household name. Thousands of children in Ireland have been a “Junior Einstein” at science birthday parties, science camps, school science events or seen their amazing science show in action at many of the family events and festivals across the country.” The company has been growing its franchise offering since winning top prize at this year’s Richard Branson’s Voom Pitch Competition and extending its business globally. “This is Brilliant, I want my grandkids doing this” – Richard Branson on JuniorEinsteins Science Club “We teach participants'; how to think….not what to think', which prepares students for the unpredictability of the future challenges they will face in our constantly changing world.” CEO Tracey-Jane Cassidy MA MSc The benefits of Joining the Junior Einsteins Team are many. The business can be run as a home-based mobile franchise. Recurring revenue is generated and their is significantly high turnover potential. Comprehensive training is provided. All Junior Einsteins Science Club franchisees will receive initial equipment required to run events and a programme of continuous ongoing support and training as well as full access to our bespoke booking system. Prospective franchisees should be ambitious & hard working. An enthusiastic science- lover with a disciplined approach to business. They would ideally be fun, independent and personable. If you feel you have what it takes to become a Junior Einsteins Science Club® franchise owner and join our network of selective franchisees, simply contact [email protected] FOOD & DRINK POWERBRANDS WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 17 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM

BRANDS POWER

AMBITIOUS INVESTORS AMBITIOUS FOOD & DRINK REWARDING CAREERS FOR FOR CAREERS REWARDING However, people are still going still going people are However, conjunction with trade association conjunction association with trade for like “Like says: UKHospitality, sales growth is sluggish, key input rising and competition costs is are than ever.” fiercer and drink and in the out to eat last four years a net 4,000 new food opened. Fast have restaurants 61 per 100,000 outlets averaged in 2010. up from 47 people in 2018, outlets does not mean But more profits. higher sales or increased Shock report showed The Future by just 0.6 sales grew for like like 2018 per cent in the year to August

The rise of food and drink businesses in ‘third space’ space’ in ‘third and drink businesses The rise of food Home delivery. While sales of food and drink in and drink in While sales of food Home delivery. Healthy food. Research by trade association association trade by Research food. Healthy Ethical sourcing. Consumers want to know where their their where know to Consumers want sourcing. Ethical If you’re considering a food and drink franchise, look for look for and drink franchise, a food considering If you’re trends: one of these four one that addresses 1 that nearly two CGA found UKHospitality and analyst tried said they of eating and drinking out customers thirds are franchises food Healthy lifestyle. lead a healthy to common. more becoming 2 and festivals. events spaces, such as community venues, leaders showed and drink supply sector of food A survey as and events festivals of them listed that 50 per cent This is in 2018. targets marketing three among their top address Does the franchise be an ongoing trend. to likely this market? 3 the home recently, been flat and bars have restaurants has been booming. In the last six months market delivery adult cent of the UK’s that 58 per showed figures of 2018, their home. to delivered population had had food 4 sourced. ethically and that it’s from and drink comes food trade their fair been promoting chains have Coffee other to some time and this is spreading for credentials and drink sectors. food 4 TRENDS TO 4 TRENDS TO LOOK FOR Just ask Jamie Oliver. His Jamie’s Jamie’s His Oliver. Jamie ask Just Italian chain, which boasted 42 chain, which boasted 42 Italian went its peak in 2015, at restaurants this in May into administration though his expertise Even in year. the food business has earned him a personal fortune £150 at estimated 40 that million, he has admitted ended have per cent of his ventures in failure. CHALLENGES FACING CHALLENGES FACING FOOD BUSINESSES Karl Chessel, unit business CGA, at director in the fourth Shock report produced in Future WORDS BY LINDA WHITNEY LINDA BY WORDS

opportunities in a competitive market opportunities in a competitive verybody has to eat, up a food so setting business should be a Yet winner. sure-fire

E opening up your own restaurant or or opening up your own restaurant can be risky. takeaway restaurants of two An average closed each week in the year to according 2018, the end of March to analyst CGA and corporate advisory firm AlixPartners. Casualties included upmarket and independent establishments, as well as casual dining chains.

Forward thinking food and drink franchises provide proven proven provide and drink franchises thinking food Forward PROFITS

ISSUE 15.4 ON A PLATE ON | THE AUTHOR Linda Whitney writes for about franchising What the Daily Mail, and many Franchise other publications

CAREFOOD & & ELDERLY DRINK POWERBRANDS POWERBRANDS 18 WHATFRANCHISE FOOD & DRINKDRINK POWERBRANDSPOWERBRANDS WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 19 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM BRANDS POWER Think carefully if: Think carefully in long hours. put to not prepared are You • where even and drink franchises, Most food of than front rather the manager you’re long hours. house, require fairly a make not willing or able to are You • coffee A high street hefty investment. of hundreds cost can shop or takeaway rule money let Don’t thousands of pounds. can start a mobile out though: you you such franchise, delivery and snacks coffee under £20,000. for as Cafe2U, and hospitality had no catering have • If you This is a Marmite experience. shop floor it. If it or hate either love - you sector in a pub or none, try working have you enjoy see if you shop part-time to coffee do enough to with customers interacting can if you it all the time or ask franchisors as Even in their outlets. spend time working understand what to need you a manager, your and the pressures want customers facing. staff are multiple to on expanding not keen are You • and drink food soon. Many fairly outlets in particular franchises food - fast franchises outlets open extra to franchisees - expect within months of starting the first one.

food outlet. It’s hard on the feet and and on the feet hard It’s outlet. food smile at to pressure - the the face wearing become can customers hours. Some people just a few after it. take can’t about quality passionately care You • can and service. Customers of food attitudes and care’ ‘don’t soon detect high will be expecting franchisors too. standards of an already the safety want You • mind and don’t established brand the preset to conform the need to that go with it. standards Is food and drink for you? and drink for Is food suit won’t and drink franchise A food up of setting dream If you everyone. own your showcase to a restaurant probably it’s personal style of cooking, franchises food However, you. not for and nothing not just about profit are about quality and must care else - you as as passionately service customer chef patron. the most dedicated if: or drink franchise Consider a food of spent time front have You • fast or restaurant house in a pub, IS FOOD AND DRINK FOR YOU? AND DRINK FOR IS FOOD

“New openings are fuelling fuelling openings are “New and pubs face Restaurants not all gloom and doom, But it’s their own food outlet, be it a five a star establishment or So neighbourhood takeaway. than abandon the idea of rather up a business in the food setting worth it’s and drink sector, offerings, franchise looking at well be a may because a franchise Despite the bad news, many Despite the bad news, many of welcoming people still dream the hungry public into and thirsty DON’T ABANDON YOUR DON’T YOUR ABANDON DREAMS: A FRANCHISE THE ANSWER COULD BE THEM TO “In the last “In the last a years, four new 4,000 net restaurants opened” have and that many large brands were were brands large many and that on new for sales openings relying increases. market pushed the have growth, but says. Karl point,” saturation towards of 11 per cent, food price inflation driven partlyeffect Brexit by the on currencies, and staff costs are staff - especially rising. Finding Meanwhile, chefs harder. - is geting and pubs face restaurants competition from home increasing delivery services and the rise of pop-ups and events outlets. catering to Karl, who adds: according who properly understand the of habits, needs and motivations groups, and consumer different “There of opportunities plenty are operators too. Forward-looking who deliver memorable experiences, can still thrive.” FOOD & DRINK POWERBRANDS

less risky way of getting into it. is not totally without risk. You need good example, going from over 500 With a well established franchise, to be realistic about what it can outlets to around 80 in the UK you get the benefit of an existing offer and do your research carefully. because of its failure to adapt to brand that consumers recognise consumer preferences.” and a tried and tested business EXPLOSIVE GROWTH As well as checking out the model. The franchisor should HAS BROUGHT FIERCE franchise management and its provide help choosing a suitable COMPETITION future plans, talk to as many site, which is particularly important Franchise consultant Len Rainford, franchisees as possible to gauge the in the food and drink sector, where says: “The food and drink sector has level and quality of support they walk in trade is usually your largest been a huge success over the past get. “A franchise is only as good as source of income. few years, but this explosive growth the collective value of its franchisees Added to this, the franchisor has also brought fierce competition and it’s essential that franchisors should be able to help negotiate site and increased commercial rent and help their franchisees to achieve leases with commercial landlords, rates for everyone involved. maximum potential,” Len says. who will often only deal with big “Oversaturation is another major businesses with a long track record problem, with some companies of success. You will be able to access having too many franchisees sites that would normally not be competing against one another, available to small start-ups. often in secondary locations and Franchisors, especially in the fast poor catchment areas.” food sector, know what sells to their Make sure the management target customers, provide delivery team of the franchise you’re of the necessary products and contemplating investing in is help you fit out your business with responsive to changes in the everything from ovens to tableware. sector. “In this market, there is All this means a franchise is likely always a need to change in line to be far less risky than starting up with customer’s expectations alone. Nevertheless, starting a food and franchises that don’t, have and drink business with a franchise suffered,” Len says. “Wimpy is a Robbie Jones “Make sure the franchise you’re contemplating investing “I had a desire to unleash in is responsive to changes my entrepreneurial spirit”

in the market” GROWTH POTENTIAL ATTRACTED FORMER BANKER The food delivery sector attracted former senior banker Robbie Jones. He is now the Wiltshire Farm Foods franchisee for Newcastle, Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, running a service that delivers ready made foods, mainly to elderly people at home. Robbie says: “I had a desire to unleash my entrepreneurial spirit and wanted a business with a strong social conscience and customer service ethic.” “I was immediately struck by the strength of the brand, the quality of the product and the importance placed on customer service. The growth potential was significant in terms of market share and our target market is growing.” He was also attracted by the Wiltshire Farm Foods business model: “It is straightforward, relatively low risk and there is support from the franchisor when you need it. It has taken hard work and dedication, but with our fantastic team we are achieving our objectives and having fun in the process.”

20 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 POWERBRANDS FOOD & DRINK POWERBRANDS

chose Esquires Coffee. The UK but to ask to get out of my lease was in recession and he was and was pleasantly surprised only 22, so it took five funding when they agreed to it with no refusals before he got a loan from extra charge. Clearly, there was a NatWest and opened his Esquires mutual benefit here that I was not Coffee shop within Coventry aware Transport Museum. of at the time.” “After struggling through two The benefit to the landlord tough, recessionary years with turned out to be a larger, advice and help from Esquires corporate group willing to pay and my family, it got into profit in more rent. “I learnt that success is 2010,” Steven says, who earned not just about location, but about himself the British Franchise finding a good, progressive and Association Young Franchisee of probably smaller landlord - as I the Year Award on the back of his have at the Transport Museum,” Steven Prime success. Steven says. By 2015, he had the money “You need a mutually beneficial to open a second outlet, in a relationship with your landlord “Franchising is shopping centre. “I researched all and your franchisor. In my case, the ideal way to the numbers, compared the site the power Esquires had, as a to those of other Esquires stores bigger business than mine, helped open your very and felt confident enough to sign when I was negotiating with the own store” a lease with the centre’s landlord,” landlord.” Steven says. “Unfortunately my He adds: “I’d still recommend numbers, which were based on anyone wanting to get into the MY FRANCHISOR HELPED footfall figures provided, were food and drink business to do it ME SURVIVE THE STORM not being met, with the centre via a franchise. It marries your Steven Prime became an Esquires experiencing a huge drop in enthusiasm and skills with a Coffee franchisee in 2008. He footfall, information that was not proven model and if you choose a says: “The franchise business, like provided to us at the time.” franchisor you can work well with, any other, has its ups and downs Steven approached the landlord they will support you. and I have experienced both sides on this basis for a reduction “Indeed, when you join a in the hospitality sector, but it’s in rent: “Initially they were franchise like Esquires Coffee, you taught me that the important understanding, but suddenly gain the support of an industry thing is to keep going and with changed their minds and leading brand with huge customer your franchisor on your side you demanded the full rent overnight. loyalty, while also being able to can get out the far side. I’m Following a breakdown in run your own unique coffee shop happy now driving my own communications, I had no choice in the heart of your community. business and my franchisor This balance of business support has helped me survive.” and personal freedom makes When Steven wanted to start franchising the ideal way to open his own business, his dad, who your very own store. was in hospitality, suggested “Esquires listened to me and he consider a franchise. Steven now I’m building up the business again, I know they’re interested in my continued success.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 21 BEHIND THE BRAND

WIDE RANGE OF SUPPLIERS AND PRODUCTS The company and all CAVAVIN wine shop franchisees share a RAISE A strong spirit of entrepreneurship and have common strengths, thanks to CAVAVIN’s franchise logistic and purchasing power. GLASS CAVAVIN has long-term partnerships with 150 international vineyards. It offers 2,000 authentic and exclusive products at competitive prices because CAVAVIN, the French franchised wine merchant, for many suppliers the company is is looking for partners to grow its business in the UK their main distributor, representing more than 50 per cent of their own sales. As a result, franchisees can offer AVAVIN, is the French been established in 1986. more affordable wines and spirits leader of franchised Building an extensive network of than their competitors do. wine merchants. trade and retail customers over the C Franchising its business years, the company has grown from EACH CAVAVIN WINE since 1996, it now has over 150 strength to strength and Patrick SHOP IS SINGULAR franchisees. Jouan, along with his Yorkshire born Depending on each shop’s location Founder and chairman Michel wife, Dianne, employs a tight knit and customer portfolio, CAVAVIN Bourel is in his second term as group of over 20 staff, reaching a and its franchisees fine-tune a president of the French Federation turnover of £6 million last year. selection of 600 products out of the of Franchise, while CEO Olivier Another CAVAVIN wine shop was 2,000 wines and spirits available Mermuys, who is Michel’s son in opened in Hertford, Hertfordshire in on the company’s logistic platform. law, joined the company in mid- mid-2017. Each wine shop offers a selection 2016 to continue to internationalise Both operations benefit from of wines adapted to its customers its development. CAVAVIN’s large range of French and each franchisee can buy out CAVAVIN has over 11 units in and world class wines and spirits. of the logistic platform up to 30 the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, The UK is a priority for CAVAVIN per cent of additional beverage Luxembourg, Ivory Coast, Guyana, because, thanks to its key success products (wines, spirits or beers). Reunion Island and Congo. factors and its two successful UK Each entrepreneur or investor franchisees, the company knows can use the CAVAVIN franchise UK FRANCHISEES there is room for a differentiating to develop the business model One of the company’s UK outlet is in positioning on a market oriented on they want, whether that’s owner Sheffield, where ‘le bon vin’ was the good value for money and operator, a multi-channel company first international partner, and has wide ranges. or multiple units.

22 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 Behind the Brand - CAVAVIN

Once each participant has + One week in an established More than a wine shop, answered questions on six wines CAVAVIN wine shop, where CAVAVIN has created and six questions on their cooking training on wine advice and sales preferences, an algorithm defines takes place. a modern, refined and their own ‘wine sign’ and sends + One week of tools training at them a personalised wine cellar CAVAVIN headquarters in La enhanced universe for the book, which details the CAVAVIN Baule, France. wines that will suit their tastes. wines and spirits it presents” Based on this knowledge of each EXPRESS YOUR SPIRIT customer, CAVAVIN franchisees OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP can send them information on CAVAVIN offers prospective DIFFERENTIATED products suitable for their tastes, franchisees three different MERCHANDISING AND including newsletters, invitations franchise options: EFFICIENT CUSTOMER for tastings and special offers. + You can run your business as EXPERIENCE an owner operator, which is what More than a wine shop, CAVAVIN TRANSFERRING ITS CAVAVIN’s Hertford franchisee has created a modern, refined and KNOW-HOW TO does. Year three average turnover enhanced universe for the wines FRANCHISEES target is around £300,000. and spirits it presents. From the feasibility study to the + A multi-channel approach, The wide range available is opening of the store, CAVAVIN which is what CAVAVIN’s Sheffield underlined by a warm and friendly assists franchisees with the franchisee took. This business atmosphere. The customer validation of the location, technical employs 28 people, deals with hotels experience is reinforced thanks and commercial assistance, and restaurants and trades on the to the wideness of the ranges at transmission of know-how and internet, in addition to its bricks affordable prices. Each customer assistance with launching the store. and mortar wine shop business. can understand quickly the way the The company also helps 2018 turnover was £6 million. wines and spirits are presented per franchisees design and fit-out + A multi unit business, with region and per price positioning. their wine stores, specifying supervisors monitoring each The Wine Sign is a customer their decoration. unit’s results. oriented experience used to recruit Franchisee training lasts for new customers and gain their three weeks: loyalty. It can be sold through a + One week devoted to products MORE INFORMATION wine tasting animation or a Do It with all wine areas training, Visit www.franchise-cavavin.fr/en Yourself animation if the customer including food pairings and high or email [email protected]. buys a box. end wine.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 23 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 24 POWERBRANDS FOOD & DRINK POWERBRANDS - Subway

AT A GLANCE SUBWAY

Established: 1965 Brave decision Number of franchised outlets: 43,000 globally Location of units: worldwide Investment range: Kareemaa Musa became a Subway franchisee £85,570-£221,240 as a tribute to her late husband Contact: 0800 0855 058 (UK) or 1800 413 076 (Eire). franchiseopportunities@ subway.co.uk www.subwayfranchising.com

“It was my girls who gave me the courage and self belief that I could do it on my own”

aking the leap into walk away from it if I wanted to. business ownership “It was my girls who gave me the T doesn’t always come courage and self belief that I could easily, especially when do it on my own. I explained it going it alone. would be a very busy time, but they EXPERT ADVICE One of Subway’s most recent backed me all the way. I decided I All Subway franchise owners franchise owners, Kareemaa Musa, wanted to do it for them, to show have access to a local business took the brave decision to continue them that whatever happens in life development team, who provide with the plans she started with her you can still be a success.” husband after he sadly passed away. support during the opening of a new In early 2018, a new site became store and beyond. Made up of a team The couple investigated locations available at The Peel Centre in in both Barnsley and Derby, but while of Subway experts, franchise owners Barnsley - a place Hamid had said waiting for a new store location to can look to them for support and would make a great location for a become available Hamid passed away advice, seven days a week. Subway store. Kareemaa jumped suddenly due to a heart condition. “The training taught me so much at the opportunity and started the about the importance of customer POSITIVE EXAMPLE process of leasing the unit from service,” Kareemaa says. “This is the landlord. After taking some time to reflect, something that stayed with me and Kareemaa made the bold decision to As with all new franchise owners, was a crucial factor in selecting staff continue with the Subway franchise Kareemaa completed two weeks for my store. in tribute to her late husband, but of training at the Subway training “I also completed 40 hours of in- also as a positive example to her two centre in Cambridge. store training, working in one of my daughters, aged thirteen and nine. “The training was brilliant,” she business development agent’s stores, Kareemaa says: “I think it was says. “It made me feel so much where I was able to get hands-on and probably the hardest decision of more confident. I realised I could understand what is required to run a my life. My business development do this and would have the support Subway - from serving the customers agent, Rachana, was fantastic. She of the business development team, and making sure the store was clean, didn’t pressure me into making a which is the beauty of being part of a through to managing other members decision - in fact, she said I could franchise network.” of staff.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 25 BEHIND THE BRAND FOOD & DRINK POWERBRANDS - Muffin Break

AT A GLANCE MUFFIN BREAK UK

Established: Appetite for a 2001 Number of franchised outlets: 65 Location of outlets: nationwide new career? Investment range: £250,000-£270,000 Minimum capital required: Muffin Break franchisees benefit from the approximately £70,000 URL: www.muffinbreak.co.uk backing of a global brand Contact: [email protected]. 01223 308781

he Muffin Break Menus are constantly expanding brand was created and evolving and franchisee feedback “The strength T almost 30 years ago and product ideas are always of the fresh food and now the company welcomed. The company has also has opened more than 300 developed its own award-winning choice, luxury franchised cafés worldwide. signature blend coffee using the finest The first UK café bakery opened coffee beans. coffee and in Derby in 2001 and since then, Becoming a Muffin Break Muffin Break has gone from strength franchisee gives owners the contemporary to strength, with over 65 outlets in the opportunity to run their own business shop design” UK from Aberdeen to Eastbourne while benefiting from the experience and further expansion planned. and expertise of a global brand. the store, manage the construction Craig Free, who opened his first programme, supervise store fit out RELIABLE AND TRUSTED franchise eight years ago, believes and provide all necessary equipment. Muffin Break’s success is based on that his “hard work and commitment, In addition, the company provides using the best ingredients, locally coupled with the strength of the help with business planning, training, sourced and seasonal where possible, fresh food choice, luxury coffee and baking and barista skills, staffing and as well as the fact that all its food is contemporary shop design” have product presentation. Muffin Break baked and freshly prepared in the enabled him to expand and open a charges a franchise fee of 6 per cent instore kitchens, giving it a significant further ten outlets nationwide. of net sales and an advertising fee of competitive edge. 2.5 per cent of net sales. EXCEPTIONAL TRAINING Hamid Qayyum, a franchisee AND SUPPORT in Kent and Essex, explains: “The Exceptional training and operational continual operational support has support is provided to all franchisees, enabled me to grow my business while an in-house marketing team rapidly and expand - I purchased my delivers national campaigns and local seventh store this year.” store marketing initiatives. Muffin Break has strong CREATE YOUR OWN relationships with major retail BUSINESS landlords, which ensures first choice Muffin Break gives franchisees of prime retail sites. Once a site has the opportunity to run their own been chosen, the company will design business, while being part of an internationally recognised brand with a proven track record in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Joining a network of experienced industry professionals allows new business owners to create their own business path in order to achieve goals and fulfil lifestyle dreams. The company understands that franchisees businesses are their own, but will support you and nurture your business without running it for you.

26 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 27

vised in- evenue of £275 per per evenue of £275 s business launch s business launch training in barista skills and in barista skills and training business processes super One week’s territory activity pre-launch week’ Two accompanied by your Franchise helping Development Manager, the developmentto fast track of the business and find customers r Guaranteed during launch day Comprehensive one week Comprehensive

The ongoing supportThe ongoing and AT A GLANCE AT CAFE2U Established: 2004 90 outlets: Number of franchised the UK All across of outlets: Location £19k-£75k From range: Investment Minimum capital: £10,000 Contact: Martyn Ward 0113 232 0118 cafe2u.co.uk • • • Training includes: Training • VALUABLE SUPPORT SUPPORT VALUABLE a receives Each Cafe2U franchisee four week trainingcomprehensive in the Cafe2U Academy at package Package Our Acceleration Yorkshire. is proven to propel a new franchisee atto a level would usually take that months to achieve,least both in three terms of skills and revenue. coaching provided by a franchisor is as important as valuable and Our supportthe initial training. is designed to suit your needs at times of your franchisedifferent Through a system of journey. phone calls, visits, operational and opportunitiesupdates, to meet in are really You other franchisees. not by yourself.business for yourself, GetInterested? in touch high margin / low overhead business now are than 250 people model. More running their own successful Cafe2U businesses, making it the largest mobile coffee business in the world and the fourth in coffee brand largest the UK.

The of their baristas majority vast years, Cafe2U than 14 more For recruit, train and support train recruit, the to the utmostbest of franchisees importantly, and more their ability about their do care they really customers, their people, their suppliers and the planet. - independent business franchisees are about passionate owners who are delivering a consistently high-quality experience. every Each and one of and employees aretheir franchisees to weigh the coffee to one- trained from the grinder andtenth of a gram then to time each shot to the second, producing the perfect cup of coffee every time. “Our baristas love what Martyn says they do and it shows,” “The CEO. coffee industry is Ward, looking for ourbooming and we are The industry is nownext success story. worth than £9.6billion in the more UK - and growing.” has been providing opportunities for to profitsmall business entrepreneurs from this explosive with its growth

afe2U is officially the UK’s afe2U is officially the UK’s coffee mobile premier business. Since 2004, they been providing their have

looking for its next success story success its next looking for C Their growing network of almost “Our baristas love “Our baristas love theywhat do and it shows”

NOT JUST A COFFEE JUST A COFFEE NOT EXPERIENCE other coffee any from different Cafe2U are business. They pride in delivering at take whether it’s a consistently high-quality, coffee, food or customer experience. They customers to with a welcome break through a gourmet their working day coffee simply cannotexperience that in the workplace. be recreated serves100 vans, thousands of satisfied customers every in “non- single day traditional” the all across locations office parks and industrial UK. From and sporting to community estates, to serve!events ready - they are ISSUE 15.4

| Wake up and up Wake

Cafe2U, the world’s largest mobile coffee business, mobile coffee largest the world’s Cafe2U, smell the coffee BEHIND THE THE BEHIND BRAND

FOOD & DRINK POWERBRANDS - Behind the Brand - Cafe2U 28 WHATFRANCHISE WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 29 BEHIND THE BRAND

AT A GLANCE Passionate AUNTIE ANNE’S Established: 1988 Number of franchised units: 38 Location of outlets: 39 in UK and Ireland about Pretzels Investment Range: £145,000 - £180,000 Minimum capital required: £40,000 Contact: Victoria Gale, [email protected] Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest soft pretzel chain, is www.auntieannesfranchising.co.uk searching for franchisees to share in their success

FROM HOT DOGS TO PRETZEL PIZZAS Whilst they are best known for their delicious soft pretzels, they have evolved from the classic original and cinnamon pretzels from 30 years ago (although these are still best sellers!), and now have a huge range of products. As everything is made by hand at each store from the original pretzel mix, they can make an extensive variety of untie Anne’s are Fast forward to 2019, and products to cater for a wide range seriously passionate Auntie Anne’s is now a global of customers, at any time of the about pretzels. brand with over 1800 stores day. All come freshly baked A with a 30 minute shelf life to Handcrafted on site, worldwide in more than 25 guarantee freshness. freshly baked and sold within 30 countries including Thailand, And it’s not just about the minutes, they guarantee their China, Russia, Egypt and UAE. pretzel! Their pretzel hot dogs pretzels are something to be In the UK and Ireland, they are very popular - delicious tasty remembered. currently have 38 franchised hot dogs wrapped in a golden When ‘Auntie’ Anne baked her stores with one corporate store. first pretzels over 30 years ago in pretzel – yum! Nuggets are a This year they have already perfectly bite-sized and portable 1988 at a Pennsylvanian farmer’s opened two new sites in Solihull market, she wanted to create a tasty snack - which can be either and Fulham, plus reopened their great product and give people an sweet, original or stuffed with Hammersmith site after moving amazing experience. After some cheese or a mini hot dog. The to a more prime location. They experimentation, she created pretzel-based breakfast buns are expect to open another 5 this something far better than ‘great’ made from their pretzel dough and year in locations including and customers kept coming back filled with various combinations for “the best pretzel they had Dublin, central London, of breakfast sausages, bacon and ever tasted”. Sheffield and Bristol. eggs - a great way to start the

30 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 BehindFOOD & the DRINK Brand POWERBRANDS - Xxxxxxxxxxx - Auntie Anne’s WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 31 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM “We’re looking for franchisees looking for franchisees “We’re sounds like If this franchise Grand Opening event. Grand During and recruitment your training our experienced stages, will be building and shopfitters your very fitting own store. another you will have Finally, with in store week of training team of your newly recruited is employees. Once the store to ensure open, we will be there everything to plan is going your hitting you are and that this, after financial targets, all, is a partnership success is - your our success. from all over the UK (especially East Scotland and the North A new currently) and Ireland. kiosk start-up cost is around around with a shop unit £145,000 £180,000 (dependant on the size this of the unit). From and state we advise about 30% - 40% of raised your own cash, with the rest through leasing and bank loans. you in touch with our will put We finance broker trusted franchise who will be able to guide you through the finance process.” everything been searching you have contact Victoria Gale, Franchise for, for more Manager Recruitment and on the brand information the opportunity: franchising@ auntieannes.co.uk

You will go through our through our will go You OUR SUCCESS YOUR SUCCESS IS SUCCESS IS YOUR who have want franchisees “We the passion to turn perfect pretzels into a successful business and our to supportteam will be there you Victoria. says every step of the way”, your initial meetings with “From using our us, to finding a location London-based we property agents, will find the perfect for you store the best deal with the and negotiate we will guide there From landlord. steps to you through the various you feel happy with the sure make all times. process at which programme training our weeks at consists of two Office in Buckinghamshire, Head including a week of operations in our purpose built training will help kitchen. We training your first team with recruiting of employees and planning your Drinks to accompany their their Drinks to accompany “When ‘Auntie’ Anne baked her first her first Anne baked “When ‘Auntie’ at in 1988 pretzels ago 30 years over market, she farmer’s a Pennsylvanian product a great wanted to create and peoplegive an amazing experience” EXPANSION IN THE UK IN EXPANSION classically located are Stores either within shopping centres, in shop units or mid-mall kiosks. now looking at they are However, high street shop units for more hubs, travel stores, café style mobile units, outdoor schemes long as and shopping parks. “As the power and space to we have our products,make we truly believe customers all around the country will be queuing to buy them, be, and we need theywherever may to grow with excellent franchisees Victoria Says us on this journey”. and Franchise Gale, Marketing Manager. Recruitment day and super popular at travel travel at and super popular day are pizzas Pretzel hub locations. a pizza, but using shaped like base, to give pretzel dough as the the pizza a delicious sweetness, complementing the savoury And that’s toppings wonderfully. just but a few! to name They also limited-time- of an array have launched only products which are keep to for specific campaigns the menu new exciting. and For be Bites will Smores example, Mini in October bites pretzel released – and filled with melted chocolate marshmallows. also a major focus pretzels are for Their cold drinks Anne’s. Auntie include their famous homemade lemonade, dutch ice and in some This milkshakes. summer stores flavoured their relaunching they are – Lemonade lemonade range flavours, great in three – Mixers passionfruit and blueberry, a Some have sites also strawberry. of hot drinks and the best- range ever gelato. WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 19/07/2019 15:37 Page 32 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 18/07/2019 16:17 Page 33

Donut King is expanding across the UK and is looking for like-minded motivated Franchise Partners to take their mission of happiness to UK consumers.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

L O C A L P I Z Z A S I N C E 2 0 0 1

Crust is excited to offer our high-quality gourmet pizzas to Brit’s and are looking to expand nationwide.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Make it the best possible franchise to buy at the best possible price ! A Donutking franchise will cost circa £100k plus VAT A Crust Pizza franchise will cost circa £140k plus VAT Both of the above include all equipment. Franchise licences are 20k per brand plus VAT BEHIND THE BRAND FOOD & DRINK POWERBRANDS - Donut King/Crust Pizza The Delight of the Donut

Donut King is on a mission of happiness in the UK

he squishy, creamy vital to the success of Donut and hot dogs. delights of the cream and King outlets. Behind the ‘fun’ of Donut King is T jam donuts, experiencing a hard-working team, continually the magic of the warm EXPANDING GLOBALLY developing the brand and creating cinnamon donuts bouncing along that The first Donut King store opened innovative products or new flavours mini conveyor belt and landing in a in Sydney, Australia in 1981 and to keep the joy and magic of Donut delicious carousel of cinnamon and it’s now one of the most recognised King alive and relevant in today’s sugar, ready to be devoured. This is and successful franchise systems in demanding marketplace. the heart of Donut King. Australia. The brand is expanding Donut King is expanding across Donut King stores are renowned globally, recently opening in Shenfield, the UK and is looking for like- for offering a fun environment and the UK to a 50-metre queue of excited minded motivated Franchise brand’s mission is to bring a moment of customers, looking forward to trying a Partners to take their mission happiness to everyone - young and old. delicious warm cinnamon donut. of happiness to UK consumers. Quality and service, along with Donut King also sells other food For more information, please uncompromising cleanliness and and drink items, including signature contact Jabbar Mumtaz at compliance to its system have been Quakeshakes, soft serve ice cream retailfoodfranchising.co.uk Boutique pizza

Bringing innovative Australian Crust pizza brand to the Brits

n 2001 the first Crust INNOVATIVE MENUS store opened its doors Our pizza makers take the finest I in Sydney, Australia ingredients and rely on instinct, with the vision to authentically topping our pizzas deliver restaurant quality pizzas by hand rather than to a strict our premium Upper Crust range. to their customers. The locals formula. The way we make our Our boutique style extends fell in love with Crust’s pizzas, pizzas makes us special and allows beyond our menu all the way to the not only for the premium quality us to stand out from the crowd. customer, delivering a premium ingredients used but also for the From the dough made fresh in localised experience. Stores vary interesting flavour combinations store to the many ingredients that from being predominantly take- that Crust pizzas are famous we lovingly house cook, every away and delivery, to containing a for, such as Truffle Beef Rossini, detail ensures our pizzas are small dine-in area. Peking Duck and Szechuan Chili deliciously unique. Crust is excited to offer our Prawn pizza. And so began the We lead the way in menu high-quality gourmet pizzas to rich heritage of Crust, from that innovation, delighting customers Brits, and are looking to expand first store in Sydney to the first with many first to market offerings, nationwide. For more information, UK store which recently opened in including the first range of please contact Jabbar Mumtaz at Shenfield, UK. rectangular pizzas which today is retailfoodfranchising.co.uk

34 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 35 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 12:28 Page 36

THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD

THE HOME BASED ...maybe you should get Raring2go MAGAZINE ! & WEBSITE raring2go.co.uk FRANCHISE MAGAZINE & WEBSITE BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries LTD

AT A GLANCE MONKEY PUZZLE Going above DAY NURSERIES LTD Established: 2005 and beyond Number of franchised outlets: 60 Location of outlets: nationwide Investment range: £250,000-£300,000 Minimum capital required: variable Why the founders of the UK’s largest childcare franchise Contact: info@monkeypuzzledaynurseries. believe that detailed, regular training is the key to a com. Or call 01442 878887 monkeypuzzledaynurseries.com healthy franchise business

onkey Puzzle Day work as closely as possible with parents, Nurseries is more staff and Ofsted to deliver childcare of than just a franchise the highest quality and provide children M to owners Mark and with unlimited opportunities to learn, Rebecca Crosby. The dynamic develop and grow within a safe, secure husband and wife duo launched their and caring environment. first Monkey Puzzle nursery in 2002, For all staff - from managers to with the franchise following three nursery practitioners - Monkey Puzzle years later. Childcare has always been places enormous emphasis on making part of their history, with Mark’s sure all employees offer more than family having run nurseries for the just the relevant qualifications. All DEVELOPING VITAL SKILLS last 30 years. are carefully selected for their caring On top of the practical day to day training, Mark says: “Ever since my mother nature, ensuring each childcare franchisees are offered a two-part development set up her first nursery in 1976, our setting provides a warm, stimulating and leadership programme. family has understood the unique environment for the children and a “As well as providing the best possible setting criteria required for looking after an harmonious working atmosphere for the children in our care, it’s important that extremely precious part of people’s for staff. everyone is given the opportunity to develop lives: their children.” However, it’s Monkey Puzzle’s vital skills and feel empowered in their job,” emphasis on training and Mark says. DELIVERING CONSISTENCY development that differentiates it But with the franchise seeing from the competition. Our training allows our exponential growth, with more than 60 Rebecca says: “Looking after people’s settings nationwide from Glasgow to children is a huge responsibility. Our nurseries to deliver the highest Portsmouth, how does the team ensure franchisee process ensures we only quality childcare available” consistency across its nurseries? work with passionate and committed Since the beginning, the team at staff. However, we want to give parents Monkey Puzzle made it their aim to more than that. Monkey Puzzle’s development and leadership “We want to give staff all the tools training establishes essential business skills, to do their jobs properly to the highest such as people management and performance, standard possible, which is why we put project and change management. so much emphasis on our custom in- “Working in nurseries is both a rewarding and house training scheme. viable career, something we want to instil across “In all our childcare settings, we the Monkey Puzzle family,” Rebecca says. focus on every aspect of children’s Franchisees can also expect end to end well-being, from safety and their support in the areas essential to establishing education, to our nutritionist-designed their new business, from help with market meal plans. Our training allows our research and locating a suitable site, to nurseries to deliver the highest quality nursery design, marketing support and childcare available.” educational coordination. The bespoke training for Those dreaming of a challenging, but highly franchisees includes first aid for rewarding new career running a thriving different age groups, compliance business that can generate a high financial in the early years, safeguarding, return, as well as offering excellent job school readiness, positive satisfaction within a highly respected sector, behaviour management and should look no further than Monkey Puzzle quality teaching and learning. Day Nurseries.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 37 BEHIND THE BRAND

Top UK AT A GLANCE DRIVER HIRE NATIONWIDE Established: 1983 Franchise Number of franchised outlets: 93 Location of Units: ationwide Investment range: in 2019 £32k to £500k Minimum required capital: £32k (Start-up Franchise Fee) Contact: [email protected] What makes Driver Hire such a successful driverhirefranchise.co.uk award-winning franchise model?

river Hire Nationwide independent survey earlier in 2019, Hire franchised unit currently has been named the Driver Hire was listed in the UK’s exceeds £1.2m, and in 2018/19, D UK’s top franchise, top 10. Commenting on Driver two franchisees achieved over £3m winning Gold at the Hire’s award win, the bfa HSBC turnover. Average net profits for a 2019 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the award judges highlighted the Driver Hire franchise are over £140k Year awards. This is the second company’s ‘consistent excellence in per annum. time that Driver Hire has won the franchising over many years’ and franchise industry’s top award. appreciated ‘an enviable training SHARING SUCCESS The annual awards are the programme and onboarding On top of their Gold award, Driver most prestigious event in the process, as well as committing £3 Hire celebrated a second bfa HSBC franchising calendar and celebrate million to technology in just three award as its Uxbridge franchisee, Ed excellence in franchising from years to help the network thrive.’ Pockney, was named Franchisee of the both franchisors and franchisees. Driver Hire is the largest Year in the Business Transformation According to the bfa, those specialist logistics recruiter, category. Ed’s success reflects that of shortlisted in the Franchisor of supplying temporary and many franchisees in the Driver Hire the Year category demonstrate permanent staff across the UK. Its network have built multi-million- ‘a passion and commitment to network of 100+ offices certainly pound businesses through the ethical franchising’ and ‘strong has thrived. Franchisees enjoy powerful combination of the Driver infrastructure and support for their a proven and robust model in a Hire model and their own ambition, network, ensuring franchisees have market with high and growing dedication and hard work. the best environment to succeed demand (the UK temporary Ed bought the Driver Hire and reach their full potential.’ driving market is estimated to Uxbridge business in November 2014 There are 935 franchise brands be worth up to £3bn annually). and today Uxbridge is one of the top in the UK and in a separate Average turnover of a single Driver 20 performing offices, with annual turnover in excess of £1.5m. Ed came to Driver Hire with no previous transport and logistics recruitment experience, having spent 28 years working globally in the financial markets, returning to the UK in 2014. To build up his franchise, Ed identified the key metrics that drive business performance in temporary employment, building a culture that delivers high service levels and strong customer relationships. He concentrated on customer visits and driver retention, identified potential customers, invested in driver training and created a positive workplace culture. “My previous experience showed me that it is possible to build a new team and create a network of relationships

38 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 Behind the Brand - Driver Hire Nationwide

and trust if the right ingredients are “We’re looking for sales and in place. Having met the support “We’ve taken people who customer service skills, leadership teams at the Driver Head office and were unemployed on to ability, drive and ambition,” says spoken with existing franchisees, I Graham Duckworth, Driver Hire’s knew that the combination of my our books and found them Franchise Sales Director. “Whether personal skills and commitment, buying an existing franchise or a along with Driver Hire’s brand full-time jobs. That’s an greenfield site, any new business reputation and support, would be a amazing feeling.” venture requires commitment and a powerful one. So that’s what I set out strong work ethic. When the efforts to do at Driver Hire Uxbridge.” of both franchisee and franchisor are Ed concludes, “Whilst the including: sales support (from aligned, our experience shows it’s a financial side is key, I just enjoy an area manager), marketing, real recipe for success.” running a Driver Hire franchise. compliance, training, finance We’ve taken people who were and HR. In addition to this, the driverhirefranchise.co.uk unemployed on to our books and National Accounts team delivers [email protected] found them full-time jobs. That’s an significant business for franchisees, 01274 361073 amazing feeling.” generating around 20% of the Start-up franchise fee: £32,000 network’s turnover. Combined, Start-ups and resales available AWARD-WINNING BRAND these resources have helped throughout the UK Driver Hire’s recent award win is scores of franchisees develop no flash in the pan, having now worthwhile, profitable and highly won a Franchisor of the Year award marketable businesses. 6 REASONS TO TAKE A CLOSER podium position six times, as well LOOK AT DRIVER HIRE as being a finalist in 13 out of the ETHICAL APPROACH 1 Established brand. First franchise last 14 years. It’s an outstanding As an ethical franchisor, Driver opened in 1987 record that no other franchisor Hire strongly believes in 2 Six times bfa HSBC ‘Franchisor of the Year’ has matched. establishing a true partnership podium award winner At the core of Driver Hire’s with its franchisees. The company’s 3 Average 2018/19 franchise turnover for success is the proven business selection process thoroughly vets a single unit is £1,214,978 model and back-up and support every prospective franchisee to 4 Driver Hire was ranked the top recruitment offered from day one to its establish not only whether they can franchise in an independent franchisees. The central support afford a Driver Hire franchise, but 5 Top 100 list for 2018 & 2019 team at Driver Hire Group also whether there is a match in 6 Over 80 head office staff, providing your Services comprises over 80 people terms of business culture and the comprehensive training and support across specialist departments, skills needed to succeed.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 39 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 40 Put your People First Three ways to create a happy franchise culture

WORDS BY PIP WILKINS

orkplace culture may The British Franchise incentives to franchisees, including seem like a trendy Association is determined to afternoon teas and overnight stays W subject, but it’s celebrate and promote franchise in luxury hotels, to make them important to discuss, systems that go above and beyond feel valued. It’s not just about the especially as the next generation are to create a culture of ‘people first’. big successes - there is plenty of putting good work culture ahead This is reflected by the recent recognition for all.” THE AUTHOR of pay and status when looking for changes to the 2019 bfa HSBC Pip Wilkins is CEO that ideal role. Franchise Awards. The categories Individuality of the British It’s imperative for businesses of Leadership & Culture and Outside of recognition, Franchise Association to acknowledge that workplace Social Enterprise were added 2 people want to know culture revolves around more to recognise the importance of what the company can do for providing essential services and their individual needs. Gone are being people centered. the days when people accepted “People want to know The bfa hopes to encourage they were just a name in a large more systems to build on their organisation. Franchisees go into what the company culture and evaluate what more franchising for many reasons, but could be done for the people in a big motivator is being able to can do for their their businesses. Here are three take back control of their lives. individual needs” ways to cultivate a happy and Denise agrees: “The Razzamataz healthy franchise culture: ethos is about flexible working to give people a better life/work than providing a comfy couch Recognition balance. We pride ourselves on and board games in the break Face to face acknowledgement being family friendly and creating room. People are genuinely 1 of achievements and success businesses that people can run more concerned with the ethical will leave franchisees feeling around their other commitments.” standards of a business and how appreciated. No matter how big or it treats its staff and network. small, understand that a success for Communication Franchisees are no different them is also a success for you, so No franchisee would be and expect to invest in a franchise appreciate the hard work that goes 3 happy unless they had that has met with minimum into building the brand as a whole. a clear line of communication standards, provides adequate Denise Hutton-Gosney, founder with their head office. So if they ongoing training and support and and managing director of have feedback, ideas, need help is constantly working to improve Razzamataz, a UK-based theatre or want advice, there needs to be how it engages with the network. school franchise system, found an open and easy way for them to that recognition communicate this to the franchisor. was the number Finding a way to regularly speak one motivator in with individual franchisees through her business. reviews, conferences or meetings She says: “We will make the network feel more surveyed our respected. Some franchise systems franchisees about what organise annual conferences to motivates and makes bring the network together to them happy and the update on strategy and vision. highest percentage Franchisees deserve to hear this, as was for ‘recognition’, they are partners in your business so we work hard to and must be able to execute the recognise all successes. brand’s vision. It also gives them To reward growth and the opportunity to provide some teamwork, Razzamataz input or pitch ideas, as well as meet offers a number of and work with other franchisees.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 41

“The support received I have Being able to work from home addition, the BLISS She adds: “In “The model provides Betterclean ServicesBetterclean a offers AT A GLANCE AT BETTERCLEAN SERVICES SERVICES Established: 1995 9 outlets: Number of franchised Plymouth and Cornwall, of outlets: Location Brighton, Taunton, and Exeter Torquay, and Bath, Bristol Maidstone, Manchester, Swindon York, VAT) (plus £24,995 From range: Investment subject £15,000, Minimum capital required: status to on team Contact: call the franchise 0800 772 0810 or email franchise@ bettercleanservices.co.uk bettercleanfranchise.co.uk cleaning providers. cleaning providers. from head office has been in terms of advice on invaluable, HR matters delivery, operational and business development, all steady facilitated of which have business growth. That, combined with a friendly network of fellow has meant I have franchisees, never felt alone when encountering along the way.” challenges has given Caroline personal kept her operating and flexibility costs low while the business grows. system enables online management on the go business me to run my a healthy and means I have with work-life balance, unlike run. businesses I have previous serviceThe low management fee has been critical in contributing to a sustainable profit margin in a very competitive industry. framework a strong operational can build on which franchisees their business in line with their and interests own strengths, personal goals.” opportunity for smartrewarding wishing to combine investors their ambition and drive with the guidance and support company’s to build their own management in the commercial franchise cleaning industry. of, on developing strongof, client and delivering relationships a service differentiates that from other Betterclean The introduction the of tried the company’s Using FRANCHISEE SUCCESS who bought Caroline Spiller, Services’Betterclean Exeter and says: in 2016, franchise Taunton provides franchisees “Betterclean systems with robust operating allowed have that and procedures me to focus energies on my proud building a staff team I’m company’s Business Development company’s Scheme means franchise in 2019 the best possible start.owners get Services’Betterclean to guarantee a minimum of £150,000 generate worth in year of business enquiries need to worryone, means you don’t about the sales process in the early of business growth. stages and tested methods, Betterclean Services you in front of will get who want to buy decision makers your services. A member of the your first will evencompany attend appointments with you, so you can see first-hand how to sell the service and win the business. y of its work,

etterclean Servicesetterclean is one of the lowest cost franchises management on the market, with a

pride in the qualit growth and earning potential potential and earning growth

B It provides initial and ongoing provides initial and ongoing It The believes company in

and is always looking for innovative looking for innovative and is always to provide the servicesways clients looking for. are and supporttraining across all areas an activeand takes role in ensuring you succeed. This, teamed with Betterclean Services’ growth potential and earning opportunities, means you can be more successful than you ever imagined. EXCELLENT SUPPORT EXCELLENT Kuyk’s Dan van director Managing experience has ensured as a franchisee Servicesthe Betterclean franchise designed with has been package particular focus on the provision of excellent support throughout every step of your business. successful business system built around the provision of commercial cleaning services to local businesses. building strong working hard, with clients, working relationships taking Rewarding ISSUE 15.4 |

The Betterclean Services franchise offers significant offers Services franchise The Betterclean

smart investors opportunityfor BEHIND THE THE BEHIND BRAND

Behind the Brand - Betterclean Services 42 WHATFRANCHISE WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 17/07/2019 14:12 Page 43 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Stagecoach

AT A GLANCE STAGECOACH Taking a PERFORMING ARTS

Established: 1988 Number of franchised outlets: franchise to 350+ Location of units: UK-wide and International Investment range: From £14,995 + VAT new heights Minimum required capital: £28,000 to include initial launch requirements URL: www.stagecoachfranchise.com Contact: +44 (0)1932 254 333 Don Porter tells us why you don’t need to be a [email protected] performer to perform well with Stagecoach “I had just six wenty eight year-old “Many of the Stagecoach Don Porter has grand franchisees are former performers weeks between T aspirations for his but my background is in IT and Stagecoach Performing Account Management, which has signing my Arts franchises in south west proven invaluable for the success of London. As with his hobby of flying my franchise. I’m hoping to build a franchise gliders, Don has plans to take large portfolio of Stagecoach schools agreement and his business to new heights and and manage a team who will handle transform the lives of children in operations. Despite a real sense of welcoming the process. ambition, the thing that most inspires me is my passion for supporting my students in the students and helping them grow autumn term.” in confidence. That’s something every Stagecoach franchisee has and I discussed how to proceed with in common – no matter what managing her existing franchise and their background.” it made good business sense for me to After studying English Literature take over the operational side of things. at Brighton University, Don I also took over from the previous travelled the world for two years. His franchisee at Stagecoach New Malden. interest in the Stagecoach franchise I had just six weeks between signing opportunity came just months after my franchise agreement in mid- his return to the UK. Having initially 2016 and welcoming students in the worked in IT and Telecoms, he made autumn term.” the decision to shadow fiancée, Don took time to get to know his Georgina, whilst she managed her own Stagecoach franchise. students and to fully integrate himself “There was something about into the Stagecoach way of life. He Stagecoach that appealed to quickly increased student numbers me. It became apparent that a by 250% and is reaping the rewards background in the performing arts of a successful business. Although wasn’t essential to run a successful he’s the first to admit the performing franchise, as business acumen is arts aren’t his forte, he has a great just as useful. I could also see why respect for the industry and the many Stagecoach is known as the best in teachers who have built careers using the business. The support offered is their creative flair. second-to-none and the brand is so “I’m very proud to run a well-respected. I wanted in on the Stagecoach franchise. Making a action, so I took time to formulate a positive change for children and long-term business plan, rather than building a business which offers jumping in and hoping for the best. teachers a long-term career is what “It was evident to Stagecoach I’d drives me. When you take away the really done the groundwork – they finances and bottom line, that’s really were keen to support me and agreed what Stagecoach is about – improving to set the wheels in motion. Georgina the lives of the people around you.”

44 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 45 INSIGHT Step out of your slippers and into your office Six compelling reasons why you should invest in a home-based franchise

WORDS BY FRANK MILNER

ccording to the 2018 business insurance for your home maintain full-time commitment. The British Franchise office on top of your personal contents beauty of a home-based franchise Association NatWest insurance. It’s often easy to add this is that you can choose to fulfil this A franchise survey, on to your existing policy, but if requirement at a time that best suits almost four in ten franchise systems you want to keep things separate a you - whether it’s working around can be run from the comfort of quick internet search will point you your family or maybe you simply find THE AUTHOR your own home. in the right direction. you’re more productive earlier in the Frank Milner is Home-based businesses offer a Also, you may want to check that mornings or later at night. the president of multitude of advantages, ranging your internet capability and Wi-Fi Tutor Doctor from financial efficiencies to are up to scratch, depending on the Family life simple convenience. And with nature of your business, and consider Parents can often find that modern technology making virtual upgrading if not. 3 a home-based business fits connections available at the touch their family life incredibly well. of a button, feelings of isolation are Freedom and Having the flexibility to take your becoming a thing of the past. flexibility children to school and Here are six homeworking 2 Being your own boss does not be there at the end benefits that franchisees enjoy: necessarily mean you can, in the first of the day to pick instance, set your own schedule. For them up again is Lower start-up costs retail or premises-based businesses, a luxury we can’t and overheads it’s likely you’ll have set opening all enjoy. 1 It stands to reason that working or customer facing times. These Many Tutor from home is going to be significantly will have a direct impact on your Doctor franchisees cheaper than renting office space or flexibility, until you reach a point of have children and their a retail unit. Your lighting, heating employing staff or a manager you work/life balance is all and floor space already form part of can trust to be there at crucial times. about making the most your monthly outgoings and there are On the other hand, the undeniable of family life. Being around for no hidden costs to pay. This is a huge flexibility of a home-based franchise mealtimes and participating in advantage for many people when offers a major advantage. For things like afterschool clubs and considering the various franchise maximum productivity, it’s still best sports days are just a few of the options open to them. to set a working day and stick to it. benefits homeworkers can enjoy. That’s exactly how our franchisees “People regain a operate at Tutor Doctor. However, as a home-based staggering two business owner, you have the freedom to allow yourself time off hours every day to run errands and for personal appointments for things such as by not travelling the doctors or dentist during the to and from daytime. You just have to be certain that you can - and do - commit to work” doing a few hours in the office that evening to make up for it. In addition, the entry fee for most Accepting parcels, being around for home-based franchises is lower and plumber/electrician visits and even they usually require less working having the option to look after a sick capital to get you up and running. child are just a few more benefits A couple of small things to consider of working from home. However, though are that you will need as with anything, it’s crucial to

46 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 Then, once the kids are in bed, it’s Working from home eliminates back to the office for a couple this nightmare from your daily of hours to get the most out of routine. Aside from the occasions % the day and keep the business on which you need to travel for 38 moving forwards. meetings or events, the only The number of UK commute you’ll be doing is through franchise systems that can Say goodbye to the house to your home office. Bliss. be run from the comfort of the commute Time saved on the daily commute your own home. 4 It seems like such a little means you have more opportunity thing when you see it written to spend quality time with family down. But if you find the mere and friends or doing the things you Tax advantages thought of your daily commute love. On average, people regain a When you work from home, stressful, you’re definitely not staggering two hours every day by 5 you can offset certain alone. For many people, the duration not travelling to and from work - just expenses through your business. and frustrations of the daily think what you could with that Use of your office space and a commute to the office or a place of extra time. proportion of utilities, including work is one of the strongest driving internet and telephone, can be factors - excuse the pun - for making charged as business expenses, a change. for example. However, this isn’t something you can just decide on your own and there are rules and exceptions that must be followed. Working with an accountant to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit out of these opportunities is highly recommended and well worth it.

Money saving Don’t forget that in 6 addition to lower start-up costs and less working capital, you can actually save money on things like fuel, parking and rail tickets simply by being able to step out of your slippers and into your office. A simpler, capsule work wardrobe is usually all that’s required while you’re at home, so office clothing costs and things like dry cleaning bills, both of which can be significant in the corporate world, can reduce dramatically.

Home office working isn’t for everyone. It’s best suited to someone who is organised, self disciplined and committed to their business. If that’s you, then the flexibility and freedoms offered by a home-based franchise could be the perfect fit.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 47 INSIGHT

From start-up to scale up

Ambitions to build a multi-unit business? Here’s what you need to know

WORDS BY PAULINE COWIE

he latest British Unless the franchise proposition fundamental operating model of the Franchise Association has been developed with high growth franchisor. It is more a case of the T NatWest survey franchisees in mind, it is likely that parties mutually recognising that what recently confirmed the franchisor will need to change its works with a smaller franchisee isn’t that franchising is firmly on the standard approach to accommodate necessarily an attractive proposition boardroom agenda as a way of the prospective franchisee’s ambitions. for a more sophisticated one with THE AUTHOR achieving faster expansion, whether This will give them the confidence to substantial management experience Pauline Cowie is that’s in the UK or overseas. make their investment and put the and/or investment levels and plans to partner at law firm TLT This is being driven by trends like building blocks in place to achieve either establish a multi-unit operation multi-unit franchising, which is a accelerated growth. or to add the franchise brand to an win-win for both parties. Franchisees With this in mind, the franchisee existing portfolio. can use their existing infrastructure must consider the constraints of the Of course, the franchisor may to manage and acquire a number of proposed franchise agreement and any not agree to make any changes, sites and leverage their expertise and changes that may need to be discussed but our experience shows that there franchisors can enjoy accelerated with the franchisor when negotiating are advantages to be had by addressing expansion with a professional and the terms of the agreement and these issues early on for more talented franchisee. documenting the franchise relationship. experienced investors with high growth To be clear, a prospective franchisee plans, or higher investment levels. Share your ambitions shouldn’t be looking to change the Commercial considerations will Franchisees with long-term goals to develop a high growth franchise business, need to consider their strategic plans and appetite for risk and how these will fit with the expectations and requirements of the franchisor. 36% The number of franchisees who own multiple outlets, an increase of 7% since 2015.

48 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 dictate whether the deal on the table In light of this and other business it wouldn’t be appropriate for the will work for both parties and whether 2interests, do the restrictions set out franchisor to have a right to terminate the franchisor will be willing to deviate in the franchise agreement need to be all other agreements. from its tried and tested approach. varied, as they apply both during the term of the franchise agreement and What management and financial The key issues to post-termination? 9 information is to be provided to the take into account franchisor? Can this be ring fenced The franchisee must consider For example, an obligation on the owner from other confidential information how its proposed structure will to devote their full time and attention to relating to the franchisee’s other separate impact the franchise agreement, the business will probably not be businesses, for example? particularly where there are a number appropriate where they intend to appoint of different shareholders involved one or more managers or they have other If the franchisee or investors that may have other investments non-competing business interests. operate other businesses in and business interests. 10 the same sector, does there need to be If any guarantees or other security are any special consideration regarding Issues to required and necessary, how should 3 competition issues? 11 consider include: they be structured?

Onboarding of new investors 1and changes to investors and how “Commercial considerations will they will be managed under the franchise agreement. For example, if dictate whether the deal on the the franchisor benefits from pre- emption rights (giving the franchisor table will work for both parties” first refusal when the company issues new shares or shareholders transfer In the case of personal guarantees, can they If the franchisee has in-house shares between themselves), be limited to each investor’s percentage 11capability where it would normally agreeing that this no shareholdings in the franchise, rather than be obliged to use third party contractors longer applies after being given on a joint and several basis? If approved or nominated by the franchisor, they approve a there are changes in those shareholdings, does the franchisee need to request a new investor. can a mechanism be agreed to amend the change to the agreement? guarantees and will they be released on predetermined events, such as a Similarly, with regard to supplies, share sale? does the franchisee wish to use an existing supply chain apart from Are there any restrictions in those products that are demonstrably 4 the franchise agreement that necessary to be purchased from the prohibit security being taken over the franchisor or specialist suppliers? franchisee’s business and/or franchise agreement and how can this be addressed? There’s no standard approach Can the approach to opening new sites While there is no standard approach, 5 or operations be agreed now? Will investors should consider their development rights be granted at this stage appetite for risk and the impact or are they conditional on the successful that certain standard provisions in opening of one or more sites? franchise agreements might have on their other business interests On what basis will the parties contract? and investments. This will help 6 If a separate franchise agreement is to them structure their relationship be entered into for each new site, it seems with the franchisors. appropriate that any terms that have been For franchisors, none of these specifically negotiated should apply potential adjustments should come as to all franchise agreements. a surprise or adversely affect their position with franchisees. Can a better deal be done on applicable The important thing is to make 7 fees on new openings and any ongoing sure that the agreement with the payments, particularly if calculated on the franchisee and its investors reflects basis of sales or turnover? what needs to happen in practice and that everything is properly addressed at What happens if one site fails or is the outset. This will help to ensure that 8 terminated and how does this affect all parties are protected in a fair and the other agreements? In most cases, reasonable manner.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 49 BEHIND THE BRAND

AT A GLANCE ACTIONCOACH

Established: The Power 1993 in Australia/2002 in UK Number of franchised outlets: 240 in UK Location of units: UK-wide of Coaching Investment range: £69,000 Minimum required capital: £20,000 Working for a company counting £75m annual turnover Contact: Call Rainy or Kerry-Ann on 01284 701 648 didn’t quench Sean Purcell’s thirst. Once a young or email [email protected] business owner himself, he wanted to ease the pains millennial entrepreneurs face today many other Action Coaches, went to an event to see the franchise in I didn’t have anyone there to help action and prepared himself for me. That’s where my passion for the hard work ahead. In November business coaching stems from - I 2017, Sean was ready to attend wanted to provide that support ActionCOACH University. mechanism for others.” GETTING FIT THE APPEAL FOR BUSINESS OF COACHING “It was an incredible week. “The birth of my first son left I already had experience as a me completely re-evaluating my business coach, so it was the life, thinking about both mine ActionCOACH systems I had to and my family’s future. This was get to grips with. I was blown my opportunity.” away by the sheer support of the Sean’s process to discovering franchise and the model, so to ActionCOACH was relatively say I was very eager to get going organic. A simple Google search would’ve been an understatement. for ‘business coaching’ was The whole team was friendly and enough to spark his interest and helpful and we were fully prepped send him on to a meeting with to start trading as soon as our ActionCOACH UK Co-founder, training week was completed. Ian Christelow – at which point I felt confident I had the backing they both realised Sean was a of a reliable support team.” great fit for the franchise. Fresh out of ActionCOACH “I wanted to work with a proven University, Sean was raring to go. Sean Purcell with efore investing in ActionCOACH model, as doing it on my own He had decided on the focus of an ActionCOACH founder Brad Sugars from scratch was going to take his coaching: millennials. Sean and Rik Cridland franchise in 2017, from HayPigs! at B too long. There are thousands wanted to give young people Sean Purcell was the Business of people these days calling the opportunity he never had, sitting on an executive board Excellence Forum themselves business coaches, helping them to achieve the at a company turning over but meeting with ActionCOACH high-growth business they had £75million. But it was always his made me see that the strength of initially set out to achieve. dream to help owners of smaller the franchise would help me stand “Throughout my whole businesses, having experienced out from the crowd.” career, I never had anybody the trials and tribulations of Sean’s next step was to go who understood what it’s like business ownership himself at through due diligence. He spoke to to grow up in this generation - the tender age of 24. “I took charge of a family restaurant when I was younger. “I was blown away by the sheer support With only a really basic understanding of running a of the franchise and the model, so business, I had to learn everything myself. If I wanted to find to say I was very eager to get going something out or learn something new, I had to do it on my own – would’ve been an understatement”

50 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 Behind the Brand - ActionCOACH Helping business owners to succeed

they can start employing coaches products. Working with Sean “I knew I wanted to have to build a firm. Sean decided made me see that investing in a to invest in the new licence in fulfilment warehouse would be my own business and March 2019. more beneficial – I could focus on “Business was very good in my managing the business, as well as investing in a franchise first year, but I wanted to step it being able to spend more valuable up a notch. To become a fully- time with my wife and son.” allowed me to have control encompassing firm, I would need Reflecting on his first 18 months but also gave me a lot more to have more coaches by my side with ActionCOACH, Sean talks with skills I don’t necessarily about what has stood out for him. support than I expected” possess – the new licence allows “It’s been a serious commitment me to do exactly that. We’ll be able but with the systems and the to reach a much wider audience. team behind me, I’ve felt fully that’s why I wanted to become “I’ve currently got 25 clients on prepared. I knew I wanted to have a champion for budding the books. With all of the business my own business, and investing entrepreneurs. They need coming in, I’m taking on a Business in a franchise allowed me to have someone who has been there, Development Manager to help with control but also gave me a lot and who has learnt from both the operations in the office, and I more support than I expected. their successes and mistakes! plan to have my first employee coach All the business growth strategies “Most of my clients have in the team by the end of 2020. ActionCOACH gives me to use created a business by accident, The next year will be a busy one!” with my clients, I can use to grow grown it to a point where they He won’t just be busy with my own business too - we practise employ a few people and then work. When he’s not training for what we preach and that really are unsure about where to take marathons, Sean spends time with pays off.” it next. That’s when I step in. I’m his family. He fits coaching around currently engaging with 250+ his family life and that’s had an If you’re looking for a new challenge, businesses a year and I hope to influence on his sessions too - his want to make a difference in both yours double that number by 2020.” coaching has a positive impact on and others’ lives, and you’re the kind of person who: the work-life balance of his clients. TAKING THINGS TO Rik Cridland from HayPigs!, a A) loves learning and developing A NEW LEVEL guinea pig accessories company yourself; In late 2018, ActionCOACH says, “One of the most powerful B) has enjoyed success in your career introduced a new Senior Partner statements from ActionCOACH or sport; and licence where existing and C) is willing to invest if they see is the concept of working ON the substantial returns can be made… prospective franchise partners business and not IN it. When could apply to operate within an I first started out, I used to sit then find out more by watching the exclusive territory containing on my living room floor with overview video at actioncoach.co.uk/ overview 10,000 businesses. It also means my wife, individually packing

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 51 FRANCHISE FRONTRUNNERS

Making a splash

Puddle Ducks founders Jo Stone and Tracy Townend have virus that put her into intensive care for months, unable to speak or grown a successful local business into an award winning see and communicating through hand squeezes. national franchise network Now she is on the mend and back at work. “She had the sheer determination to recover,” Jo WORDS BY TONY JAMES says, while Tracy adds: “Jo has been wonderful. She kept the business ow soon should for them,” says Jo, who with her thriving and was a tower of strength, children learn to friend and business partner has not only for me and my family, but for swim? Everyone, built Puddle Ducks from a tiny the whole Puddle Ducks team.” H It all started in 2002 after Tracy it seems, has their own village enterprise into an award opinions on that, but Jo Stone and winning 32-franchise network and Jo met at antenatal classes in the Tracy Townend’s belief in “starting teaching 20,000 babies and Cheshire village of Cranage - their babies were both born on THE AUTHOR them young” is pretty convincing. children swimming and water An award winning After all, it’s led directly to the safety every week. the same day. But as their friendship journalist and author, spectacular success of Puddle The pair were recently crowned grew, they realised they had more in Tony James specialises Ducks, now one of the UK’s biggest Woman Franchisor of the Year and common than the birth of their in business and sport providers of specialist swimming Overall Woman in Franchising first children. classes for babies and toddlers, winners at the ninth annual “We had both had successful which encourages mums to let their NatWest Encouraging Women into careers in corporate management, babies take the plunge when they Franchising Awards. but we felt we still had something to are only a few days old. prove and wanted to create something “The younger they come to us Things haven’t always of our own that would give us the the better, because tiny babies have gone swimmingly work-life balance we had always an instinctive affinity with the However, three years ago Tracy wanted,” is how Jo remembers it. water - it’s a natural environment was struck down by a near fatal Tracy was a Shell Chemicals

52 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 supply manager and Jo an IT project manager at Barclays - pretty impressive business experience - but the path of entrepreneurialism was still something untried and unknown for them.

I dreamed of being my own boss For Jo, the pull of working for herself wasn’t an entirely new experience: “At school, I dreamed of being my own boss and starting my own company. Although at university I had a maths background, I was always keen on sport and the outdoors. “But until I met Tracy, I didn’t have the confidence to go it alone. She was the ideal partner for a business Jo Stone with the 2019 EWIF Awards venture and, like me, she felt that a corporate career was not what we wanted any more.” Puddle Ducks was born. What they did want fortuitously “At first, our classes were just called dawned on them during weekly ‘Baby Swimming’,” Jo says. “I was swimming sessions with their baby on holiday when I saw a canal boat Making a daughters. Jo says they had found a called Puddle Duck and it seemed the book on baby swimming and tried out perfect name.” some of the techniques in a pool with Now the partners dived head their babies. first into setting up the business. “We realised there were virtually They found a swimming pool for no specialised swimming classes for classes and attended swimming and Thinking big splash small children,” Jo explains. “Many leadership courses to prepare them Looking back, the partners realised people still thought it was unwise to for the venture. almost from the beginning that the teach a child to swim under three “It was full-time from the business could progress two ways: and there was still a quite widespread beginning,” Jo recalls. “It was never as a purely local enterprise with its belief that tiny babies might just little part-time jobs – we always own swimming venues or as a stop breathing under water. The intended to be something bigger.” nationwide franchise. experience with our own babies had From the beginning. it was clear shown us this was not true - there was they were on to a winner. “We did a great joy and value in teaching tiny bit of local advertising, but we really “The younger they come children to swim.” didn’t need to advertise, as classes It also dawned on Tracy and Jo that filled up as quickly as we could to us the better, because there was a gap in the market - and organise them,” Jo says. tiny babies have an instinctive affinity with the water”

“While we weren’t thinking about franchising at the very beginning, we always had the vision that the business would grow into something that would replace our corporate salaries,” Jo says. “Eventually it became evident that franchising was the way forward.” Tracy and Jo spent two years meticulously planning their franchise launch, which finally took place in 2007. Determined to get everything right, they worked with consultants to formulate the franchise model and put legal and commercial strategies in place.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 53 FRANCHISE FRONTRUNNERS

“Our vision is to have 50 franchises by 2020, teaching 50,000 children” They remember: “We learned early on that we had to have all our ducks JO STONE’S TOP TIPS in a row before we even thought about FOR FRANCHISING franchising what had become a very YOUR BUSINESS successful local business. Once we

felt happy with the systems and Make sure your franchise processes and realised that local 1 operation is a separate relationships with pools, teachers and business and build every customers were vital, we decided it was process on the assumption that it will be scaled up. time to franchise.” By 2006 they were ready. They had grown Cheshire Puddle Ducks to a Document everything 2 and update it as good size and knew that to achieve changes occur. Make sure further growth they had to entrust franchisees will understand others to carry the brand forward. This every last detail. involved recruiting a head office team of experts in their field, which enabled Employ as much top the partners to work on the business 3 grade specialist help as rather than in it, freeing their time to you can, particularly legal and business experts. concentrate on growth. From the beginning, Jo and Tracy believed in doing things Recruit a support team to 4 run the original business professionally to the very highest you are franchising. Give the standard. They articulated their team clear job descriptions values with the acronym EXPERTS - and honest appraisals. Exceeding Expectations, Professional, Enterprising, Respectful, Trust Take time to recruit the and Supportive. 5 right franchisees and As Jo says: “The main challenge listen to their concerns. of working with independent franchisees is to ensure that you are Trademark your working to the same goals. Finding obviously couldn’t go on like that 6 business from day one. This provides legal back up out the reasons behind a potential forever and it was agreed that when and the confidence to grow franchisee’s decision to join Puddle the business began to make a profit it your brand. Ducks was key. We had to be sure their would be ploughed back, so that we end goal was consistent with that of our could employ more staff and improve Invest wisely in IT brand mission and vision.” our work-life balance.” 7 and consult your franchise network on major Testing the concept Only recruiting the best decisions. It must work for them in order to make their with a pilot From the start, Jo and Tracy took businesses more streamlined To make sure they had got it right, infinite care to select the very best and profitable. a class teacher was recruited to run franchisees. “We have learned that a pilot franchise and bench test the it’s far better to say no than to recruit ideas and processes. someone you aren’t sure about,” Jo Make a three to five-year 8business plan and keep “It wasn’t easy to construct a says. “Puddle Ducks may sound like a it up to date. This helps to completely new business, but fluffy, fun place to work, but at the end stop you getting bogged luckily we had understanding of the day we and our franchisees are down in tasks you should husbands, and before the children business people. be delegating. were old enough for school we “Puddle Ducks has a very clear took turns to look after each mission, vision and set of values that Get the best possible other’s kids while the other worked is at the heart of everything we do. 9advice when compiling on the business,” Jo says. Everyone who joins the brand must your franchise agreement. “It was a struggle in the Cutting corners here can have a passion for swimming, an result in major problems later. beginning and a lot of work was ambition for growth and an ambition done in the evenings, when the to become an expert in every aspect children had gone to bed. We of the business.

54 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 The franchise package that communication in the network is A Puddle Ducks franchise costs the key to success, encouraging it with around £24,000 and franchisees’ newsletters and Facebook forums. backgrounds range from solicitors Communication is two-way: when some and accountants to midwives franchisees suggested having their own and, not surprisingly, swimming swimming pools, Jo and Tracy happily teachers. What do they get for gave the go ahead, provided expert advice their investment? “They get all the and recommended specialist suppliers training and equipment to run and contractors. their first classes,” Jo explains. This There are also events throughout the includes 300 hours of classroom year, including an annual conference, training, pool work and working a franchise summer school, regional alongside experienced teachers. marketing meetings, business health New franchisees also get checks and technical visits. “The support marketing material, clothing, franchisees give each other is phenomenal,” equipment, financial tools and the company says. “Emotional and software, plus access to a head practical support is given in bundles.” office team that provides business Community spirit also abounds among health checks and guidance. Puddle Ducks: the network has raised over “I don’t think there’s anyone £130,000 for franchisees’ local charities. more experienced in the UK “Of course it’s a business, but over the years swimming industry than our it has become a lot more than that for all team,” Jo believes. of us,” Jo says. Even so, it takes about nine What’s next for Puddle Ducks? “Our months for a franchisee to be fully vision is to have 50 franchises by 2020, trained, with a mixture of distance teaching 50,000 children,” Jo says. learning, on the job training “We want to make sure our services are and consulting a vault of online available to as many people as possible.” manuals, which cover every aspect Puddle Ducks dived head first into of running the business. franchising. Now it looks like making a But Jo cautions: “Some skills you splash for a long time to come. can’t teach, like staff management and inspiring your team. These are “We followed all the guidelines instinctive and you must be certain WHAT JO STONE LOOKS FOR IN from The Swimming Teachers’ they are already in place with a A FRANCHISEE Association, which stipulates prospective franchisee. Puddle Consistency is vital in someone taking on a that progress must be led by the Ducks is basically a management 1 franchise. Customers expect the same high child rather than the teacher. franchise and at least half our standard of service from every franchisee. To ensure From the start, we firmly believed franchisees no longer go into the this, Puddle Ducks provides 300 hours of training in all aspects of the business, including marketing, teaching that the aim was not only to help water, but they know how to run methods and customer service. young children to swim, but to be and grow a successful business - confident and safe in the water and, and that’s the important thing.” Puddle Ducks picks ambitious, hard-working of course, have fun. Nothing at Puddle Ducks is 2 people who have the company’s standards “Where franchisees are left to chance. To make sure every and values, plus drive, ambition and determination. They should be trustworthy and professional, but concerned, drive and determin- process works, Jo and Tracy showing respect to customers and colleagues is the ation are really important. painstakingly wrote out every most important thing the company looks for. Franchisees must be self starters, single activity in their lesson plans, follow the model, get their supplementing them with videos, Franchisees must have an instinct for staff management and running and developing the heads down and push on with so that teachers can log on and 3 business. Previous management experience is not the business, no matter how follow the procedures down to the essential, but the potential must be there. challenging it might seem. If last detail. they don’t have any tenacity and All documentation is to the Find out why a franchisee wants to join your ambition, they won’t get anywhere.” highest possible standard, achieved 4 network. Make sure their ambitions and end goals are consistent with yours. But stick to the Puddle Ducks by bringing in experts to create an script and the rewards are IT system that analyses the weekly impressive. A successful franchisee intake of youngsters and detecting can make a profit of at least business patterns, which are shared £100,000 a year, often a lot more, with franchisees. and the network regularly rakes in franchise of the year awards and Communication is key has won the WorkBuzz five star But initial training is only the start franchisee satisfaction award six of joining the Puddle Ducks family. years running. The partners have always believed

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 55 WHY DOES A Q FRANCHISOR WANT Ask The MY PARTNER TO ATTEND ONE OF ITS DISCOVERY DAY EVENTS WITH ME? LOUISE HARRIS WRITES: EXPERTS Franchising, done well, is a balanced Our panel of industry specialists answer relationship between franchisee and franchisor. The franchisor has to decide if a your franchise questions franchisee has the skills, aptitude and attitude for the business - and if they’ll fit with the WHAT SECURITY CAN I USE TO SECURE team. The franchisee has to decide if they Q FUNDING FOR A FRANCHISE? have the interest, ability and enthusiasm, plus the skills, aptitude and attitude, and if the BRIAN DUCKETT WRITES: furniture or paintings can be used, business will suit them and their lifestyle. The most common asset used for but not personal pension funds. Good franchisors will want to meet a security for a small business loan Whatever asset you use to secure partner, as running a business can be hard is property, including residential, your business loan, you can still sell work. However much support is offered commercial and rural land, although it if you need to during the loan term, by a franchisor, partners are there for the in some instances a lender may accept provided you obtain consent from long haul and their support day to day is other balance sheet assets to secure a the lender and offer another form of equally as important. loan, including your cars and equipment. security to take its place. The meeting also allows a prospective In the end, it usually boils down Deciding whether or not to provide franchisee a second opinion from someone to your home, assuming there is personal security for a business who knows them - warts and all. Franchisors sufficient equity in it once any existing loan is a big decision, but then so is find that partners are especially honest. mortgage is taken into account, or going into business in the first place. The ultimate goal is that all parties are perhaps the home of another family It’s also a sign of confidence and as satisfied as possible that the franchise member or friend, depending on your commitment. If you’re not prepared partnership is the right one for them. circumstances. Possibly, commodities to back your own business plan, why such as gold, silver or even antique should anyone else? IS SUCCESS WHY WOULD A FRANCHISOR DECIDE Q GUARANTEED IF I Q NOT TO RENEW A FRANCHISEE’S INVEST IN A FRANCHISE? FRANCHISE AGREEMENT? JOHN PRATT WRITES: SHELLEY NADLER WRITES: adhere. There may be a requirement There are few things in life where success is It’s usually the practice for franchisors to for retraining or the purchase of the guaranteed and investing in a franchise is grant a franchisee the right to renew their latest technology. If a franchisee does not one of them. Having said that, the whole agreement at the end of the initial term. not comply with these requirements, a point of franchising is that a franchisor is able However, there are conditions attached. franchisor may decide not to renew the to say to a prospective franchisee: “I have It’s usual for renewal of the franchise agreement. created a system that works and which can be franchise agreement to be subject to There is usually a requirement that the replicated successfully.” the franchisee’s compliance with the franchisee gives notice to the franchisor The franchisor must then prove that what terms of the agreement during the that they wish to renew within a certain it’s saying is true. It is, as a result, essential that initial term. If a franchisee has been period prior to the expiry of the initial prospective franchisees carefully evaluate the served with notices of breach of the term. If the franchisee doesn’t do this, offer. This means they need to have a full list franchise agreement by the franchisor, the franchisor could decide not to renew of all franchisees who they can talk to, plus the franchisor may decide not to renew, the franchise agreement, particularly information about their turnover, profitability even if these breaches were remedied. if the legal term ‘time is of the essence’ and start-up costs or the average position A condition of renewal may also be is used, which means that if the notice across the network. a requirement for the franchisee to is not provided strictly within the time The second step is to take a long hard look at make significant improvements to their period set, the right to renew can be lost, yourself and establish whether you have what business to bring it up to the standard even if there is only a slight delay of one it takes to be successful. That inevitably means to which a new franchisee would or two days. establishing whether you have the support of your family and whether you are the sort of person who would be prepared to work seven days a week for the first few years in order to achieve success. All that a franchisor can do is say that if you follow its system, you will not fail.

BRIAN DUCKETT SHELLEY NADLER is a LOUISE HARRIS is franchise JOHN PRATT How successful you are will depend on a OUR PANEL is chairman of The legal director in Bird & Bird’s network manager for NIC. is senior partner at combination of how good the franchise is and Franchising Centre, part international franchising She’s been a franchisor, specialist franchise firm of the world’s largest team and has many years’ franchisee and franchise Hamilton Pratt and has how much effort and skill you bring to it. network of specialist experience of advising on induction and support advised franchisors for franchise consultants. all aspects of franchising. training provider. over 25 years. Visit what-franchise.com for more information 56 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 5 minutes with... DENISE HUTTON- GOSNEY Denise launched her performing arts business, Razzamataz in 2000, and after braving the Dragon's business quite late on in life, with no money, and grafted really hard Den in 2007, and securing the backing of Duncan for his wealth and success. Bannatyne, her success has rocketed. She now runs a WF: Biggest lesson you've learned network with 46 franchisees, and over 400 employees. along the way? We grab 5 minutes from her busy working day. Be kinder to yourself, it’s OK to have a day off.

WF: Sum up your business franchise the business when WF: Why do you love franchising? in 5 words. I didn’t really know if anyone It’s a great way to grow your brand Exciting, fun, fast paced & rewarding! would want to buy into my with like minded people, together brand. It worked out great! We we are stronger. You’re always WF: When was your light- have an amazing network of very stronger as a network bulb moment? passionate hard working people. After establishing seven schools WF: What advice would you that operated on a part-time basis, WF: Proudest achievement – give a younger you? single-handedly, and seeing the work or otherwise Try not to take things personally. difference I was making to young Gaining charitable status for With it being your brand it’s also people and the local communities. our ‘Razzamataz Future Fund’, your ‘baby’ so sometimes it’s difficult That's when I knew I had which offers grants to our to not take it personally, I know something special. students to go to PA Colleges, this now. and of course my two gorgeous WF: Thing you love most about boys - both my legacies. WF: If I'd know then what your job? I know now.... Seeing young entrepreneurs WF: Who gives you advice? Be really careful and choose who like me start their journeys and My PR Karen Keeman and I you bring into your network wisely watching a shy child blossom into go a long way back! We’ve been - which I do and have done for a confident young adult. colleagues and good friends for some time now. 26 years. Also I work closely with WF: Greatest sacrifice you've Suzie from Platinum Wave who WF: What next? made to get where you are today? always has great advice when it Our 20th Anniversary Probably sacrificing some family comes to the franchise world. celebrations! Starting in London time. Running any business, in January with a huge conference in the early days you work very WF: Who do you most admire? for our network and some long hours. I most admire anyone who grafts surprises, then a West End Gala really hard for what they have in Performance followed by around WF: Biggest risk you've taken and life. Or do you mean a famous 400 of our students leading the how did it work out? person? I guess Duncan. You have parade at Disneyland! After that, I remortgaged my house to to admire him, as he started out in who knows? The sky’s the limit!

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 57 INSIGHT

The true costs of buying a franchise Here’s what to look out for before you sign on the dotted line

WORDS BY SUKI DEHAL

ore and more people of a franchise, will are looking at investing take a lot of energy, M in a franchise as a commitment and potential route into hard work in order business. Investment in a tried and to succeed. Research tested business model with the is the key to finding THE AUTHOR training and ongoing support from the right franchise Suki Dehal is the franchisor are all compelling opportunity to suit you. With the Franchise reasons to choose a franchise rather so many brands out there, each Development Manager than starting your own business will be looking for different key at Lloyds Bank set out all the ongoing costs, independently. skills and will offer different levels however some of these are not When you also take into account of investment. always entirely transparent. It is that an established brand name right that the franchisee should will attract customers from day one Do your research be paying for the support and and the franchisee network will There are many places to research guidance they benefit from, but provide the opportunity to pick up franchise opportunities, however be aware of all of the upfront national account work and negotiate it is not always clear what the true and ongoing costs before you better terms with suppliers, then investment costs are as there is no make a commitment to invest. franchising becomes an even more standardisation across the franchise Most franchisors do provide attractive prospect. Add to all that, media, which can be confusing. transparency once they know You need to know the likely total the fact that the failure rate for a potential investor is genuinely investment costs including all tools, franchisees is considerably lower, interested in buying into the equipment and working capital at fewer than 2% and it becomes a franchise; however make needed. Ask the franchisor for a full sure you fully understand compelling argument. breakdown of the investment plus the commitment you are However franchising is not a the ongoing costs. As an investor entering into. get-rich-quick scheme and thorough you should also consider how much Franchising remains a less risky research is necessary before making personal income you will need to route into self-employment and it any commitment to invest. Running draw from the business to maintain is likely that there is a perfect fit any business, even with the backing household costs, which should also for you out there, but there is no be factored in.. substitute for methodical research THE HIDDEN COSTS and understanding the true costs + A mark-up on any goods or services that are Check the small print before you commit to your chosen provided by the franchisor When you’ve selected your franchise brand. Covering the cost + A commitment to spend a minimum amount chosen franchise you will be can be done by either using your on local marketing asked to sign a franchise legal own savings or with the help of bank + A commitment to purchase a minimum agreement. These contracts are funding, so speak to your bank to amount of product from suppliers + Software licence fees lengthy and are rarely written in see how they can help support your + Vehicle leases plain English, so it is essential business ambitions. Lenders with a + Additional training fees that you get the agreement specialised franchise department, + Charges for new business leads checked and explained to you by such as Lloyds Bank, have a team of + Bookkeeping services, central invoicing and payment collection an experienced and reputable trained managers who understand + Licence renewal fees franchise solicitor, preferably franchising and are likely to have + Be aware of a fixed management services fees affiliated with the British a track record of funding existing or where there is a minimum amount payable, Franchise Association. franchisees in the brand you are to ensure that these are set at reasonable levels. The legal agreement will looking to invest in.

58 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 INSIGHT

Money Matters How Research and Development Tax Relief Could Benefit Your Franchise

WORDS BY CARL READER

ou may not be aware Meeting the qualifying criteria be readily resolved by a ‘competent of it, but HMRC is is key to being awarded the rebate. professional’ in the industry and Y currently actively There is further information on it will be necessary to show how promoting research the gov.uk website but briefly, the scientific or technological and development (R&D) tax relief HMRC states: “The work that uncertainties were faced and how for qualifying organisations. The qualifies for R&D relief must be these were overcome. According THE AUTHOR R&D tax relief is designed to part of a specific project to make an to HMRC: “This can be a simple Carl Reader is the support companies that work on advance in science or technology. description of the successes and Chairman at d&t, innovative projects in science and It cannot be an advance within a failures you had during the project.” award-winning technology and can be claimed by social science like economics or a chartered accountants and expert business companies that seek to research or theoretical field like pure maths. advisors develop an advance in their field. The project must relate to your “Meeting the This is an interesting and company’s trade - either an existing important tax break which could be one, or one that you intend to qualifying relevant for any franchisor working start up based on the results of the on new products or services, or for R&D. Your project may research criteria is key to any company considering longer- or develop a new process, product term R&D projects. Tax relief can or service or improve on an being awarded even be claimed on unsuccessful existing one.” the rebate” projects, so it is worth being aware of This means, any advance in a the significant financial benefits this field of science or technology which could bring. extends the overall knowledge in Getting the right advice the given field and not just the Dealing with the detail of HMRC How do you qualify? company’s own state of knowledge rules and regulations often The key point is that for qualifying or capability, could qualify for a requires guidance and so working companies, the R&D expenditure significant tax rebate. It can’t just with accountants and business attracts an additional 130% of the be an existing technology that advisors who can cut through qualifying costs being claimed for has been used for the first time the jargon to guide you through tax purposes. So, for a company in your sector. The technological the process is a worthwhile qualifying for £100k worth of R&D, challenge will not have been able to investment. If as a franchisor, you there are additional qualifying costs are considering an R&D project, of £130k, taking the total which can it would be worth discussing the be reclaimed to £230k. scope of the work in advance, with qualified individuals to ensure all your hard work is recorded correctly and therefore recognised by HRMC to qualify for this valuable tax break. Last year, d&t won the bfa Innovation & Development Award at the British Franchise Association conference. Our team of experts are always happy to discuss ideas and projects and provide guidance to franchisors and other companies about the world of tax and business planning.

For further information please see: team-dt.com

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 59

Steve Beadle, head of the ERA Other highlights included a by enjoyed were The days three AT A GLANCE AT EXPENSE REDUCTION ANALYSTS Established: 1992 650-plus outlets: Number of franchised of units: UK and internationally Location (plus VAT) £44,900 range: Investment capital: 30 per cent Minimum required start-up costs of total moneil@ Contact: Matt O’Neil 07753 966651 expensereduction.com. European support staff. This event us to build enables as well as relationships, stronger develop new ones, which ultimately opportunity in more forresults everyone involved.” Key highlights from the conference included insightful presentations ERA support by delivered staff, partnershelping franchise to advantageunderstand how to take of new technologies and embrace the digital world for business development and workshops that the sharing of knowledgefostered and best practice. LEARNING AND SHARING LEARNING AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE Academy, says: “Learning says: and Academy, enables is what sharing knowledge network of professionalsthis great to grow and improve their franchise as a essential that businesses. It’s we not only provide ourfranchisor partnersfranchise tools with the necessary for success, but also guide advantagethem on how to best take of these tools, especially within this fast changing business environment we all work in.” by opening ceremony creative Spanish team, a networking ERA’s an excellent keynote tapas tour, White by Jeremy speech delivered magazine and the annualof Wired which gala dinner, franchisee a special awards also featured the excellence recognising ceremony of the company’sand dedication network. franchise already have all and preparations conference,started next for year’s Italy. place in which will take

While enjoyment and franchisee andFlorian adds: “Collaboration process efficiency. among the key were recognition components when organising ERA operationsthe conference, wanted Florian Damien manager thatto promote an environment and collaboration facilitated personal development. principals of the core development are Expense Reduction Analysts business aremodel and annual conferences opportunity for franchiseesa great to meet and network with their colleagues andinternational VALUE THROUGH INSIGHT VALUE This year the theme of the conference Through was delivering ‘Value recently ERA’s - mirroring Insight’ - a referenceintroduced strapline franchiseto how the company’s partners, through their expertise, experience can create and insight, and provide bespokeadditional value efficiency solutions for their clients of cost optimisation,in the areas andsupplier management

ast month in the beautiful Spanish sunshine, more than 300 guests gathered on the Costa Blanca for

latest European conference European latest L At the same time, ERA franchisees It’s very much a key event inIt’s numbers and thought provoking seminars and by the franchisor delivered alike. franchisees of opportunityhad plenty to meet with newtheir European colleagues, forge and discuss opportunitiesrelationships collaboration,for international including a warm welcome from the Spanish network. company’s the opening of Expense Reduction Analysts’ annual European conference. with insightful the ERA calendar, engaging workshopspresentations, Collaboration and learning featured featured and learning Collaboration ISSUE 15.4

| Strength in in Strength prominently at Expense Reduction Analysts’ Analysts’ Reduction at Expense prominently “Learning and sharing enables is what knowledge of network this great professionals to grow” BEHIND THE THE BEHIND BRAND

Behind the Brand - Expense Reduction Analysts 60 WHATFRANCHISE BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - TaxAssist Accountants

Ahead of the AT A GLANCE TAXASSIST ACCOUNTANTS Established: curve 1995 Number of franchised outlets: 329 Location of units: TaxAssist Accountants franchisee Dave Forrester is UK-wide Investment range: online not in line when it comes to business £100,000-£130,000 Minimum required capital: £40,000 ave Forrester joined wanted a change of direction. I also Contact: TaxAssist Accountants, had young children and wanted to Nikki Haythorne: the UK’s largest spend more time with my family.” [email protected] D www.taxassistfranchise.co.uk network of small TaxAssist has been operating business specialist accountants, successfully for 24 years and in 2009 after purchasing a is a game changer for both the franchise resale. accounting industry and small He has grown his business businesses, in the way it ‘retails’ quicker and so much easier to consistently over ten years, building tax and advisory services through access than working on a desktop. his practice up to almost 1,000 open and welcoming shops. This With Making Tax Digital being clients, who are serviced from three concept has proven to be an rolled out, it’s fantastic for both shops across West Yorkshire in effective way to build a practice, myself and my clients, as we are Keighley, Ilkley and Bingley. with many franchisees ahead of the curve, already used to opening multiple working in this way. shops in their “I think for a client, if they went territory. It’s to a practice that wasn’t using the also popular with current leading software, both small businesses, could be losing out, whether it be which enjoy the with the functionality or the time friendly, convenient saving aspect. Clients benefit from, local service. and are aware of our commitment For Dave, a typical to online accounting and refer to day is varied and us for this reason regularly.” includes seeing clients, meeting with GETTING THE new business contacts BALANCE RIGHT or attending regular For Dave, the main highlight networking events. of being a TaxAssist franchisee He acknowledges has been: “Building my own his team of 13 is business whilst having quite a key to his success, young family. I’ve been able to embracing the balance my home and work life. staff training that’s “Being your own boss is a massive offered by the benefit of being a franchisee. TaxAssist support Ultimately, you’re responsible for “we’re in a digital age and centre and offering clear staff and for growing your business, career progression. but the rewards are yours if you are the natural progression is “I am passionate about staff successful. With our model, it takes for everything to be online” development, as this is key to time for your business to develop enabling me to take more of a and build, but if you follow the A CHANGE IN DIRECTION back seat and let the business road map that TaxAssist lays out On his decision to join the run itself,” Dave explains. for you, you’ve got a very good TaxAssist network, Dave says: “I chance of success.” had been working as a chartered EARLY ADOPTER TaxAssist attracts both management accountant for a large Dave was one of the early adopters accountants and business/finance American bank in controllership of online bookkeeping products, professionals, as franchisees can and financial systems roles, but was adding: “We’re in a digital age employ accountants, leaving them at the stage of my career where I and the natural progression is free to concentrate on building was a bit fed up with the job and for everything to be online as it’s their practice.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 61 INSIGHT

When Do I Start? Discover the hybrid skills of the perfect franchisor

WORDS BY SUZIE MCCAFFERTY

hen it comes to Head of Product is provided by an effective support franchisee recruitment, Development staff; the financial rewards of the W having high Think of the most successful franchisor depend on building a expectations of the hamburger franchise. I guarantee network of highly successful, happy person opposite you at the interview we’re all thinking of the same one. franchisees who wish to grow their table is very much a two-way street. That continued success is in large businesses and support the big THE AUTHOR Franchisors can spend so much time part due to having the foresight to picture ambitions of the brand. Suzie McCafferty drawing up a huge list of things that move with the times. Customers is CEO of franchise their future franchisees MUST have Chief Quality Officer consultancy have demanded healthier options, or be, that they forget that a well- Platinum Wave more variety, more certainty over The best franchisors are obsessed prepared prospective franchisee food providence, a more engaging with quality, right across the board. always has a big list of their own. dining/ordering experience. If Within most business sectors you We are in conversation with they had stuck to the belief that can see which franchise brands are candidates from the time they the original model was too perfect intent on becoming the biggest, or first start considering the idea of a to change, then, with so many the loudest or the cheapest, and franchise, right through to signing competitors in the market, people then you can see which ones are up to one - so we know what really would have moved on. intent on truly becoming the best. attributes they consider make for a Remember, no franchisor is too Surprisingly, being the best is not good franchisor. big not to look ahead. always what clinches the deal for The most important thing you a prospective franchisee. For my need to understand from the Director of Long-Term money, I’d choose the Franchisor start, is that your former role as Commitment who is dedicated to quality. Then the owner of a successful business In franchising, the opposite of long- I’d know that everything from my has changed, and you now have a term commitment tends to be the training, my fellow franchisees, and multitude of new job titles. Here's franchisor who is solely interested yes, my long-term prospects will what your prospective franchisee is in selling franchises. A good likely be best. looking for. franchisor, however, is all about the So, if you want to be a great long game. Only quality franchisees franchisor, with a future-proofed are accepted into the network; business and a top performing The Investor in People initial training is thorough and network, interview yourself for these You had an idea, built a successful comprehensive; ongoing support four roles - did you get the job? business and now you’re expanding. Your success as a franchisor however, now depends on the ongoing success of your franchisees – and that is something you need to be properly invested in. Training, support, ongoing development, providing the best tools for the job, marketing, future proofing… good franchisors don’t leave their franchisees’ success to chance, they invest in it.

62 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - OSCAR Pet Foods/What’s On In

their enthusiasm and pursuit of fact-based knowledge.” Innovative approaches and Pets Win Prizes strategies to help their network has ensured their credibility as a franchisor. Promoting the importance of animal welfare OSCAR Pet Foods win a coveted Silver ‘Franchisor of the through a uniquely recognised qualification focusing on health, Year’ accolade at the 2019 bfa HSBC Franchise Awards disease, and animal behaviour, has paved the way for both franchisee inning silver in our and customer confidence. “ 25th Anniversary “We are constantly evolving and W year surpasses the listening, to ensure that OSCAR excitement we is so much more than pet food, shared at being shortlisted for and this accolade demonstrates two categories, and shines a the external recognition of these light of sparkling achievement efforts. The future of OSCAR Pet on our dedicated network Foods rests in the hands of our of franchisees,” says Richard talented network of franchisees, and Martin, Managing Director. allowing them to thrive is essential “Working tirelessly, alongside our to our business.” explains Richard. outstanding Head Office Team, The British Franchise Association they provide invaluable support (bfa) is the voice of ethical and professionalism to customers franchising in the UK and has been and their pets, and this award running its flagship franchising would not be possible without awards for nearly 30 years. Web Platform

You can become a What’s On In franchisee for under £1,000

f the What’s On In franchise, offers a franchisee an excellent income from managing director Stephen Smith advertisers, but also allows them to place O (pictured) says: “It was simple, we affiliates on their website, which pay franchisees know the UK online advertising up to 70 per cent affiliate commission. A market is worth£89 billion and we saw the franchisee needs no technical knowledge, as all market waswide open. loading of adverts is carried out by the What’s “We also wanted to make our franchise On In support team. Bookings are made online available to anyone and that’s why we priced it via the website and payment is made within at £789. The return on investment is amazing. three minutes direct to the franchisee’s PayPal We also offer an interest free finance package.” account, which means excellent cash flow. Potential monthly incomes are £5,000- USER FRIENDLY £8,000, depending on commitment. Dani Smith, joint managing director, says: Franchisees receive a fully exclusive “I needed to make sure our web platform was postcode area. user friendly for the advertisers and that we Stephen and Dani Smith believe What’s On could offer any business a free sales web page. In offers the perfect low cost entry into the 82 per cent of UK businesses have no website, profitable franchise arena. so we needed to address this with a free web page for every advertiser.” Visit www.woifranchise.com A typical What’s On In website not only or call 07860 833822.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 63 INSIGHT

The 4 Pillars Approach How to strengthen, protect and grow your franchise business

WORDS BY CHRISTY WILSON DELK

ou are officially months and years when the pride knowledge led me to start qualified to read this of ownership and the income and thinking and acting differently. Y article if you either lifestyle it afforded led to feelings I would stay aligned with own an existing of joy, confidence and thoughts franchisor processes and franchise or are convinced that of: “Why would anyone not want programmes and strategically focus owning a franchise is the best path to own and operate their own my business on four essential areas forward for your personal and franchise?” Those exhilarating going forward. Those four areas THE AUTHOR financial freedom. peaks can often sustain one’s gradually became the foundational Christy Wilson Delk is a business professor I was once you. At 35, I made drive and motivation for pillars that guided and drove my at Rollins College a decision that changed my life: prolonged periods. business for my remaining tenure. in Winter Park, the decision to buy a franchise. I As the leader of your business, Florida and author had a wonderful relationship with The epiphany these aspects must become your of Adventures in my franchisor and made plenty By the end of year four, with two number one priority. Franchise Ownership. of money. Then, after 15 years of challenging valleys under my belt, ownership, I made another big the question I kept asking myself The 4 Pillars Approach decision and sold my business. was: “What’s missing from my Try visualising the 4 Pillars this This is what happened during the business?” I realised the 2001 post way: when you sign up to be a in between years. 9/11 recession and the ensuing dot. franchisee, you buy plans with com economic tumble were, to a detailed daily, weekly and monthly Peaks and valleys large extent, things I could not processes and a basic structure for In the early days, there were control. But they got me thinking a proven, successful enterprise. many times when I wondered: about what I could control. Once your franchise is established, “What if this doesn’t work?” and It was during that time I came in order to ensure your continued had my share of sleepless nights. across the book Peaks and Valleys success and maintain your passion Usually, the tough days were due by Spencer Johnson. I read it as an owner, it’s imperative you to cash flow not being what I had voraciously. The general concept fortify what you have built. The counted on or a key employee of the book is that in order to be 4 Pillars Approach provides the giving insufficient notice - one successful long term, the wise framework and strategy you need time I had to learn to drive a bus business owner will learn to adapt by strengthening, protecting over a weekend! their business in a way that smooths and growing your business in a Staying motivated and engaged out the peaks and valleys of cycles methodical and streamlined way. was by no means a given. The and other challenges. Spencer No one pillar is more important work was exceedingly challenging. purported that with the right than the other. They are built When I discovered a thief in my planning, a wise business owner in tandem to create synergies ranks, I fantasized about selling could continue to build and grow, and unexpected benefits to your and doing something else. Then even during market downturns. business. As long as they are I’d put my head down and trudge I wanted to be that wise balanced, your business will thrive. through the valleys until the owner. I decided then that I outlook was bright again. would learn how to strengthen, Pillar 1: The work was also exceedingly protect and grow my business Layers of loyalty: rewarding. There were many the best way I could. This new strengthen your business. Building layers of loyalty is the pillar that adds long-term stability “As the leader of your business, to a high performing franchise. All stakeholders contribute to the these aspects must become long-term sustainable growth and success of your franchise, including your number one priority” employees, clients, the local community and your franchisor.

64 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 metrics-based and effectively use planning and performance your leadership measurements to achieve capital and build your annual profit and revenue goals. pillars to fit your values Developing and maintaining a true and goals in the local market. competitive advantage are also I was one person with 50 part of this foundational pillar. Loyalty ensures market forces and employees, 500 families to serve competitors don’t have a lasting and a child to raise. Being strategic Pillar 4: impact on your profitability and about how I invested my leadership Method management: extends your reach and goodwill time and energy was imperative focus your business. with negligible costs. It’s never too to my success and my sanity. I’m Method management puts success soon or too late to strengthen your confident it will work for you, too. directly within your control business strategically by layering because it’s the ‘how to’ part of loyalty internally and externally. Pillar 3: building the pillars. I would not have been able to Money metrics: Starting with an annual review expand my business twice if it grow your business. and organisational accountability, weren’t for the good relationships Knowing your money metrics method management gives you and loyalty I had built with my is foundational for building and the framework and timeline to franchisor and the others who growing your franchise and build loyalty and lead strategically mattered most. These relationships increasing your annual income. using your money metrics as a are a significant component of More detailed than your basic baseline. Frankly, it’s the least sexy your success and make being company finances, money metrics part of how franchisees become a franchisee more personally include franchisor data, industry successful, but it’s perhaps the rewarding and enjoyable. norms and measurements of your most important pillar because own performance history for this is the cement that holds your Pillar 2: comparing and then projecting business structure together. Strategic leadership: into the future. protect your business. In its basic form, understanding By methodically and Leading strategically is a fresh take your metrics means you know your simultaneously building your pillars on leadership, aligning practical key numbers and can predict with - layer by layer and year after year leadership processes and methods reasonable certainty how an increase - your success and the income you with your time constraints and in one expense or metric will add or make will be solely determined by vision for your franchise. detract from your bottom line and you. Your franchisor will always play Categorising leadership as therefore how much money you will an important role in your success, ‘planned’, ‘unplanned’ and make in a given year. but the 4 Pillars Approach will ‘responsive’ opportunities and For me, there was simply no ensure that you make the most of challenges, allows you to efficiently substitute for incorporating your time, opportunity and talents.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 65 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Chemex International

AT A GLANCE CHEMEX INTERNATIONAL

Established: A Clean 1985 Number of franchised outlets: 45 Location of units: Nationwide Environment Investment range: £23,500 Contact: [email protected] Chemex offers customers a range of sustainable and www.chemexuk.com biodegradable products

formulated using natural Application and motivation are biological agents (rather considered critical success factors, than harsh chemicals) rather than background or sales to give incredible skills. Franchisees who demonstrate cleaning results. The enthusiasm for developing their company supplies super- business will reap excellent rewards. concentrates, which are Unlimited opportunities for growth diluted on site using mean franchisees may decide to refillable trigger bottles, employ staff or operate more than minimising packaging one van. and transport costs and Stephen Crinks, a long-standing environmental impacts. Chemex franchisee, explains: This smart thinking saves “Running a Chemex franchised valuable resources and business is hard work, always hemex franchisees cuts costs for customers. challenging, but immensely have been offering a rewarding. No two days are ever C van-based, business to DYNAMIC TRAINING the same. business hygiene service New franchisees benefit from a “You have the satisfaction of to hotels, restaurants, cafes, care dynamic, hands-on initial training helping your customers run their own homes, NHS trusts and others for scheme and continual learning. businesses to the highest standard, more than 30 years. This helps them to become the being compliant with ever changing The diverse and impressive mix trusted expert customers can turn legislation, as well as getting to of customers is a testament to the to for guidance and advice on all know them and their needs and excellence of the company’s range hygiene matters. establishing working relationships and the value it adds to client’s They learn how to improve that last for many years.” businesses. Chemex franchisees customers’ hygiene outcomes, how to Chemex is a stable and successful become trusted partners to their offer great advice, pinpoint solutions franchise business that offers customers, who rely on the expertise to customer needs, identify and opportunities for growth, profitability they can offer. implement preventative measures and satisfaction. The company has and train customers to use products operations in Europe, Scandinavia, “A repeat safely, effectively and efficiently. the Middle East, North America and Australasia, as well as more than 70 business model SUPER SUPPORT branches in the UK. with excellent AND OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY returns” Field-based franchise support teams, as well as dedicated head office staff, As a manufacturer and innovator provide support to take franchisees of cleaning, hygiene and infection from start-up through to profitability. control products, Chemex offers Franchisees benefit from low royalty unique, environmentally friendly fees, an exclusive and extensive hygiene and cleaning solutions. territory, effective lead generation, The Chemex range is sustainable, cutting edge mobile technology, sales, biodegradable and environmentally marketing and technical support, responsible, with many of its products plus great returns.

66 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Caremark

AT A GLANCE Taking care of CAREMARK Established: 2005 Number of franchised outlets: 100-plus Location of units: UK-wide business Investment range: £100,000 Minimum required capital: £30,000 URL: www.caremarkfranchises.com Rising star Raspinder Singh reflects on his first year Contact: 01903 266392 as a Caremark franchisee

aspinder Singh, was more than happy to exchange 29, launched his best practice.” Caremark franchise R in his hometown of DRIVEN TO ACHIEVE Gravesend, Kent in February 2018. Raspinder’s initial business plan It’s already thriving, with care incorporated a projected rate of worker retention and community growth. Within nine months, he outreach at the core of his business had increased client hours from and an industry recognised award zero to 500 per week. In addition under his belt. and in line with his original “My first year in business estimations, care workers have has exceeded my expectations,” consistently joined the team. But Raspinder says. “The care industry despite this rapid growth, it’s the is one of the most challenging quick rate at which his Caremark sectors to operate a business in, franchise is able to support charitable with more demand than suppliers causes, that continues to drive can currently meet. Raspinder to achieve. “According to the Financial “My priority as a business owner was Conduct Authority, it’s estimated before long he realised that, instead to put my standing in the community that by 2040, one in seven UK of feeling fulfilled by his career path, to good use by regularly contributing citizens will be aged 75 or over, so he was essentially ‘ticking boxes’. to local and national charities,” he demand for high quality care is “I took a step back to reassess says. “Within months of launching only going to increase.” my priorities,” Raspinder says. the business, we had submitted our “I’ve always been entrepreneurially first financial grant. That gave me an CAREER CHANGE minded and take pride in supporting immense sense of satisfaction and Raspinder began his career as a others - I’m an integral member of continues to do so one year in. While financial analyst, having completed a the Sikh community and had been this benefits those who certainly degree in accounting and finance. But working with my local temple as deserve the support, it also raises the a volunteer. This opened my eyes profile of the business and increases to the support I could offer to the the credibility of our brand.” vulnerable residents in the area - launching a care business would “Demand for high combine my passion for supporting others with my quality care is only determination to succeed.” Raspinder considered the options going to increase” available to him and opted to invest in a franchise that most As a testament to Raspinder’s suited his values. dedication, he was named the “A Caremark franchise appealed to Caremark ‘Rising Star’ at its annual me,” he says. “The brand is respected conference, for demonstrating early within the care community, but I was promise and commitment to the more intrigued by the level of support local community. available. I was instantly impressed He adds: “We’ve come so far in by the collaborative nature of the one year and I can say, hand on heart, network - everyone this is just the beginning.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 67 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 68

Start a lucrative and rewarding business offering business coaching and consulting services to the many millions of prospective clients across the UK and beyond.

Chrysalis Partners has many benefits, including: ■ Ongoing training to include new materials ■ Excellent cash flow from an early stage – clients developed pay in advance ■ Initial supply of stationary and supplies ■ Fully inclusive 4 day residential training course ■ Personalised biography on the Chrysalis Partners ■ Full access to the Chrysalis Partners Coaching website and Consulting system ■ Partner advancement program ■ Chrysalis Partners operating license ■ Use of Chrysalis Partners branding for your ■ Unlimited support from Head Office practice ■ Attendance at regular Head Office events ■ Money back guarantee on your license fee Low start up costs Unlike some franchises, the initial outlay for Chrysalis Partners is very affordable. Not only is the fee payable very reasonable but you have very little that you need to buy to get started. If you are mobile and have a telephone and a laptop you are ready to go – everything else you need is provided within the franchise system. 01403 888339 www.chrysalispartners.co.uk [email protected] DON'T LET A @whatfranchise FRANCHISING Get connected OPPORTUNITY linkedin.com/company/ PASS YOU BY, what-franchise Bringing you the latest trends, news and CONNECT WITH facebook.com/ happenings in the online franchising space US TODAY AT: whatfranchise

WHAT'S TRENDING

“When it comes to the categories that receive the most traffic on what-franchise.com, it's tough to knock the formidable food LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION and beverage sector off of its If you were at the recent British Franchise Association perch. However, our web team is (bfa) Conference, you would have spotted the What Franchise team – and our rather noticing a substantial up-tick in eye-catching film equipment – conducting video interviews with some of the biggest pet-related franchise enquiries names in the UK franchise industry. To check out the videos and hear from franchisors over the last month. Whether talking about what makes their business ahead of the curve and truly investment- this is down to budding worthy, make sure to bookmark what-franchise.com/video today business-owners enjoying summery walks with their furry friends and wishing to RECOMMENDED turn it into a career is anyone's VIEWING guess, but my hunch is that the relatively recession-proof The British Franchise Association nature of the sector is the main (bfa) has just released a news appeal. The pet and animal and current affairs style- franchises currently attracting a programme called 'Franchising lot of attention from our online the Next Generation', produced in visitors include Oscar Pet Foods partnership with ITN Productions. and Barking Mad. To take a look Presented by newsreader Natasha at these business opportunities Kaplinsky, it explores the value of and a wide array of many others, franchising, highlights the people head to what-franchise.com.” behind the success stories, and demonstrates why investing in a franchise is a career choice with great potential for new talent. “We are excited to launch with a programme James Fell, showcasing the opportunities that franchising can bring to both businesses looking Head of Content to grow and investors looking to build their own franchise unit,” said Pip Wilkins, Chief [email protected] Executive of the bfa. Watch it at thebfa.org

THE POWER OF VIDEO work-related videos at least once a week Haven't factored video into your • Using the term 'video' in an email subject franchise's marketing strategy? Well, line boosts open rates by 19 per cent these stats will have you scrambling • 96 per cent of B2B companies are for the nearest camera. planning to incorporate video into their content marketing plans over • Video now accounts for half of the next year all mobile traffic • 75 per cent of business execs watch *Stats from mwpdigitalmedia.com

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 69 BEHIND THE BRAND

AT A GLANCE CHRYSALIS Partners in PARTNERS

Established: 2017 Number of franchised outlets: Profit 6 Location of outlets: UK Minimum required capital: Chrysalis Partners offers the latest £40,000, including working capital Business Coaching platform URL: chrysaliscoach.co.uk Contact: David Watts. 01403 888339

“Run a flexible business, working as few or as many hours as you want”

business with a huge range of tools, it just can’t fail. I would highly recommend the course, the systems and the amazing support from David and all the team”. magine a business Program during your first three Manish Kapur, franchisee from model where you months in business, so you can London says “it was evident to work the hours you learn from someone who has me from the first day that the I choose, the days been successfully consulting and training and systems used by you choose and with whom coaching for more than 20 years. Chrysalis Partners are world class. you choose. How does that The plan is designed to help The training was enjoyable and sound? Too good to be true, you win your first two to three very comprehensive and gave right? Wrong. clients and is a structured 90- me all the tools and systems I Chrysalis Partners’ business day program to ensure that you will ever need to become a world coaches enjoy all these benefits start to make money as quickly class business coach. Within and can earn in excess of £1,000 as possible. a week of leaving my previous per day helping small business employment, I had secured my owners grow and scale their BUT WHAT DO OUR first client, generated from the businesses using the company’s COACHES SAY? initial inclusive Head Office proven business models. Gareth Johnson, franchisee appointment program”. And that’s not all. During its in Surrey says “the system next training course Chrysalis represents the best practice in WHAT’S INCLUDED IN Partners is running a marketing business growth with years of THE FRANCHISE FEE? campaign that will target new experience from the top people Chrysalis Partners provides a clients for you at no extra charge. in the field. The quality and fully inclusive, five-day initial This activity will generate leads depth of the material is first training programme at a high and appointments with potential class and importantly, you leave end facility, which will give you clients to target after your the course with a step-by-step a comprehensive insight into training. Many of our coaches action plan to start building a its methodologies, systems and win their first clients from this successful business based on how to become established as a activity and it’s all funded from years of experience”. business coach and build your own Head Office and is included Steve Mahony, franchisee practice. We will train you on our within your franchise fee. based in the West Midlands comprehensive but easy-to-follow In addition, Chrysalis Partners says “the training is fantastic systems and programs. Following will team you up with a coach’s and the systems are so clear training you will be given a website coach on its Enhanced Support and thorough it provides each which will be preconfigured to

70 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 Behind the Brand - XxxxxxxxxxxChrysalis WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 71 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM David Watts, who heads up who heads up Watts, David “Chrysalis uses Partners “What this means is that Chrysalis Partners, says: “ThroughChrysalis says: Partners, group meetings, we regular to work franchisees encourage successes to and share together base and broaden their knowledge strengths. one another’s leverage the very and coaching latest consulting systems and models to work to enable franchisees with clients of all sizes, unlike of our competitors. many and winning new attracting clients becomes far simpler diversity greater you offers and in the clients you choose to work with.”

Unlike the majority of our of our majority the Unlike join franchisees New “Unlike the majority of our competitors the majority “Unlike most of our fees make we from the deliversuccess to the client” we that Most new in the businesses fail Most the first few years, therefore coach for a business requirement to help steer them to success is than ever. greater competitors most of we make we our fees from the success that deliver to the client, therefore the clients love working with us, ‘partnered’ we are knowing that on a journey to joint success. of business a community their professionals who share experiences about and thoughts using the Chrysalishow they are models and strategies Partners to best effect.

You can work from an office can work from an office You With 5.7 million small to million small to With 5.7 medium-sized businesses in the UK, the demand for Chrysalis services is huge. Partners’ DEMAND IS HUGE DEMAND IS HUGE AND ONGOING FRANCHISEE TRAINING FRANCHISEE TRAINING AND SUPPORT is held in a class training World luxury full residential with facility facilities included for the duration will find You of your training. ground-breaking, the training and it will certainly open your eyes to the infinite possibilities to develop and grow a business. on all of training will receive You constantly the systems, which are evolving, new materials and any given free developed over time are to current franchisees. of charge is completeOnce training we offer supportunlimited ongoing and enhanced one-to-one support to are help drive your business. We to the success totally committed and we supportof our franchisees this with a money back guarantee on your license fee in the event you cannot be successful. that The is cost of the franchise very competitive with any just at similar franchise, £29,950 including full training. the potential returns However, for those significant are individuals who follow the activity guidelines and systems You which we recommend. should be cash positive within a few short months and highly of profitable in your first year working with the system. EXCELLENT RETURN RETURN EXCELLENT ON INVESTMENT generate prospects, as soon as generate the course. This is all you leave fee. franchise included within your or from home and following access to you will have training unlimited support from Chrysalis team. head office The Partners’ run a flexiblemodel enables you to fewbusiness, working as or as hours as you want. many BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - KarePlus/Raring2go!

members of the company’s support team will be available during the two-hour session to talk with Kare to attendees about the different head office functions and their role in the day-to-day of running of a franchise. Not a big coffee drinker? Don’t Meet Us? worry, Kare Plus will have tea and soft drinks alongside some tasty pastries. Kare Plus, the nursing and healthcare provider is hosting Register your interest now to ensure your space on what will be an informal coffee morning for prospective franchisees a fantastic morning of discovery, franchising and great coffee. his August, Kare Plus is welcoming prospective To register visit https://discover. T franchise owners to a kareplus.co.uk or call 01952 783 338. coffee morning at its head office in Telford. Established MORNING PROGRAM in 1989, Kare Plus is a nursing and The two hours will cover: healthcare provider with a national • An introduction to Kare Plus network of franchises working in • The Kare Plus opportunity • Any questions you may have local communities through the provision of clinical and non- You will also have the chance to talk clinical care. with representatives from: This is the perfect chance • Marketing to learn about the Kare Plus • Compliance • Contracts opportunity in an open and • Support informal setting alongside like- • Finance minded individuals. Numerous

“The idea for the awards was pitched by one of our franchisees. We liked the idea so much, we Feel-good factor ran with it. Looking back, we’re so pleased we decided to do so. It was our ‘Big Mac moment’.” In 1967, McDonald’s The Raring2go! Awards are a win-win for all concerned franchisee Jim Delligatti created the Big Mac and urged the company to let him sell it he Raring2go! in the McDonald’s restaurants Awards are now in he ran. They eventually agreed their fourth year T and it became an icon of the and are being run by McDonald’s corporation. more and more of the company’s Freddie adds: “An open mind franchisees across the UK. to business is what we, as the They champion local businesses franchisor of Raring2go!, strive to that provide a service to families maintain. This means engaging of primary school age children and with our franchisees, listening to are a highly effective way to reward them and carefully evaluating all outstanding performance. suggestions they make. The goodwill generated “We’ve no idea what they’ll translates into written business come up with next, but for Raring2go! franchisees - an we’re always up for another accidental yet welcome by-product Big Mac moment. of this ‘feel-good’ initiative. Call 01273 447101 or 07702 BIG MAC MOMENT 186787. Alternatively, email Freddie St George, managing [email protected] or director of Raring2go!, says: visit www.getraring2go.co.uk

72 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Right at Home UK

Quality care AT A GLANCE RIGHT AT HOME UK Established: 2010 across the Number of franchised outlets: 60 Location of outlets: England and Wales Investment Range: network Up to £130,000, including working capital Minimum capital required: £40,000 Contact: Right at Home’s commitment to finding the right Kate Dilworth: kate.dilworth@ rightathomeuk.com or 07825 047344. franchisees has resulted in high standards across all rightathomefranchising.co.uk areas of the business

for outstanding care. at Home franchise network you are As a result, over not alone. You have a network of the last 12 months people to call upon for advice and almost 40 per cent of support. The company understands businesses inspected the challenges of moving from by the CQC were employment to business rated as ‘Outstanding’ ownership and starting up - compared to just 3 your business, as well as the per cent across the importance of identifying the homecare industry. right franchise to join. Right at Home is also the most highly recommended national THE FRANCHISEE STORY provider on Homecare. In 2017, James Levine and co.uk, the UK’s biggest Jonathan Beckett established homecare review site, Right at Home Sefton. They with a group score of shared a desire to deliver hen it comes to 9.8/10. This offers new franchisees person-centred homecare and establishing a homecare a fantastic platform from which raise the bar for the standard business, it’s vital to market their services, giving of care in their area. W By following the business to build trust with potential clients confidence in the prospective clients. But how can quality behind the brand. model and making the most you deliver confidence quickly when of the training and ongoing starting a new business? Right at EXCEPTIONAL CARE support of both the Right Home understands that trust is The emphasis placed on providing at Home national office and built through consistent quality and exceptional care means you receive network, James and Jonathan the selective route it has taken to expert training and support to help are already seeing outstanding build a network of 60-plus business you attain the highest CQC rating results - breaking records in owners, has paid dividends. and client satisfaction scores. the network by reaching the £1 When clients are confident in million turnover milestone in “Right at Home’s your services, it allows you to less than two years of trading. build a profitable business with In June, Solent and experience will a strong future. Southampton franchisees, The Right at Home UK franchise husband and wife team Kev help you build launched in 2010 and its business and Amy Popat, who run an a business to be owners are committed to becoming outstanding rated £1.5 million the UK’s most trusted providers of business, became the first proud of” homecare. The system is so strong, Right at Home franchisees there have been no financial failures to win the British Franchise As a homecare provider, the in its eight years of trading. Association’s coveted Franchisee network closely adheres to the Care You may be in business for of the Year Award. Quality Commission guidelines yourself, but when you join the Right

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 73 INSIGHT OPEN TO ALL Greater diversity and inclusivity in franchising are part of a cultural transformation

WORDS BY CATHERINE EADE

74 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 iversity has become a increase in the number of women for diverse models to facilitate buzzword in recent years, starting their own businesses the commitments and needs of D but it’s far more than just through franchising. prospective franchisees, such as a trend. As demographics “In 2018, 37 per cent of all new the growing number of franchising within the UK workforce constantly franchisees joining the industry were systems that can be operated from change and new international female and today 30 per cent of all home,” she says. markets continually emerge, franchisees are female - that’s a huge “The bfa understands the diversity in franchising has become rise of 20 per cent since 2015. importance of developing THE AUTHOR Catherine Eade is increasingly important. “Women bring their own skill opportunities for women in business, assistant editor of Diversity is about access, fairness set and character to the table. for example, which is why we created What Franchise and equality for everyone, regardless Some bring a softer approach in the bfa flagship event Empowering of what ethnicity, age, disability, dealing with people and a more Women in Business seven years ago gender and sexual orientation they empathetic standpoint that balances to bring together like-minded women are. But rather than being just a out the boardroom. Women are who can all benefit from each other’s banner some companies wave to more risk aware and bring a experiences and expertise.” prove a commitment to embracing different perspective, weighing up According to the 2018 bfa NatWest difference, diversity has become a decisions and analysing issues in franchise survey, while around 70 per necessity in business - and franchising a different way.” cent of franchise owners are male, is no different. 65 per cent of those employed within Research from business At the core of all franchise units are female. consultancy McKinsey & Company our decisions “It’s essential we provide a platform reveals that organisations with Joshua Barker, head of marketing at for women to lift each other higher higher gender and ethnic diversity multi brand franchisor Neighborly, and combat the lack of women in were more likely to outperform says: “We prefer to speak about leadership, which is why we created those that did not. inclusivity rather than diversity at EWIB,” Pip says. Business in the Community is Neighborly and view it not just as the a business-led membership right thing to do, but at the core of all Strong in the organisation dedicated to ‘responsible our decisions. Our commitment to diversity stakes business’. In partnership with the being inclusive is enshrined in our Stephen Worley, senior director of government, the organisation company’s code of values and communications at the International launched the Race at Work permeates our entire organisation. Franchise Association, believes the Charter, an initiative designed “We also want to attract the best franchise sector is particularly strong to improve outcomes for black, possible people when it comes to in the diversity stakes. Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) recruiting employees or franchisees, He says: “On a macroeconomic employees in the UK. regardless of their ethnicity, disability level in the United States, racial Employing people of all races, ages or gender identity.” and ethnic minorities, women and and backgrounds can breathe new life To achieve its goal of creating sexual minorities still face challenges, into a franchise, industry experts say. an inclusive franchise community, More women and young people than Neighborly is working towards a “Diversity has become a ever are also entering the franchise culture that reflects the interests, sector, with one in five franchisees contributions and values of members necessity in business - and who started a business in the past of diverse groups, according to Joshua. two years being under 30. “When you put people in boxes, it franchising is no different” can feel demeaning - discrimination A wonderfully is still discrimination, whether it’s particularly when it comes to hiring positive time positive or negative,” he says. “The and wage issues. But franchise “It’s a wonderfully positive time nature of franchising is founded on businesses are ahead of the curve on for women and young people in the the ability to run a successful business many of these issues, with franchise industry,” Helen Mansfield, and if franchisees have the right skill more equitable hiring and wage managing director of Encouraging set and show strong leadership, that is practices and greater numbers of Women into Franchising, says. what really matters to us.” diverse franchise business owners EWIF holds regular regional and employees.” meetings, an awards ceremony and an Franchising is He points to a recent study annual conference where women from forever evolving conducted by the IFA Foundation various sectors, both inside and Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British and professional services company outside of the franchise industry, Franchise Association, points out PwC, which found there was a can meet and network. that franchising is forever evolving, higher rate of minority (non-white) Helen adds: “In the past two years, with nearly double the number ownership among franchised 52 per cent of all new franchisees of franchise systems in the UK businesses than in non-franchised under 30 have been female and over compared to 20 years ago. businesses (31 per cent of franchised the last 10 years we’ve seen a massive “The bfa recognises the needs businesses were owned by minorities,

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 75 INSIGHT

compared to 19 per cent of non- diversity in background and beliefs of Franchising remains one of the most franchised businesses). the customer.” successful routes to business ownership, The same study also found that enabling hard-working, entrepreneurial women own franchised and non- The best approach for individuals to fulfil their ambition to become franchised businesses at roughly franchisors their own boss - whatever their age, cultural the same level and that franchised To make their recruitment process more background, gender or ability. businesses are more likely to be owned reflective of society, franchises can put As Pip Wilkins says: “Franchising equally by men and women than non- a range of procedures in place, Rachel allows people of all cultural backgrounds, franchised businesses. Saunders, director of Business in the religions, genders and experiences the “As a whole, the US is getting Community, says. opportunity to live out their dream of more diverse, not less,” Stephen says. "The best approach is to measure being a business owner.” “Some may see this as a challenge, diversity in the organisation and but it’s as an opportunity to create then set targets", she recommends. a diverse and dynamic talent pool "Franchises can monitor the “Employing people for jobs and careers at all levels recruitment of women, ethnic that truly reflects society. Franchise minorities and older workers, using of all races, ages and businesses, like all businesses, are the data to identify gaps and barriers backgrounds can breathe looking to serve the customer first in the recruitment process to ensure it and their employees should reflect the is more inclusive." new life into a franchise”

AN ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION

A spokesperson Will Bray (pictured) is the latest in a “Being part of a well known brand and for Subway told growing number of millennials to invest in being able to take advantage of everything us: “Diversity in the franchise, with two stores under his belt Subway has to offer, from marketing to brand Subway’s franchise at the age of just 24. He studied agriculture awareness, gives young people confidence owners is key and business studies at Newcastle University. to enter franchising with the support of a and an important But within months of graduating and with good company behind them.” part of owning a some financial support from his father, Will Will says: “The training was good fun Subway store is became the franchisee of a Subway store in and I was in a great group, many of whom being part of the Bath in August 2016. A second store in the were from different countries in Europe. community and city followed in May 2018. We’ve stayed in touch and it’s great to hear identifying with those around them. Subway offers millennials all the training from them and learn about their franchise “There isn’t one type of person that and support they require to build a profitable experiences in their home countries. I’ve makes a good franchise owner - they business. “This makes the franchise an even had the chance to visit one of my fellow come from all walks of life, genders, attractive proposition for the younger trainees in Amsterdam. religions and nationalities. What they generation, who may want to run their own “I enjoy being my own boss, in charge have in common is their drive, ambition business, but don’t have the experience to do of my work-life balance and my longer and entrepreneurial spirit.” it alone,” a Subway spokesperson says. term future.”

76 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 WE RELOCATED TO THE UK TO INVEST IN A FRANCHISE showroom and drive it forward suited to their lifestyle and family using our tried and tested commitments, Hayley says. business model. The business turned over “It takes a broad range of skills almost £250,000 in the first to achieve that, but that’s the only three months of 2019. factor that really matters when it “Because we were moving from comes to who is right to do the job. South Africa, we didn’t know the “Dream Doors customers live all local trading conditions and we over the country and come from didn’t have any contacts here, so diverse backgrounds, so it makes it made sense to join a franchise sense that franchisees should network,” Hayley says. “We feel reflect that diversity.” the franchise market in the UK is South African couple Hayley and very mature.” Gary Ashe (pictured) relocated to Alex adds: “Many of our Alex Waite, director of franchise the UK to invest in a Dream Doors successful franchisees first learned recruitment at kitchen makeover franchise, opening a showroom about Dream Doors by seeing our company Dream Doors, says: “Our that covered the Woking customer advertising, so it’s only recruitment policy is focused solely and Guildford territory. The natural that the country’s diversity on finding people who are willing Dream Doors franchise was well is reflected in our applicant pool.” and able to run their own kitchen

APPEALING TO ALL CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS

When husband and wife team Chris job as a civil servant in April 2009 and Andrea Rai (pictured) began to fully concentrate on building selling spicy Indian wraps at UK Chapati Man, with the support music festivals such as Glastonbury of Andrea, a former textile and Bestival in 2007, they could not designer and now full-time have foreseen just how successful mother to their son, Cassius. the concept would become. “We built the Chapati Man Inside the wraps were the business, concept and brand before authentic curry recipes Chris going down the franchising route had grown up with, made by his and launched the franchise model mother Martha - and their instant in summer 2018,” Chris explains. popularity cemented the launch of The couple were contacted by the Chapati Man brand. The Franchise Company initially, Chris and Andrea were both which believed it was a great brand in full-time employment to and concept. “They assisted us begin with, with Chris leaving his with building our franchise model and Mashud Choudhury is still our franchise sounding board,” Chris says. He adds: “Franchising is about obtaining franchisees who have the knowledge, skills, passion and vision of a business to make it a success and that means attracting people from all cultural backgrounds and walks of life. “Franchising is extremely hard work. It takes a great deal of time, effort and investment to make it a success and there is no quick fix. We have sold Chapati Man master franchises for New York and Sri Lanka, along with the franchise rights for London, in our first year of franchising. These are huge achievements, but there’s still a great deal of hard work ahead, with Chapati Man definitely on the right track.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 77 BEHIND THE BRAND

The vast majority of our franchisees are not from an educational background and It all adds up very few of them describe themselves as being excellent at maths. However, our franchisees see this as an opportunity to Mathnasium a global success now generating help ensure that no child has to struggle the way that they did. phenominal interest in the UK Our system identifies the gaps in children’s knowledge athnasium, the and creates a bespoke learning plan designed to fill those children’s education gaps. Our achievements and franchise, continues M the success of the families we in its quest to serve are linked directly to spread its unique style of the passion and commitment teaching across the globe. of our franchisees. It is truly We now have eight learning revolutionary, and that’s centres in England and plan to why it’s generating such open a further eight this year, extraordinary results for both with many other franchisees students and franchisees. at various stages of start-up. To find out more, request Mathnasium came to the UK a Franchise Information from a base of over 1000 centres Pack from: ukfranchise@ worldwide, and the level of mathansium.com or call interest has been phenomenal. 0161 791 0686

78 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Radfield Home Care

AT A GLANCE RADFIELD HOME CARE

Established: Winning 2016 Number of franchised outlets: 12 Location of units: Nationwide Investment range: £80,000 Home Care Minimum required capital: £25,000 Contact: [email protected] 01743 548 550 Radfield Home Care wins BFA Emerging www.radfieldhomecarefranchising.co.uk Franchisor of the Year Award 2019 “A great example of how a business can scale up and help the community”

example of how a business can scale up and help the community. Run for over 30 years as a small business before becoming a franchise, the company started franchising in 2016 and has scaled up with the customer at its heart.” With franchise partners currently operating across the UK, Hannah and her brother and co-founder, Alex spent eight years developing adfield Home Care opportunity for franchise partners Radfield’s award-winning home franchising was - but this recognition is the icing care business model. As a result, the announced as the on the cake and acts as a seal of R model was rigorously tried and tested winner of the British approval for our current and future prior to launch in late 2016. Before Franchise Association’s Emerging franchise partners. developing Radfield Home Care, Franchisor of the Year 2019 Award. “This would not have been the siblings grew up and worked Specialising in private care at-home possible without our fantastic within the residential care home services for the UK’s ageing support team that helps make our owned and operated by their parents, population, Radfield was selected franchise partners’ goals a reality. and Hannah went on to become by the judges due to its franchise They are all experts in their field a qualified and experienced GP - support systems, ethical business and have the experience, knowledge providing them both with a lifetime model and community involvement - and expertise to guide our franchise of extensive healthcare knowledge to beating numerous franchise brands, partners to success. With this share with franchise partners. both home care and non-home care. prestigious industry award and If you would like to find out Founder and Franchisor, ongoing investment, we look forward more about Radfield Home Care’s Dr Hannah MacKechnie was to supporting more franchise franchise model and how this delighted to receive this major partners in the coming months!” award could help you develop a franchising award: “I am so In order to be shortlisted for rewarding home care business, proud that Radfield has been the award, Radfield Home Care’s contact franchise recruitment recognised at the UK’s most franchise model went through manager, Ed Gill on 01743 548 550 prestigious franchising awards! rigorous rounds of judging, to be or franchise@radfieldhomecare. When we began franchising narrowed down to one of three co.uk. Alternatively, you can find just two and a half years ago, we finalists. During this process, out more or book your place at knew we had spent the time over HSBC’s Head of Franchising and an upcoming Discovery Day at the past eight years to develop a awards judge, Andrew Brattesani www.radfieldhomecare strong, rewarding and successful said: “Radfield Home Care is a great franchising.co.uk

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 79 BEHIND THE BRAND

AT A GLANCE ACTIONCOACH

Established: 1993 in Australia/2002 in UK A new outlook Number of franchised outlets: 240 in UK Location of units: UK-wide Investment range: on life and £69,000 Minimum required capital: £20,000 Contact: Call Rainy or Kerry-Ann on 01284 701 648 business or email [email protected]

John McHale talks about how his decision to become “When I found an ActionCOACH franchisee has led to his success ActionCOACH, n 2014, John McHale working with various teams within I immediately re-evaluated his the company on their personal realised I could I priorities and made and professional development. the decision that I mentored staff on upskilling use the system would change his outlook on life and project managed groups too, altogether. He’d spent many years which made me think about the they have working in operations management possibility of business coaching but was left wanting more, so full time. developed for began searching for something that “When I found ActionCOACH, would benefit both his business I immediately realised I could use over 20 years for and personal life. That’s when he the systems they have developed my own business” stumbled upon ActionCOACH. for over 20 years for my own “I completed my MBA at Aston business. One thing that stood with a culture of abundance. I Business School whilst working out was the lifestyle it offered - I really wanted to be able to spend for a large steel producer. After the could have an impressive work-life more time with my wife, Catherine, master’s course, my focus shifted to balance and be part of a brand and our four children.”

John McHale with ActionCOACH founder NO SNAP DECISIONS Brad Sugars and client Tilletts Clothing Despite being keen, John still winning Best Overall Company at the Business Excellence Awards took time on his due diligence. He looked at other franchises in a similar sector and did extensive research into what they could offer him. However, ActionCOACH still stood out from the rest. “During my career in the steel industry, I myself had been coached and therefore I recognised the benefits of having someone to bounce ideas off. I have to say, I was very impressed with the structure of the ActionCOACH franchise support model and the level of detail that goes into the systems. Combining those with the positive coaching experience, I knew an ActionCOACH franchise could be a winner.” John spoke to many other Action Coaches to confirm that this was the right decision and prepared himself for the hard work ahead.

80 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 Behind the Brand - ActionCOACH

One-on-one coaching with Tilletts Clothing

In 2014, John was ready to attend speakers, John is constantly learning ActionCOACH University. more strategies to help him win new “I don’t know of any other clients and retain existing ones. franchise that offers such GETTING FIT “I entered three of my clients in FOR BUSINESS for awards this year and they all won exceptional and thorough “The initial training was absolutely - the most a coach had won for that first-class. I spent ten days in Las year. It was such a great achievement ongoing support” Vegas with fellow franchisees and - both for myself and my clients - three of the best coaches from around and an amazing opportunity that And if you think ActionCOACH the world. We learnt everything from wouldn’t have been made possible if sounds like the right option for securing the first client to putting it wasn’t for the strength of the UK you, you’ll need to get to grips on events such as group coaching support team. They actively support with how to market yourself sessions and seminars.” franchise partners throughout the alongside the ActionCOACH John launched his ActionCOACH year to constantly better themselves. brand - people are attracted franchise in Yorkshire and The ongoing support is exceptional.” initially by the help an Action Lincolnshire in October 2014 and with John now has plans to grow his Coach can offer but it’s you as the knowledge of the systems under his business substantially. Having 20 a person they finally commit to belt, he got to work straight away. clients and an aim to double that working with. Enjoying self- “I have to admit, my first two years number in the next 18 months, development is vital too – both were very challenging but that’s he has recruited a PA to help in as a pre-requisite for being a the same for every new business the office. His next steps include business growth coach and as a owner. I spent that time getting to taking on a Business Development business owner yourself.” grips with it all and, with the help of Manager and creating a healthy the ActionCOACH team and their basis for his retirement. world-class systems, I was able to “Although I’m still quite far off If you’re looking for a new challenge, really establish my position in the retirement, I know that coaching want to make a difference in both yours marketplace. I don’t know of any other will be my job right up until the and others’ lives, and you’re the kind of franchise that offers such exceptional day I do decide to step back. It’s person who: and thorough ongoing support.” something I feel so passionate about. A) loves learning and developing In a previous role, I sat at a very yourself; DRIVEN TO SUCCEED senior level, had my own coach and B) has enjoyed success in your career Now, almost five years later, his was physically able to see the benefits or sport; and business is thriving, for which he C) is willing to invest if they see of coaching. I want to be able to give substantial returns can be made… gives credit to the ActionCOACH UK that opportunity to other business support team. With events like their owners for as a long as I can. then find out more by watching the annual Business Excellence Forum “My main advice for people overview video at actioncoach.co.uk/ overview & Awards, bringing together global considering a franchise is to conduct thought-leaders, entrepreneurs and your due diligence very thoroughly.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 81 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Fastsigns

AT A GLANCE FASTSIGNS

Established: Securing a 1985 Number of franchised outlets: over 700 worldwide - 22 in the UK Location of units: worldwide future for her Minimum capital required: £36,000 URL: www.fsfastsigns.co.uk children Contact: [email protected] “I am honoured FASTSIGNS franchisee Achi Atanda is building to be the one to a strong family business bring to life the

hen her son suggested also intrigued my youngsters. future of our starting a family “Even the more traditional building family dream” W business, Achi Atanda signs and vehicle, window, wall, door became open to the and floor graphics are created using set up her centre and prepared for idea of creating a career opportunity cutting edge technology, so we see the opening, including providing her that would secure a future for her signage industry as a very dynamic with access to the company’s tools, children. The family started to search and exciting sector to own and equipment and resources. for a business that would satisfy her operate a business in.” “Although there have been some three children’s aptitude for design challenges, it has been extremely and provide a stable foundation for INVALUABLE SUPPORT rewarding running my own their business. While her children are completing FASTSIGNS centre,” Achi says. “I It was her eldest son who came their educations, Achi operates the love meeting people from different across the FASTSIGNS franchise. centre herself with a team of sales backgrounds, understanding their The design and creative elements and production staff. Not having signage requirements and creating a of the brand satisfied his interests, had any experience in the signage diverse range of signs for them.” while his parents were impressed industry didn’t hold her back from Of the family business she has by FASTSIGNS’ business model, investing in a FASTSIGNS franchise started, Achi says: “My husband and which offers a business to business and she found the support offered by children are not yet working with management opportunity that FASTSIGNS to be invaluable. me. I have a great team who are supports companies with high Achi worked with the FASTSIGNS supporting me in the meantime. I am quality, high impact signage UK support team to identify staff honoured to be the one to bring to life solutions. who would complement her skill the future of our family dream. When set and fill the required skills gap. my eldest son finishes his A Levels, FORWARD THINKING Based on its extensive knowledge, who knows what the future holds for Achi explains: “We saw the purchase FASTSIGNS supported her as she FASTSIGNS Leicester?” of our business as a foundation for our children’s future. It was important that whatever we did, we needed to pique their interest and get them excited for our business, so that when the time is right for them, they can join us in operating it.” As a family, they were attracted to FASTSIGNS’ range of products and liked the future focus the business has. Achi adds: “The digital signs, augmented reality and interactive products were a great pull for my children. They are from a generation that is so au fait with technology, these types of signage solutions are not only great for customers, they

82 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 SHOWS AND EVENTS

+ CHRISTIE DAY Event Director for the Women in Business Expo

service, women in franchise “We would like visitors theatre and industry leading media to find their perfect partners. The event, of course, welcomes men and couples, as career match” many franchise investors will be considering moving forward with a partner. want to commute into a city, as

some might need flexible working WF: Which keynote speakers and options to fit around childcare, so seminars have you got lined up? many talented and educated women We have four dedicated theatres: are not being inspired to climb the Women in Tech, Women in AT A GLANCE career ladder. Franchise, Women in Business WOMEN IN and the main Keynote Theatre, WF: What can visitors expect BUSINESS EXPO which will be headlined by from the event? Established: Baroness Karren Brady, Lady The event is designed to provide Venue: Farnborough International Michelle Mone and Caprice, Exhibition & Conference Centre, women with inspiration, guidance who are among the top female Hampshire and services to support an existing entrepreneurs in the UK. Date: October 16-17 business, start a new business or

Opening times: franchise and find an employer that WF: How can attendees get the October 16: 9.30am-5pm encourages women in senior roles most out of the show? October 17: 9.30am-4pm and mothers returning to work after Join the LinkedIn Women in URL: wibexpo.co.uk having children. We would like visitors Business Expo Group for regular to find their perfect career match. updates about the event. In addition,

you can also meet independent WF: Can you tell us more WF: What was the thinking consultants at our ‘plan your day’ about the franchise element behind launching the Women service, who can help visitors to of the show? in Business Expo? decide which exhibitors to visit and There has never been a large-scale Women are the fastest growing the best seminars and networking exhibition in the UK dedicated to market for franchise uptake, as events to attend. women in business and now is the franchise opportunities offer There is also a franchise perfect time to launch, as there is support, flexibility and the ability matchmaking service, where a gap in the market. to be your own boss with less consultants will recommend the The subject matter is topical risk. They’re also attractive to most suitable franchise businesses and the timing is perfect, as people who want to run their own based on their objectives. businesses have to now declare businesses, but might not have their gender pay gaps, while the that great idea yet. ‘me too’ movement, diversity and There are a large variety of “There is so inclusion are at the top of the female-friendly franchise exhibitors agenda for many companies. to suit all interests and budgets. much talent There is so much talent going Plus there will be a lot of guidance to waste. Many women don’t with our franchise matchmaking going to waste”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 83 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Visiting Angels

AT A GLANCE VISITING ANGELS

Established: 2017 Brexit means Number of franchised outlets: 4 Location of units: UK Investment range: Business £90,000-£110,000 Minimum required capital: £30,000-£50,000 For home care franchise Visiting Angels, Contact: Dan Archer 07854 178 458 that’s exactly what it means! www.visitingangelsfranchise.co.uk

“For Visiting Angels if you are able to say yes to a new care client when your competitors cannot, then Brexit can present an opportunity”

they will be able to stay and some hether you voted to contracts for local authority care of it because they feel less welcome remain or leave the packages, where the charge rates than they did. We find though that EU, the country was are low, and as a result the pay rates this makes staffing harder for our W not anticipating the have to be low. At the minimum wage competitors which is actually good problems that would be faced in end of the market, caring roles can news for us. In my franchise (which resolving Brexit. often be filled by European staff. Our is the pilot) in South Yorkshire we Successful home care franchise business is a private client home care are winning business from other Visiting Angels has launched its UK provider, we charge more and we care companies because we have a operation in the last three years. can afford to pay more. As a result solution to the staffing problem.” They have built a successful pilot we do not struggle to find care staff For Visiting Angels if you are able business in South Yorkshire and also because working for Visiting Angels to say yes to a new care client when recruited the first 4 franchisees to is an attractive alternative to working your competitors cannot, then Brexit join the growing national network. for many of our competitors. We also can present an opportunity. For this UK Managing Director Dan Archer is find as many as 50% of our caregivers franchise taking an approach which very much of the opinion that Brexit are new to care and wouldn’t puts the carers at the heart of the can mean Business for the right consider working for a typical home business, it means Brexit hasn’t been opportunity with the right approach. care provider.” a barrier to growth. Dan concludes, Many would assume with Dan understands the European “The shortage of people working in thousands of European citizens staffing business model well, having other care businesses and the lack working in the care sector that previously run a care provider which of capacity in residential care means uncertainty over Brexit would be recruited in Poland and the old that there is unprecedented demand a problem for Dan’s business. He Eastern Block countries. He feels for the Visiting Angels service. We explains that this could not be further however that the uncertainty over have an aging population and that from the truth. Dan says, “Many Brexit is putting European workers will be the case no matter what flavor home care providers staff from the off coming to the UK. “Since Brexit of Brexit we get. European Union. Our business is there has been a decline in the For more information on joining very different to the majority of home numbers of people willing to come a very different care franchise care providers. It is common for to the UK to care. Some of this is call 01144333000 or visit www. home care businesses to complete because they do not know whether visitingangelsfranchise.co.uk

84 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 85

Ableworld is the country’s largest mobility retailer selling products to the elderly and disabled which change people’s lives for the better. There are currently 15 million people aged over 60 in the UK today and the Government predicts that in just over 10 years’ time nearly 25% of the population will be over 65.

As the population ages the demand for products such as mobility scooters, stairlifts, adjustable beds, wheelchairs and home aids will see a dramatic increase. Ableworld are looking to expand further over the next 12 months Ableworld - and have franchises available across the UK mainland. at the Heart of You do not need to have previous experience as full training will be the Community, helping others given on all aspects of the franchise. lead more Franchises will get: active and comfortable ✓ A generous exclusive territory ✓ Good earnings potential lives ✓ A first class training programme ✓ The chance to make a difference in your community ✓ Up to 70% finance is available* For more information please email: [email protected] or telephone: 01270 613599 for a

*subject to status free information pack or visit our website: www.ableworldfranchise.co.uk

Opportunities available nationwide BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Shuttercraft

AT A GLANCE SHUTTERCRAFT Established: 2011 Looking for a Number of franchised outlets: 22 Location of units: Uk Investment range: brighter future? £25,000 to £60,000 Minimum capital required: £25,000 Contact: Partner with the UK’s leading supplier of Lisa Stead, Franchise Manager shuttercraft-franchise.co.uk premium wooden shutters.

wn your own Shuttercraft management franchise O and you’ll get tailor- made profit potential. We’ve already done the heavy lifting for you by becoming the UK’s leading, and award-winning supplier of shutters (UK Enterprise Awards - Best Custom Window Shutters Provider 2019), now all you need to do is tap into the opportunity and build a business that works for you. Shuttercraft are one of the UK’s largest shutter companies, expertly installing premium, made-to- measure shutters and blinds that transform homes up and down the country. The market for interior window shutters has exploded over the last ten years due to the powerful We are looking for partners who All Franchise Partners follow ‘wow factor’ they provide. In the US, can see the potential and want to the Shuttercraft no hard-sell one in every six windows is shuttered, get involved while the market is promise: no pressure to generate while in the UK the industry is now still growing. sales, no outstaying your welcome. worth approximately £60m-£80m Shuttercraft builds trust with per annum. Exceptional training customers, sharing advice without Exceptional service obligation to buy and ensuring “The training and Exceptional growth competitive quotes based on accurate, high quality surveys. support has been Shuttercraft is all about being Shuttercraft is also setting new exceptional - from the Franchise standards in franchise support. first class and I Partner journey through to the With a dedicated team of experts end consumer experience. The on hand from day one: mentors, already feel like a opportunity is tailored to help you business managers, technical seasoned expert” launch your business and hit the specialists and account managers, ground running: a fast track into everyone unites to provide As a management franchise, self-employment; accelerating your outstanding support and the Partners can expect to generate learning as you enter a new sector foundations for successful revenues exceeding £500,000, with a and providing an established brand to business growth. gross profit margin of 40-50 per cent. build on. You will be working both in Combined with a high cash-flow and on your business, planning to be Book a call with Shuttercraft via and low staff numbers, you have both structured and sustainable, with shuttercraft-franchise.co.uk/ all the ingredients for a business a strong focus on lead generation and book-a-call or visit shuttercraft- to be proud of. exceptional customer service. franchise.co.uk.

86 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 BEHIND THE BRAND Behind the Brand - Schmidt Kitchens

AT A GLANCE Ambitious SCHMIDT KITCHENS

Established: expansion plans 1959 Number of franchised outlets: 26 Location of units: nationwide Investment range: Schmidt Kitchens wants to establish a network of 100 approximately £400,000 franchised showrooms in the UK by 2023 Minimum required capital: £80,000 Contact: Rosalyn Hastings, UK Expansion Manager, [email protected]; 07432553713 In the UK, Schmidt www.openaschmidtshowroom.com currently has 26 showrooms and this year has opened new showrooms in Ruislip, Cheltenham, Reading and “A positive cash Norwich. New showrooms in Milton Keynes, Islington, flow business Maidstone and Guildford will be open before the end with a healthy of the year. The company has annual income” opportunities for the right people to take over a limited share ideas and best practice across number of existing Schmidt the network. showrooms and to open in new locations nationwide. INVESTMENT LEVEL The investment level for a Schmidt COMPREHENSIVE showroom depends on its size and TRAINING AND location, but will usually require SUPPORT a personal investment of around chmidt Kitchens is the Schmidt’s comprehensive 14- £90,000. The total project costs number one retail kitchen week training programme allows are typically financed by three brand in Europe, with the company to work with new parties: the franchisee through a S a turnover of over 500 franchisees who have no previous personal investment, funding from million euros. It’s been manufacturing industry experience, as it covers all a bank and interest free Schmidt innovative products that play a major aspects of new business ownership, funding. Franchisees pay no part in home improvements in the in addition to practical and franchisee fees or royalties. kitchen, bathroom and interior solution theoretical training on its products Once established, the Schmidt marketplace for over 60 years. and systems. Kitchens franchise opportunity is The company’s constant innovations When it comes to ongoing a positive cash flow business keep it at the forefront of the industry support, Schmidt has experts on with a healthy annual income. in terms of both quality and design, hand to assist you throughout while the brand’s recent TV campaign your journey with illustrates its willingness to push the company, boundaries and do what other furniture including a manufacturers consider impossible. dedicated area manager to WIDESPREAD APPEAL support you after All Schmidt products come from its six opening your factories in the heart of Europe - five showroom. In in France and one in Germany. Since addition, network 1989, it’s been developing an exclusive progress meetings showroom concept and now has more are arranged on than 700 showrooms in 25 countries. a regular basis to

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 87

As the largest mobility retailer inAs mobility the largest Jeff and his son Stevetook over Jeff The proven Ableworld franchise AT A GLANCE AT ABLEWORLD Established: 2001 35 outlets: Number of franchised nationwide of units: Location £75,000-£80,000 range: Investment £30,000 Minimum capital required: Contact: [email protected] 613599 or 01270 ableworld.co.uk systems which take and processes, a lot of the risk and worry fromaway a start-up.” Ableworld has significant the country, benefit Franchisees advantages. trade buying power offrom the unrivalled access tothe group and from having all the support functions you would expect an established from retail chain. Ableworld’s strategy fromAbleworld’s the beginning was to build a trustworthy Southampton brand. of hisNewman says co-owner Jeff experience: has metfranchisee “It all our expectations, especially the satisfaction from providing we get the right products for our customers.” ETHICAL AND SUCCESSFUL mobility retailer in the UK.mobility than five years ago and in that time and in that than five years ago annual turnover to increased have than £1 million.more with franchiseessystem, together to help otherswho combine a desire with an enthusiasm to succeed, ambition and determination, an ethical and successfulcreates in thebusiness, making a difference Ableworld continues community. to grow and aims to maintain its position as the number one the Southampton more franchise

The “training in the administrative Gerald from Colchester, Roper UNRIVALLED SUPPORT UNRIVALLED Ableworld from come franchisees of backgrounds,a wide variety including sales, retail, construction, teaching andthe armed forces, health professions. Thevarious has a comprehensivecompany and franchisees programme training supportbenefit from unrivalled from an experienced head office, which financeoffers help, from arranging to accounting,and finding premises, marketing and recruitment. aspect of running our own franchise and shop, and the extensive product of by Ableworldtraining and many franchiseesthe suppliers” impressed Simpson fromStuart and Jacky After launch Ableworld Paisley. opening, a team of rovingand store business support provide managers support.across the board 2018, of the Year Ableworld Franchise “proven the company’s appreciates years is 60-70 stores nationally, with nationally, stores years is 60-70 least 60 per cent of the total comingat owned outlets.from franchisee they get older get they ith around 15 million of over 60 in theus aged UK and government in 10predicting that The opened 10 stores company Mike Williams’ struggle to findMike W before offering the model as before a opportunityfranchise and now has 35 outlets across the country - from Scotland to Southampton and Ableworld’s Colchester to Cardiff. expansiontarget over the next few years’ time almost 25 per cent of the of 65, will be over the age population time to has never been a better there enter one of the fastest growing sectors retail space.in today’s products led for his elderly father of Ableworldto the foundation in found poorly packaged Mike 2001. sold fromand highly priced goods back street shops andunattractive established Ableworld to challenge the situation.and change Get active ISSUE 15.4 | live more comfortable and active lives as lives and active comfortable more live Ableworld’s mission is to help customers help customers mission is to Ableworld’s “There will never be a better time to join in the inevitable growth of the sector” BEHIND THE THE BEHIND BRAND

Behind the Brand - Ableworld 88 WHATFRANCHISE AWARDS THE BRANDS EMPOWERING WOMEN

Behind every succesful franchisee and Right at Home UK franchisor is a great brand. We take Helen Garland won Woman Franchise Employee of the Year 2019 for Right at a look at the winning brands of the Home UK. Right at Home UK offers a NatWest EWIF awards 2019 management franchise opportunity delivering person-centred home care Popolo Ceramico services. The brand is built around quality, with a focus on delivering the kind of consistent care and Christina Taylor-Chisholm, winner of New support that you would want for your family members. Helen Woman Franchisor of the Year 2019, is the won this award as she leads by example, undertaking regular franchisor of Popolo Ceramico - a business personal development. specialising in capturing children’s handprints and footprints in paint, clay and plaster. Christina won as a result of being an innovative Caremark and hardworking franchisor. Hannah Drury, winner of Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2019, is the It’seeze Operations Director of Caremark Sutton. Caremark is an established and highly Sarah Johnson, winner of New Woman regarded home care provider, offering home Franchisee of the Year 2019, is an It’seeze care, personal support, home help and companionship services. franchisee, a franchise specialising in responsive She won this award through implementing initiatives for her web design and development. Sarah won this franchisees, helping them to connect better with both customers award because she and her team achieved a and the local community. new goal of 100 sales in September 2018 - something no one had come close to achieving in the previous 10 years since It'seeze became a franchise. Platinum Wave Franchising Suzie McCafferty, winner of Service Provider Puddle Ducks Franchising Ltd of the Year 2019, is the CEO of Platinum Wave Jo Stone & Tracy Townend winners of Woman Franchising. Suzie won this award having Franchisor of the Year 2019 are franchisors worked with 25 brands on everything from of Puddle Ducks, delivering nurturing, fun franchising their business and improving swimming classes to babies and children from 0 franchisee performance, to recruiting great to 10 years across the UK. Puddle Ducks offer simple franchisees and even international expansion. steps to a lifetime love of swimming. Jo and Tracy won this award as a result of their hard work and innovation within their business. They also won the Overall Woman in Franchising award, adding Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) is dedicated yet more credibility to their brand. to supporting women who are looking for a route into the franchising industry. Their mission is to educate, inspire diddi dance and empower women, and one way they do this is by hosting an annual conference. This year’s conference takes place on diddi dance managed to collect two wins Thursday 19th September and offers you a chance to network at the awards this year; Charlotte Foxley, winner with other women across the franchising industry, so you can of Woman Franchisee of the Year 2019, is a share ideas, and gain expert knowledge. To find out more visit diddi dance franchisee and Anne-Marie Martin, ewif.org. #EWIFConf19 winner of Inspirational Woman of the Year 2019, is diddi dance’s founder and franchisor. diddi dance classes are designed for toddlers to EWIF would like to thank the 2019 Award entrants, guests, enhance their coordination and rhythm. Charlotte won this award hosts and sponsors. If you were unsuccessful this year – why due to going above and beyond her role within the business and not give it a go in 2020?! You never know, it might just be Anne-Marie won due to her dedication to her franchisees through your year… training and inspirational motivation.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EWIF VISIT WWW.EWIF.ORG OR SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected].

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 8910 INSIGHT

Be your own boss The five-stage process to franchise success

WORDS BY JOHN DAVIES

ranchising allows you to ensure the long-term success of and managing teams, and to be in business for their business. Before you start, targeting customers. F yourself, but not by here are five things you may want But as your business moves yourself, with most to consider when choosing your out of the start-up and growth franchisors offering tried and future franchise: stages into maturity, how do tested methodologies for setting up you want your time to be THE AUTHOR your own business. Decide what your mid spent? If having a work-life John Davies is The above statement is true, to long-term goals are balance is key, consider business managing director yet franchising can sometimes be 1 Although this may seem like a to business franchises. Do you of FASTSIGNS misinterpreted as a ‘silver bullet’ to strange place to start when looking want to pass your business on business ownership. While there to invest in a franchise, having a to future generations? Or do you are many advantages to owning clear understanding of what these want to own your franchise for a a franchise, don’t be lulled into a goals look like and knowing this short period and sell for a profit? false sense of security. at the outset could help you make Whatever your goal is, be sure Although you are using your strategic and informed decisions to ask your franchisor about franchisor’s methodology, resources about your choice of franchise. At exit strategies and ensure you and training as a ‘platform for the start of any business, franchised understand the length of the launch’, owning a franchise still or otherwise, your time will be franchise agreement and its takes a lot of hard work and consumed by setting up your stipulations before signing up dedication from the new franchisee premises, employing, training as a franchisee.

90 WHAT FRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 Consider if your take to reach this point and begin in the same sector and sell similar franchise will always making a profit. products will have unique selling 2 be relevant A good franchisor should be able points - these could be product Consider the longevity of the to provide you with an accurate based or integral to the structure product or service you plan to sell. breakdown of these costs in an of the franchise model. It could be Ask yourself the question: will this easily digestible and transparent that their offering is more suited to still be desirable in five years’ time? manner. For these fees, you’ll your needs. Franchising covers a whole host receive a defined territory, access Other places you could look to of industries and while any one of to funding, economies of scale assure yourself of your potential those industries could experience when purchasing equipment, franchisor’s viability is Companies a boom period, with customers recommended machinery, tried House, where you can review flocking through your doors, there could come a time when people may not need your product or “Once you understand the service. How easy will it be to go back to basics and actively sell your franchisor’s offering, speak to product and service if there is a downturn in the market? some of its existing franchisees At FASTSIGNS, we offer a diverse range of products and - these people once stood in services and focus on testing new your shoes” signage trends, equipment and substrates to ensure that if one particular type of signage slips and tested marketing materials its success rate. Also, see if the out of vogue, we have new and and a reputable brand name franchisor is registered with any exciting products hitting the that customers are more likely to of its industry’s accredited bodies. market every year. This dedication purchase from you than if you were FASTSIGNS is accredited by the to research and development to set up your business as a brand British Franchise Association for ensures we continue to cater new entity. franchising and the British Sign to changing customer tastes and Graphics Association for the and remain relevant. Do your due signage industry. diligence Be clear on 4 While all franchisors Be willing and are keen to complete deals with able to learn your sums 3 Many new franchisee’s new franchisees, they should be 5 When you launch confident enough in their offering your franchise, no franchisor catalyst for choosing to own their own business is their desire to to actively encourage you to speak should expect you to know build something for themselves. to their stakeholders, including everything, no matter how Some franchisors capitalise on this their current franchisees and even comprehensive its training dream, making it feel attainable their competitors. programmes and onboarding by only divulging their initial Once you understand the processes are. investment costs. It’s highly likely franchisor’s offering, speak to some If you follow its prescribed there will be additional costs, which of its existing franchisees - these model, use the resources available, franchisors should outline clearly people once stood in your shoes. ask questions, talk to your to you once you are past the initial Take this opportunity to tap into support team, engage enquiry stage. this font of knowledge, understand with your network and Depending on the sector you the challenges as perceived by undertake additional choose to enter, additional costs the franchisee and ask how the training you’ll get could include set-up fees, rents, franchisor helped them to overcome to grips with your rates, start-up equipment and these challenges. franchised opening stock requirements, You should also take the business quickly. training and marketing costs, legal opportunity to explore the industry. fees, telecoms and vehicles. Franchised businesses that operate It’s important you understand your set-up costs, so you can calculate your break-even point. If you decide to proceed with your chosen franchise, you’ll be able to project how long it will

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 91 “This for me, as you has been great Established: 2004 60 outlets: Number of franchised of units: nationwide Location £32,000 range: Investment £15,000 Minimum capital required: franchising@ Contact: Nikki Haythorne. 0800 046 8128 revive-uk.com. revivefranchise.com AT A GLANCE AT AUTO REVIVE! INNOVATIONS SMART SUCCESS haveOver the years, Revive! established an experienced team to support as well as franchisees, that IT platform a leading edge the business.has transformed the in 2018 wonder that No Franchise won the British company forAssociation HSBC award support.franchisee was invited to join the Revive!was invited a Growth Programme, Accelerated run initiative mentoring and training by the head office support team to grow and franchisees help Revive! develop their businesses. franchisees to see how the larger get running their businesses andare and it gives there, learn how they got movingyou the extra push to keep says. Mike forward,”

With growth come new challenges As a team, Mike and Liz share the and Liz share As a team, Mike discussing find that “We says: Mike won the Revive!The couple have “There’s a huge a huge “There’s sense of satisfaction looking back on how far come” we’ve SMART SUPPORT head office business supportRevive!’s team works closely with franchisees advice andto provide training, mentoring. The comprehensive is designed to programme training meet the needs of the individual and from start each stage, the business at up to running aup right the way million-pound business. Mikeand as his business grew board and play devil’s advocate quite advocate devil’s and play board often. role is Although the admin now are of me, there still required from an accounting demands more as purchasing, as well point of view, planning budget specifically where required.” thinking are and strategic task of making big financial decisions goals.and setting important the three-year things like requirementsplan and staffing and manageable the task more makes work well together meaningful. We sense of satisfaction a huge and there’s come.” looking back on how far we’ve two award of the Year Franchisee years running. They employ six technicians and plan to expand their business even further by taking on the neighbouring territory of Wrexham technicians. more and employing two unning your own business with your partner is something couples many but few can of, dream

partners R Mike bought Revive! Chester bought Revive! inMike She says: “My role with Revive! “My She says: achieve. For Mike and Liz Haselden, Mike achieve. For has provided the opportunityRevive! to do just that. about the franchise’s heard 2005. He’d business potential from a friend who and franchisee Revive! a was already was looking for an opportunity to controlbecome his own boss and take the early days, In future. of his family’s part-timeLiz worked in a marketing out in their homerole, helping Mike office with admin. THINKING BIG SMART Soon the demand for Mike’s servicerepair from car dealerships there public meant and the general enough hours in the day. weren’t Buoyed by his success, he realised forward more the way was to get that on the road and startvans employing technicians. That was when Liz stepped up her involvement. Chester been in a minor had always started until Mike admin capacity, ‘think and to grow the company big’. I’ve been able to act as a sounding

ISSUE 15.4 | to a wide range of trade and public customers and trade of range a wide to

Revive! franchisees provide SMART repair services SMART repair provide franchisees Revive! Award winning winning Award BEHIND THE THE BEHIND BRAND

Behind the Brand - Revive Auto Innovations 92 WHATFRANCHISE Behind the Brand - Just Cuts WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 93 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM Established: 2018 in the UK 1989 in Australia. outlets: Number of franchised in UK two of units: Location UK wide available range: Investment £90,000-£120,000 capital: Minimum required £75,000 Contact: 397 07577 700 www.justcuts.co.uk Franchise owners can manage owners Franchise CEO of the UK Amber Manning, a chance owners, it’s franchise “For AT A GLANCE AT JUST CUTS company’s success in entering newcompany’s ahead ofmarkets, it continues to keep the game by developing its franchise basis.system on an ongoing Online, an multiple salons using Just helps you to see, in real-time,app that exactly how your salon is performing. network though over half the Even than one salon, mostown more owners spend around 30franchise hours a week in the business. to bring the Cuts, feels privileged Just opportunity to the UK. to build a profitable business with she says. personal satisfaction,” great owners feel franchise “Our Australian proud of their businesses and we’re Brits will too.” confident that

CUTTING EDGE CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY to you don’t have Magda, Like to own a Just be a hairdresser Despite theCuts franchise. franchise’s systems.” franchise’s regularly happen withinregularly network inthe franchise The success of theAustralia. brought salon in Wandsworth it home for me and I knew multipleI could manage salons through the Fast forward to the Fast Deaconescu Magda theWhen she realised “I was initially says: Magda from a no appointment, no fuss $6 haircut. After holding a special provedpromotion that to be an overwhelming his salon insuccess at he wanted the Sydney, a piecewhole world to get of the action. Cuts and Just day present hairdressing is the largest in the southerncompany with over 200hemisphere, andsalons in Australia Zealand alone.New Just Cuts was the first UK After owner. franchise spending a few years race the rat from away looking after her two daughters, she decided to of up the challenge take business ownership. scale of the success of her salon, opening a second Wandsworth She brainer. a no salon seemed like now plans to open 15 salons within years.the next three in becoming a multi-siteinterested seen that having owner, franchise

franchise brand’s first brand’s franchise year in a new territory is the most important the and, equally, UK hair salon sceneUK hair salon

In March, the company’s first the company’s March, In A GLOBAL AMBITIONS GLOBAL The buzz started in the 1980s, when had the idea that Denis McFadden customers should be able to benefit most uncertain. But with 30 years’ which Cuts, experience behind it, Just has hadwas founded in Australia, a fantastic start in the UK. After an influx of enquiries from prospective owners and salon fit-outs underway, year out to be a great is turning 2019 for the hair salon franchise. owned salon launched infranchisee London. June, south In Wandsworth, by second salon - operated Cuts’ Just owner - openedthe same franchise same the In in Walton-on-Thames. Cuts’month, the UK website for Just products,own branded JUSTICE went live. The company’sProfessional, its stamp oncommitment to putting UK soil is admirable. A cutA above Just Cuts is already enjoying success on the success enjoying Just Cuts is already “It’s a chance to build a a chance to build a “It’s profitable business with personal satisfaction” great BEHIND THE THE BEHIND BRAND INSIGHT

Beating Burnout Six simple ways to conquer this modern menace

WORDS BY TANIA DIGGORY

urnout has long What is burnout? How to conquer burnout been talked about If you’re unfamiliar with the While there are more than 40 ways B as a leading cause of term, burnout means the loss of to experience stress, there are a working days lost in meaning in one’s work, coupled number of easy ways you can reduce the UK, and in certain cases for with mental, emotional or its effect. franchisees, it can be debilitating physical exhaustion as the result Across The Reignite Project, THE AUTHOR enough to put your business and of long-term, unresolved stress. the free course we set up at my Tania Diggory investments at risk. I believe burnout can company to support professionals is founder of Calmer, While there are plenty of affect anyone. However, with reducing stress and burnout, I which empowers en- professional guides to franchising trepreneurs to nurture there is a growing number provide a number of strategies to put good mental health available, there is less of a focus on of entrepreneurs, business out the fire of burnout in your work and well-being. how to prepare emotionally and owners and freelancers who are and life and reignite your passions. mentally for self employment and reporting symptoms of burnout Here are six to get you started: setting up a business of your own. - studies reveal over 60 per cent With burnout now recognised in the UK. We’ve also seen an Start prioritising your by the World Health Organization increase in the number of people mental health as a legitimate medical diagnosis, struggling with burnout in the 1 To start nurturing your mental I’m delighted to see mental past few years, which seems to health, the first step is to recognise health in entrepreneurs being coincide with the rise of people how you feel. Mental health taken more seriously. It’s why I starting their own businesses. problems affect one in four people set up my training organisation, Despite the social acceptance and for UK entrepreneurs, over 60 Calmer, a number of years ago with of workplace stress, it can per cent report experiencing stress the aim of supporting business become a problem if you or and burnout. owners, entrepreneurs and small your team struggle with it. If you feel stressed or anxious, try and medium-sized enterprises to Stress is a leading cause of to accept that feeling without any self nurture good mental health and working days lost and is also a judgement. Allocate some time to mental resilience. cause of physical illnesses too. reflect on your mental health, as well as your professional journey, and pinpoint where your stressors lie.

“Valuing your downtime is just as important as monitoring the financial returns on your investment”

94 WHATFRANCHISE | ISSUE 15.4 You may find it easier to tackle these Would you instruct another person stress at work. Leisure and fitness once they have been broken down. to work the hours you do? Wouldn’t are important - it can boost your you want them to enjoy themselves productivity, enhance your creativity View downtime as alongside their work? Most crucially, and keep you feeling centred. an investment in wouldn’t you appreciate a more 2 productivity enthusiastic, productive team Start talking about Many business owners prioritise member for set business hours than mental health their work over all else. This is a less productive, worn out team 5 at work especially true during the start up member doing twice the hours? If you’re looking to create a mentally stages of setting up a business, where Try viewing your work as if you are healthy culture in your workplace, you may work extra hours, taking on your own manager and treat yourself one of the easiest steps to take is to more and more tasks until they catch reasonably. Set fair working hours, start talking about mental health. up with you. give yourself realistic goals and The first step is to recognise how Wherever you are on your celebrate your successes, no matter you feel and communicate with professional journey, valuing your how small. others. It can be something as simple downtime is just as important as as saying you feel frustrated with monitoring the financial returns on Maintain a a held-up project or sad about a your investment. Giving yourself healthy lifestyle missed opportunity. ample downtime will enable you to 4 Nurturing good mental With every conversation, you work more efficiently and produce health is similar to nurturing good will break down the stigma around better results. physical health. In fact, maintaining mental health a bit more. Small changes, such as ensuring a healthy lifestyle can play a key part you get enough sleep, will set you up in achieving good mental health and, Join the Reignite for better cognitive function. as an extension, clarity at work. Project for free You may also want to practice Three questions you may want to 6 If you’re looking to embed the affirmation that you deserve ask yourself when you’re feeling fuzzy long lasting burnout prevention downtime, that you have truly earned headed or tired at work are: strategies that work, join in with it. Recognising your efforts and our Reignite Project. The 10-week hard work will enable you to ‘treat’ • How much water have you course is sent straight to your inbox, yourself to time off. drunk today? with quick and easy challenges to • What have you eaten today? complete each week. Be the best boss • When was the last time you you’ve ever had did exercise? If you’re a franchisee, you can follow 3 New business owners tend the entrepreneur course and if you to push themselves far harder than Take some time out to resolve have a team, invite your employees they would if they were managing each of these and stay in touch with to take the business teams course. someone else. As a result, not your body’s needs to achieve better appreciating your efforts, spending productivity and experience less too much time working and subsequently experiencing burnout is common.

1 in 4 People affected by mental health in the UK

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 95 WHAT FRANCHISE 15_4_WHAT FRANCHISE 15/07/2019 11:12 Page 96 Inside the bfa Emily Price shares all the latest news, views and events from the British Franchise Association

Emily Price is the COO for the British EMILY PRICE Franchise Association.

INCORPORATING THE BEST IN BUSINESS September delivers AT THE BFA’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE a ‘national month of learning’ in franchising June saw the British Franchise Association on the pace of change and how to use Six member forums, a content provide a content-rich learning platform it to your advantage, whilst ensuring strategy specialist seminar for franchisors, franchisees and industry people are empowered, and able to and Scottish Franchise Week professionals, with insights from keynote deal with it. There were some powerful all with a focus on supporting speakers, franchising experts and industry messages from the association’s CEO, careers and business ownership influencers at their annual conference. Pip Wilkins too ‘Together, we are in franchising. The Scottish The theme ‘transforming your business franchising and the association’s focus is Franchise Week promises to for the next generation’ was created to to connect with its customers and lead offer opportunities for anybody raise awareness about the opportunities on innovation to continue protecting interested in franchising in available within franchising, along with the industry’. This all comes as the Scotland. We are looking the need to adapt in order to remain association embarks on its conversations forward to a franchise debate competitive in an increasingly digital world. with government to ensure franchising in chambers, a PR outreach Although franchising was very much at has the recognition needed to campaign with a local MP, the the heart of the event, key notes focused participate in legislative conversations. launch of a Scottish franchising Supplement in partnership with DC Thomson and of course the CELEBRATING Scottish Business Breakfast, the SUCCESS IN place to be if you want to make A £17.2BN things happen in Scotland. INDUSTRY The bfa HSBC Franchise Awards saw some new categories introduced to showcase industry THE FRANCHISE TRUST trend. The best in AIMS TO REDUCE UK UK franchising walked away with UNEMPLOYMENT RATES accolades including In partnership with Prime 2 Learn, leadership & culture, the Franchise Trust has launched young franchisee, a Franchise Trust Employment brand awareness & Franchising the next generation Academy. The programme identifies innovation, and the people who, with the assistance of ultimate franchisor Throughout 2019, ActionCOACH, Cash Converters, Driving an employability programme, can of the year - this Miss Daisy and Angela’s Swim School have all participated in fulfil entry-level jobs in franchising. year won by Driver ‘Franchising the next generation’, an ITN Productions industry The training is worth £1,000 per Hire. All finalists news programme, hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky, OBE. The individual, funded by the government. and winners will programme showcases the positive impact franchising has Franchisors and their networks can benefit from a six on individuals, business, society and the economy, and are benefit by detailing vacancies so the month PR campaign hosted on the Academy can match candidates to and we are excited bfa’s website and their local opportunities. to see how this YouTube channel. will help build on The campaign The British Franchise Association creates their success for will run for the standards for the UK franchise industry, the year ahead. next 12 months, through educational programmes, support and Congratulations to connectivity. They represent and protect the so keep an eye all of the finalists and industry in partnership with their members. To find out for features winners this year. out more or to become a member please contact and insights. [email protected] or visit www.thebfa.org

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