Elite Franchise March 2018 by Elite Business Magazine

elitefranchisemagazine.co.uk

YourZone45

Applying a McDonald’s cheeseburger methodology to a fitness franchise

MARCH 2018 £4.50

Caring tech

Adoption of modern tech is making a difference to the care sector

Broccoli Pizza & Pasta From filling Middle Eastern mouths to the bellies of Brits

Canadian blend Having abandoned a promising acting career, Doug Williamson spearheaded the launch of Esquires Coffee in Canada in 1993. Fast forward and today he’s helping the franchise grow to its goal of 580 stores by 2020

Cover.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:37

Anne.indd 1

26/02/2018 10:16

Come and talk to us at one of our Insight Days in 2018:

23rd March, York 20th April. Cranfield Management Centre 11th May, Edinburgh 25th May, Aston Business School 22nd June, Manchester 7th September, Bristol 21st September, Milton Keynes 19th October, Leicester 9th November, York

Anne.indd 2

26/02/2018 10:17

CEX DPS.indd 1

08/01/2018 10:01

Be your own boss and benefit from the support of a proven brand with more than 25 years experience. Share in our growth as the acclaimed technology and entertainment exchange store with worldwide operations. We’re so confident that you’ll be delighted with your CeX franchise that we offer a Buy Back Guarantee if you’re not. Act now to secure your location.

CEX DPS.indd 2

08/01/2018 10:02

cover star

Coffee champions After Doug Williamson and his co-founder noticed a gap in the suburban coffee market they launched Esquires Coffee. Having spent the last decade outside the company, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now returned to spearhead the Canadian franchiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth in Britain 6 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

contents.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:25

contents 03.18

REGULARS 9 Welcome & contributors 11 News & events 97 Franchise diaries

COLUMNS 13 Pip Wilkins 15 Sussanne Chambers 29 Frank Milner 33 Nigel Toplis 37 Tony Bowman

FEATURES 40 In the zone

Chris Elms' fitness franchise is making all kinds of gains

Running a tight ship Keeping your franchise afloat

46 Caring tech

Considerations for innovative care franchises

50 Pushing pizza

Broccoli Pizza & Pasta is proving to be a tasty recipe

58 Running a tight ship Improve staff efficiency without cutting loo breaks

66 The imitation game

Does having work replicated flatter or frustrate you?

74 Time to act

Sexual harassment isn't just limited to film and TV

78 Snapping into action Finding financial security for the family as a franchisee

82 Art of the deal Asset sale or share sale â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what's the difference?

40 MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

contents.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:26

The mark of excellent care

“…it’s an opportunity to run a successful operation whilst to a high standard.”

You can become the next Caremark homecare franchise success story. for more information speak to our recruitment team on 01903 266392

www.caremarkfranchises.com caremarkfranchises.com Untitled-1 1

22/02/2018 14:27

welcome Volume 06 Issue 03 / 2018 EDITORIAL Eric Johansson - Acting Editor eric.johansson@cemedia.co.uk Zen Terrelonge – Web Editor zen.terrelonge@cemedia.co.uk

A nice blend

DESIGN/PRODUCTION Jenny Allen – Designer jenny.allen@cemedia.co.uk Lewis Sharp - Designer lewis.sharp@cemedia.co.uk Lizzie Thurgood - Design Intern lizzie.thurgood@cemedia.co.uk Dan Lecount – Web Development Manager dan@cemedia.co.uk SALES & MARKETING Gemma Campion – Head of Sales & Marketing gemma.campion@cemedia.co.uk Jemma Tonge – Senior Account Manager jemma.tonge@cemedia.co.uk Jordan Banes Account Manager jordan.banes@cemedia.co.uk Taylor Blayney – Account Executive taylor.blayney@cemedia.co.uk Natalie Tyler – Media Assistant natalie.tyler@cemedia.co.uk Ore Akinniranye Marketing Intern ore@cemedia.co.uk

o matter how you look at it, you can’t escape the fact that there’s strength in diversity. From trialling out innovative technology to coming up with new ways to do business, the more perspectives you have the better the outcome. That’s why it’s so important franchisors and franchisees ensure that every one of their employees feel safe in the workplace. Sadly, following the #MeToo campaign it has become abundantly clear that many women have suffered from the sleazy behaviour of men in their professional lives, which is why we this month look into how businesses can help minimise the risk of sexual harassment in the workplace. And I’m not alone in recognising the value of collaboration and diversity. This month’s cover star Doug Williamson founded Esquires Coffee on the understanding that celebrating people’s uniqueness can yield extraordinary results. Thanks to this insight, the franchise has flourished and is now serving up steamy jugs of Java across the world.

CIRCULATION Paul Kirby – Circulation & Data Manager paul.kirby@cemedia.co.uk Alisha Hardie - Data Assistant alisha.hardie@cemedia.co.uk ACCOUNTS Sally Stoker – Finance Manager sally.stoker@cemedia.co.uk

■ ERIC JOHANSSON - ACTING Editor

DIRECTOR Scott English – Director scott.english@cemedia.co.uk Circulation enquiries: Channel Edge Media Call: 0124 567 3700 Elite Franchise is published by Channel Edge Media, 1st Floor, Regency House, 16 Victoria Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1NZ Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. No part of Elite Franchise may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the editor. Elite Franchise will make every effort to return picture material, but this is at the owner’s risk. Due to the nature of the printing process, images can be subject to a variation of up to 15%, therefore Channel Edge Media Limited cannot be held responsible for such variation. cemedia.co.uk

Contributors

Zen Terrelonge

Natalie Seery

Pip Wilkins

Paul Stafford

Our new Elite Franchise web editor brings you the latest franchise sector news, which includes the fastfood chain that made a national cluck-up, and essential events for your diaries.

Countering the cold snap by pouring searinghot energy over her photo shoot with cover star Doug Williamson, co-founder of Esquires, the coffee franchise, Seery showcases fullbodied flavour.

Training staff will only ever be a positive, the bfa CEO advises, as career progression will lead to employee motivation and company profitability, making room for flourishing franchisor financials.

As the saying goes: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Is there a right to be annoyed though? Of course. However, there are advantages to having your ideas copied by rivals.

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

welcome.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:24

make their

FUTURE your

BUSINESS

Are you looking for a career with all the rewards of helping children achieve and the independence of running your own business?

Kumon is the UK and Ireland’s largest supplementary education provider. As an independent business owner and the Instructor of your own Kumon Maths and English Study Centre, you will reap the rewards of developing children as you grow your business. We offer: • Thorough and transparent recruitment process • Low cost start-up fee • Support of a dedicated Area Manager • Comprehensive training programmes If you can demonstrate the educational skills and business acumen to succeed, this full-time opportunity could be for you. Apply now to attend an orientation meeting near you:

0800 854 714 www.kumon.co.uk

Untitled-2 1

08/01/2018 09:52

news #WheresMyChicken FCK… That bold statement and temporary rebrand was how KFC playfully apologised for its nationwide chicken shortage – as part of a full page ad. A supplier switch to DHL on Valentine’s Day proved anything but a romantic partnership as many of KFC’s 900 UK branches were forced to close due to stock failing to arrive. Commenting on the shortage, the franchise said: “A chicken restaurant without any chicken.

It’s not ideal. Huge apologies to our customers, especially those who travelled out of their way to find we were closed. And endless thanks to our KFC team members and our [franchisees] for working tirelessly to improve the situation.” Fortunately, some customers could find their chicken fixes through the #WheresMyChicken campaign on Twitter. Others probably just said cluck it.

BY ZEN TERRELONGE

Going for gold Few franchise accolades are as sought after as going home with the top gong at the bfa HSBC Franchise Awards. And the judges certainly have their job cut out for them this year with the number of entries jumping by 32% compared to 2017, which makes the accomplishment of the 18 franchisors who’ve been shortlisted for the five categories even more impressive. Hardly surprising then that the list includes highly respected franchises like Costa, McDonald’s, Fitness Space, Barking Mad, Home Instead and Bright & Beautiful UK. While each will pitch their case to the judges, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll be named victorious on awards night.

Events The British & International Franchise Exhibition March 9 - 10

Olympia, Kensington, London, W14 8UX

Franchise Now April 19 MKConferencing, Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, MK6 2TG

NatWest EWIF Awards 2018 May 15

Change the Channel... Islands

250 Bishopsgate, London, E1 6AA

Morrisons is no stranger to special deals. But the franchise and supply deal it bagged with SandpiperCI is really something to check out. The agreement will take the British supermarket into the Channel Islands. The move will build approximately 100 new jobs, with workers to be employed across Morrisons Daily stores, which will be rebranded from Sandpiper’s existing mini-supermarkets as part of a seven-figure investment programme. “This is a significant step-change for our food retail operation,” said Tony O’Neill, CEO at Sandpiper. “The Morrisons scale will help us to save on our operating costs which we can pass on to our customers by lowering food prices as each store is converted.” It’s always encouraging to see franchising being used to expand British brands.

EventCity, Phoenix Way, Stretford, Manchester, M41 7TB

The Northern Franchise Exhibition June 22 - 23

Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit July 16 - 18 Grange City Hotel 8-14 Cooper’s Row, London, EC3N 2BQ

The National Franchise Exhibition October 5- 6 NEC, Marston Green, West Midlands, B40 1NT

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

news.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:32

1452 Franchise advert for Elite FM aw.qxp_Layout 1 04/01/2018 11:38 Page 1

YOUR ROUTE TO SUCCESS @DHFranchising

www.facebook.com/driverhireuk

Diane Maxwell Driver Hire Belfast

Run your own £1m+ recruitment business • Across our network: -

Average net profit is over £120,000 pa

Average full year franchise turnover (single unit) of £1,106,427 in 2016/17

• Thrive on a challenge? • Passionate about people and customer service? • Dynamic team leader? • Entry-level investment from £35,000

Call now to discover more about this fantastic business opportunity.

01274 361073 franchise@driverhire.co.uk

www.driverhirefranchise.co.uk

Untitled-7 1

08/01/2018 10:46

Pip Wilkins chief executive bfa

How levelling up staff can give your franchise a power boost Training employees is always a good idea, especially if you’re considering putting them forward for a QFP

henever franchisors consider training staff they face the same two questions: what if we train them and they leave? What if we don’t and they stay? However, they really shouldn’t worry as upskilling staff is inherently a positive thing to do. We feel more empowered and motivated when given the chance to develop our skills and move our careers forward. Investing in upskilling your staff increases the value of your workforce and demonstrates your commitment to their career progression. As a result, they’ll be more confident in their abilities and skills in handling both business as usual matters and more exceptional challenges. The right training course can make your management more effective and improve the profitability of your business. For instance, training can

result in the introduction of new practices, techniques and solutions. Additionally, boosting your employees’ motivation levels will surely have a direct impact on your franchise’s bottom line. Training can never be applied too soon or too late. It’s of equal importance for those just starting out in a franchise as it is to those who’ve been involved in the industry for a long time. Training enables individuals to demonstrate a high level of technical skill in franchising and, through understanding its complexities, ethical standards and best practices, ensures you and your team will be able to deliver the best possible results for your company. No matter the size of your network or the length of time it has been operating, there is always a professional development opportunity for you and your team.

Recognising this is why the bfa has created its training academy. From those considering whether franchising is the right option for them to those with a lot of experience of the industry, we provide opportunities to brush up on your skills at all stages of your franchise journey. And it’s through this academy that we can certify your people as qualified franchise professionals (QFP). This qualification is the bfa’s formal recognition of professional knowledge and experience in franchising. Attaining it demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities and best practice in franchising and the time invested by an individual to continuously develop their skills and knowhow. The award is well-established as the foremost qualification available to an individual in franchising. It confers credibility and denotes a commitment to the highest standards. By training for the QFP, students learn techniques and processes that they can apply directly at work. All elements of the modules are directly relevant to franchising so students are better prepared for the challenges they may face. Every one who’s obtained a QFP commits to ensuring their longterm effectiveness through continuing professional development. Given how both staff and companies as a whole can benefit from training, business owners can rest assured that upskilling employees can give their franchise a competitive edge. March 2018 | elitefranchise

column_bfa.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:34

PR 116x177mm Ad Full Pg Feb 2017 M1 LANDS

APE v1D .pdf PR 1116x177mm 17/03/2017 Ad Full 17:00 Pg Feb 2017 M1 LANDSCAPE v1D .pdf

Ready to take on a new challenge?

LANDSCAPE v1D .pdf

17/03/2017

17/03/20

17:00

At Home Instead Senior Care we specialise in delivering quality care to older people in their own homes. Given the market opportunity an ageing population presents, a Home Instead franchise offers a wise investment to build a market leading, profitable business while helping people live a better quality of life. Over 190 franchise offices in the UK First class training and support for owners and their teams A proven management franchise model Award winning support

Each Home Instead Senior CareÂŽ franchise office is independently owned and operated. Copyright ÂŠ Home Instead 2017.

Untitled-1 Untitled-1 11

HOME001 02/02/2018 11/12/2017 11:42 09:57

Sussanne Chambers founder and managing director HomeXperts

Model behaviour Franchises are based on years of trial and error. So why would any franchisee pay a lot of money to join the network and not follow the model? or many people a franchise is an ideal way to launch their own business. Joining a franchise will give them a tried and tested formula with a greater chance of success. In fact, 95% of UK franchises are profitable after three years, which is an amazing level of success, according the bfa / NatWest Franchise Survey 2015. However, launching a franchisee is by no means a guarantee of success. As with all businesses, it’s down to the individual’s hard work and determination whether their business will thrive. Another major factor in business success is how closely the franchisee adheres the franchisor’s business model. At HomeXperts the most successful franchisees are the ones following the business model shown in the operations manual. This really is the key to succeed. After all, the franchisee bought the

franchise because they believe in the franchisor’s operating system. Following the model will help them be more successful than if they were to go it alone. So why don’t all franchisees follow the model? One reason could be over-confidence in their own abilities. This can be particularly problematic right after franchisees complete their initial training. Brimming with new knowledge, they often feel as if they know all the ins and outs of running a business. Consequently they adapt some parts of the model to suit their own working practise, ignoring elements of the model they do not like, find difficult or just don’t want to do. We have had franchisees taking the marketing materials and storing them in their office or garage, never again to see the light of day. Sadly these marketing

materials do not make their way into a prospective customer's hands. And then these franchisees wonder why things don’t work out as planned. Whatever franchise you join, the operating model has been created as a result of a lot of trial and error. It's often the distillation of years of experience, ready for the new member of the network to benefit from. The best opportunity a franchisee has to succeed is to follow the model. Doing so will also keep franchisees legally compliant, reducing the risk of them breaching the terms of the franchise agreement. If a franchisee strays from the franchise operating system, the franchisor is within their rights to revoke their licence to use the franchise name, covered under the term of the franchise agreement. That being said, innovative franchisors will always look at franchisees’ ideas. Most franchisors are interested in a great idea or a different way of working which has created great results. In fact it is part of my franchise agreement that good ideas must be shared with the franchisor. But remember that franchisors know what works, so don't feel discouraged if your piece of inspiration doesn't make the cut. To create the best business you can for yourself, the mantra you should follow is to obey the operating model consistently with confidence. MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

column_S.Chambers.indd 1

02/03/2018 19:16

TheBritish&International FranchiseExhibition

9 & 10 March 2018 | Olympia, London

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to be your own boss Leading franchise brands | Expert one-to-one advice Business skills training | Inspirational speakers

In association with:

Event sponsor:

Supported by:

Incorporating:

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION

Book FREE tickets now at FranchiseTickets.co.uk BFEL18_DPS_392x270_EliteF.indd 2-3 Untitled-1 1

27/02/2018 09:02

Save £15* use code ELT3

“At the exhibition, I found a company which reflected my main interest and whose ethos I felt a total affinity with.” Previous visitor Exhibitors at this event include**:

FOR FIRE & SECURITY SOLUTIONS

*Terms and conditions apply. See website for details

**Correct at time of press

Save £15 if you use code ELT3 Untitled-1 2

23/02/2018 09:02 11:04 27/02/2018

18 ELITEFRANCHISE | MARCH 2018

DOUG WILLIAMSON

Coffee

champions From being an actor on The X-Files to launching Esquires Coffee, Doug Williamson has always given it everything he’s got. While focusing on the franchise’s growth in the UK, he’s now helping the company reach 580 stores globally by 2020 BY ERIC JOHANSSON / PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIE SEERY

If you ever wonder what Doug Williamson is all about then just remember that he and his cofounder picked penguins as the symbol for Esquires Coffee. “They are 100% community-focused and live and die depending on how well they work together,” he says. “It’s really quite amazing.” Just like the Antarctic avian, the coffee chain recognises the value of working together with the people around you. “It’s our USP and our DNA,” he says. And now, as managing director of Esquires Coffee UK, he’s put collaboration at the heart of the franchise’s aim to become Blighty’s best barista franchise. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t have to look far to find inspiration to launch his own enterprise. “My father was an entrepreneur,” Williamson remembers. “He was actually a franchisee at a company called Steamatic.” While his father’s business would see the family move from Ontario to Saskatchewan and then to Vancouver, Williamson was inspired by his father from the age of 14. “I knew I wanted to be in business,” he says. “Although, I think my dad showed me the privileges and probably shielded me from the challenges and the stress.” However, despite his adoration for his dad, Williamson almost abandoned his business

ambitions for a shot at becoming an actor. “By the time we moved to Vancouver the movie and TV scene was booming,” he said. “These big studios were suddenly setting up in the city and I just started out doing some extra acting gigs and really liked it.” For two years he immersed himself into acting, which saw him clock screen time in iconic shows like The X-Files, MacGyver, 21 Jump Street and The Twilight Zone. But as his career was taking off and he was increasingly getting casted for larger roles, he began to doubt whether the big screen was really for him. “If you want to be a great actor you really have to commit yourself to the craft,” he says. “So I had to choose what direction my life was going and I chose to stick with the business path because it was what I wanted to do with my life.” Having chosen to forgo his acting career for a life of entrepreneurialism, Williamson began to study at Kwantlen University College “My original plan was to become an accountant so I could help run my father’s business,” he says. “But I honestly grew really bored with it.” So when the time came to do his BA at Simon Fraser University he switched to marketing and economics. “However, that eventually evolved into me spending my time reading books,” he says. “I did get my education but probably learned more from the great authors out there.”

MARCH 2018 | ELITEFRANCHISE

DOUG Williamson

Nevertheless, his studies did provide him with the opportunity to befriend a fellow student named Gary Buckland. “He wanted to go into business, had some money in a trust fund he wanted to invest and asked me to help him investigate different businesses,” Williamson says. Initially just seeing it as a good exercise for his own future plans, everything changed when they discovered the coffee industry. “Starbucks had just come to Vancouver and we literally stumbled upon it and thought ‘wow, this is really something’,” he says. Inspired by the experience, the duo decided to try their hands at making it in the sector. But the duo decided to go in a slightly different direction to that of Starbucks’. “We lived in a suburb of Vancouver called Delta and decided to create a coffee concept catering to the suburban market,” he says. Instead of attempting to attract an urban clientele, they aimed to target a more suburban one. Even though they were confident about their idea, one vital piece was missing: the name. “It was really bizarre because most people have the name first,” he says. “And we couldn’t settle on one.” The solution to this conundrum came to them during a trip to Denver. “I was in charge of the money,” Williamson says. “It was in my wallet and I lost it.” To make things worse, once they’d contacted their family for funds, they were told the transaction would take three days. Instead of checking out micro-breweries, they ended up sitting in their hotel room reading books and living on a predominantly crisps-based diet for three days. Luckily, while reading The Firm by John Grisham he came across the word ‘esquires’. “It just jumped out and I suggested it to Gary and we both went ‘yeah, that’s the name,’” he says. Armed with the name and a solid business plan, the co-founders set out to find their first site. However, this would prove a particularly difficult challenge. “The landlords kept rejecting us because we were two 23-yearold kids with no capital or assets to really speak of,” Williamson remembers. Undeterred, the partners kept looking until they eventually had a spot of luck. “We found a property in a shopping mall that was under receivership and they figured they could give us a chance,” he says. Eager to stand out from the crowd, Williamson drew from his experience in acting and saw the business as a production and their employees as its ensemble. “We didn’t hire people with experience but who had character and personality,” he says. “We hired interesting people.” With this cast in place, they trained them to prepare and serve all 23 coffees on the menu. Moreover, they ensured that they always left customers with a great experience. “It was really magical,” he says.

Even though Esquires Coffee offered a unique experience, the results when they first opened were less than encouraging. “We only made $73 on our first day,” says Williamson. “Being a numbers guy I got really stressed out from it.” But rather than calling it quits, the founders and their staff dug down deep and held the course. Eventually it paid off when the local kids and then their parents noticed the coffee shop. “Suddenly we were making money hand over fist,” he says. “We were loving it. The staff felt like family and it was really a special time. The community accepted us because we were employing people and supported local schools and sports teams. We were part of it.” The result was that the coffee shop became the shopping centre's biggest draw, revitalising it. As the business grew, prospective franchisees began knocking on their door asking to be part of the success. However, the first few people were left disappointed as the duo initially had no plans to franchise the company. “Our plan was to just have five corporate stores,” says Williamson. Fortunately, they soon had a change of heart when Jim Treliving stepped into their shop. While the businessman is today famous for being one of the dragons on the Canadian version of Dragons’ Den, at the time he was most well-known as the owner of Boston Pizza, the restaurant franchise. As it happened, he noticed Esquires Coffee when he was in the mall visiting his own store. “He came in and said: ‘you guys got something really special here and have you ever considered franchising?’” Williamson says. “That

The landlords kept rejecting us because we were two 23-year-old kids with no capital or assets to really speak of 20 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

cover story.indd 3

02/03/2018 19:09

DOUG WILLIAMSON

convinced us that this might be something to look into.” Having decided to give franchising a try, the pair enlisted the experienced franchising consultant Peter E. Wudy to help them get the model right. “He took us to a whole new level,” says Williamson. Thanks to his guidance, they quickly set up their model, finalised the operations manual and wrote the franchise agreement. Additionally, Wudy’s expertise proved essential when it came to finding their first franchisee. “He told us we could put an offer on a property subject to finding a franchise,” he says. “So we did and the franchise was literally sold the next day.” After securing its first franchisee within nine months after opening the initial store, Esquires Coffee subsequently grew to 34 stores across Canada by 1999. However, successful as they were, they didn’t have any plans on expanding internationally. “But as fate would have it a lovely couple – he was Canadian and she was Scottish – visited one of our shops,” Williamson says. “They were absolutely blown away.” Impressed by the experience, they reached out and persuaded Esquires Coffee to give them a chance to prove their chops across the pond. “And that’s how we went international,” says Williamson.

Eventually I felt I had to move on to the next chapter of my life and left thinking that they’d come begging on their knees to take me back While every international expansion comes attached to a few challenges, going to the UK proved a surprisingly smooth experience. “Fortunately, Canadian law is very much fashioned after British so a lot of the regulations were quite similar,” says Williamson. Being parachuted into the country to help set up the supply chain and assist new franchisees also gave him a chance get to know the country. And he quickly found himself falling in love with Britain. “For a kid growing up on the prairies of Saskatchewan, to be standing in front of Big Ben, I couldn’t believe that I was really there,” he says. “I loved it.” However, setting up the British operations would prove to be one of the last things he would do for Esquires Coffee for more than a decade. “I had philosophical differences with the rest of the leadership about where the business was going,” he says. Having seen how the coffee culture was absolutely exploding in the UK, Williamson argued that the company

should double its efforts to expand into the market. The other partners were more cautious. “Eventually I felt I had to move on to the next chapter of my life and left thinking that they’d come begging on their knees to take me back,” he says. “But by then the brand was so strong that it kept going without me.” Having sold his shares in the company, Williamson was quickly recruited by Canterbury Coffee, the coffee-roasting company. “I consider it a five-year romance with coffee,” he says. Not only did the experience offer him greater insights into the supply chain of coffee and how important sustainability is but it also enabled him to benefit from the mentorship of the company’s leadership. “It helped me mature as a business person instead of being a wild rogue,” he says. Still, great as the experience was, by 2006 he felt ready for his next adventure. “Having studied marketing at uni it had always been a bit of a bug for me,” he says. While his previous career hadn’t given him many opportunities to scratch this itch, he saw his chance when he hired a+g creative group, the marketing agency, to create some catalogues for Canterbury. Finding himself getting along really well with the team, he asked if they might have an opening and soon joined the firm as a partner. But the timing couldn’t have been worse with the recession stripping the company of half its sales. Moreover, he found himself falling out of love with the industry. “I wasn’t enjoying it and lost my passion,” he says. “I wanted to rock people’s socks off but our clients were never willing to take the risks I wanted them to take.” MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

cover story.indd 4

02/03/2018 19:09

up.” Encouraged by the opportunity to make a difference, he signed the dotted line and flew his family over. Returning to Blighty, his first priority was to reconnect with the network. “Would they give me the chance and were they willing to give it one more push or did they just want to get out?” he says. “I really didn’t need people who would fight me along the way.” While some wanted to call it a day, this proved to be lucky as rents peaked in 2014 and 2015. “Many companies who struggle now are the ones who went through pretty big expansions in those years,” he says. “Luckily, we avoided them.” Having avoided this increase in rents, Esquires Coffee was primed for expanding the network. And much like when they recruit talent for the shops, he wants to make sure new franchisees have the right attitude. “Will they roll up their sleeves to work and do they understand that it’s not a guaranteed success?” he says. Recognising the importance of this he makes sure to meet all candidates in person. “They can fill out all these applications but until I can look them in the eye when they tell me about their families and their values you really don’t know,” he says. Once accepted, each budding franchisee goes through an extensive training programme. “We tend to overtrain sometimes,” Williamson laughs. The training kicks off with the franchisee and their key employees visiting the franchise’s roasting partner in Glasgow in order to get a sense of the production. Additionally, each candidate goes through three days of extensive classroom training and assessment to ensure they’re ready for running their own business. This is followed by two weeks of instore training under the tutelage of a franchise mentor. Moreover, the franchisor helps them recruit and train staff, source materials and set up the store. “And then we have a key operations professional in the store until they feel they’re ready to go it alone,” says Williamson Given the dedication the franchisor has put into the franchisees, it’s hardly surprising the UK network has grown steadily in the past few years. “We currently have 30 franchisees and we’ve got another eight franchise owners signed on,” he says. But he’s not stopping there. “At the end of our next fiscal year, March 31, I’d like 50 stores done and signed on and franchisees in various stages of completion,” he says. However, Blighty isn’t the only place where the network is growing. In fact, the company is on course to reaching its target of 580 stores across the globe by 2020. “I’d like to see a thousand but recognise that it’s a lot of work,” Williamson says. And as the founder, he’s not afraid of chipping in wherever he can. “It’s always nice to meet people and talk about what we can do, the passion and where we’re going,” he says. Following his return to Esquires Coffee after his marketing misadventure, it feels as if Williamson has landed where he belongs. “I just love what I’m doing and I’d be happy to keep doing this until I retire,” he concludes.

For a kid growing up on the prairies of Saskatchewan, to be standing in front of Big Ben, I couldn’t believe that I was really there Luckily, the chance to leave the sector presented itself when the then-owner of the global rights to Esquires Coffee, Stuart Deeks, contacted him in 2013. “He told me ‘we want you back’,” Williamson says. “He said ‘we’ve been talking with every master franchisee and they all agree that things went downhill after you left. So what will it take?’” When enquiring what Deeks had in mind, he asked if Williamson would spearhead the operations in the UK. Given how the country had charmed him in the 1990s, the decision proved a no-brainer. “I said, ‘yeah, I’d be interested in that,’” he remembers. Eager to do his due diligence, Williamson ventured across the pond and what he saw shocked him. “Things were essentially where I had left them, the brand hadn’t adapted and the stores were getting older,” he says. But even more alarming was the fact that the franchisees didn’t seem to love what they were doing. “There was no passion but a lot of tired and unhappy franchisees,” he says. “But I thought that while it would be a challenge, the only way from there was 22 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

cover story.indd 5

02/03/2018 19:09

BE PART OF THE WORKPLACE REVOLUTION We are looking for franchise partners to join the revolution in the UK Regus provides a new way of working through a network of 3000 locations, in 120 countries and 900 cities globally with over 300 centres across the UK, and we are looking to grow rapidly. Gain access to a world of opportunity and become part of a recognised global brand. We offer a proven, global business model, established systems, support infrastructure and excellent returns.

If you have the drive, resources and commitment to be part of a global growth story, call our franchise team on: +44 (0)7920 040370 Visit regus.com/franchise or email franchise@regus.com

Untitled-2 1

02/02/2018 15:58

ADVERTISING FEATURE

What’s it like to truly love your job? Creating a life to love for your family and your clients

t’s the time where some might feel the seven-year itch, the need to move on to something new after seven years in the same role. But Lucas Vigilante doesn’t give moving on from ActionCOACH a single thought. “In 1991, I worked with a few friends in a telecoms business which started out in a semi-detached house in Romford, Essex,” he says. “Four buyouts later, the business was finally sold.”

Lucas enjoying quality time with his family

Looking for a new challenge “After a few years off, I began to look around for the next challenge. That’s when I found a business coaching firm called ActionCOACH who offered franchises but, more interesting to me initially were their published ‘Points of Culture’. There were 14 of them and every one made sense to me. I wanted to know more so I made a phone call to their office and arranged to meet them in September 2010. “My wife, Amanda, and I had talked about starting a business together

with the main criteria for any new venture being it would be close to home. No driving silly distances or having to stay away for periods of time. In the telecoms business I’d been privileged to work with a great mentor and true entrepreneur, Richard Thompson, and it seemed like becoming a business coach would mean working with many more great people just like him. I liked the culture; the business could be built on my own doorstep and everything was suggesting that the work would be fun and fulfilling so we decided I should go for it.” Launching the business “In January 2011, I flew to Las Vegas for ActionCOACH University. The intensive ten days of training were very self-reflective, really demanding and delivered brilliantly. Now I needed to share this knowledge with local business owners. I had lived in my local area for years yet had never actually done any business in it but, on ActionCOACH’s advice, I was prepared. I’d managed to secure the local seat of business coach at Business Network International (BNI) before I went away. The people at BNI knew all the real movers and shakers so I quickly got to know my way around the local business scene. I’d signed my first client within five weeks of launching my business. “I set myself two goals for my ActionCOACH business. Firstly, by month three, I wanted to have enough clients and be billing sufficiently for the business to be self-funding. I hit that goal and began to create a financial cushion to support my next goal

24 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

ACAdvertorial.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:18

ADVERTISING FEATURE

“It’s allowed me to do so many things which a highpowered corporate job simply wouldn’t, something that contributes to putting a constant smile on my face”

I had a tough 2 years building this business and learning my new profession, but since I eclipse my corporate earnings, on my own terms, in a 2 and a half day week, I get all the time I want with my wife and kids. I admire the calibre of people I get to work with and learn from and I’ve got the satisfaction of knowing that my clients are the biggest winners – build relationships with people who I could ultimately go into business with, creating a portfolio of new and interesting investments. My first ActionCOACH client was a removals company who I worked with for six months, helping the business owner make more money and gain more control over his business but it was the next removals company I worked with where the owners gave me the opportunity to invest and help them grow it to the largest firm of its kind in the region.” The results “By the 12th month I had six one-to-one coaching clients and by year three I was confident that my business coaching was a catalyst for good business owners to achieve remarkable things. By year seven, I’d developed my business into a well-oiled machine choosing to coach 17 one-to-one clients in just two

and a half intense days a week. I had also been able to invest in three other businesses where I spend a total of half a day a week making the rest of my time available for me to use for other important things in my life. “On a personal level, of course Amanda and I wanted a profitable business, but we also wanted a business we would love whilst being close enough to home to enjoy plenty of family time. My own childhood was jam-packed full of fun, so Amanda and I were keen to do the same for our two daughters. The remarkable thing about ActionCOACH is that setting your business up correctly gives you back valuable time. I get plenty of opportunities to pop out on my mountain bike, visit the driving range and do the crossword with my elderly parents. It’s allowed me to do so many things which a high-powered corporate job simply wouldn’t, something that contributes to putting a constant smile on my face.” Will this be what you’re looking for? “My advice to anyone thinking of joining the franchise? Run your own due diligence, just as Amanda and I did all those years ago. Work out who will be doing what as you build it. Recognise that nothing is perfect, ActionCOACH included (it is close though). Speak to a range of franchise partners, in a range of locations, even ask to speak to some of their clients too. And when you do take the plunge, remember; every business owner out there will be better with you than without you. When you truly believe that, this thing’s a cinch.”

If you would like to know more about the ActionCOACH opportunity and you get a buzz from helping others succeed, love learning and developing yourself and have enjoyed success in your career or sport, then find out more by watching the 6-minute overview video at actioncoach.co.uk/overview

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

ACAdvertorial.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:18

Run your own £1m recruitment business Established in 1983, Driver Hire is an award-winning franchise, with a proven business model that generates high returns accountants, in education, IT, retail and banking. But no matter where you come from, it’s important that you’re highly self-motivated, ambitious, have a very positive outlook and a ‘can do’ attitude. Before buying Driver Hire Derby, Kathy Wylie worked in property development and retail banking. “I researched several franchising opportunities before settling on Driver Hire,” says Wylie. “I liked the business as well as the systems and support offered. They are almost unrivalled and give me every opportunity to grow a successful business.”

ooking at the numbers, you can see what makes Driver Hire a leading franchise brand in the UK and a four-time bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year award winner. Average turnover for a Driver Hire franchisee in the financial year 2016/17 for a single unit was £1.1m – three times the national franchise industry average of £378,000, according to the bfa / NatWest Franchise Survey 2015. This means our units on average have a net profit of over £120,000 per annum. As the name suggests, Driver Hire provides specialist recruitment services to organisations in need of temporary drivers and other staff within the transport and logistics sector. Customers include major logistics companies, builders’ merchants, parcel carriers and local authorities. It’s a huge market: the UK recruitment industry is estimatedly worth £32.2bn, according to a report from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation. Our franchisees are office based and operate in a fast-paced environment

I liked the business as well as the systems and support offered. They are almost unrivalled and give me every opportunity to grow a successful business where quality service and sales activity are paramount. Commenting on the feel-good factor that comes with working in recruitment, Ed Pockney, franchisee of Driver Hire’s Uxbridge, says: “We’ve taken people who were unemployed onto our books and found them fulltime jobs. That’s an amazing feeling.”

Training and support Driver Hire’s fully supported initial sixweek training programme sets you up for success. Once new franchisees have opened for business or taken over an existing franchise business, training continues in the form of our franchise support programme, which can deliver up to six months of further support and training in the franchisee’s office. Becoming a Driver Hire franchisee is a life-changing decision. By joining us, you’ll take your place in a long line of successful business owners who are all extremely pleased that they took the same decision.

www.driverhirefranchise.co.uk Email: franchise@driverhire.co.uk Tel: 01274 361073 Investment: From £35,000

The ideal Driver Hire franchisee Driver Hire franchisees come from a wide spectrum of backgrounds where they’ve acquired the relevant skills needed to be successful. Some have clocked time in either recruitment or the transport sector. Others have run their own business or worked as

26 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

Driver Hire advertorial.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:19

Benefit from our trusted, proven model in the UK’s £1billion signage market! • Recognised as a top UK Franchise • World-class training and support • Enviable buying power and instant brand recognition

With over 900 centres in 60 countries, Signarama is the largest sign and graphics franchise in the world. We’re looking for ambitious professionals to join our network here in the UK – is that you? If you’re looking to join an award-winning brand with real vision, then we’d love to hear from you! Call 0208 930 9047 or visit franchise.signarama.co.uk. Untitled-2 1

05/01/2018 16:45

Due to increased demand for arts & crafts classes, parties and events, the award-winning Creation Station are looking for proactive and friendly people to run their own successful franchise.

Rated 5-Star by customers on Trustpilot and in an independent survey, franchise owners rated the franchise as 5-Star.

Would you love to be your own boss, doing something you love with the backing of an established, tried and trusted brand? Request your free information pack today.

Over 120 people already enjoy running their own rewarding franchise.To check if your area is available and for more info call Maggie today on 01395 29700.

s so pleased my area was still available as The Creation Station really ticks all the boxes for me and my family.â&#x20AC;? Inspiring imaginations in North Watford, Hertfordshire

thecreationstation.co.uk/run-your-own-franchise Creation Station FP.indd 1 new tcs ad.indd 1 Untitled-2 1

As seen on.

01395 239700 07/12/2017 11:44 10:51 02/02/2018 12/01/2018 17:48

Frank Milner CEO Tutor Doctor

Talking about a revolution Adopting cutting-edge technology can give your franchise an advantage against the competition ith its many operations manuals and the emphasis on tried and tested models and systems, you could be forgiven for thinking that franchising is pretty inflexible. But from McDonald’s revolutionising mass-production of burgers to Domino’s trialling drone deliveries, there have been countless examples over the years of franchises leading market change. Innovation can be triggered by a number of reasons: from legislation or regulatory changes to the direction of the industry. Although the most common reason for franchisors to sit up and listen is when franchisees themselves spot the need to adopt new technologies to serve more customers. The most important role franchisors can play in introducing new technology is fostering a culture allowing franchisees to have ideas. Franchisees ask themselves each day how they can improve their business. The advantage of franchising is that there are more people thinking about these things. If two heads are better than one then imagine how amazing the combined creativity of an entire network can be. If you are speaking to a franchisor about being a franchisee you should check that this is the business’s ethos. Equally important to understanding if the culture allows for ideas, is that the franchisor has a mechanism for harnessing the great ones. Whether the change was necessitated, comes from the central team or from a franchisee, the way in which it’s adopted into the system should always be the same. In order for it to be successful, the process of testing a new technology should be a collaboration between franchisor and franchisee. For example, before our online learning platform Bramble was adopted by the worldwide Tutor Doctor family, it had been thoroughly tested. Our process meant we engaged with an individual franchisee in the UK first before a group of franchisees beta tested the technology. The input from many sources, from system designer to franchisees and customers, means that the finished item has many features that no other learning platform has.

While franchising by definition is the replication of a proven model, new technologies are untested and unproven in the wider market. That’s where franchised businesses have a distinct advantage because the structure enables you to pilot new technologies locally under the close scrutiny of a franchisee before being rolled out nationally in a way that doesn’t exist in any other business format. You should also remember that in joining a franchise you are joining a team. The use and implementation of new technologies by franchised businesses can only be seen as a positive, provided that such innovation is beneficial to the entire network. It’s true that Domino’s didn’t invent the drones that will soon be delivering food up and down the country and Tutor Doctor didn’t invent the concept of online learning from scratch, but the result of both is revolutionary for our industries. By seeing the technology, recognising its value and investing time, money and resource into adapting it to perfectly fit our business models, franchisors like ourselves have been able to enhance our businesses and improve our customers’ experience. When we think about new technologies we shouldn’t be focussing on the ones we know about. The new technologies of tomorrow are probably an idea in a franchisee’s head right now or a technology from elsewhere which hasn’t been adapted to an existing industry yet. The technologies that are being worked on behind closed doors are the ones that are going to bring the next wave of revolution. And it’s up to you if you’re going to lead the movement. MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

column_F.Milner.indd 1

02/03/2018 19:16

ADVERTISING FEATURE

COMPLETE SOLUTION Zerodrytime has a proven track record in getting franchisees from launch to earning in excess of £50,000 in their first year

erodrytime has been cleaning households and commercial premises since 2008. The UK’s only dry carpet, upholstery and hard floor-cleaning franchise today has over 55 vans covering virtually every part of the country. The company also has a master franchise in Ireland and one based in New Zealand. Zerodrytime’s franchise opportunity gives franchisees four cleaning solutions under one franchise, as well as secondto-none training, support and back-up from its UK training centre in the north east of England. MARKET POTENTIAL Being involved in the cleaning industry, David Muirhead, founder of Zerodrytime, was asked the same question repeatedly: do you clean carpets and upholstery? It was at this point that he realised the huge market potential. After all, who wants wet carpets and the inconvenience that goes with it? Muirhead started investigating and scouring the market for ways to give people what they wanted. In the early days, it took a lot of hard work finding the right machines and products and involved trips to the USA and numerous UK-based chemists to help make the products needed, but it all paid off. Zerodrytime now has a complete solution and gives its franchisees all the machines, products, processes and back-up to help them succeed. There is virtually no job a franchisee can’t tackle effectively and, most

Training begins with a fast track process prior to the two-week course in the classroom and real-life job situations, before hitting the road

importantly, they leave happy customers time and time again. The customers includes Hilton, Thistle, Malmaison, MacDonald, Ibis, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, The Shard, BMW and Audi, plus over 100,000 domestic customers UK wide. Some of Zerodrytime’s franchisees have multiple vans on the road, having swapped being the man in a van to being in a management role. Zerodrytime actively encourages and supports growth in this area. Training begins with a fast track process prior to the two-week course in the classroom and real-life job situations, before hitting the road. Franchisees also receive ongoing support and marketing advice, with back office tools such as elearning portals and video tutorials to ensure continued success. COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE Zerodrytime franchisees receive all machines, equipment, products, uniforms, van signage, tools, marketing material, a website and full comprehensive training as part of their initial investment. Plus they get an

exclusive territory that covers around 90,000 homes. Zerodrytime has a proven track record in getting franchisees from launch to earning in excess of £50,000 in their first year. The franchise is built on solid foundations of support and knowledge - giving new franchisees the perfect platform to build their businesses in their desired locations. The company is currently in the process of introducing new market leading products - Ultra Guard for carpets and upholstery - giving the ultimate protections against accidents and stains. Zerodrytime is also planning to expand overseas with numerous master franchise opportunities across the world.

Call 0800 180 40 20, visit www.zerodrytimefranchise.com or email julie.muirhead@zerodrytime.com. TM

30 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

ZDT adv.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:23

nce e

l b a l i Ava

The UK’s No1 dry carpet, upholstery and hard floor cleaners Earn in excess of £50,000 per year If you’re looking for an exciting career change that will bring you financial security without the constraints of working for someone else, a zerodrytime franchise could be the right choice for you. Our franchisees come from all backgrounds: Armed Forces • Police • Fire • Advertising Printers • Sales People • Carpet Fitters and many more...

Franchise areas available near you

Call: 0800 180 40 20

Key Benefits 4 great earning solutions Full training & support On job training in customers homes Online videos & information Dedicated area Domestics & commercial Man in a van or management roles Great earning potential Repeat customers

zerodrytime.com/franchise

ZDT adv.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:24

Helping organisations improve their bottom lines Use your experience and our expertise to build a successful b2b consulting franchise ERA UK Franchise Partners work together to provide clients with a range of advice and business strategy to help them streamline overhead costs and generate ﬁnancial savings. Working withcolleagues colleaguesand andclient clientstakeholders, stakeholders, you Working with you provide consultancyand andgenerate generatelong-term long-termadded added value provide consultancy value by leveraging leveragingyour yourown ownexperience experience– and – and that a unique that ofof a unique network of colleagues – on behalf of your clients. Our franchise model works for people from many walks of life; it’s not necessarily limited to those with a background in business. What they typically have in common is hunger and a motivation to gain control of their lives by being their own boss. Most are looking for flexibility and control after many years of corporate life; wanting to work for themselves and earn what they deserve, rather than have their hard work benefit someone else. Together our Franchise Partners save UK businesses millions of pounds per year – come and share in our success!

Our next Our nextFree Free Discovery Discovery Day Day Seminars Seminars areon are onthe thefollowing following dates: dates:

To reserve To reserve your your place place or for ormore for more information, information, please please contact contact us at:us at:

18th January 15th March 1st February 29th March (Midlands) 22nd 12th February April 15th March

erafranchise.co.uk erafranchise.co.uk 023 9737 0238082 8082 9737 franchiseteam@erauk.net franchiseteam@erauk.net

29th March (Midlands) 3rd May 12th 17thApril May 3rd May 17th May

TOP 10

Untitled-2 Untitled-1 Untitled-4 1

Franchise Advert 2018 - 01-05.indd 1

16/01/2018 15:35 26/02/2018 12/01/2018 09:54 19:20 20/12/2017 10:41

Nigel Toplis managing director The Bardon Group

Finding your feet with franchising While launching a startup seems like a good way to stand on your own two feet, launching a business within a well-established support structure can offer much more sustainable success he phrase ‘in business for yourself, not by yourself’ captures the essence of franchising. If you open your own business you are responsible for every aspect, whereas with franchising you get all the benefits of being your own boss backed up by a raft of headoffice support services. In addition to giving you access to the all-important brand, the franchisor is there to provide experience, know-how, proven operation methods, marketing tools, sales training and technical guidance, as well as a corporate identity and trademarks.

In comparison, running your own independent business can be lonely and expensive. First of all, it can be easier accessing funding when you buy a franchise. Good franchisors have good relations with all banks and, because of this, it is often easier to get funding as a franchisee rather than as an independent owner. But it’s not just about startup costs. With no one else to turn to for advice or specialist support services such as marketing, training and business development, when running your own business the only option is to pay for outside suppliers. Conversely,

as a franchisee, access to all of these services will be included as part of your franchise package or heavily subsidised. Once you have set up your franchised business, you will be able to network with other franchisees to share best practice and advice. By being part of a bigger group of people you will also be able to enjoy economies of scale when it comes to buying services and supplies for the business and benefit from the research and development and business updates carried out for the brand by head office. So, are there any disadvantages to being a franchisee? If you set up your own business you can do whatever you want. As the owner of a franchise territory you have to sign a legally binding franchise agreement and meet the expectations of the franchisor. There’s no point in becoming a franchisee if you are the type of person who likes to do their own thing and not be part of a bigger network. Franchising is not for everyone but with statistics from the bfa / NatWest Franchise Survey 2015 showing that 80% of startups fail within two years contrasting with the fact that over 90% of franchisees are still in business in the same period, there is an overwhelming case to be made in favour of franchising. But one thing remains absolutely true about franchising: it allows you to be in business for yourself but not by yourself. MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

column_N.Toplis.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:06

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The business of care For anyone looking for a personally and financially rewarding business opportunity, a franchise in the care sector is a great option. With people living longer, demand continues to drive the industry

Michael Folkes, franchisee, Cheltenham & Tewkesbury

ncreased life expectancy, better nutrition and advances in medicine have all ensured we live longer than we did 50 years ago but those extra years sometimes mean that we need some assistance to enjoy our golden years. No one wants to have to consider leaving their home and moving into residential care simply because they find it difficult to carry out different tasks or get in and out of bed without risking falling over. At Caremark we provide personalised care and support to a broad range of people, which has given new life to independently-minded individuals who

want to stay in their own homes and still have high-quality lives. This growth industry continues to attract peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention and despite the challenges facing the care sector, ambitious professionals wishing to make a social contribution and earn a decent living are buying care franchises. We, as one of the leading care franchisors in the UK are continuing to grow our network of franchisees, attracting a wide variety of professionals who come looking for a business opportunity which will bring them more than simply a healthy bank balance. Some, not all, have migrated from the health or social care sector

either through choice or redundancy and others have consciously left their former industry. But all those who have come into the industry have one thing in common: a need to make a difference to their local community and a desire to realise their dream and own their own business. However, Care is not impersonal or about widgets on a factory line. The human factor makes it different and this is what appeals to an increasing tranche of people. Janis Anderson owns a thriving Caremark franchise in Buckinghamshire and says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The care sector attracted my attention because it was clearly a growth industry and was providing a service I felt passionately about. I also wanted a career that involved providing something of worth to others.â&#x20AC;? Providing a quality home care service is a 365, 24/7 activity and it takes a special kind of individual to want to build and manage such a business. It will not suit everyone. However, for an ambitious and compassionate professional with management experience and a strong sense of community, this would be a good fit. Neither is this limited to those who have had previous experience in social care.

34 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

Caremark.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:20

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Christopher Williams, franchisee, Walsall & Wolverhampton

We are so excited to be a part of such a diverse and ambitious network Caremark’s comprehensive training programme enables professionals from all backgrounds to be educated in the Caremark model and have a handle on the complex care legislation, giving them the confidence to go out and trade in their chosen territory, delivering care to a very high standard. Michael Folkes followed in his father’s footsteps and bought a Caremark franchise in Gloucestershire. Although he does have previous franchise experience it was not in the care sector. However, he made the leap quite comfortably. “I underwent an intensive two-week initial training programme at the head office, which was really comprehensive,” he says. “Now I have access to ongoing skilled support from my regional

development manager, as well as the knowledge and experience of the support team at head office.” Age is not a barrier to owning a Caremark franchise either. Caremark’s franchise is attracting younger professionals who are hungry for the opportunity to build their own future and who want to buy into a sector which is worthwhile and resilient. Hannah Drury, franchisee and operations director from Caremark in Sutton has shown that young franchisees can be very successful despite their youth and relative inexperience. She took over the business from her late step-father in October 2015 and proceeded to grow it by 75% during 2017. That year saw her collecting plenty of industry

awards as well, not least the Young Franchisee of the Year award at the bfa HSBC Franchise Awards 2017, the top accolade in franchising. Chris Williams was in his late 20s when he joined Caremark from a career in IT. “You don’t need a background in care,” he says. “Having knowledge of the sector is an advantage, but it is the ability to connect and communicate successfully with a wide range of different people that is vital to owning and operating a care franchise. Also, what I realised was that the care sector is always going to be an area of growth. People require care whatever the economy looks like.” As a company, Caremark is proud of the reputation it has earned over the years. Its network of award-winning franchisees is proof of the integrity of the franchise offering. We remain one of the only independently owned healthcare franchises in the UK and our founder is still actively involved in the business. Our senior management team has over 100 years of combined experience in the healthcare sector and more than 70 years in the franchise industry, reassuring stats indeed for anyone looking into the business opportunity and wanting confirmation of experience and staying power.

www.caremarkfranchises.com 01903 266392 franchise@caremarklimited.co.uk

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

Caremark.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:20

OWN YOUR PART OF ONE OF THE LARGEST ESTATE AGENCY ORGANISATIONS IN THE WORLD. The Century 21 UK franchise package includes: • Dedicated business development manager • Continued professional support & training • Comprehensive online & offline marketing • Being part of a global brand • Market leading technology • Recruitment, strategy & compliance advice • Many additional earning opportunities

If you’re determined to succeed, have exceptional service skills and entrepreneurial flair, then owning a CENTURY 21 UK franchise could be perfect for you.

UNITED KINGDOM

Untitled-13 Untitled-7 11

0115 902 1002 opportunities@century21uk.com www.century21franchise.co.uk

09/02/2018 08/01/2018 16:02 10:45

TONY BOWMAN managing director etyres

How to avoid falling into a contractual quagmire Before signing the dotted line, make sure your chosen franchise shows signs of excellence

ven if you opt to join a franchise there is no such thing as guaranteed success when it comes to launching your own business. Fortunately, following a few simple steps can ensure the franchise you choose will help you get off to a good start. If you don't, then the excitement of becoming self-employed could easily be replaced with the disappointment of failure. A lot of people have learned this the hard way. I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when I was asked for advice by one of the mechanics at an excellent family-owned garage we have used for many years. He wanted help to escape the clutches of a truly terrible franchise heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d joined. The mechanic had hoped to change his career by becoming a franchisee. So when he was promised to be able to build a business that would support himself and his family, he had eagerly signed on the dotted line. However, after having duly paid for training and received a certificate, he found out that customers were few and far between. To exacerbate the situation further, the monthly franchise fees kept coming.

Compounding his frustration was the fact that the franchisor was demanding a huge sum to release him from a five-year commitment to pay ever increasing monthly fees. Sadly, he ended up buying his way out of the franchise and is much poorer for the experience. The morale of the story is that budding franchisees should always do their due diligence to avoid falling into the same trap. Ensuring your chosen franchise is reputable, ethical and sustainable is a great foundation to build your burgeoning business on. The first thing to look for is if your chosen franchise is a member of the bfa. While there are some good franchises that are not members, no members are bad franchises. That being said, there are some very good newcomers to our industry that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become members yet. If the franchisor is not a member then you should also find out how long the franchise has been established for. Additionally, if the franchisor is not a member you should enquire whether or not their franchise agreement was drafted by a specialist franchise solicitor affiliated to the bfa.

A franchiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations manual is a central piece of its model and budding franchisees should always take a long hard look at it before joining a network. Given all businesses evolve, the manual should reflect this and show signs of having been regularly updated with new material. Another key consideration is whether the franchisor's remuneration from the franchisees is based on sales turnover or on a monthly fee. Even though a number of good franchises charge a monthly fee, the former is the norm. It's never a bad idea to ask for outside council. If your bank has a franchising division, as most of the main banks do, ask your local manager to check out your shortlisted franchises with their specialist team. Finally, the last crucial thing to look for is whether or not anyone in the franchisor's management team is a qualified franchise professional. This demonstrates a serious commitment to ethical franchising. If you can tick on all or most of the boxes above and you are prepared to work hard and follow the franchise system, your chances of success are greatly enhanced. MARCH 2018 | ELITEFRANCHISE

What will you be doing this time next month? Still wishing you had a new job? Still wishing you’d started your own business? Still wishing you could do something more rewarding?

With a Mathnasium Learning Centre franchise you have the opportunity to build your own business, be your own boss and make a great living whilst making a difference. • No maths or teaching experience necessary • Simple, effective and proven system • Extensive training and ongoing support • Over 800 franchised centres worldwide • Low investment, great returns

It could be the most rewarding move you ever make!

Remember – nothing happens until you MAKE it happen

Find out more at mathnasium.co.uk or call Mathnasium UK – 0161 791 0686 Standard call charges apply

Untitled-5 1

08/01/2018 10:09

Opportunity for development with FiltaFry FiltaFry franchisee Andy Knight takes on his first employee since joining the company only two years ago

n October 2015 Andy Knight attended the National Franchise Exhibition looking for a new opportunity and the chance to run his own franchise. Knight remembers that FiltaFry stood out after being met with openness, honesty and an understanding from the franchise manager, Damian Slater. Knight explained how he felt like he was stuck working in similar roles with little chance of progression following university. He quickly learnt that FiltaFry could offer him exactly what he was looking for. “FiltaFry offered me what I needed; business ownership, daily challenge and the things I used to enjoy at work like a constantly changing environment.” Knight was initially apprehensive about taking the plunge and running his own franchise, stating “I had signed all the forms and had lots of sleepless nights whether I’d made a huge mistake.” However, he was soon put at ease by the extensive training the company provided for him. Knight recalls,“I was given the opportunity to spend the day with an existing franchisee to see if it was right for me and also if I could do it. This

To continue the expansion of my current postcode and then look to purchase other local territories and take more of a management role gave me a more in-depth knowledge in order to be able to ask more questions, all of which were answered.” Nearly two successful years on, Knight’s customer base has grown significantly and includes a variety of clients such as; restaurants, hotels, school canteens and manufacturers. The days can be tiring and long, but as he states: “the time flies and it does not seem like work at all”. Knights’ significant growth has recently allowed him to hire his first employee enabling him to now run a multi-van operation and expand to more clients across the CV postcode. When asked what his future plans are, Knight explains, “To continue the expansion of my current postcode and then look to purchase other local territories and take more of a management role.” Throughout all of the transitions that Knight has faced, he praises FiltaFry for their ongoing support and reliability. Knight concludes by stating “I felt that I had everything I needed on my first day and was raring to go and succeed. I know that I’m not on my own at all and if I had any issues there are people on hand to help me.”

01788 550100 www.filtafryplus.co.uk MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

Filtafry advertorial.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:22

YourZone45

In the

zone Chris Elms ran a successful boutique-gym business long before the market exploded. With YourZone45 he’s giving franchisees a chance to get in on the action, one heartpounding HIIT session at a time

By ERIC JOHANSSON

oday YourZone45, the fitness-studio franchise, is growing across Britain seemingly without breaking a sweat. However, its success has been a long time coming. “I launched my first studio in 2003 because I didn’t like gyms,” says Chris Elms, the founder. “They were so boring.” And his fellow gym-goers seemingly felt the same way, sluggishly moving between stations without any fire in their reps. Noticing this palpable lethargy, Elms realised how making exercise fun could be a great business opportunity. Determined to not let this chance slip through his fingers, he set up his own studio and aimed to invigorate every fitness aficionado stepping through his door. “I based everything on three key principles: motivation, enjoyment and results,” he says. Even though his enterprise succeeded in putting smiles on his clients’ faces and laid the foundation for his future franchising success, outsiders may have been less than impressed by his first studio. “I actually set

up in a little 700 square foot portacabin,” he says. “The walls were extremely thin, so it was very cold in the winter and boiling hot in the summer.” But despite these humble beginnings, Elms made the most out of the situation. While he bought some ads in local publications and did a lot of leafletting, word of mouth quickly proved the best way to bulk up the business. “People saw better results and walked out of the session motivated and sweating in a way they’d never experienced before,” Elms says. “And that really enticed them to continue and to tell their friends.” As the rumours spread, the club quickly grew to over 100 members. He spent the next few years growing the business and even launched a second studio. But by 2010 he’d become tired of the business taking a big chunk out of his time. “I was stretched out working over 100 hours per week over two sites,” Elms says. “That’s when I started looking at franchising.” Careful not to rush into it he did his research and realised he’d already laid much of the foundation needed to make it big. “I’d been running boutique-fitness studios ten

40 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

One to watch.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:16

YourZone45

years before it became fashionable and I knew that what made them work was the community feel you only got when the owner operates it,” Elms says. “At the time I was that owner but it could’ve just as easily have been someone else who knew every member and was equally passionate about the business.” The realisation that franchisees could serve this purpose persuaded him to move forward with his plans. But the research had also made Elms recognise that his model needed to be updated. “The sessions needed to be more like McDonald’s cheeseburgers, something that could be

replicated time after time,” he says. Therefore he introduced new stricter structures restricting individual trainers’ personal preferences from influencing sessions, And it didn’t take long before the revamp made an impact. “We saw a huge spike in members’ results because they were now training at an even higher intensity,” Elms says. While changing some parts of the model, Elms ensured interval training remained at its core. “If you push your heart rate up above 84% of its capacity for 12 to 20 minutes of a workout, you’ll kick in the afterburn effect, which is when your metabolism stays a lot higher and burns more calories for up to 36 hours after the workout,” he says. In a bid to ensure every member can track and benefit from the training, he also incorporated MyZone heart monitors into the new model. “What’s great about it is that everyone is at a level playing field,” Elms says. In other words: no matter if you have to sprint or just require a brisk walk on the treadmill to reach your maximum capacity, you can still take part in the session.

The sessions needed to be more like McDonald’s cheeseburgers, something that could be replicated time after time MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

One to watch.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:16

YourZone45

With these updates in place, Elms and his team began to recruit franchisees that could push the business to the next level. “We needed people who understood what we wanted to achieve, our journey, where we’d been and where we were going,” he says. Casting a wide net across franchise and business sites, the franchisor was especially looking for fitness instructors eager to start a business of their own. Eventually, Elms found the perfect candidate. “They had a background in fitness and sales, so we knew they could get the club open, would understand the concept and could sell right off the bat,” he says. Having found the new franchise, Elms decided to take the new concept for a spin. “We launched our franchise pilot in 2014,” he says. Under the new trade name YourZone, which would later add 45 to mark the length of the sessions, the concept quickly proved a roaring success. “They became profitable within five months,” Elms says. With the pilot making impressive gains, the franchisor is now looking to expand the network further. Central to this ambition is the understanding that franchisors are only as successful as their franchisees, which is why YourZone45 thoroughly preps them to ensure they stay true to form. “We start with a week-long initial training course where we cover every aspect of the business,” says Elms. From how to run the franchise and manage finances to delivering workouts and great customer service, franchisees learn everything they need to run the business at the new flagship studio in Greenwich. The initial training is then followed by three days of on-site training once the studio has opened. “After that we offer them on-going support by having the franchisors and a manager from a sister club talk with them on a monthly basis to ensure they meet their targets

We’re not looking to go crazy and have thousands of sites worldwide over the next few years and help steer the business in the right direction,” says Elms. Given the support on offer and the care the franchisor has put into the system, it’s hardly surprising that YourZone45 has been able to grow exponentially since launching the franchise model. “We’ve got four sites open and another three in development,” Elms says. “And we’ve got another four or five people that we’re in progressive talks with.” And he’s not stopping any time soon. “We aim to get 12 new franchisees in 2018,” he says. “Reaching the 100 mark is the next goal, which we should reach in the next three to four years.” Moreover, that’s hardly the only way he’s planning to grow the business.

“As we continue to grow and develop, we are looking to expand overseas,” he says. “The goal is to get to Australia and to the States.” Having already began talks with potential master franchisees, Elms reveals that he’s planning to start the international expansion over the next two years. But he’s also adamant about not letting the growth get out of hand. “We’re not looking to go crazy and have thousands of sites worldwide over the next few years,” he says. “It’s about making sure the franchises we’ve already launched are successful.” Given how this attitude has already served him in good stead, it feels safe to say that YourZone45 is here to stay.

42 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

One to watch.indd 3

02/03/2018 18:16

why OSCAR... Call now for a FREE Information pack 0800 068 1106 discover@oscars.co.uk www.oscar.co.uk

Unique Pet Food Business Opportunity to pet owners who just love their pets Extensive Range of Pet Products • Multi billion industry • Home delivery • Work from home • Exclusive territory • Intensive training • Advice from experts • Repeat business • Ongoing support • FROM £8,995 plus VAT

YOUR CHOICE YOUR BUSINESS Build a franchise to suit your own level of expertise and skill set • Personalised • Flexible • Exclusive

SEARCHING FOR A CAREER CHANGE WITH A FUTURE? BoConcept is a successful company in design-oriented furniture and are searching nationwide for: Managing Director Retail store-Franchise Partner - Very high average income potential - A strong brand from a well established company - Transparent processes with open communications - High Level Management Support - Extensive marketing support - Extensive training - Support for the store design and furnishings & Opening

Request more information on this franchise system franchise@boconcept.com www.boconcept.com/franchise

Franchise opportunities only available outside the Greater London area

OSCAR and TutorDr.indd 1

02/02/2018 10:48

Untitled-6 1

08/01/2018 10:19

Create your own business with unlimited income potential! Train yourself to create ultimate job security

“

I love to travel and play sport and was looking for bags to keep my possessions dry when travelling. By creating a product I’m passionate about I’ve taken control of my ecommerce journey.

”

Patricia

Platinum Business Partner

Selling in the Sports & Outdoors category

no product handling

work from anywhere

sell online

create a brand

Interested? See if you qualify to attend one of our free upcoming Discovery events by calling us today.

01202 652 103

platinumbusinesspartners.co.uk Untitled-1 1

Proud members

26/02/2018 09:56

HEALTHCARE TECH

Caring tech From heart-rate monitors to robotics, technology is rapidly transforming the healthcare sector. However, what should franchises around Britain consider before adopting these new innovations?

46 ELITEFRANCHISE | MARCH 2018

HEALTHCARE TECH

BY ERIC JOHANSSON

ediBioSense’s wearable health tracker is an impressive piece of tech. Not only does the smart watch keep the time but also tracks the wearer’s location, heart rate, risk of seizure and whether they’ve fallen down. Adding another level of security, the device can connect with off-site teams ready to snap into action at the first sign of the wearer’s health declining. However, Victoria Webber, franchisee of Bluebird Care Lincoln, the care franchise, wasn’t impressed when she first laid eyes on it. “The prototype was pretty chunky and a little bit ugly,” she says. “But I saw that what it could do was pretty amazing.” So despite its appearance, she happily agreed to trial the gadget with 11 of her clients at the tail end of 2017. While some found the device a bit bulky and difficult to charge, most were happy with the additional sense of safety it provided. “About 75% of those who’ve trialled it so far would like it permanently,” she says. “So we might add it to our care package in the future.” But Webber is hardly alone. As a matter of fact, care franchises across Britain are eagerly embracing new technologies, heralding a pivotal change in the industry’s attitude towards innovation. “Traditionally, the sector has been very underinvested in terms of technology,” says Hannah MacKechnie, co-founder and director of Radfield Home Care, the care franchise. A reason for this was that the sector was predominantly run by local authorities and had very low profit-margins. “So people didn’t really have an appetite for it,” she says. “But the emergence and significant growth of the private market in social care over the last ten to 15 years have meant that companies are now investing in technology.” From wearables monitoring people’s health to smartphone apps enabling carers to log sessions on the go, franchises in the industry are taking technology seriously and it’s easy to see why. “Getting the right technology in the right place at the right time is where a lot of care franchises are aiming to gain their competitive edge,” says James W. Carratt, founder and CEO at Clarriots Care, the care franchise. “Of course, the technology is available to us all but it’s the care franchises who move first who can gain the upper hand on their competitors and achieve stronger service delivery.” For instance, tech can alleviate administrative burdens by reducing paperwork, automatically update patients’ care programmes and ensure carers comply with regulations. “Our franchisees will really benefit from this by saving time, money and generally making the process of running their business far simpler,” he says.

MARCH 2018 | ELITEFRANCHISE

HEALTHCARE TECH

Additionally, adopting modern tech enables franchises to provide better services to the people in their care and greater transparency for their loved ones. “Family [members] can find out who has visited their loved ones, when they visited, how long they were there for, what they supported them with and generally how they were,” says Carratt. Moreover, by offering patients a safety net and 24-seven monitoring, franchises can help people stay at home longer if they don’t want to go to a care home. “Technology is giving us the opportunity to provide a truly holistic service The new legislation will mean tighter restrictions on to our clients, placing them at the centre of consent to store people’s personal data, how it is stored, everything we do and giving them full control to who has access to it and how secure it is from cybersecurity make their own decisions, maintain their own breaches. Failure to comply could leave franchises facing independence and live life the way fines of up to €20m or 4% of the annual they choose,” says Carratt. turnover of the organisation, whichever is Given the benefits introducing higher. “It’s obviously very important with new tech can have, it’s hardly GDPR to understand the obligations and surprising franchisors choose to make sure we can still provide our service,” try them out. And with franchisees she says. being at the coalface, franchisors Another consideration to be mindful are advised to take their ideas of is how adopting new technology will under careful consideration too. transform the industry for the people in it. “You have to be mindful of not If you’re curious about what’s to come, then prohibiting franchisees from it might be worth taking a look at Asia. “In taking the opportunities they are Japan they’ve got a real challenge in terms presented with,” says Duncan of looking after their ageing population,” Berry, chief operating officer at says MacKechnie. Indeed, over a quarter Bluebird Care. “But you have to of the country’s population is over 65. At look at what the business case the same time, there is a huge shortage of for it is.” In other words, before capable care workers. In order to resolve franchisors give franchisees the issue, over 5,000 Japanese care homes their thumbs up to trial tech, are trialling robotic carers, according to both parties must be clear what The Economist. From SoftBank’s humanoid the potential business benefits Pepper to RIKEN’s more anime-inspired James W. Carratt, Clarriots Care and risks are. It’s also important Robear, nursing robots are proving a smash they both understand how much hit in Japan. However, while these robots can money and time are needed to get offer support, human carers shouldn’t start it done correctly. “It’s really about weighing it up worrying about their jobs just yet. “Human contact is hugely on its business case merits and then take it from underestimated,” says MacKechnie. “Loneliness is a huge there,” Berry says. problem. So having real people visit is highly, highly valuable.” Front and centre of these considerations is how That being said, she’s optimistic about what adopting franchises handle data. On the plus side, many new tech has already meant for franchises. “The use of new devices enable organisations to source a technology is conveying the fact that the care sector is lot of data, empowering them to improve their becoming a grownup business,” says MacKechnie. “It’s an models. On the other hand, franchises that store incredibly exciting time to become a part of that.” So while data must be compliant with the law, a challenge human carers won’t be replaced by robots any time soon, set to grow considerably when the General Data the benefit innovations can have in the industry is obvious. Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force in “Technology is assisting us to be able to really drive the May. “There are certainly more things to consider business forward and support clients in the best way with GDPR on the horizon,” says MacKechnie. possible,” she concludes.

Technology is giving us the opportunity to provide a truly holistic service to our clients

48 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

Analysis.indd 3

02/03/2018 18:12

ADVERTISING FEATURE

An OSCAR franchise provides the security of a strong brand and protected image that gives franchisees the benefit of running your own business to suit your time and circumstances within your exclusive territory

ccording to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, there are over 22 million pets in the UK. That equates to one in two households owning a pet. To cater for customer demand, OSCAR is inviting you to join its network and benefit from its vast range of experience in the pet food and accessories industry. At OSCAR we never take anything for granted. The pet food industry is ever changing and it’s our policy to ensure that our products and services continue to meet the standards required to satisfy the pet customers’ needs – concentrating on our extensive range of pet food, treats and accessories. OSCAR’s foods don’t compromise on quality, using only the finest human-

Your choice, your business, your franchise grade wholesome ingredients which are traceable and, for the most part, locally sourced. The foods are highly nutritious and tasty, which helps our fully trained nutritional advisors to ensure that every pet gains a wealth of nutritional benefits.

My business is everything I want it to be: flexible, with less stress; it is a pleasure to go to work. Results are very forthcoming Richard Hebden, Oscar Pet Foods - Flintshire

We have a strong network of franchisees representing the OSCAR complete pet care service around the UK and our motto for running a family business is achieving excellent results. By attracting new franchisees from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets, OSCAR has recognised the growing need to introduce a franchise package that is structured to suit individual business requirements. The OSCAR franchise package provides the fundamental necessities required to launch an OSCAR franchise. It then allows the franchisee to choose from a cross section of additional business development services, thus creating a package tailored to suit the individual and their personal skills. With continued advancement towards success, including training and support, OSCAR is adopting a more user friendly approach throughout. By using up-to-date technology, OSCAR is able to provide innovative training that allows its franchisees home access to an online resource centre, enabling more accessible learning. No previous experience is required to run an OSCAR franchise because there’s a team on hand to advise and guide franchisees throughout the years. Experts in nutrition, behaviour, marketing, accounting and general business needs are readily available to provide valuable information for franchisees and their customers.

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

OSCAR adv RH.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:34

Broccoli PIZZA & PASTA

Pushing By ERIC JOHANSSON

pizza

Broccoli Pizza & Pasta has served up its fresh take on Italian cuisine ever since launching in 2011. By expanding into the UK the franchise has geared up to take a big slice of the global market From gym bunnies flooding Instagram with workout pics to consumers being willing to pay more for healthy snacks, no one can deny that staying fit is becoming more important on these shores. However, despite having acquired a taste for clean living, most people still retain an appetite for great cuisine. By understanding this paradox Broccoli Pizza & Pasta, the Italianfood franchise, has been able to grow from its humble beginnings in Dubai into becoming an

international powerhouse serving up mouthwatering dishes across the globe. But the success of the franchise was no accident. In fact, it was the result of a plan carefully laid by a Middle Eastern and family-run investment group based in the United Arab Emirates that founded the franchise. “The idea came about around 2009,” says Charlie Mander, European franchise manager at Broccoli Pizza & Pasta. Not only did the founders envision a company that would take advantage of the rising health trends but also drew inspiration from other franchise giants. Indeed, by adding a pinch of customisation options to the inspiration from other franchises’ pizza offerings, the new enterprise aspired to cook up a business recipe greater than the sum of the two. “We thought combining them would be a great opportunity,” Mander says. While eager to make the idea a reality, the company took care not to jump headfirst without testing the waters. “We did a lot of research,” says Mander. For starters, the founders ensured they understood the market. Moreover, recognising how businesses in the sector could grow exponentially through franchising, the team set out to franchise the business from

50 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

International.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:09

the get-go and reached out to Francorp, the franchise consultancy, for guidance. “That ensured the business would be offering a sustainable and successful structure, enabling us to grow globally,” says Mander. By 2011 the founders felt ready to set the plan in motion and launched their first restaurant in Barsha Heights in Dubai. While the eatery benefitted from being located in a commercial area within delivery distance to residential neighbourhoods, the franchise’s coup de grace was its rich menu. “Broccoli Pizza & Pasta offers a unique concept as the customer can fully customise their meal, adding ingredients of their choice in order to produce a meal which matches their dietary requirements,” says Mander. “All ingredients are prepared daily on site to ensure maximum freshness and quality products.” But even with such succulent servings on offer, the owners didn’t leave the success of the business to chance. Instead, word about Broccoli Pizza & Pasta was carefully spread through leafletting, daily offers and networking within the local business community. And it didn’t take long before these efforts paid off. “Any new concept takes time to grow but within six months we were already looking for our second site,” says Mander. With the company-owned pilot having proven itself a roaring success, the franchisor set out to find its first franchisees. But doing so wasn’t without challenges. “[Because there’s] minimal knowledge of franchising in Dubai, we had to market the franchise opportunity in store and [through our] local contacts,” Mander says. Fortunately, this proved a winning recipe and the franchisor quickly found its first franchisees. Staying true to form, the team didn’t leave the franchisees’ success to fate. “Initially, we would fully project-manage each and every new restaurant and we would even operate it for the first two months at no extra cost,” Mander says. “This was paramount for us to ensure the first

restaurants were operating at their full potential and allowed us to create textbook case studies.” Given the lengths the franchisor went through, it’s hardly surprising that the first franchise became a smash hit soon after opening in 2013. Armed with the knowledge acquired through its native market, the franchisor decided to expand internationally three years later. First stop: the UK. “We wanted to challenge ourselves by going straight into a very competitive and expensive market,” Mander says. The franchisor certainly got its wish when it contacted British authorities and found out how many regulatory hoops it had to jump through before opening. “[We] were surprised at the number of steps [it took to be compliant when operating] a franchise,” he says. Moreover, moving into a new market also meant adjusting to the British palate. “In the Middle East they like their food quite salty but we had to reduce the salt content in the UK,” says Mander. “Also, in the Middle East all water is bottled but here we obviously use tap water, which

We wanted to challenge ourselves by going straight into a very competitive and expensive market

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

International.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:10

Broccoli PIZZA & PASTA

has lots of minerals that affect the yeast in the dough.” However, being able to rise above these challenges was important for the new franchisor because it proved the company could make similar adjustments in any new market it would enter in the future. “When we opened in India we removed all beef from the menu, increased the spice levels and introduced things like chicken-tikka pizza to make it fit the local market,” he says. Having overcome both regulatory hurdles and cultural ones, the first UK-based Broccoli Pizza & Pasta restaurant opened for business in July 2016 and quickly became successful. With this proof of concept in the bag, the franchisor was ready to start looking for British franchisees. “We used various online portals and went to exhibitions,” says Mander. These efforts paid off when a prospective franchisee from Manchester reached

out. While he dazzled the franchisor with his outstanding local knowledge and solid business plan, it was his willingness to go above and beyond to be part of the network that persuaded the franchisor to let him join. “[He] was willing to provide his full dedication to the brand, so much so that he travelled and stayed in Dubai for a number of weeks to learn and understand the operations,” Mander says. Recognising how every franchise is only as successful as its franchisees, Broccoli Pizza & Pasta is committed to ensuring all members of its network get off to a great start. “Our support structure sets us apart from [our] competitors,” Mander says. “We offer a very hands-on approach to each project to make sure the franchisee is never left in the unknown.” Kicking off this support, each new franchisee benefits from help with selecting the store’s location, analysing the market and designing the restaurant. Moreover, they also receive between ten and 14 days of initial training before the launch of the restaurant, which is followed by seven days of on-site training. And the support doesn’t end at the official opening but the franchisor will always be ready to offer a helping hand. “We don’t charge for [it because] if each store operates to its full potential, [then everyone benefits],” says Mander. Given the care the franchisor has put into the franchise from the beginning and the support on offer, it’s hardly surprising that the network has grown exponentially since launching in the UK. “At the moment, we’ve got 26 franchisees on board in the UK with between 15 and 18 of them opening stores this year,” says Mander. But that’s not all: the international network has also spread to include over 100 restaurants and aspires to grow across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe in the years to come. “But obviously we’re taking it one step at the time to make sure each market is growing correctly,” concludes Mander. “We’ll take it from there really.”

International.indd 3

02/03/2018 18:10

OVER 3 5

FRANCH 0 IS WORLD ES WIDE

www.ﬁltafryplus.co.uk | dslater@ﬁltagroup.com

Could YOU be the next UK Franchisee?

Magikats and CarMedic.indd 1

02/03/2018 09:27

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Clean up with a Techclean franchise If you’re looking for a business opportunity that is affordable, offers flexibility and isn’t dependent on any one market sector then Techclean could be your ideal choice

echclean developed its knowledge and expertise in the 1980s through providing specialist cleaning services for the computer and communication rooms of large corporates, establishing itself as the market leader in this field. But as technology advanced and computing and communication devices moved out of these sterile ‘white coat only’ environments onto desktops, cleaning of this equipment is now no longer in the domain of specialists. Instead general office cleaners or employees themselves have the task of cleaning computers, telephones and other office equipment. According to the 2016 CIPD Absence Management Report, absenteeism costs British businesses an average of £522 per employee per year. That’s around 140 million days lost to sickness absence across the UK in 2015 with colds, flu and gastric illnesses topping the table of causes. If you combine this with the statistic that says 33% of people with contagious symptoms struggle into work rather than stay at home, it’s easy to see why providing a hygienic workplace is so important to productivity.

That’s where Techclean comes in. We know what’s required and our track record serving organisations throughout the UK from famous names including Porsche and Disney to schools, hospitals and charities speaks for itself. We work within an ISO environment and are Safecontractor accredited giving customer’s immediate confidence of our credibility. The Techclean specialist service has never been in greater demand to properly clean and sanitise office equipment that come into regular contact with human hands . A Techclean franchise can slot in at any stage of your working life or provide a second income stream to run alongside an existing business or job and territories are generous with each catchment area having at least 10,000 businesses. No premises are needed, making the franchise a perfect business to run from a home office with minimal outlay and low operating costs. Former teacher and mother of four Susan Davies set up Techclean South Wales three years ago after her youngest child went to university. She said: “I just love the diversity of it and meeting different people. It’s very satisfying work.

We go into an office and in a just few hours we make such a big difference to the working environment. I have a small team of people working with me I call the ‘dream team’ – and customers are always delighted with the end results.” If you’re looking for a business opportunity that is affordable, offers flexibility and isn’t dependent on any one market sector then Techclean could be the ideal choice. We are looking for individuals with a strong work ethic and who are willing to follow a proven business model. The ideal Techclean franchisee will be good with people and have an aptitude for sales and marketing. No previous experience is required as full training is given. You need to be good with people and have an aptitude for sales and marketing. Costing just £19,500 plus VAT, a Techclean franchise stands head and shoulders above other low-cost franchise opportunities. Techclean is part of The Bardon Group one of the UK’s leading franchisors who also run three other well established high-quality brands - namely Kall Kwik, ComputerXplorers and Recognition Express. You will benefit from on-going head office support in all the key areas of sales, training, business planning and finance and most especially marketing with access to the Techclean marketing systems, tools and collateral. Contact: Emma Downes e: edownes@techclean.co.uk t: 01530 513300 w: www.techclean.co.uk

54 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

Tech Clean DPS.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:25

I’m fed up with other people taking credit for work I’ve done

I’m not appreciated at all

I want to be my own boss

I put in the hard work but it’s not reflected in what I earn

Running your own business doesn’t have to be a pipe dream With a Techclean franchise you can be up and running in weeks. Techclean are the UK’s leading expert in specialist IT cleaning services. With franchises available in your area, we’re looking for good communicators with an aptitude for sales and marketing to run their own locally based business.

• WORK FROM HOME • TERRITORIES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE UK • NET MARGINS OF OVER 55% • HUGE AND GROWING MARKET • REPEAT BUSINESS • EXTENSIVE ON-GOING BUSINESS SUPPORT

Request a free information pack at techclean.co.uk/contact or email edownes@techclean.co.uk techclean, Unit 2 Cartwright Court, Forest Business Park, Bardon, Leicestershire, LE67 1UE 01530 513300 • edownes@techclean.co.uk

Untitled-9 1

09/01/2018 16:01

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Run your own highly profitable windowcleaning business T

he Deluxe Window Cleaning is based in Derby, which was established in 2005. The business focus heavily on domestic window cleaning and associated services such as conservatory cleaning and gutters. This strategy enable us to maximise our income potential and cashflow and is the exact same model that all franchisees will follow to build a high profit business. Deluxe Window Cleaning has been trading for over ten years and specialise in very high standard domestic and commercial window cleaning at competitive prices. We have established ourselves as one of the leading window cleaning companies in Derby and the

surrounding areas. We have achieved this by always providing a highly professional and competitively priced service to our customers. We pride ourselves on using modern equipment whilst also incorporating traditional methods. As Deluxe Window Cleaning is a franchise, our services will eventually cover the whole of the UK as the franchise network expands. All of our franchisees will offer every service and will be trained to a very high standard with ongoing training at all the times. The opportunity Our main focus has mainly been on domestic window cleaning and associated services such as conservatory cleaning, jet washing and

gutters. This domestic focus enables us to maximise our income potential and ensure that we have a strong cashflow. Using both modern and traditional methods we offer window cleaning services to residential customers and commercial businesses including offices, shops, studios and supermarkets. Deluxe Window Cleaning has a solid proven business systems in place. We have developed a successful structure over a number of years and as our franchisee you will be able to take advantage of these systems and our proven lucrative business formula. As a Deluxe Window Cleaning franchisee we will teach you everything you need to run your business successfully, this includes; how to identify your target markets,

56 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

Deluxe Window Advertorial.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:26

ADVERTISING FEATURE

generate leads using our proven techniques, convert them into paying clients and maximise your profits all from day one. We will train you to spearhead your franchise exactly the same way as the core business, this will ensure that you are running your business efficiently and will help to eliminate any common mistakes a new business owner usually faces, thus ensuring your success. Each franchisee will receive an exclusive territory to operate in, the size of your territory will enable you to realise your full earning potential. Your Deluxe Window Cleaning franchise package includes everything you need to begin trading immediately within your chosen territory. Training and support At Deluxe Window Cleaning we feel the training and support we offer to all our franchisees is second to none. Our hands-on approach to training ensures that you will gain all the skills necessary to run your own successful business. Your initial training will take place over five days where you will meet and learn from the Deluxe Window Cleaning team. You will be given a thorough working knowledge and understanding of not only the industry but also the Deluxe Window Cleaning

Your Deluxe Window Cleaning Franchise Package includes everything you need to begin trading immediately within your chosen territory proven systems and lead generation tools and techniques. Our training comprehensively establishes you and your franchise as a highly effective business in your chosen territory. Our training program has been designed to ensure that you run your business efficiently from day one. It’s vital that we as your franchisor provide complete on-going support, not only for your day-today needs but also for your growth plans. We recognise that the most successful franchisees receive continued development and coaching as their businesses rapidly develop. What do I do next? At Deluxe Window Cleaning we’re looking for motivated individuals who are searching for the opportunity to build a successful business. You must be service minded, enjoy dealing with a broad range of people and have good communication skills. You don’t need to have any previous

experience to be a success with window cleaning, the most important qualification is a commitment to quality and a desire to own your own business. If having read through the prospectus you believe you have the necessary skills and desire to become a franchisee with Deluxe Window Cleaning, then you are ready to take your application further. The next steps are to answer any questions you may have regarding the franchise and then arrange for you to come and meet the team. deluxewindowcleaningfranchise.co.uk 07531612992

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

Deluxe Window Advertorial.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:26

BOOSTING EFFICIENCY

Running a tight ship Boosting your franchise’s efficiency may seem like a lot of work. However, in the long run upping productivity can ensure that there is nothing but plain sailing ahead

ver had that feeling – when you’re still sat at your desk late at night, disillusioned and drowning in work – where you’re pretty sure there must be a better way? That there have to be ways to make things faster, less complicated and far more efficient? Well you’re right: there probably is. Regardless of its size, every business is like a complex piece of machinery and, as we all know, machinery must be kept carefully maintained to ensure it works at its best for staff and customers alike. Fortunately there are plenty of ways that you can ensure things run as smoothly as possible. Gain perspective on your productivity Step back and look at your business from an outsider’s point of view, from start to finish. To help break it down, do it a stage at a time: for example, sort the process for targeting new

58 ELITEFRANCHISE | MARCH 2018

prospects, then look at how your onboarding process works and so on. This puts you in a position where you can properly evaluate your processes and systems to identify and address any issues or make the most of any strengths. All too often inefficient, clunky systems are perpetuated in a business, just because “it’s what we’ve always done.” Remove this and you clear the way for a far slicker experience, both for you and your customers. While the very idea of change is daunting for many, if you want to progress, succeed and maximise efficiency, it’s important to have the courage to move away from practices that are no longer useful or relevant to your needs. Elevate staff efficiency Do you know your employees’ productivity ratios of billable versus payroll hours? This is one of the main areas that efficiencies can be made in a

BY DAVE GALVIN, HEAD OF FRANCHISING AND SENIOR BUSINESS ADVISOR, D&T CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

business. While 100% efficiency is never realistically going to be feasible, these staff ratios should be kept as high as possible to ensure you’re utilising the full capacity of your workforce. The simple fact is that while an employee might be paid to be at work for eight hours a day, five days a week, not every second of those 40 hours will be work that can be billed to clients. Your staff aren’t machines and the cost of things like sick pay and holiday need to be covered. But that isn’t the only thing to consider. Downtime is an unavoidable factor: many tasks are necessary – and often useful – but not billable. Filing, staff meetings, training, waiting in line at the wholesalers, travel and even coffee and chat time are all inevitable parts of day-to-day business for many companies. Taking all this into account, the vast majority of businesses run at approximately 65% efficiency. During an average eight hour day, this means

Boosting efficiency

that 168 minutes – or a little shy of three hours – of the average employee’s time every day is taken up with tasks that aren’t billable. The cost of this will have to be absorbed by the business. Try to remove obstacles and put systems in place that enable your staff to spend as much of their time on billable work as possible. Price for profit Some of this is of course unavoidable: I’m not disputing the need for downtime or suggesting you should ban your staff from loo breaks. However, what I do recommend is to streamline

If you want to progress, succeed and maximise efficiency, it’s important to have the courage to move away from practices that are no longer useful systems to maximise the productivity of your paid staff and work out who is paying for the other 35%. Ideally, you should recover the costs of your non-billable hours from clients through your pricing.

Imagine a small-business owner pricing up a job. Their pricing is based on a simple logic – that job will take an hour, so that’s a tenner. They’ve got £20 of materials, so that’s £30. And they need to make a bit of profit, so let’s call it £50. This is one of the biggest mistakes: what they’ve not factored into this process is the non-productive time – and that can be a hugely costly oversight. Let me demonstrate by way of example. The average haircut these days seems to cost around the £55 mark but that doesn’t mean the hairdresser is earning £55 an hour. More likely they’re getting around £10 for an hour’s work and the remaining £45 covers the hairdresser’s holiday and sick pay, the company’s overheads, the equipment needed, the coffee and the time it took to take the call to book the appointment. Ultimately every business can improve their efficiency in some way. And looking at your processes and streamlining where possible shouldn’t be a one-off task. As technology, markets and systems progress, there will always be ways to help streamline your franchise’s finances and operations and keep your business well-maintained and efficient.

march 2018 | elitefranchise

Finance.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:58

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Thrive with Ovenu for the lifestyle that self-employment offers, some for the significant financial rewards and others for the benefits of working in a successful network and being guided by oven-cleaning business specialists. The reassurance of being helped by experts is invaluable. We’re able to react quickly and efficiently to change and we’re always innovative in our approach. Being a private limited company, we don’t answer to external shareholders nor do we wait for the wheels of internal politics to turn. We practice what we preach by keeping our HQ overheads low and we’re able to offer opportunities to work with us from a modest £4,995 + VAT. So now you really can “Invest with the best, for less”.

hances are you will only invest into an oven-cleaning franchise once so we want to reassure you that your investment into the Ovenu business is a prudent one. Our franchise operation is simple to run, but please don’t confuse ‘simple’ with ‘easy’. It’s simple enough to run one hundred meters in a straight line and as fast as you can but, to become a world champion certainly isn’t easy. Even the best seek on-going expert advice. Usain Bolt was always guided by a coach, even at the peak of his career. It’s very similar scenario working within our Ovenu franchise. We’ll work with you and coach you every step of your career, from initial training onwards. We’re here to help you achieve your goals. Our Ovenu franchise was set up over 20 years ago and has developed over the years into the UK’s most successful oven-cleaning business. Ovenu was started by Rik Hellewell as a one-man band in 1994 and by 1997 he had three additional vans on the road. His experience cleaning ovens and building a business means that the advice he passes on to franchisees

is based on real life experience. It is genuine, expert advice. We have a unique business model that has evolved with technology and experience over the years. It is a model that our franchisees like a lot. The majority of our franchisees renew their agreements with us into a second, third or even a fourth five-year term. They have all done this by choice and for lots of different reasons; some

If you’d now like to discover more about us and our opportunities, give us a call on 01189 743 911 or visit ovenufranchise.co.uk

60 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

Ovenu adv.indd 1

02/03/2018 09:34

We’ve done the groundwork. You get to build a business on a solid

foundation.

Our franchise opportunity was built on a solid footing nearly 25 years ago. We’ve since developed the business into the UK’s favourite oven cleaning service. As an Ovenu franchisee you’ll get to manage your lifestyle whilst enjoying an excellent return on your investment. You’ll be working locally in a bespoke, protected territory offering a premium quality service to clients. Our choice of options has expanded so that we have an opportunity that’s as individual as you! Our Foundation Franchise: For under £10,000 you will receive the best tools and equipment to build your business and generate turnover from day one. We will provide you with; • Initial business & valeting training to ISO standard • Unrivalled help and support • Marketing on launch and beyond • Your own choice of van • Use of our comprehensive Client Experience System • The potential to turnover more than £1200 a week

Our Foundation Plus Franchise: Extend on your foundations with a higher investment and gain access to; • Increased exclusive territory • Greater earnings & expansion potential

Invest with the best for less with our innovative ‘InSiteSM’ opportunity

01189 743 911

Ovenu adv.indd 2

www.ovenufranchise.co.uk

02/03/2018 09:31

JOIN US IN PROVIDING OUTSTANDING CARE. At Heritage Healthcare, we focus on providing the highest level of care and support to our clients. Homecare is one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing sectors with over 6.5 million elderly people requiring daily assistance. With an expanding population and ever increasing life expectancy, growth is set to continue. As a Heritage Healthcare franchisee you can expect;

Award-winning support Over 80 years of experience First class training A bespoke territory CALL MICHELLE FENWICK QFP TODAY ON 01325 370707 OR EMAIL MICHELLE@HERITAGEHEALTHCARE.CO.UK WWW.HERITAGEHEALTHCAREFRANCHISING.CO.UK

Suit and Heritage.indd 1

26/02/2018 10:10

Turn your skills and experience into a lucrative business operating in a secure, growing, £6bn marketplace Exclusive Territory with £1M turnover potential Strong ROI from recurring monthly income Security and scalability of B2B contracts Stable marketplace regardless of politics, economics or Brexit! Royalties scale down from 5.75% to 2% as you scale up Build a clean asset to sell in the future

Telemarketing which targets clients in your territory – at no cost to you

A network of like-minded director-level business owners sharing experience

YOUR business owns your contracts and you set the terms – not us

Enjoy the returns from building your own business in a £6bn marketplace which includes retailers, supermarkets, offices, GP surgeries, schools and much, much more. With BCS your route to achieving your financial goals is tailored around your personal objectives, experience and available resources. Although franchise owners share a common goal, the route each takes is entirely personal to them. We work with you to define your plan and then support you in enjoying the journey to building your own profitable business.

0800 772 0810 12/01/2018 14:09

Love fashion, live your passion with Suit the City Join a leading business in a growing market, beating the current trends in retail Supply professional clients with made-to-measure, luxury garments: you will have a high rate of repeat business and referrals Low overheads - no stock, no waste and you can work from a small city centre studio Build your business with the aid of a team of Consultant Tailors all trained by Suit the City Full training and support is given during the first three months and then on an on-going basis For more information please call us or visit our website

www.suitfranchise.com

Suit and Heritage.indd 1

01494 880790

02/03/2018 19:44

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Picture your perfect tearooms At the heart of your community, oozing elegance and serving up gracious hospitality, a Beatons Tearooms is a lifestyle franchise to give you the legacy you long for

here’s a plethora of barista-style coffee chains on the high street. But the guarantee of a peaceful oasis to indulge in your favourite looseleaf tea or coffee – with the joy of table service – has remained elusive. However, since 2010 Beatons Tearooms and Bookshop group has been quietly filling this niche. By Easter you’ll be able to relax in a Beatons in six locations, from Hampshire to Cheshire. Better still, you could be a future owner of one.

Beatons is so much more than a combined tearooms and bookshop, it’s a place filled with warmth and passion Reducing Risk Becoming a Beatons franchisee will enable you to create the tearooms of your dreams with the security and backing of a brand with a best-of-breed reputation. Beatons is styled on and named after Sir Cecil Beaton, the royal and celebrity photographer. The group’s success is proof that its loyal market loves the unique take on quintessential English tea culture. Our customers appreciate the all-day home-baked light menu choices, including Beatons’ Great Taste Award-winning gluten-free banana and coffee cake. Inspiring Success Creativity isn’t always associated with franchising but at Beatons you’ll be steeped in it. In your stunning and inspired tearooms, you’ll have a specially designed series of launch events to ensure you become the hub of your community. Equipped with every system, process and skillset to deliver a winning set of menus and sell an imaginative curated book selection, you’ll be able to focus on delivering the gracious hospitality that’ll bring success and make your tearooms special.

Creating Pride Beatons’ secret comes from a proven values-based model, ongoing practical training and expert support which Beatons FBO’s buy into from the start. “Beatons is so much more than a combined tearooms and bookshop,” says Fifi Zahedfar, franchisee at Beatons Petersfield. “It’s a place filled with warmth and passion.” Creating such an atmosphere fosters pride – immeasurable yet integral to a fulfilling life. And it returns repeat business, the cornerstone of Beatons’ success. Deliberately Affordable Keen to make owning a Beatons accessible, the initial investment level is surprisingly low at around £55,000 in total, including a standard shopfit. Nevertheless, Beatons’ franchiseerecruitment process is careful and measured. Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and being a people’s person are pre-requisites. Does that sound like your cup of tea? If so, get in touch today.

01747 871819 opt. 2 www.beatonstearooms.co.uk MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

Beatons adv.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:27

The

imitation game

Copycat marketing

No matter what business you’re in, your competitor will always copy your successful marketing ideas. But how you choose to deal with it is up to you By Paul Stafford, head of communications, Chantry

“I

guess it did look kind of weird at first, but it felt so natural that, like all good ideas, you just wonder why no one had thought of it before me.” When Dick Fosbury began to challenge the longstanding technique for the high jump with his ‘flop’ as a teenager, little did he know he’d change the face of the event for decades to come. Initially mocked for his unconventional method of clearing the bar, after winning gold at the 1968 Olympics Fosbury’s style quickly became the standard for the overwhelming majority of high jumpers and has remained so ever since. It’s one of the more famous examples of copycatting but it’s far from the only one. Writers, musicians and politicians all do it as do tech giants, drinks companies and retail brands. Regardless of your field, if you’re good at something then people will copy you. It’s an inevitable part of being in business and in the competitive arena of franchise recruitment it’s almost guaranteed that if you hit on a winner with your marketing, you’ll soon see a competitor using suspiciously familiar messaging or ideas. Infuriating or flattering? The visceral reaction is usually the former: after investing time and money into your marketing, having a competitor pinch your ideas is irritating to say the least. But once the initial rage clears you should see it as a huge compliment. The first thing to remember if your marketing is being copied is that you’re a leader and any brand that’s simply following you is always going to be a step behind. In a world where differentiation means someone investing in or passing over your franchise, leading is the only position you want to be in. Taking the lead That’s all well and good in theory, but in practice you need to work hard to maintain your advantage and stay ahead of the followers. A good place to start is by focusing on a few things that can’t easily be replicated – followers can only imitate what they can see. As Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, put it: “They copied all they could follow but they couldn’t copy my mind,

so I left them sweating and stealing a year-anda-half behind.” There are two centrally important ingredients of your business that a rival can’t copy – your story and your culture. Every franchise has a great story to tell, whether it’s how and why your business was formed, your growth within your sector, your personal journey or something else entirely. Storytelling is essential to connect with your audience and it requires authenticity and originality. By displaying your evolution as a business and incorporating it into your marketing, you’re offering prospects something unique. Similarly, your culture should shine through. Whether playful or corporate, cheeky or impassioned, effective franchise marketing reflects who you are as a business. If someone’s nicking your ideas, then there’s likely a dysfunction between who they are and the messages they’re using. And for prospects investigating different opportunities, that dysfunction raises a potential red flag. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of your content. Any prospect worth their salt will look at competing franchises in detail as part of their due diligence and if you have a strong historical content trail supporting your core messages, you will clearly be more credible. Regular and high-quality content is a must

They copied all they could follow but they couldn’t copy my mind, so I left them sweating and stealing a yearand-a-half behind Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

Sales and Marketing.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:30

Copycat marketing

Stay close to your franchisees and prospects, listen carefully to what attracted them to your franchise and where they found you to appear fresh and exciting and to back up your marketing, which is also hard for another brand to copy if they’re a step behind. Innovate beats imitate every time If your anger at being copied continues to burn, then channel it to your advantage. Use that energy to redouble your efforts and leave your followers further in your wake. Standing still in business means going backwards, so take the competition as a healthy sign of preventing complacency and keep your focus on staying ahead of the field. If somebody’s looking to you to see what you do next, then they’re not concentrating on carving out their own position as a leader. Innovation and evolution are central to every successful franchise. Marketing is no exception.

Look at how much communications have changed in the last few years alone: the way you engage with prospects now is radically different than it was five or ten years ago and so are the messages you’re using. Refreshing your marketing consistently keeps it current and reflects your business where it stands today – not where it was 12 months ago. Another way to differentiate your brand and innovate in your marketing is through the use of time-limited campaigns, perhaps related to a time of year, a season, an event or something topical. For example, if you seek parents as franchisees you could focus on a particular time of the school year and incorporate how they’re feeling at that time into your marketing; mobile franchises that get people out and about can capitalise on spring and summer to showcase that lifestyle. By planning ahead and launching a campaign to coincide with a particular timeframe, your copycat will be on the back foot and by the time they’ve caught up you’ll have wrapped up your results and be ready for the next. When you’re trying to shake off the competition, remember the core elements of creating your marketing strategy. Stay close to your franchisees and prospects, listen carefully to what attracted them to your franchise and where they found you. Learn their pain points inside out, how they think and feel and take your marketing to the next level by speaking to them through the channels they use in a fresh and exciting way. While your copycats are spending time lifting ideas from you, you’re already thinking about blazing a new trail. That turned out pretty well for Mr Kipling and it will for you too.

68 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

Sales and Marketing.indd 3

02/03/2018 18:30

Untitled-3 1

18/01/2018 15:30

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Dance your days away If you’re looking for an award-winning, familyfriendly business opportunity with a supportive franchise network then look no further. Now is your chance to be in business for yourself, not by yourself

his year diddi dance is celebrating 15 years of operating as one of the leading providers of preschool dance sessions. Established in 2003 by professional dancer Anne-Marie Martin, diddi dance was the go-to class for parents with active toddlers from day one and in 2010 became the franchise-of-choice for mumpreneurs across the UK. diddi dance classes are designed to engage and inspire children’s own creativity by using action songs, dancing games and props all to our own original, funky music. We are here to nurture their natural love of movement in structured yet relaxed sessions. With the government planning to reduce childhood obesity over the next ten years, diddi dance is doing our part by implementing our

vision to use dance as a catalyst and first stepping stone in a healthy and developed lifestyle for all toddlers. According to the UK government’s action plan against childhood obesity, the early years are a crucial time for children’s development. One in five children are already overweight or obese before they start school. We want to help combat those figures with our dance classes since physical activity is associated with numerous health benefits for children, such as muscle and bone strength, health and fitness, improved quality of sleep and maintenance of a healthy weight. Our programme has also been successfully used in nurseries since it’s development. Now we are looking for a few great franchisees to join our mission to get children moving. Our franchisees all come from different backgrounds but inevitably chose diddi dance because of what we stand for and try to achieve within the preschool sector. Former nanny, Gina Kane, came to diddi dance seven years ago because of the opportunities available with our four revenue streams: classes, sessions, parties and branded merchandise. “I really wanted my own business but lacked the confidence to go it alone,” she says. “diddi dance offered me the support I needed to make my dream come true. When looking for a franchise diddi dance stood out above the rest. The friendly, no pressure approach from the head office really made me feel comfortable and I just knew it was the right one for me.” At diddi dance we are looking for highly motivated individuals who have the passion and drive to run their own business and make it a success, but just need the assistance and guidance in setting one up. Whether you’re a parent/ex-dancer/ ex-business employee, our low-cost franchise package of £4,995+VAT can suit anyone who wants to run their own business with the support of a trusted brand.

70 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

diddi adv.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:28

Do you dream of owning your own Tearooms? Fulll your dream of owning a Tearooms with a Beatons franchise. Beatons seeks franchisees who are hard-working, dedicated and capable. Do you have the sparkle and passion needed to turn your dream of owning a tearoom into a reality? You’ll relish being part of a group which makes you the hub of your community. If this has aroused your curiosity, and you want to take a cautious lrst step, a video and an enquiry form are available at: www.beatonstearooms.co.uk/franchise, give us a call on 01747 871819 opt.2 or email franchise@beatonstearooms.co.uk.

Serving up... Gracious Hospitality

~ Bringing Elegance to your Table ~ @beatonstearooms

www.beatonstearooms.co.uk

Beatons Tearooms

NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR 2017 FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO OPERATE YOUR OWN PART-TIME HELEN O’GRADY DRAMA ACADEMY BUSINESS (2/3 DAYS PER WEEK) FOR AN INITIAL OUTLAY OF ONLY £2,000. By becoming a franchisee in our organisation you would: * be your own boss * * teach our world famous drama programme * * work flexible hours - in school time only * * gain great job satisfaction * * earn an attractive income * * have an amazing amount of fun! * Territories are available across the UK and we are seeking energetic and enthusiastic people who have regularly worked with children.

01481 200250

Suit and Heritage.indd 1

nigel@helenogrady.co.uk

www.helenogrady.co.uk

26/02/2018 10:08

See the difference. The Deluxe domestic window cleaning franchise is an excellent opportunity for individuals or existing businesses looking to build a very profitable business within their local area offering Domestic Window Cleaning and associated services.

Key benefits: • Credibility and use of the Deluxe Window Cleaning brand and proven business formula • Fully fitted Citroen Berlingo from £287 per month

You also have the opportunity to take advantage of the fully kitted Citroen Berlingo 850 L1 Van from £287 per month. As our business expands and the demand for our service continues to grow we are now looking to expand our existing operations through new strategic franchise partnerships. Using our proven business formula the right person or business will have the potential to build a profitable Deluxe Domestic Window Cleaning business in their local area.

100% FINANCIAL SUPPORT deluxewindowcleaningfranchise.co.uk Deluxe Window Cleaning.indd 1

• Focus on Domestic Window Cleaning to maximise earning potential and cash flow • High income potential • Exclusive territory • No previous experience required – full training given in all aspects of the business • Complete start up package including equipment, training, sales and marketing deliverables and a central and local website • Assistance with raising finance • Low start up and running costs

07531612992 02/02/2018 11:47

MUM AND DAUGHTER LAUNCH PRIMA MASTER DRY CLEANERS ECO-LAUNDRY FRANCHISE An air hostess and her mum who left Venezuela to make a better life in the UK have launched Prima Master Dry Cleaner’s first franchise in the south of England

rima Master Dry Cleaners specialises in environmentally friendly wet-care technology that uses water and state-of-the-art Miele machines rather than chemicals, to get clothes clean. The store in Chelmsford is the first eco-friendly laundry service of its kind in Essex and is being run by franchisee Alexandra Cadenas Pacitto with her mum Caterina Pacitto. It’s part of a major expansion by Merseyside-based Prima Master Dry Cleaners, which already has seven managed outlets in the North West and opened its first franchise in Lancashire last year. Prima Master Dry Cleaners is now recruiting franchisees across the UK. A full turn-key business support package includes help with choosing the right location for the franchise, financing, accountancy, public relations, shop fit out and equipment. Alexandra Cadenas Pacitto, who also works as an air hostess, and her mum, who previously worked in banking in Venezuela, are learning the trade from Natasha Davies, owner and founder of Prima Master Dry Cleaners. Prima Master Dry Cleaners has seven managed branches across the North West including three in the city centre of Liverpool. The proven business

(L-R) Prima Master Dry Cleaners owner Natasha Davies with franchisee Alexandra Cadenas Pacitto and mum Caterina Pacitto

model means franchisees can target a turnover of over £100,000 in year one. And if you ask Davies, the secret to its success lies in pioneering wet-care Miele machines, which use water rather than chemicals to clean clothes, and a non-toxic biodegradable detergent is used to help remove tough stains. This modern and eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning means Prima’s shops are cost effective to set up and run, and offer competitive prices while giving customers better results, faster – in particular when it comes to delicate fabrics. Alexandra Cadenas Pacitto was impressed by the franchise package. “We knew we wanted to work with the Prima team as soon as we met them,” she says. “They are really hands-on and we know they’ll give us a lot of support to make a success of the business.” But this dynamic mother-anddaughter team won’t be the last franchisees to join the network: Prima Master Dry Cleaners is currently

running a series of discovery days for prospective franchisees. Commenting on the new additions to the network, Davies says: “Maintaining a close working relationship with our franchisees allows us to maintain the best possible quality and service and maintain the integrity of the brand. We’re really excited about the future.”

For information about franchising opportunities with Prima Master Dry Cleaners, visit: www.primafranchise.co.uk

MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

prima adv.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:29

Time to act After 2017 saw people become more vigilant against sexual harassment, franchises cannot afford to take sleazy behaviour in the workplace lightly

BY ERIC JOHANSSON

y October last year it was clear that things had changed forever. Following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the rise of the #MeToo campaign had seen women from all over the world out men for their sleazy behaviour. But while previous movements had come and gone, this one seemed particularly unyielding. People no longer turned a blind eye to questionable conduct. No wonder then that the public outcry was so unforgiving when it was revealed in January that some of Britain’s most powerful men happily showed up to the now infamous Presidents Club charity dinner, where several female staff members were groped and harassed after being

in 2017, 60 female employees at IHOP, the restaurant chain, had accused the American franchise of nurturing an environment where sexual harassment was allegedly allowed to run rampant. In one particularly gruesome case a 16-year old girl said she was left terrified of going to work after the general manager at the restaurant she worked for kept making advances towards her. At one point he allegedly threatened to become violent if she didn’t have sex with him. told to wear short black dresses with At the time, DineEquity, the owner matching underwear. of IHOP, issued a statement that said: And franchises are certainly not “Harassment of all nature has no place immune to criticism. The industry in any organisation, including those was reminded of this fact in February affiliated with DineEquity.” It added when the publication Vox revealed that that IHOP’s franchisees independently

74 elitefranchise | MARCH 2018

People.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:18

Sexual harassment

own their restaurants and adhere to national and local regulations. “Additionally, our brands are guided by core values,” the statement continued. “While our franchisees have a strong track record of doing the right thing, failure to adhere to those values carries consequences, up to and including the termination of their franchise license.” While these allegations were filed across the pond, they illustrate how franchises all over the globe must be vigilant against sexual harassment in the workplace. Given franchisees are technically independent business owners, they and not the franchisor are usually responsible for their employees’ behaviour. “But it depends on what the franchise agreement says,” says Jane Crosby, employment and commercial litigation solicitor at Hart Brown, the law firm. “Usually it will be the franchisee who has the obligations.” This is simply due to the fact that franchisees employ their personnel, not the franchisor. That being said, franchisors can still influence policies through things like the operations manual and the franchise agreement. “This is about leading from the front and showing that it won’t be tolerated in your organisation,” she says. However, before franchises write down their policies they have to understand that sexual harassment is legally defined as any unwelcome sexual behaviour in the workplace, whether it be physical, written or verbal. “What may be considered a joke to one employee can be very offensive to another,” says Amanda Boyd, professional support lawyer at LHS Solicitors, the law firm. In other words, what constitutes as harassment is, to some degree, dependent on the offence someone takes in someone else’s behaviour. “Consequently, employers should take care to ensure that sexualised jokes and behaviours are

not normalised within the workplace and accepted as ‘just a bit of banter’,” says Boyd. To ensure unwanted behaviour is held at a bare minimum, franchisors are advised to introduce clear policies on the matter. “That way everyone knows what their obligations are,” says Crosby. Not only should the policies define sexual harassment but should also outline how to report grievances, how the employer should investigate accusations and how sleazy behaviour should be disciplined. Additionally, while setting up policies is important, franchisees and franchisors must make sure they are enforced and that employees get regular training on these matters. “It’s not just a box-ticking exercise,” says Crosby. Importantly, when a case is brought to the employer’s attention, it’s important they act professionally. “No matter what the claim is it must be taken seriously,” says Boyd. While each case should be judged on its own facts, depending on how severe the accusations are the franchisee or the franchisor should consider suspending the alleged perpetrator during the investigation. Moreover, employers should ensure confidentiality towards both parties. Importantly, whatever the result of the investigation the employer should go out of their way to document the investigation. “Employees should be left in no doubt that every complaint will be fully investigated,” says Boyd. While being serious about this issue won’t prevent all bad behaviours, it will help employers protect themselves “What may in potential employment tribunals. be considered “It’s not a 100% defence because you can never be entirely a joke to one protected,” says Crosby. “But it employee helps if you can show that you are making a strong commitment to can be very prevent it.” In other words, if you’ve offensive to gone out of your way to protect employees and can document another” the actions you’ve taken when a Amanda Boyd, LHS Solicitors staff member has reported sexual harassment, then the perpetrator could be held solely responsible for their actions. “It won’t stop accusations against employers but if you’re dealing with it reasonably it offers good protection,” says Crosby. Following the rise of the #MeToo and Time’s Up campaigns, it’s safe to say that the times they are a-changing and by taking sexual harassment in the workplace seriously, franchises can ensure they evolve with them. MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

People.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:18

v2-Daltons business - full page ad - 196x270 with 3mm bleed CMYK 300dpi.pdf 1 05/10/2017 16:55:02

Buy or sell a business or franchise today...

• Search over 30,000 businesses for sale • Franchise opportunities to suit every budget

• The UK’s favourite place to buy or sell a business

www.daltonsbusiness.com Untitled-3 Untitled-12 1 1

12/01/2018 05/10/2017 17:53 17:14

Is education your passion? lo ve l l ’ u o Y w it h g n i h c tea ts Mag iKa

Maths & English Tuition Our franchise opportunity is for people who want to be part of a profitable business that makes a positive and lasting impact on the education of local children. We are… …an already successful operation with thousands of satisfied students …in one of the UK’s fastest-growing market sectors …a business with a comprehensive training and support programme …a business with low investment and potentially high returns

Business should be fulfilling

Find out how at: www.educationalfranchise.co.uk Email: enquiries@magikats.co.uk Tel: 0844 870 9896

A Proven Business, not just the next ‘big idea’ A fresh approach to franchising, so your new business has a brighter future

Our modern alternative to traditional dry cleaning is based on a unique water process and technology. We work hard in providing clean garments by using methods that are eco friendly and 100% non-toxic. Our shops are cheaper to set up and run, we can thus offer competitive prices with more profit, do everything on the premises and give customers better results faster.

“As soon as we met the Prima team we knew we wanted to work with them” - Alexandra Cadenas Pacitto, Chelmsford franchisee

For information about franchising opportunities visit: www.primafranchise.co.uk Tel: 01704 572102 Email: martin@primafranchise.co.uk

Magikats and CarMedic.indd 1

02/03/2018 09:26

James Rygor

Snapping into action BY ERIC JOHANSSON

As a Snap-On Tools franchisee, James Rygor has established a successful business of his own and found financial security for his family

espite franchising being a reasonably safe way to secure success as an entrepreneur, becoming a franchisee still has risks. However, James Rygor had good reason to bet everything he had on joining SnapOn Tools, the tools franchise, as a franchisee. “I wanted to give my family financial stability and it was the best way to do that,” he says. Given he’s since become one of the network’s best earners, the gamble has certainly paid off. Of course, Rygor didn’t know what the future held when he first considered joining the network in 2014. All he knew was that he wanted a change. “I was a mechanic and wanted to do something for myself rather than working for other people,” Rygor says. And luckily, he didn’t have to look far to find an opportunity to do just that. “We had a Snap-On franchisee come into the shop every week to sell us tools and I asked him to put my name forward,” Rygor says. The franchisee was happy to oblige and thus Rygor had taken his first step into the world of franchising. But indicating his interest for the role wasn’t enough: he still had to ace Snap-On Tools’ extensive recruitment process. “I first had three conversations with their recruitment chair,” Rygor recalls. Not only was the budding franchisee thoroughly interviewed but was also informed about what would be expected of him in his new role. Bringing home the lesson,

78 elitefranchise | JANUARY 2018

Profile.indd 1

02/03/2018 18:14

James Rygor

Rygor subsequently joined an existing franchisee for a ride-along to see the business in action. Undeterred by the experience, he faced the final hurdle on his way to getting a franchise of his own: an interview with the franchise’s area manager. “And he decided whether or not they wanted me around,” Rygor says. “Once he said yes, we looked for a territory close to me and luckily there was one coming up.” With the recruitment stage done and dusted, he embarked on the next step: training to become a franchisee. And given how Snap-On Tools has perfected its model ever since it first launched in the UK in 1965, it’s hardly surprising that the franchise did everything it could to prepare him. “It began with me flying over to Dallas for a week,” Rygor says. The crash course in the US gave him a great understanding of how to run

the business. However, it was just the beginning with the support continuing once he got back to Blighty. “I hit the road and had a support person with me for about three weeks,” Rygor says. “He stayed with me every day to help out and then they slowly weaned me off him. First he took one day off per week, then two and so on. Although, he’s still there to help, just a phone call away.” Having said that, despite the training, Rygor confesses to feeling some slight trepidation when he finally flew solo as the franchisee of South Bristol. “It was daunting,” he says. “I’d put my personal savings into it and it was the first business venture I’d ever done. It had my name on it. So I had to put my money where my mouth was.” Luckily, he didn’t need to worry. By following the procedures Snap-On Tools had taught him, Rygor

I’d put my personal savings into it and it was the first business venture I’d ever done. It had my name on it. So I had to put my money where my mouth was

quickly found his footing. In fact, within a year of starting his business he found himself generating more than £11,000 worth in sales per week and being named the franchise’s best newcomer in the south-west in 2016. “That relieved a lot of the stress because I could see that the business was succeeding,” he says. But the franchise was hardly the only one sitting up and taking notice: in 2017 he was nominated for the Young Franchisee of the Year award at the bfa HSBC Franchise Awards in 2017. “That felt good,” he says. While he didn’t win, Rygor was still thrilled to be one of the top three finalists. “It really showed that I had achieved something,” he says. And the entrepreneur has no plans to take his foot off the accelerator just yet. As a matter of fact, he bought a second franchise area in October 2017. “It’s another way for me to grow my business,” he says. However, he’s not planning to run the second territory for long but plans to sell it at the end of 2018, preferably helping new franchisees join the network. “If I get a good earning from it then I may do it all over again,” Rygor says. Importantly, owning the franchise has done more than just filling up his bank account. “It has given me and my family a good life,” he says. “It’s taken me from being an employee to being a business owner.” When asked if he’d bet his future on franchising again, he doesn’t hesitate. “I would, yeah,” he says. “Even if something would happen to Snap-On, then I’d definitely look for other options in franchising.” Given the benefits he’s enjoyed by joining Snap-On Tools’ network, it shouldn’t come as a shock that he’d definitely recommend it to others. “It may look daunting because of what you have to put into it,” Rygor concludes. “But as long as you work hard enough, then it will turn out good.” MARCH 2018 | elitefranchise

Profile.indd 2

02/03/2018 18:14

Join a lettings, PROPerty management & sales franchise with significant earning potential We at Almond property always strive to be at the forefront of the property letting market, and invest much time and effort in ensuring that we are fully up to date with ever changing tenancy law and government legislation. Your franchise package contains everything you need to get your business up and running:

We are looking to develop our existing operations through new strategic franchise partnerships with the right individuals. The Almond Property Management franchise will give individuals the potential to earn a significant income while providing a valuable service in their local area. We will provide you with support to build a successful business within your chosen territory. You will receive full initial and ongoing training, marketing and central and local websites so that you can hit the ground running.

• Trading under the Almond Property Management brand name • A large territory for you to trade in • Full training on all aspects of the business • Signwriting for vehicle • First year’s membership to the Property Ombudsmen • 10 letting boards • 10 ‘For Sale’ boards • Software to run the business (first three months paid for) • Processes, systems and templates to run the business • Central and local websites • Stationery starter pack

For more information about the Almond Property Management franchise, submit an enquiry TODAY!

01708 450192

www.almondproperty.co.uk

almond prop.indd 1

22/02/2018 14:43

Magikats and CarMedic.indd 1

02/03/2018 09:29

ASSET AND SHARE SALES

The art of the deal BY KATE LEGG, CEO, KOMERSE

When selling your franchise, you can either do a share sale or an asset sale. But knowing which one best fits your needs can be tricky

goal for many franchisees is to build a successful business that they will ultimately be able to sell on, realising a capital return on their investment. Where a franchisee operates through a limited company, there are two ways to structure the sale: by either selling the business’s assets or its shares. However, the differences between asset sales and share sales can be huge. Fortunately, we’re here to help you choose the best deal for you. Asset sale Let’s start with asset sales as they’re usually the most straight forward. They enable the buyer to cherry pick the assets and liabilities they wish to buy. Typically, this will include all of the physical assets like equipment, stock, employees, premises and customer contracts. But importantly, they include none of the liabilities. Existing liabilities will usually be left behind for the seller to settle. Equally, any cash in the business is usually excluded from the sale. The employees will have an automatic right to transfer to the buyer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employees) Regulations 2006. The 82 ELITEFRANCHISE | MARCH 2018

regulations stipulate that the buyer steps into the seller’s shoes and must continue to employ the staff on broadly the same terms as those on which they are employed prior to the sale. All customer contracts will need to be transferred to the buyer. This can usually be done without the consent of the customer, although customers will need to be informed of the new management and changes in payment details. If the business has leasehold premises then existing leases will usually be transferred to the buyer, which will involve obtaining consent from the landlord. While landlords aren’t obliged to agree to a transfer, they’ll usually oblige if they’re confident that the buyer’s financial standing will enable them to keep paying the rent. However, if there is a relatively short term left to run on the lease, it may be more convenient for the seller to surrender their lease and for the buyer to enter into a new contract directly with the landlord. Once the sale completes, the proceeds of the sale will be paid to the franchise company. The company will then pay off any liabilities before distributing the

ASSET AND SHARE SALES

net proceeds to its shareholders and if necessary, winding up the company.

The sale proceeds will be paid direct to the sellers and the buyer will pay stamp duty at a rate of 0.5% of the sale price.

Share sale In a share sale, all of the existing assets and liabilities remain in the franchise company, but the owners of the company – the shareholders – will change. The buyer will inherit the company, warts and all, with any and all assets and liabilities that happen to be in the company on the day of completion. In a share sale, there is no need to actively transfer any assets or liabilities as they all remain within the company. Still bank mandates will need to be amended to give the buyer control of the bank accounts and any personal guarantees given by the sellers will need to be released.

Horses for courses So which is better, asset or share sale? There is no right or wrong answer because it will depend on the specifics of the individual deal. Asset sales tend to be less risky from a buyer’s perspective as the sale agreement will expressly set out the items being transferred and the buyer has the opportunity to exclude anything he doesn’t want to take over such as historic liabilities. This in turn means the legal process is generally quicker and easier with an asset sale, meaning lower professional fees. Asset sales are often used with retail businesses where the business is relatively simple and the sale price is often fairly small so that the higher costs associated with a share sale are unjustified. If the business involves a large number of customers making regular monthly payments by direct debit, a share sale may be more convenient as the buyer can take over the existing bank account, avoiding the need to transfer all of the customer payments to new accounts and update direct debit details. Similarly, if the company has specific authorisations and consent documentation that the buyer wants to retain – for example, a care business may wish to retain its existing registration with the Care Quality Commission – then it may make sense to sell the shares of the company so that licences and registrations remain intact. The main disadvantage with a share sale is that it carries more risk for buyers because they’ll inherit any skeletons that might hide in the closet. This means the buyer will need to carry out a more thorough investigation into the company before completing the sale and the sale agreement will contain more complicated buyer protection provisions. Tax Although the tax position should never be the sole driver in the decision, it’s worth mentioning as the tax treatment of the proceeds of sale under the two structures will differ. In an asset sale, the proceeds of sale will be paid to the company, which will pay corporation tax on its net profit for the year. The net proceeds will then be distributed to the shareholders who will pay income tax at their individual tax rates. In a share sale, the proceeds are paid direct to the shareholders so there is no tax for the company to pay. The shareholders will pay capital gains tax on the proceeds, but reliefs such as Entrepreneurs’ Relief may be available to reduce the tax payable. Overall, a share sale is generally more tax efficient for a seller. However, if the sale proceeds are small, the increased professional costs associated with a share sale may offset any tax gains. Both asset and share sales have a mix of advantages and disadvantages. Which is most appropriate will depend on your specific circumstances, so I advise both buyers and sellers to discuss the options with their solicitor before choosing a way forwards. MARCH 2018 | ELITEFRANCHISE

Franchise Resales

Buy an existing franchise

Foo d

fra

nch

ise

Fast Fran Food es chises anchis

Pet fr

Search 100s of franchise resales now Visit bfsale.co.uk/eliteresales

chis

Pizza fr is a h c ncehsise n a r f s Coffee

fran n’s e r d l

Chi

rty Prope ise h Franc

Fitness es franchis

rosemary

an altogether friendly bookkeeping experience

Merry Maids has been one of the most successful home cleaning franchise operations in the world for the past 37 years, with almost 100 franchises in the UK. If you’d like to hit the ground running, perhaps one of our existing Merry Maids businesses is for you.

Northampton

Investment: £60,000 Established: 2005 Turnover: £140,000

Wigan

Investment: £35,000 Established: 2015 Turnover: £40,000

Grantham & Newark Investment: £75,000 Established: 2004 Turnover: £130,000

Bromley & Orpington Investment: £195,000 Established: 2002 Turnover: £340,000

TruGreen is the world’s largest lawn care company. The journey began as a small private company in 1973 which was acquired by ServiceMaster in 1990 and we now serve more than 3.4 million residential and commercial customers throughout the UK and the USA. Be a part of the world’s largest lawn care company with one of our rare resale opportunities. We may also have other areas available for resale as our franchise owners’ circumstances can change at short notice so if you don’t see an area that you might be interested in listed, please still get in contact as we may not have had chance to update our resales information.

South Oxfordshire Investment: £54,000 Established: 2010 Turnover: £54,000

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services deliver office cleaning, commercial cleaning and contract cleaning services to businesses across the UK. Our rare resale opportunities benefit from employees, equipment and customers, so that you can continue to grow a profitable business. We also have vacant territory available in Scotland, Yorkshire, the Midlands, Norfolk & Kent.

Bournemouth & Poole Investment: £80,000 Established: 2014 Turnover: £120,000

Glasgow & East Strathcylde Investment: £250,000 Established: 2003 Turnover: £478,000

Over 4 million businesses in the UK require a bookkeeping service and you can be a partner in supplying it! Whether you are a qualified or an experienced bookkeeper we have a route to suit you. As a Rosemary Bookkeeping franchise, you can benefit from the following: • Recurring income with average 50% net profit margins • Excellent growth opportunities to build into a management style business • Flexible hours – work from home – keeping costs down • Dedicated support in Bookkeeping, Operations, Sales & Marketing Although we don’t currently have any resale opportunities on the market, we do have vacant territories throughout the UK.

Contact ServiceMaster Ltd today on 0116 275 9005 or email franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk for more information