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Featured news and articles
Front cover: Franchisor of the Year awards
The winning franchisors celebrate their success at this year’s awards. Water Babies won the top title of the BFA/HSBC Franchisor of the Year. The company was presented the Gold award by the judges, who praised the firm for its record of constant innovation and development.
Belvoir acquires Northwood
Belvoir, the lettings and estate agency franchise, now has 301 outlets in the UK, following its acquisition of Northwood.
Fastsigns opens its first co-branded centre
The signs and graphics franchise has opened its first co-branded centre at Oxford and is aiming to double its number of outlets by 2018.
National Franchise Exhibition Preview
The National Franchise Exhibition will be held at the NEC, Birmingham on September 30 and October 1. It will showcase a variety of franchises and offer over 60 free seminars. The event will also include the Growing Your Own Business Showcase & Conference, where entrepreneurs will be offering advice on topics such as crowdfunding and SEO trends. Click here for free tickets.
Dream Doors achieves 50% increase in applications
The kitchen makeover company has reported an increase in ‘quality’ applications for its franchise. Its average franchisee has a £500,000 turnover and its highest performers reaching more than £1m.
QFP reaches 100 milestone
The BFA’s national training programme for franchisors and professional advisers sees Nicola Haythorne of Pitman Training, becoming its 100th Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP).
Driver Hire ranked in International Track 200
The recruitment franchise has been ranked 104th in the International Track 200. The list ranks Britain’s private companies, with the fastest-growing international sales with an international turnover of at least £1m.
Completing a SWOT analysis for your business
Richard Holden, of Lloyds Banking Group, talks about the need for companies to regularly analyse their businesses in the constantly changing business environment.
How will the decision to leave the EU impact on franchising?
Mark Abell, of Bird & Bird, explains the process of leaving the EU, as well as the legal and commercial implications for UK franchisors, following the vote in favour of a Brexit.
Stealing a march on your competition
Brian Duckett, of The Franchising Centre, discusses the opportunities available to franchisors of international expansion, in the light of the uncertainty of the UK economy.
Planning an exit
Julie Taylor, of Franchise Resales, says that 95 per cent of franchisee’s that approach them with a view to sell do not have an exit plan in place. Planning ahead is advantageous especially in a forced change of circumstances.
Consumer credit
Gordon Drakes and Vicky Reinhardt, of Fieldfisher, explain how consumer credit is regulated and advises franchisors to check whether their franchise agreement are compliant.
Staying afloat should your franchisor sink
Nicola Broadhurst, of Stevens & Bolton, discusses the challenges franchisees could face if their franchisor was to fail and the options available to them.