Ronald McDonald doesn’t manage all of his burger restaurants and neither does Burger King – he sits around in his burger palace counting his money. Many of our familiar high street brands are in fact franchises. The idea is simple. Take a trusted brand that everyone knows and replicate it ‘cookie cutter’ style. Every burger, every sandwich and every cup of coffee tastes exactly the same anywhere you purchase it in the UK or for the really big brands, around the world. Rather than go through the blood sweat toil and tears of setting up your own business (or brand) from scratch, fr

Starting a business is fraught with risk. Franchising is a superb way to lower that risk and increase your chances of success; Civvy Street spoke with Chairman of the British Franchising Association, Michael Eyre to find out how. Michael Eyre has 30 years experience of franchising under his belt. During this time he’s developed a keen eye for the skills and qualities that add up to an effective franchisee. Top of the list, according to Michael is: “Undoubtedly, a genuine desire to work for one’s self. I say that because many people considering franchising think that they’re buying t

In these cash-tight times, charities of all sizes are increasing turning to professionals to help raise much-needed funds. We speak with Chris Stoddard, founder of company CSDM, which is establishing its own franchise network across the UK. WORDS: PAUL F COCKBURN What does CSDM do? CSDM works with national charities to bring them much more effective fundraising among individual donors, companies, grant-making trusts and so on. We either take it on lock, stock and barrel, or we work with them in a consulting capacity to help improve what they do in-house. Why did you decid

Want to be your own boss, but wary of going it alone? Here’s how business format franchising could be just what you’re looking for. WHAT IS FRANCHISING? Business format franchising is when a company (the franchisor) develops a successful trade name, brand and business system which it licences to an individual (the franchisee) who uses it to build up a successful business, usually operating in a defined geographical area. It’s a win-win scenario; the franchisor expands their brand using other people’s money, while the franchisee is given a business plan known to work, along

INSPECTIONS GUARANTEED Later this year, former RAF electronics engineer Ian Kavanagh will happily renew his franchise agreement with gas-elec. He explains how the gas and electrical inspection franchisor has provided him with the civilian career he was looking for. After 25 years in the Royal Air Force as an electronics engineer, 44 year old Ian Kavanagh, from Telford in Shropshire, was looking for the right career in civvy street. “I had been researching different franchising opportunities for several years as I wanted to be my own boss when I left the Air Force,”

Ovenclean, the UK’s number one domestic oven cleaning franchise, reports that business is bubbling for franchisees up and down the country. The reason, according to CEO Julian Minwalla, is simple. “Cleaning the oven is top of the ‘most hated chores’ list and every householder, school and hotel has an oven, which needs to be cleaned regularly,” he says. “All of which adds up to a massive potential marketplace for Ovenclean!” Ovenclean franchisees operate from fully equipped professionally liveried vans, benefiting from low overheads and high flexibility, cleaning and

Want to be your own boss but don’t fancy being stuck in one place all the time? Why not get on the right road with a mobile franchise? WORDS: PAUL F COCKBURN After years of following orders, the idea of becoming your own boss in civvy street can be very attractive; not least the idea of being able to choose what you do, how you do it – and when! Of course, setting up on your own does have drawbacks; not least the fact that... you’re on your own. The buck starts and stops with you when it comes to attracting – and keeping – customers, getting the job done properly

Hundreds of opportunities to launch a new career will be found at the North of England’s most comprehensive franchise event yet. The British Franchise Exhibition, at Manchester Central on 11-12 June 2010, will bring together an exciting range of business opportunities, as well as an impressive range of new initiatives designed to accommodate the needs of anyone looking at franchising as a new career challenge. Providing a comprehensive snapshot into the world of franchising with an exciting list of exhibitors and extensive free seminar programme, the British Franchise Exhibition