Latest franchise opportunities, news and views
School turns out to be a Razzamataz
D enise Hutton-Gosney, the franchisor of Razzamataz children’s theatre schools, is pictured with an enthusastic and happy class at her school in Carlise.
Razzamataz took off in 2007 after she appeared in Dragons’ Den on BBC2 and persuaded one of the Dragons, Duncan Bannatyne to invest in her business. There are now 40 franchised schools across the country.
The franchise package covers all aspects of the business from recruiting the best teachers to complying with the ever-growing health and safety regulations. More
Australians ring in with off-the-shelf phone company
Franchising continues to grow apace in its diversity with the arrival of a concept from Australia giving franchisees the opportunity to compete with the giant phone companies.
Telcoinabox, pronounced Telco-in-a-box, provides its franchisees with the infrastructure to run their own phone company that covers fixed-line, mobile and broadband rentals; telecom equipment; technical support; and billing services. More
Helping businesses cut their costs
 A firm which helps businesses cut their costs, BCR Associates, of Exeter, is now franchising.
Founded five years ago by Chris Battin and Richard Dormer, it claims to achieve savings as high as 75 per cent on such costs as energy, telecoms, business insurance, water bills, vehicle leasing, finance, staffing and rateable values. More
Joining a sound franchise despite the downturn will bring its rewards
By Karen Kaye, Nailzone
 The severity of a recession is often measured by the toll it takes on our pay packet even though the change it renders on our mindset can be a lot more damaging. However, those that are strong enough to push ahead with good business ideas will be rewarded for their efforts.
Speak to anyone today about setting up a new business, or striking out on their own, and immediately the conversation turns to fears about funding, worries about customer demand, and a lack of confidence in the economic environment. More
Franchise industry contributes £11.8bn to UK economy despite recession
 UK franchise businesses continue to grow and remain robust despite economic conditions, with the industry contributing £11.8bn to the country’s GDP last year, an increase of £400m from last year, according to the latest findings from the annual NatWest/British Franchise Association survey 2010. More
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British Franchise Association affinity scheme
An ambitious affinity scheme providing supplier discounts to franchisees of its 285 franchisor members is being developed by the BFA. It calls for the setting up of a national franchisee register of its members’ franchisees.
Internet marketing
Liam Patton continues his articles on internet marketing by introducing Google tools that will provide valuable information on web traffic.
International affairs
Brian Duckett describes the two-way traffic stream in the international franchise market.
The basis for projections
Andrew Quail, the BFA’s head of quality standards and compliance, stresses the necessity for franchisors to clearly state the basis on which they arrive at the financial projections they issue to prospective franchisees.
Renewal of the agreement
Victoria Hobbs explains why franchisors need to be extremely careful to ensure that on expiration of a franchise agreement that the renewal agreement is promptly signed, or the franchisee ceases to trade.
Advice for franchisees
Audrey Summers explains why she gave up her career as a finance director to become a franchisee of Accounts Assist and offers advice on buying a franchise.
High Court case
Has a recent franchise case in the High Court involving Kall Kwik and one of its franchisees created a chink in the armour of the franchisor, asks Geoffrey Sturgess?
Banker’s advice
Richard Holden, head of Lloyds TSB franchise team, gives advice on running a franchise from home.
In-toto kitchens
In-toto heralded its 30th anniversary with the opening of its 52nd store by Simon Rimmer, the BBC celebrity chef.
BFA annual conference
The BFA is working towards consensus on bringing franchisees on board, reports Derrick Simpson.
Coming out of the recession
As the country emerges from recession, this is a good time for businesses to be innovative, says Cathryn Hayes, head of HSBC franchise team.
Mail Boxes Etc.
Despite the state of Britain’s economy, Mail Boxes Etc., the high street retailer of business services, is opening new stores at its highest rate for five years and is a leading example of how franchising can prosper in the current business climate.
Franchisee resales
Derrick Simpson explains how franchisors should prepare their exit planning.
Franchisor of the Year awards
TaxAssist Accountants has won the 2010 BFA/HSBC Franchisor of the Year title.
Franchising your business
Robert Harris, of Mundays, helps franchisors to untangle the property minefield.
Franchisee recruitment
Iain Martin begins a series of articles for prospective franchisees on preparing their business plan.
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