Franchise Information, advice and news.

Anyone with something of an entrepreneurial spirit, both in the UK and the US, who are thinking of starting up a cleaning service, might like to consider the possibility of taking up a janitorial franchise.

Buying into a franchise could prove to be one of the most advantageous ways for an entrepreneur with a limited funds base to set up a thriving business, particularly as it might prove a stumbling block securing finances from other providers. The usual procedure for a start-up will involve a janitorial service company providing individuals with all the tools for a successful firm, including customers, marketing as well as billing and collection services.

In return for a fee, the entrepreneur who takes up a franchise will be provided with accounts totalling approximately double the fee paid. However, one of the potential drawbacks of the janitorial franchising process is that if an entrepreneur loses a contract, the franchisor is not obliged to replace the package, meaning that less income could be enjoyed.

As with any other business procedure, it is important that those people considering taking on a janitorial franchise carefully work out the legal considerations of the process prior to take-up. For those people with enough funds, securing the services of an astute legal advisor may be a savvy move.

A lawyer or business adviser may be able to guide you towards understanding your obligations in terms of the contractual element of the franchise. People with know-how about the process may review their franchise agreement carefully, ensuring that there are no grey areas over key issues such as your potential earnings or the nature with which the franchisor deals with accounts. Getting all pledges in writing is another method by which one can secure there will be no teething problems.

With a little bit of savoir-faire, janitorial franchising could prove to be a beneficial move for prospective entrepreneurs both in the UK and the US. A number of franchiser groups in the UK claim they will provide a series of integrated training sessions to enable their franchise groups to get up to speed quickly. This may incorporate training sessions at head offices, sales campaigns as well as product promotions and development. Securing a genuinely good franchisor will be one of the most important tasks for an entrepreneur, a process which could be made easier in the UK by closely aligning oneself to a body such as the British Franchise Association, an organisation aspiring to raise ethical standards in the area.

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Getting involved in property in the New England area of the US, a region which comprises the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, could be an advantageous way for individuals to start up a real estate franchise.

There are a number of real estate organisations operating in New England, including GMAC Real Estate. Many of these organisations operate by utilising the franchise model, which can benefit those groups who would like to get involved in the real estate market, but do not want to open themselves to the risk potential that starting up a small business could bring.

People looking to get involved in the potentially lucrative New England freelancing model might like to set up a franchise business in their own locality. This will entail a franchise-operating estate agency granting a license to a franchisee to make use of their own trading package. With estate agencies sharing a percentage of the sale when selling a property, it is in their interest to have access to local markets. And with the franchisee potentially benefiting from the brand identity of the estate agent and its national advertising possibilities, it is not hard to see why the franchise partnership could be a successful one.

The New England property market might not be as buoyant as those levels experienced in the first part of the decade, with property prices predicted to experience a greater downturn than in other parts of the US during 2007. However, this does not necessarily mean that a real estate franchisee should suffer, with some commentators speculating that a buyer's market is developing. According to Boston-based sales agent John Schwagerl: "The phones are ringing less. But when they ring, there's more work involved with it," reports Boston.com.

Setting up a franchise-run business could be an invaluable experience for an entrepreneur, but they will have to persuade the franchisor that they are capable of running a smoothly operating business. For an initial fee, a franchisor may provide a great deal of assistance to a real estate entrepreneur. However, the franchisee will have to demonstrate that they have established a carefully thought out initial capital plan. Having set up such a partnership, the franchisee could be set to benefit from the real estate group's expertise and brand identity.

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http://www.franchisedirect.com

Cars are very much a part of today's world, and very much in tune with the lifestyle of 21st century people. However, keeping them in tune is another matter.

Cars and vans eat up vast amounts of petrol and oil, and constant use means these necessities in modern life are in need of regular tune ups, re-filling and parts changing.

And this means there is a huge market available for anybody looking to exploit a niche in the market. For example, changing the oil in your car is not fun, but it's necessary. It is also inconvenient as people will need to take time out of their days to travel to a garage and leave their car with engineers if they want a proper check up and oil refill.

However, this also means anybody looking to take advantage of this need can make good use of the market. Whether it’s a static or mobile oil changing franchise, there is the potential for success. Mobile oil changing franchisees in particular are very popular, both with franchisees and with customers, as customers can pay for the privilege of having their oil changing facilities coming to them, wherever they are.

But mobile oil changing franchises offer even more than the normal oil replacement procedure, with brake repairs, tune-ups and windscreen repairs all adding to the convenience for the customer, and the sales for the franchisee.

And setting up in the industry can be fairly easy and cheap, with a mobile franchising unit could be set up for as little as $25,000 – and with a $15 billion industry, there is plenty of room for a return on invested cash.

And franchising certainly seems the way to go. In the UK, The franchising sector as a whole has now grown a staggering 44 per cent in ten years, taking the total number of franchise outlets up to nearly 34,000 and number of systems up to 781.

Mark Scott, national franchise manager at NatWest, said: "With figures like these, it's hardly surprising that the number of franchisors showing confidence in their own business remains very high with 80 per cent positive about their prospects.

"In addition, an impressive 84 per cent of franchisees continue to feel either motivated, or highly motivated."

Anybody looking to take advantage of this burgeoning sector and reap some rewards will need to do their research beforehand, making sure they not only have the correct funding, but they have the ambition and drive to succeed in what can be a competitive and hard-working market.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Cars are very much a part of today's world, and very much in tune with the lifestyle of 21st century people. However, keeping them in tune is another matter.

Cars and vans eat up vast amounts of petrol and oil, and constant use means these necessities in modern life are in need of regular tune ups, re-filling and parts changing.

And this means there is a huge market available for anybody looking to exploit a niche in the market. For example, changing the oil in your car is not fun, but it's necessary. It is also inconvenient as people will need to take time out of their days to travel to a garage and leave their car with engineers if they want a proper check up and oil refill.

However, this also means anybody looking to take advantage of this need can make good use of the market. Whether it’s a static or mobile oil changing franchise, there is the potential for success. Mobile oil changing franchisees in particular are very popular, both with franchisees and with customers, as customers can pay for the privilege of having their oil changing facilities coming to them, wherever they are.

But mobile oil changing franchises offer even more than the normal oil replacement procedure, with brake repairs, tune-ups and windscreen repairs all adding to the convenience for the customer, and the sales for the franchisee.

And setting up in the industry can be fairly easy and cheap, with a mobile franchising unit could be set up for as little as $25,000 – and with a $15 billion industry, there is plenty of room for a return on invested cash.

And franchising certainly seems the way to go. In the UK, The franchising sector as a whole has now grown a staggering 44 per cent in ten years, taking the total number of franchise outlets up to nearly 34,000 and number of systems up to 781.

Mark Scott, national franchise manager at NatWest, said: "With figures like these, it's hardly surprising that the number of franchisors showing confidence in their own business remains very high with 80 per cent positive about their prospects.

"In addition, an impressive 84 per cent of franchisees continue to feel either motivated, or highly motivated."

Anybody looking to take advantage of this burgeoning sector and reap some rewards will need to do their research beforehand, making sure they not only have the correct funding, but they have the ambition and drive to succeed in what can be a competitive and hard-working market.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Few scents better evoke the spirit of summer than the smoky aroma of barbecuing meat. Few sights are more welcome to hungry eyes than a steadfast chef turning a choice cut in preparation for a long, slow lunch in the blazing summer sun.

An afternoon spent barbecuing is the basis for a whole culture of cuisine. Getting the fire stoked and flaming is most of the fun. Many macho men are never happier than when they're installed behind the blaze with a pair of tongs like a latter-day blacksmith, lording it over a recalcitrant rib-eye steak.

But the image of barbecue is also diversifying. International cuisines mingle and fuse in our cosmopolitan age. Barbecued shrimp is a speciality in Russia; fresh barbecued fish marinated in pimento is savoured on Cuban beaches. Barbecue needn't mean meat, muscle and brawn. The health-conscious will enjoy low-fat, calorie-light foods infused with the smoky, primeval scent of outdoor cooking. Try skewered sweet potato, grilled vine tomatoes, seared courgette – each infused with the intense flavours of the coals. This style of cuisine has even made the move to sweets - barbecued pineapple with hot chocolate sauce is a Nigella Lawson favourite.

If you're a true believer in barbecue, your job is to convert the masses. Self-belief is a great start for any franchisee and the magic ingredient is the marketing know-how to inspire others with that belief. If you're convinced the barbecue business is brimming with opportunities in your chosen location, get cooking. But think how best to communicate your passion to potential diners. The first year is traditionally accepted to be a difficult one for franchisees – it is rare to break even.

That fact makes it vital to have the financial, psychological and emotional resources to keep focused on your goal through a rough patch. Before becoming a franchisee, consider the following: Are you willing to sacrifice the security of a company pension to be your own boss? Are you prepared to take financial risks?

For a barbecue outfit, expect to invest between $75,000 and $250,000 in total capital investment. Your franchise fee should average out at around $35,000. The franchisor may take a royalties cut of around five per cent of takings.

Locations, meanwhile, are likely to be large and spacious. You'll need to have a customer-facing approach that can fill that space, night after night. Some franchisors construct from scratch to guarantee standardised experiences. Bar-B-Cutie takes between 90 days and six months to build and prepare a site. That could mean putting your sizzling hot ideas on hold for a while.

What's more, 'involved' franchisors will want to sculpt your outlet. Design, waitress' outfits and menus – leading names like 55-year-old Bar-B-Cutie chain will be keen to protect their powerful brand identity in these areas.

If you would prefer an independent approach – experimenting with your menu, perhaps sampling organic meats from local farmers – a smaller franchise could be just the ticket. There's no set menu – so take your pick.

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Egg fried rice, sweet and sour pork, prawn crackers… The merest mention of those names will set most Chinese food fanatics salivating. Though Chinese cuisine was once reserved for a few fabulously sweet-smelling enclaves of London and New York, Chinese restaurants are now ubiquitous. They crop up in the unlikeliest corners of eastern Europe. And with the migration from first to second-generation oriental cuisine which has seen the introduction of healthier Thai and low-fat Chinese foods and the toppling of monosodium glutamate, its profile is poised to hold.

Would-be Chinese restaurant franchisees can expect astronomical demand in most locales, if they play their cards right. Chinese food can be either reliable and predictable or subtly flavoured and hugely varied. It caters for palates both sophisticated and uninitiated.

The first step in planning your franchise is making a calculation of financial feasibility. The high-end US-based City Wok or Mandarin Restaurant franchises ask around $250,000 in total investment. Add to that between $30,000 and $50,000 in initial franchise fees and it is clear that you'll need to draw up a balance-sheet of your assets and liabilities.

Still, it is salutary to remember that if your business plan is sound and your confidence in the sales potential of your retailing proposition unshakeable, loans are an option. Some franchisors support franchise owners to borrow up to 70 per cent of initial investment. This could help you get off the starting blocks.

The sheer popularity of Chinese food may mean running a Chinese franchise makes exceptional demands on your time. Many customers' cravings for Chinese will be most acute just when you'd rather be sound asleep. Late night store opening and home delivery are a must to satisfy the customers who could become your biggest fans.

The resulting strains on your work-life balance could be intense, so it's vital to anticipate and manage them from the start. It is worth considering what role, if any, your spouse or partner would play in the business. Would a time-consuming job in a Chinese restaurant impinge on your ability to look after your children or dependents?

For example, your joint financial situation might dictate that your partner stays in secure, permanent employment during the restaurant's initial set-up stages. The risks of opening your own franchise are calculable and should not deter you. It is simply important to enter your venture with a solid, realistic appreciation of possible drawbacks as well as potential boons.

That said, if you want a life lightly spiced with a little dash of sweetness thrown in, opening a Chinese restaurant franchise could be the best choice you ever make.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007

http://www.franchisedirect.com

Forget the perfect ten – the perfect tan is the look every beauty-conscious woman is striving for in the noughties. But getting those limbs sun-kissed can prove problematic in an age when we are all more aware of the hazards of exposure to the sun's harmful rays. We talk about health and beauty in the same breath – but what about when becoming more beautiful might actually harm your health?

The solution, of course, is hardly breaking news. Safe tanning on a salon sunbed is the ideal way to twin pampering with protection. Of course, the fake tan option is there too, but most women are looking for a more lasting solution than frantically dabbing on 'tan' from a bottle. They're also eager to get rid of those embarrassing strap marks, preferring the even, all-over coverage a tanning bed provides.

And slapping on lotion, with the attendant risks of streaking, doesn't compare to the experience of visiting a tanning salon. The luxury of a sunbed closely matches that blissed-out feeling of being suffused with the sun's rays.

So, for those tempted to join a tanning franchise, the opportunities are out there – and growing by the day.

Choosing your franchise takes research and time. The liquid capital requirement for your franchise will average out at around $100,000, although quotes on the market suggest it could be as little as $30,000 and rise as high as $500,000. Your franchise fee should average out at around $25,000, but it's important to shop around before making a commitment.

Your franchise firm should offer financial assistance and business development support. Depending on how independent you want to be, you may choose one which offers sales training, advertising expertise and a standard business model. The Tan Company explains: "We want to ensure that we are getting the most "bang for our buck" every month, and our strategically placed marketing programme guarantees this."

But if you find this hands-on approach intrusive, you might be better opting for a franchise which gives you more space to mould your own business. The room for flexibility and creativity will be greater – and so will the challenges.

Before you can get started, locating your site is critical. You'll have an idea of where you want to be based – perhaps having identified a gap in the market. But selecting a space that is functional, cheap to run and gives your customers the requisite sense of relaxation, is where expert advice comes in.

Some franchisees will choose to team up with a beautician, hairdresser or health club in a single space. This allows you to share custom, advertising jointly and promoting each other to customers coming through the door.

Whatever you decide to do, the business is in your hands. You are your own boss, and the opportunities for personal growth and career development are as limitless as your imagination.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007

http://www.franchisedirect.com

Entrepreneurs looking for deep pan profits might consider taking out a pizza franchise. Once the jealously guarded turf of Italian immigrants in cities such as New York, the fast food pizza industry is now a huge national industry – and these days anyone can get involved.

There are a sizeable array of pizza chain franchises to choose from – including Pizza Inn, Figaro's Pizza, Pizza Fusion, Pizza Hut, Samuel Mancino's and many others – each with their own distinctive set of business propositions, flavours and toppings. But before approaching a chain, it's worth considering a number of key issues.

The first thing to bear in mind is up front costs. Chains are likely to charge a marketing and advertising deposit. To take Pizza Inn as an example (which is not necessarily representative), these can range from around $10,000 to $15,000, depending on market size.

Sprinkled on top of this are royalty fees. Pizza Inn charges four per cent of weekly gross for a Buffet and Delivery or Carryout store, while for an Express store the charge is five per cent. If these costs seem heavy it's often perfectly possible to team up with a partner and split the cost. After all, a really good pizza is better shared between friends.

The next thing to consider is whether the chain will help out with the finances for the development of the restaurant. Some chains will throw in cash for this, others won't. Some chains will ask to see business qualifications of some sort – although plenty won't. For others, evidence of some former business success is prerequisite. But many chains will be willing to throw even the most 'unseasoned' into the oven.

But finances and experience aside, there's always that big question: what kind of personality is best suited to a pizza franchise? What brings the all important "Mystic Pizza" ingredient?

Pizza Inn explains: "A Pizza Inn franchise is not for everyone. You must be willing to work long hours, be comfortable with such areas as personnel management, financial management, marketing and business development. Having strong communication, motivation, and customer service skills is also very important in this business."

Whether or not a chain will expect franchise holders to run the restaurant personally is another key question to consider. Some advise operators to run the joint personally, others are happy for "an experienced manager" to be hired.

It might be best to be there in person though. At least then, at the end of the day, there's always the sweet, tempting smell of melting mozzarella and – if things go well – a fusion of irresistible toppings including salamis, hams, vegetables, tropical fruit… And of course – if things do go really well – a trip to Italy to pay homage is a must.

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http://www.franchisedirect.com

Pizza is one of the most beloved of American takeaways, with the limitless variety and originality available within the Italian foodstuff making it increasingly popular with all kinds of consumers – from vegetarians to vegans and beyond.

But while pizza is consumed in huge amounts in both the US and the UK, the increasing efforts of both countries' governments to introduce healthier eating plans and cut the levels of obesity among residents means that the pizza industry is often classed as unhealthy and fattening.

Nevertheless, the take and bake pizza arm of the pizza industry is continuing to grow, as consumers are encouraged to use their own kitchen to cook food that has been freshly prepared.

The idea is simple: capitalising on the fact that many people find their pizza is cold and unappetising when they get home from the pizza takeaway, and that many people just don't see how fresh the ingredients are that go into making their pizza, the take and bake concept means a consumer can cook their own previously prepared pizza themselves.

Of course, for the investor, this represents huge potential for investment and a good return, as production and staffing costs are particularly low.

Anybody looking to start their own business in the pizza industry could consider the take and bake pizza sector a worthwhile investment; and with many larger companies franchising their operations out, there is a huge scope for potential.

With a low initial investment, franchisees can concentrate on improving the effectiveness of the business and invest more money in staff, training and products, as well as marketing. The ease of operation – especially with no ovens and limited store hours – means that the business is particularly manager-friendly.

Meanwhile, reduced labour costs and minimal space requirements means money can be saved in various areas – making the business even more profitable.

And with very little cooking or food skills necessary, the operation is certainly user-friendly for potential franchisees with little or no previous restaurant experience.

However, anybody looking to get involved in the market is urged to make sure they fully research the sector, as well as any potential franchisers, locations and niche markets to target. Financially, while the business is likely to be highly profitable if administered correctly, any initial investment needs to be carefully considered by the franchisee, and discussions with banks, money lenders or creditors and a financial advisor is certainly recommended.

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http://www.franchisedirect.com

Fast food is still exceptionally popular in the US and the UK, despite each country's government attempting to encourage healthier eating and help cut the risk of obesity and resulting diseases.

People on the move are much more inclined to dive into one of the thousands of fast food stores, stands and restaurants than attempt a sit-down meal, meaning this kind of eating and drinking practice is highly detrimental to consumers' health due to the increased levels of fat, salt and sugar generally found in such foods.

However, healthy eating, an active lifestyle and fast food are not necessarily incompatible. Smoothies and fresh juice stores are a prime example of how the modern-day consumer can keep up with their hectic life, grab a nutritious snack, and hurtle on their way, without having to count the calories and feel guilty for not hitting their five-a-day target.

Smoothies – most often a blend of milk, fresh fruit, juices and ice-cream – have proved to be a huge hit for consumers over recent years, with sales in the US hitting more than $2 billion last year. And after a five-year boom and an increase in sales of more than 80 per cent, there seems to be little slowing the market.

However, although not reaching saturation point, the market is becoming quickly endowed with hundreds of smoothie chains – many of them franchises. And this means that anybody looking at the sector for a business or personal investment needs to consider the future growth and expansion areas the market will move into.

David Lockwood, director of Mintel Reports, explained: "Now that the smoothie market is a proven success, companies are being pushed to the next level - extreme differentiation."

"Similar to the coffee market, smoothie companies need to continue developing innovative flavours and additives to keep consumers engaged in the market, but also should consider expanding the menu as some chains have done with sandwiches or coffee."

Of course, this differentiation in products will allow customers more choice and therefore increase revenue, which is something a potential franchisee needs to consider.

The smoothie franchising market is so diverse, there are huge opportunities at all levels for franchisees to get involved, with initial franchising investments starting at around $85,000 and moving up to $375,000. For this, franchisees will normally provide training, support and guidance, including access to the franchiser's expertise and materials for site selection and store leasing, construction, purchasing, store supervision, quality control, and advertising and promotions.

Anybody aiming to take advantage of the current strength of the market is advised to research the area thoroughly, as well as making sure their financial situation is well calculated and advised.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Hotdogs in America are a national tradition. Eating one at the ball park watching a game or grabbing a 'dog from a vendor on the street on the way home is very much a part of American life.

And enterprising Americans have taken the simple idea of a frankfurter in a bun with a lot of sauce and turned it into not only a multi-billion dollar industry, but one of the most popular franchises in the US.

The simplicity of the hotdog is one of its major strengths. It requires little work and preparation, stalls can be set up almost anywhere, there is a guaranteed demand for the product, and the returns are high. Of course, there are many different types of hotdog vying for the top spot, with wieners, footlongs, redhot, corn dogs, chilli dogs, cheese dogs, and many others available across the country.

And it's this diversification that makes the 'dog so popular. Each city in the US has its own style and brand, and many are fiercely proud of their take on the American classic. In Chicago for instance, the hotdog comes steamed or boiled in a sesame seed bun, with a variety of relishes and toppings – but strictly no ketchup.

And this means more scope for potential franchisees, with Chicago-based hotdog seller Gold Coast Dogs among those capitalising on the intensity of this Midwestern demand.

For those considering a move into the market by way of franchising, the scope of opportunity is huge. From static hotdog stands to mobile carts, sausage and hotdog crossover vendors and even full-blown hotdog stores, there is a variety of choice for a potential business venture.

Costs can range from around $40,000 or $50,000 for a simple cart or stand franchise, up to $150,000 to $400,000 for bigger, static locations and stores.

And with the backing of a franchiser behind you, whether it is local or national, there is a strong chance of success for the enterprising hotdog salesperson. Support from franchisers comes in the form of training, sales and marketing advice, promotions and various other business necessities to help improve the franchise.

However, anybody considering the market is urged to undertake as much research as possible, both in terms of market consumption and the franchisee's personal financial situation. For smaller hotdog outlets, a great deal of hands-on work may be necessary, while any franchisee will be required to put a lot of effort into developing their business, and this needs to be taken into account when weighing up options for the hotdog franchising industry.

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http://www.franchisedirect.com

Embarking on a new business venture can be daunting for even the most experienced entrepreneurs, but franchising is increasingly becoming an option for "first-timers" in the business world, meaning there are a fair number of people attempting to take on their own enterprise with minimal experience.

Franchising in the US is an $800 billion business, mainly because the industry has a high success rate compared to independently created businesses, with a huge scope for investment. Almost any product or service can be bought through a franchised business, allowing the industry to get a foothold in almost every sector.

Therefore, anybody hoping to get into franchising and make a living from their enterprise needs to negotiate several initial steps.

Firstly, and most importantly, researching your targeted market or potential markets is vital. If you are unsure where to begin, try looking on the internet at various industry sectors, such as estate agencies, catering and restaurants, fitness centres and laundries. Of course, you should also consider your most valuable asset, yourself, and focus on your own strengths, experience and expertise.

Reviewing franchiser's financial documents, talking to existing franchisees and researching specific products and business models are all considered imperative when starting your franchise.

Secondly, and often the most problematic, is the financing of your project. Estimates show you could easily spend around $200,000 on developing your franchise system, with additional costs, such as advertising, running as high as $50,000 on top of that.

However, on the other end of the scale, franchises can cost as little as $50,000 to start off, especially home-based options and smaller business categories.

Nevertheless, a financially sound business is a successful one, and researching your funding is just as important as your market. Borrowing over conventional bank loans, guaranteed loans, home equity loans and various other terms of credit are all widely used, although any potential franchisee needs to ask themselves various questions before committing to a deal.

Once you've settled on a franchise and managed to fund it, it's down to the actual business of running your new enterprise. If it is home-based there is minimal set up, but for store-located businesses securing a trading premises is the next hurdle.

Again, research is key, and a well-located base is vital for the success of many firms such as restaurants.

Following the inception of your business in its new home, hiring staff and training is the next step before and during the initial phases of your franchise's trading. This may be based on your franchise concept, but the ability not only to hire and pick the correct staff for the job, but also train them adequately for their roles in the business, is another important factor behind a successful enterprise.

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http://www.franchisedirect.com

Today's real estate market in the UK is a frantic, burgeoning industry which is extremely appealing to investors, who can expect good returns on financial inputs.

There are several ways of getting into the real estate market, with one of the most obvious being the purchase of property or land, which can then be held as assets or sold on to make a profit. With the influx of home improvement programmes on television and strong market in the UK, buying, improving and then selling residential property in Britain has been extremely popular over recent years.

Various other financial reasons have meant that house prices in England and Wales have shot up, creating good opportunities for sellers and, especially, estate agents.

Many estate agents or real estate agents in the UK operate with a franchise model, meaning potential franchisees and business professionals looking to invest in the market have a slightly easier and less financially dangerous chance to get a foothold in the industry.

Estate agents share a percentage of the sale when selling a property, meaning it is in their interest to make sure the property market is consistently moving.

And estate agencies lend themselves well to the franchising model, with locally-based businesspeople taking on the role of running an agency which is part of a local chain, responsible for selling houses within a certain area.

Of course, estate agencies don't take on just anybody to run their local outlets, as, dissimilarly to other franchises, many nationwide agencies prefer to "recruit" rather than "sell" their franchises.

Anybody looking to get involved in the business needs not only to be able to come up with the initial cash investment, prove they are able to run a business and an estate agency on their own, and able to acquire a decent premises which can benefit the franchiser.

However, once you've found the right estate agency franchiser for you and agreed to begin your business, the franchiser will often prove invaluable in helping to maximise your sales, and therefore, your commission.

Working with a tried and tested method, incorporating high-level training and courses on property valuation, sales negotiations and other essentials of the estate agent's repertoire, the franchiser will be able to give continued support to your business – highlighting the benefits of the franchise approach.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Most people dream of sitting on white sands by clear blue seas with a cocktail in one hand and cooled by the shadow of a palm tree – and sending people on holidays to their dream locations is big business.

The travel industries in the UK and the US are surging, with the number of visits abroad made by UK residents more than tripling since 1985. A record 66.4 million visits were made in 2005, with these happy travellers splashing out around £32.2 billion on overseas travel.

Europe was named the most popular destination for travellers in 2005, with 80 per cent of people from the UK nipping over the sea to the continent, with Spain the most popular location bringing in 13.8 million visits.

Unsurprisingly, the market is bursting with travel agents and businesses offering to help weary Britons revitalise themselves in sunnier climes, despite the number of package holidays tumbling in recent years.

But anybody looking to get involved in the industry has a few problems, namely breaking into such a vast market teeming with businesses. Of course, this is where franchising can help, with travel franchises providing stability and support for potential businessmen and women hoping to get a foothold in travel.

As with any franchise, starting up in the travel industry allows franchisees to benefit from a proven trademark and formula for doing business. Travel franchisees can set up a travel agency and profit from the competitive prices and high commissions its franchiser can negotiate from major tour operators and airlines, meaning exclusive offers and deals which would otherwise be unavailable to travel businesses are accessible to the franchisee.

And sending people on holiday means you often get a lot of satisfaction out of the job.

One franchiser, Global Travel, explained: "A new business is a long term commitment and one of the first and most important factors to consider is whether the business will interest and excite you, both in the early days and once established.

"Day to day involvement in sending people to all corners of the world is both stimulating and rewarding as are the opportunities for personal travel at reduced rates."

Nevertheless, potential franchisees should be aware of the pitfalls of stepping into the franchising world, with financial concerns and ultimately a professional loss of control some major concerns. Franchising can be expensive, as franchisers require their businesses to keep to its strict standards which can mean franchisees are contractually bound to spend money on improvements and training whenever the need arises.

But travel franchising is a particularly popular method of tackling the tourism market and cashing in on the boom of people needing advice and help heading overseas.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Over seven million people in the UK are members of gyms. Only about half a dozen of them seem to go, as the rest of us sign up in good faith but never seem to have the time to attend, but nevertheless the market for gyms and fitness centres is huge.

Soaring obesity levels in both the UK and the US are putting massive strains on the NHS and health systems as the Department of Health predicts a 14 per cent increase in obesity in Britain by 2010.

However, millions of people are finally catching on to the government's message that large amounts of excess weight is a massive health risk – and are doing something about it.

Heading to the gym is one of the most obvious answers to being overweight, with experts estimating a minimum of 30 minutes exercise a day for five days a week is needed to help combat obesity and bring down health risks.

Of course, many people think the idea of going to a gym is either terrifying, too expensive, absurd, or all three, leaving the market open for alternatives such as fitness centres. As many gyms are stereotyped as being full of overly muscled young men pumping iron, meaning many potential customers, mainly older women, are turned off the prospect of joining a gym to get fit.

This is where franchising and fitness centres can step in, as the market is currently in its early stages in the UK. Centres which offer men and women of all sizes and ages a chance to use various pieces of equipment, join group classes and even relax in spas are taking off, meaning the canny franchisee can take advantage of the ever-burgeoning market.

Opening a franchise fitness centre is often a wise move for businesspeople with an eye on the health sector, as franchising has many benefits compared to going it alone.

These can include the support of a nationwide chain of centres with a proven business model and strong management structure, experience in the industry, training and marketing advice and support and it is less of a financial risk.

However, potential franchisees should be aware that taking on a franchise will require a great deal of research and financial awareness in its early stages, and the right kind of character from the franchisee themselves.

Business-minded people are often the most successful as a franchise requires not only a passion and knowledge of the industry you are working in, but also an ability to manage people, budgets, marketing and sales skills and a stomach for the tough and competitive marketplace.

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The cleaning market in the UK and the US is continuing to grow at a steady rate for a good reason – there is always dirt and in today's busy world people have less and less time to clean their offices, homes and businesses themselves.

Commercial cleaning businesses therefore have a ready-made market to indulge in, and starting a franchise in this area is certainly an option for many businessmen and women looking for a good return on their franchise.

Office cleaning and commercial cleaning can involve a lot of work and elbow-grease, although as a franchisee, you would more likely be organising others and running the business than actually scrubbing toilets. Nevertheless, knowledge of the industry is invaluable to anybody looking to make a success of their chosen franchise.

Commercial cleaning is "hugely profitable" according to one franchising industry leader, which claims that anybody looking for a home-based management franchise, which doesn't involve getting hands on with the grime of the industry, should sign up to a commercial cleaning franchise to capitalise on the situation.

Contracts with Jani-King, the market leader in the UK, include clients such as Waterstones and WHSmith, although actually getting down and cleaning is not part of the individual franchisee's job.

"The Jani-King system revolves around franchisees effectively managing the contracts and making sure a top quality service is offered with impeccable attention to customer care," the company told Monster.co.uk.

But despite the large turnover of the industry, organising the cleaning of offices and workplaces is not suited to everyone. Potential franchisees should consider carefully the risks and benefits associated with the franchise sector, before committing themselves.

Research, both on the industry and financially, is invaluable and an essential part of the franchisee's successful career path. Experts suggest scanning the internet and making enquiries into the market before any other decision is made, as well as making sure you discuss you funding situation with your financial advisor to determine exactly what area and level you can afford to join the market at.

Good franchisees also need to evaluate themselves and discern whether they are suited to the role they have chosen. Good managers need to have excellent personal and communications skills, as well as the ability to juggle several business-related tasks at the same time.

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So you've decided you're an entrepreneur and want to start your own business, but have opted for the security and good success statistics of a franchise – now all you need to do is pick which area you want to work in.

And there is a huge range of choices for you to wade through, each with a separate section of its own. For instance, you could turn your eye to the clothing industry, but then you are left with choices of men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing and many other areas such as dry-cleaning and laundry services.

But franchising has been maturing as a sustainable investment in both the US and the UK for years, creating opportunities for anyone looking to start their own business, meaning there is, in some sections of the industry, a glut of franchising opportunities within each sector, meaning yet further choice for the entrepreneur.

Of course, each area of franchising offers something different. From the more hands-on areas of children's fitness centres and oil changing franchises, as well as fast food franchises and catering businesses, to the more business orientated areas such as estate agency franchises.

Potential franchisees will need to conduct thorough research and examine their chosen market carefully before making any financial decisions, as delving into any kind of business is a risky venture without proper planning.

There are several bodies which can help potential franchisees. In the UK, the British Franchise Association (BFA) offers courses, advice and tuition from experts and professionals, for anybody hoping to get a foothold in the industry.

Workshops and conferences are held throughout the country, allowing people to discuss and plan their futures with professionals.

Searching yourself is obviously the ideal way of finding out about what you're interested in, and the internet is the first place to start. There are literally thousands of websites to search through in order to identify the correct franchise for you, as well as financial details and advice which can help guide uninitiated people through the minefield of franchising.

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Household chores are generally a bore to anybody and everybody, with washing clothes one of the most hated.

However, where there's a chore, there's a market and there are always people willing to take advantage of these gaps. Laundries and clothes washing franchises are highly popular, although they generally only target areas where people do not have the facilities to wash their own clothes in their home – such as blocks of flats or older housing estates.

Nevertheless, many are still successful, and combining laundries with other franchises such as dry-cleaning, which targets a similarly small market is proving even more popular.

With people working longer hours and having more cash to spend on luxuries, having somebody else to do the laundry is fast becoming a possibility for many. And anyone looking to get into the service industry will find that both laundry and dry-cleaning franchises offer the potential for a steady income without the stresses and long hours associated with many areas of the industry.

Figures from the Research and Markets website reveals that the UK dry-cleaning and laundry market grew by 6.7 per cent from 2000 to 2004, generating sales of £1.37 billion. This figure is also expected to continue increasing as the market expands.

Of course, the market is quite wide for any potential franchisee, meaning there is a wealth of opportunities available to take advantage of. In the US, chains such as Hangers pride themselves on the influence their brand name can have, highlighting the distinct advantages of taking on a franchise rather than going it alone.

But potential franchisees need to be sure they have the correct business and personal skills to succeed in the industry, as well as the financial backing to be comfortable in their venture.

The service is very much customer facing, meaning any franchisees will not only need to have excellent communication and customer service skills, but be able to spot these abilities in others to increase their workforce.

There are currently 50 per cent more women in the workforce in the UK, with this figure continuing to grow, although this is not solely a job for the fairer sex. Professional services can often include many different kinds of dry-cleaning, washing and garment repair, requiring different skills.

And running a franchise would require a business and marketing brain as well as an ability to succeed in the sector.

Anybody looking to get involved in this kind of franchising should make sure they research the market thoroughly before committing themselves, and speaking to their bank or financial consultant prior to making any concrete decisions.

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Services which cater for the huge markets are obvious targets for potential business ventures, with those needed by almost every household in the country providing come of the best opportunities.

Whereas once it was chimney sweeps who could find no trouble getting work as everyone cooked and heated their homes with fires, meaning fireplaces and chimneys needed cleaning, their place has been taken by modern ovens and cookers – although these still need cleaning of a different kind.

Commercial oven cleaners can take advantage of a huge market potential, as professional cleaners can target not only homes but the hundreds and thousands of food and catering businesses across the country which are in need of expert and specialised cleaning for their kitchen equipment.

The cleaning sector market in the UK alone has risen by 91 per cent in the last three years according to one oven cleaning franchiser, Cookerburra. It also values the UK market at £2.86 billion, meaning there is huge potential, both in the domestic and commercial oven cleaning sectors, for a good return.

Start up costs are relatively small for this kind of enterprise, lending further appeal to the market, although in the UK there is a limited choice for potential franchisees.

"With six oven cleaning franchise offerings now available in the field of domestic oven cleaning, it is more important than ever that prospective franchisees cut through the hype to find their way into one of the most buoyant and profitable areas in the business format franchisee market," said Bryan Goozee, Oven Clean's founder and managing director, on its website.

Of course, potential franchisees need to consider whether they are actually suited to the role of taking over an oven cleaning franchise, which will require a good deal of work, as well as financial input.

Many of the franchises can be set up with much lower financial risk than other franchise ventures, although the successful franchisee will have to display a good business understanding and marketing ability.

Franchisers generally provide training, support, equipment and a strong business presence to help fuel any franchisees in their work. However, anyone looking to get into this market will have to do a fair amount of research and discussions with their banks or financial lenders to make sure they are fully prepared to take on the challenge.

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Some things in life are pretty tedious and uninteresting, but necessary, with changing the oil in one's car up there with the best of them.

And while many people will consider such dull tasks beyond them, there are others who see this as a perfect marketing opportunity.

All cars need to be serviced and checked regularly, meaning many changes of oil and lube to make sure they are running smoothly. While this can often be done at the garage or during an MOT, this is not always practical and many motorists resent having to book in and visit the garage during their weekend for a simple necessity.

Mobile oil change facilities are often the answer. And franchising in the US and UK is perfectly suited to this style of enterprise, allowing customers to pay for the privilege of having a mobile oil changer come to wherever they are to change their oil for them.

Of course many of these oil change services offer several extras rather than a simple oil change, with brake repairs, tune-ups and windscreen repairs among the add-ons supplied.

Other firms are not mobile, but offer even more to the consumer, acting more as a garage and providing full checks and services for commercial and personal vehicles.

However, in terms of franchising opportunities, the smaller the operation the cheaper it becomes for the initial investor and franchisee. For example, a mobile franchising unit could be set up for as little as $25,000 – and with a $15 billion industry, there is plenty of room for a return on invested cash.

And franchisees are able to make the most of the expertise, equipment and support offered by national franchising companies, meaning areas such as national marketing, training and commercial accommodation is often catered for as part of the franchise deal.

But anybody hoping to take advantage of this huge potential market needs to be aware of the financial and personal demands on a franchisee.

A 2004 study by NatWest and the British Franchise Association found that most franchisees undertake a huge amount of research before taking the plunge into their chosen field.

But most people sought advice straight from their bank, proving the concern many have over the financial aspect of the business. Nevertheless, the survey found that the majority (95 per cent) of franchises in the UK were profitable businesses – with oil changing franchises among those chosen by new franchisees.

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Six of the 18 UK FASTSIGNS® sign and graphics centres won awards at the convention held by FASTSIGNS International, Inc., a worldwide sign and graphics franchisor.

Three centre owners and their staffs were honoured for top sales achievements in the UK. In addition, the owner of a new centre in West London was named “newcomer of the year;” an employee of the Bath location won a sales recognition award; the manager of the Sheffield/Chesterfield centre was named “manager of the year;” and the owner of the Crawley FASTSIGNS® was recognised for helping to develop marketing services, programmes and materials to benefit UK stores in general.

FASTSIGNS now has 18 centres that are individually owned and operated in Britain. “Our UK centres are doing well, and we are delighted to be able to recognise their success in this way,” said FASTSIGNS International, Inc.’s president, Larry Lane.

At the company’s convention held in Orlando, Florida, these awards were given to UK centre owners and their staff members:

· Top sales achievement of any UK centre from October 2004 through September 2005 went to the Sheffield/Chesterfield centre owned by Lindsay and Garth Allison. Paul Allison, the centre’s manager, also won the “manager of the year” award. In addition, Lindsay Allison was recognised for serving on the FASTSIGNS International Central Marketing Fund (CMF), which helps to advise the franchisor on marketing matters of interest to UK centres.
· The Chelmsford centre owned by Jenny Boreham won a sales achievement award for the second highest sales in the UK during that same period.
· The third highest UK sales award went to Chris Simpson, who owns the Leeds centre. Chris was also honoured for serving on the company’s Franchise Advisory Committee in 2005, which works with the franchisor to provide strategic direction on a wide range of services and programmes.
· Paul Bentley, who opened a new West London centre in 2004, was named “newcomer of the year” for achieving the highest average monthly sales of a new UK FASTSIGNS® from October 2004 through September 2005.
· Richard Jameson of Crawley was honoured for serving on the FASTSIGNS® Central Marketing Fund (CMF) in 2005.
· Jayson Godridge, who works in the Bath centre, also received a sales achievement award at the convention.

For more information about FASTSIGNS® International sign and graphic centres, please visit our website.

http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk

Cleaning one's house is one of the most hated of household chores for many, although a privileged few can afford the luxury of a housekeeper or cleaner to come in and take care of the dirty kitchen and toilets.

Housekeepers, or domestic cleaners, are in big demand with modern parents, couples and even single professionals who all have little enough time for themselves or their jobs to tackle the upkeep of their homes.

However, many do have the ability to pay for residential cleaning, meaning the US market alone is a $9 billion industry.

Figures from one residential cleaning franchiser claims that this spending rate is even increasing by 20 per cent annually, meaning there is huge potential for anybody looking to take the plunge and get involved in the cleaning industry.

Of course, managing a franchise is very different to actually working in the sector "on the floor", as very few franchisers will actually need to get their hands dirty and start scrubbing their clients' toilets. Instead, anyone hoping to be a potential franchisee will be involved in running a team of cleaners or maids, managing their training, recruitment, marketing of services, balancing books and making sure all the business aspects of the company are spot on.

Nevertheless, having an interest or background in the cleaning market would be a distinct advantage to home cleaning franchisees, as a passion for getting the job done and making sure customers are happy is a vital part of a successful business.

Indeed, the "ability to self motivate" and "experience of sales and marketing" are regarded as two of the most important characteristics that franchisors look for in potential franchisees, according to the 2004 NatWest/British Franchise Association survey.

And increasing numbers of people, swayed by the availability, strong market and influx of franchises, are making the most of the opportunity to work for themselves and invest in a home cleaning franchise.

The support offered from large franchisers is one of the main plus points for any potential franchisee, with training, marketing, business and financial support, contacts and a successful business model being invaluable to new businesses – and something entrepreneurs setting out on their own do not have.

But the appeal of being your own boss means that, while franchisees do not have much of the freedom of choice that non-franchisees do, as marketing, budgets, recruitment, training, uniforms and the like are all regimented from the company's headquarters, there is still the chance to run a business and make it a success.

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Despite surges in DIY and home improvement in the UK and the US, there is still a huge market in both countries for the traditional handyman.

By definition, the handyman is a jack-of-all-trades, not specialising in one area but covering them all – making an ideal choice for consumers looking to save money by getting one tradesman in to complete a series of jobs which could require two or more.

From fixing leaky taps to replacing hard-to-reach lightbulbs, laying carpet and undertaking manual labour, the handyman has everything covered in his repertoire.

However, traditionally, the handyman is seen as the maverick of the trade world, not undergoing formal training or gaining reputable qualifications like a plumber or electrician. And while this can be true of the lone handyman or one-man tradesperson, for anybody looking to become involved in a franchise or business scheme with handymen, the role is much more of a team leader than single outfit.

Franchisees will generally manage a team of contractors who will be assigned to various jobs and projects, with the company as a whole offering a one-stop-shop of home improvement and repair opportunities.

Of course, the potential franchisee needs to consider exactly what they expect to achieve from the franchise, with anybody considering the industry needing to have at least a working knowledge of and interest in the business.

Key points franchisees should consider include financing; an interest in the market; your own business skills and abilities, and whether you have the time and impetus to devote to the business.

Financial worries are the biggest put-off for new and potential franchisees, although if you have enough money up front it can be a wise investment.

An interest in the market is essential if you are considering entering the industry in any way. If you are not passionate about your franchise there is little chance it will be successful.

And your own business skills are a vital asset for any franchisee. As a handyman franchiser you would be hiring people, managing workloads, bookkeeping and other business responsibilities rather than actual handyman work.

Of course, as with any franchise, too much entrepreneurial spirit is not an ideal asset for a franchisee, as many business models are highly restrictive and it will need a collaborative attitude to working with the company rather than going it alone.

Ideally, knowing the lingo, the market, the type of people working in the industry and some kind of business savvy are the best ways of making a success of a handyman franchise, although thorough research is recommended to find out if you suit the role or not.

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