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 UNITED KINGDOM FRANCHISE NEWS ARCHIVE
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: 2010
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Fifth franchise for student's IT firm.
scotsman.com - Robertson Technologies, an IT support business launched from a student flat less than six years ago, has awarded its fifth franchise. ... [more] 31 Dec, 2010
Fransure appoint new Account Executive.
thebfa.org - Fransure, part of the Real Insurance Group, provide bespoke insurance cover for franchise operations and have appointed Steve Beveridge. ... [more] 23 Dec, 2010
Laura Ashley delivers profits boost.
walesonline.co.uk - Home furnishings chain Laura Ashley forecast better-than-expected profits today despite the impact of Arctic weather and the sluggish economy. ... [more] 16 Dec, 2010
Cash Converters takes over its own outlets.
scotsman.com - Cash Converters, the second-hand goods specialist, has hit the expansion button for Scotland as it looks to open up to an additional 50 stores north of the Border. ... [more] 3 Dec, 2010
Franchising can be an excellent way for young people to set up their own business.
mirror.co.uk - Buying into a franchise at just 25 can be daunting, but Philip Edwards of Newbury, Berks, is enthusiastic about his opportunity. He took over his local Mac Tools franchise in July. ... [more] 2 Dec, 2010
Dyno-Rod accused of bully boy tactics by franchises.
dailymail.co.uk - Drain unblocking firm Dyno-Rod is giving its franchisees a stark choice – invest thousands of pounds or sell your business back to the company. ... [more] 30 Nov, 2010
Rhythm Time Welcomes New Franchisee in South Glasgow.
prweb.com - Children's franchise group, Rhythm Time, continues to enjoy unprecedented growth as another new franchisee joins in Scotland. ... [more] 30 Nov, 2010
Franchises attract graduates to business.
guardian.co.uk - With job prospects scarce, some enterprising graduates are tapping into the help and financial support of their parents to buy business franchises. ... [more] 20 Nov, 2010
PODS Moving and Storage Opens First United Kingdom Franchise.
associatedcontent.com - PODS Enterprises, Inc. recently opened the corporation's first franchise location in the United Kingdom. ... [more] 18 Nov, 2010
Mothercare says market overlooking foreign prospects.
reuters.com - Mother and baby goods retailer Mothercare Plc said investors were underestimating its overseas growth potential as it posted a 22 percent rise in first-half profit. ... [more] 17 Nov, 2010
Why franchising could be the key to scaling social enterprise.
guardian.co.uk - Could businesses such as Domino's Pizza, McDonald's and Subway hold the answers to the challenges around achieving scale? ... [more] 15 Nov, 2010
A Decade and more for SITB Franchisees.
thebfa.org - Franchisees build long-term businesses with Snack-in-the-Box. ... [more] 15 Nov, 2010
Kall Kwik franchisees to continue legal action against ODC.
printweek.com - Kall Kwik and Prontaprint franchisees plan to continue with legal action against franchise owner On Demand Communications (ODC) over an alleged lack of support. ... [more] 12 Nov, 2010
Fast-food outlets weathering storm.
independent.ie - John Mulligan discovers that aggressive marketing and value deals have helped shelter restaurant chains from worst of downturn. ... [more] 11 Nov, 2010
M&S’s CEO Targets Overseas, Online to Boost Revenue.
businessweek.com - Marks & Spencer Group Plc’s new Chief Executive Officer Marc Bolland plans to add stores in Shanghai and India and strengthen the U.K. clothing retailer’s online offering to boost sales by more than 30% in... [more] 9 Nov, 2010
Refreshing boost for garden design franchise.
thebfa.org - Lime Orchard - the 'one stop' garden transformation franchise - continues to buck the doom and gloom associated with the current economic climate, and is moving its headquarters to larger premises... [more] 4 Nov, 2010
KFC plans U.K., India expansion.
qsrweb.com - KFC's global growth continues with plans to open almost 40 stores in the United Kingdom in 2011. ... [more] 2 Nov, 2010
Ikea sales growth falls flat at 1%
guardian.co.uk - Ikea, the Swedish flatpack furniture retailer and destination of choice for first-time buyers getting on to the housing ladder, notched up a paltry 1% increase in sales in the UK and Ireland for the year to August. ... [more] 1 Nov, 2010
Marks & Spencer plans to re-enter European markets.
guardian.co.uk - Nearly a decade after Marks & Spencer shut up shop in mainland Europe, the retailer is poised to return to the continent by buying back the stores it sold at the time. ... [more] 31 Oct, 2010
Barrhead Travel opens first franchise outlet outside Scotland.
business7.co.uk - Scotland’s largest independent travel group is expanding its operations into Northern Ireland as a pilot to opening stores across the whole of the UK. ... [more] 25 Oct, 2010
Maid2Clean® surpasses the 100 Franchisee Mark.
thebfa.org - Maid2Clean® is delighted to announce that there are now more than 100 traded territories in the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia. ... [more] 23 Oct, 2010
McDonald's agrees franchise deal with Roadchef.
telegraph.co.uk - Roadchef has announced a new type of franchising model with McDonald's which will see the motorway services operator create 400 UK jobs. ... [more] 22 Oct, 2010
Mothercare overseas sales overtake UK.
stockmarketwire.com - Mothercare said its first-half overseas retail sales were ahead of the UK for the first time. ... [more] 14 Oct, 2010
Pret A Manger chief is stacking up healthy profits in lean times.
guardian.co.uk - Pret's Clive Schlee helped turn around the sandwich chain after it expanded too fast, and saw it survive the recession as a trusted brand. ... [more] 8 Oct, 2010
LIT to create first franchise centre.
irishexaminer.com - Europe's first third-level centre for franchise development is to be established at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). ... [more] 8 Oct, 2010
Bagel Bar eyes big bite of Middle East franchise market.
independent.ie - Bagel Bar, the Irish food company founded in 2001 by former banker and IT executive Ray Cowzer, is hoping that a push into the Middle East will help revive fortunes at the company as it weathers... [more] 7 Oct, 2010
Marks & Spencer enjoys 'return to quality'.
guardian.co.uk - Marks & Spencer's new boss, Marc Bolland, today reported much better than expected sales figures but warned that the coming months will be tough... [more] 7 Oct, 2010
McDonald's and Burger King U.K. deploy locator apps.
qsrweb.com - Craving a Whopper or a Big Mac? You're in luck ... if you're in the United Kingdom. In early September, Burger King U.K. launched an iPhone application allowing users to find the closest restaurant. ... [more] 6 Oct, 2010
Civil servants turn to business via franchises.
telegraph.co.uk - A former civil servant has built a family business empire in the heating trade as interest in buying franchises among public sector workers hots up. ... [more] 4 Oct, 2010
B&Q owner Kingfisher plans DIY franchise roll-out in quest for global growth.
independent.co.uk - Kingfisher, the DIY retailer which owns B&Q, is seeking local partners to take on franchises in a bid to speed up an international expansion drive. ... [more] 4 Oct, 2010
Mothercare Buys 25% Stake In Australian Franchisee Headline Group.
rttnews.com - Parenting and children's products retailer Mothercare plc Friday said it received shareholders approval to buy 25% stake in its Australian franchisee Headline Group Ltd. ... [more] 1 Oct, 2010
Domino's cashing in on demand for pizza online.
scotsman.com - Pizza delivery firm Domino's is on track for some tasty full-year profits thanks to growing demand from hungry surfers. ... [more] 30 Sep, 2010
Moss Bros first-half losses widen.
news.yahoo.com - Menswear retailer Moss Bros Group posted a wider first-half loss but said it was encouraged by trading in the second-half so far and was on track to meet internal expectations for the full year. ... [more] 29 Sep, 2010
Bierkeller chain seeks franchisees.
thepublican.com - Bavarian Beerhouse, the London-based group specialising in German-style bierkellers, is offering potential franchisees the chance to recreate the ‘oompah’ experience in their own backyard. ... [more] 27 Sep, 2010
Legal brand to launch national franchise.
lawgazette.co.uk - A new legal brand run by a former solicitor is to launch as a national franchise next April, the Gazette can exclusively reveal. ... [more] 23 Sep, 2010
Marks & Spencer faces boycott over 'sexist' Hooters restaurant deal.
telegraph.co.uk - Campaigners are calling on women to boycott Marks & Spencer over plans to open a Hooters restaurant, featuring provocatively-dressed waitresses, at a site in Bristol sublet from the retail giant. ... [more] 19 Sep, 2010
Robertson has franchise spin-out plans covered.
scotsman.com - Robertson Technologies, an IT support business launched from a student flat less than six years ago, has outlined plans to become a major UK player with a target of 40 franchised spin-outs in three years. ... [more] 19 Sep, 2010
Franchising in the Midlands.
news.yahoo.com - Taking place in Birmingham, West Midlands at the NEC on 1st and 2nd October, the National Franchise Exhibition brings together a diverse range of franchises for entrepreneurs and prospective business... [more] 18 Sep, 2010
Gondola buys Pizza Express international arm.
bighospitality.co.uk - Gondola Holdings, the casual dining restaurant group, has acquired the international franchise arm of Pizza Express. The deal covers 53 restaurants across 12 countries... [more] 17 Sep, 2010
Musical Minis celebrates 21 years of making learning fun!
thebfa.org - Founded in 1989 by Karen Sherr, a former Great Ormond Street Hospital Play Specialist, Musical Minis is now one of the leading pre-school classes for children in the UK. ... [more] 16 Sep, 2010
Laura Ashley defies the doom.
telegraph.co.uk - Laura Ashley, the clothing and furniture retailer, doubled its interim dividend after enjoying a significant increase in profits over the six months to July 31. ... [more] 11 Sep, 2010
Burger King could be snapped up by private equity firm.
guardian.co.uk - Burger King has
been hard hit by the global financial slowdown, with sales under
pressure in the US from rising jobless numbers and declining consumer
confidence. ... [more] 1 Sep, 2010
Top pizza chain Domino's has profits
sliced by 30pc.
independent.ie - Operating profits
at the firm which is one of the country's largest franchise owners
of Domino's Pizza outlets fell 30pc to €1.86m last year as turnover
declined almost 10pc to €22m. ... [more] 31 Aug, 2010
Carbon reduction commitment catches franchises and bust companies.
telegraph.co.uk - Businesses that have gone bust during the recession or operate through franchises could fall foul of controversial new “green tax” legislation, it has emerged. ... [more] 16 Aug, 2010
Franchise model drives United Carpets profits rise.
yorkshirepost.co.uk - Carpets to beds company United Carpets increased revenue and profits on the back of strong franchise work. ... [more] 9 Aug, 2010
Big expansion plans for Rice restaurants.
menmedia.co.uk - A Manchester restaurant chain is looking to replicate its success across the country by attracting investment partners to help drive its expansion. ... [more] 9 Aug, 2010
Wagamama restaurant chain 'is being put up for sale'.
bbc.co.uk - Pan-Asian restaurant chain Wagamama is being put up for sale by its private equity owner, it has been reported. ... [more] 1 Aug, 2010
Home Instead franchise promises 30 new jobs.
menmedia.co.uk - A woman who has taken on a Home Instead care franchise covering areas of Manchester and Trafford said she expects to create 30 jobs in her first year of trading. ... [more] 29 Jul, 2010
McDonalds franchisee hopes to create North East jobs.
nebusiness.co.uk - McDonalds franchisee Ahmed Khan hopes to create 150 new jobs after taking on five fast-food restaurants in the region. ... [more] 22 Jul, 2010
Mothercare hopes buying Blooming Marvellous will give profits a bump.
guardian.co.uk - Mother and baby products retailer Mothercare admitted today it was being outgunned in a price war with the supermarkets and would have to offer more discounts to get shoppers back through its doors. ... [more] 15 Jul, 2010
Marks and Spencer shareholders support boss's pay plan.
bbc.co.uk - Marks and Spencer shareholders have given their resounding support to the company's executive pay plan, despite complaints about the controversial £15m pay package offered to its new boss. ... [more] 14 Jul, 2010
Top LighterLife franchisees named.
thebfa.org - LighterLife have recently named and rewarded their top 30 franchisees in a nationwide competition of over 330 franchisees across the UK and Ireland. ... [more] 14 Jul, 2010
Writedown of £5.6m at O'Brien coffee firm.
irishtimes.com - BB’S Coffee Muffins Holdings, a UK company ultimately owned by billionaire businessman Denis O’Brien and others, has written off or written down investments totalling £5.6 million (€6.7 million). ... [more] 13 Jul, 2010
Domino's effect is down to more than just a talent show.
scotsman.com - Pizza delivery brand Domino's has revealed a strong start to its silver jubilee year, with a forecast-beating 28.6 per cent rise in profits to £17.5 million - driven by demand for its products during the World Cup. ... [more] 13 Jul, 2010
Belvoir Lettings to launch its first office in South Wales.
thebfa.org - Later this year Ben Davies and Daisy Hewitt will open the doors of Belvoir Swansea, the first South Wales office for national lettings agency Belvoir. ... [more] 8 Jul, 2010
Marks & Spencer reports 3.6% rise in first quarter sales but warns of tough times ahead.
guardian.co.uk - Marc Bolland made his debut today as the new boss at Marks & Spencer with a set of strong trading figures and a warning that last month's emergency budget is likely to hit consumer spending. ... [more] 7 Jul, 2010
Rhythm Time Music Franchise Enquiries More Than Doubled In Six Months.
news.yahoo.com - Franchise ownership in the UK has continued to increase in the economic downturn. Rhythm Time franchises are no exception and enquiries to start a franchise have more than doubled in the last six months. ... [more] 4 Jul, 2010
O'Brien's outlets in UK to be wound up.
irishtimes.com - Two O’Brien's sandwich bar companies in Britain are set to be wound up after a year-long administration process that resulted in a £71,000 sterling payment to a secured creditor, Bank of Ireland. ... [more] 29 Jun, 2010
Belvoir gains recognition as the UK’s top lettings agency franchise.
thebfa.org - Belvoir is delighted to announce official recognition as the UK's Best Lettings Agency Franchise. This highly prestigious award was made at the 2010 Lettings Agency of the Year Awards... [more] 29 Jun, 2010
Leeds website firm's first franchise.
yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk - Decision2day.com (D2D), the Leeds-based home-improvement help web company, is to expand into the North-West with the sale of its first franchise. ... [more] 25 Jun, 2010
Appliance Repair Franchisee Keeps It in the Family.
ukpressreleases.co.uk - When Doncaster based Repair Engineer Clive Aiken was faced with finding a new employee for his Appliance Repair franchise he didn’t have to go far to find the right person, his Brother-in-law. ... [more] 24 Jun, 2010
Mothercare’s international arm has a growth spurt.
telegraph.co.uk - Over the past two years, growth in the international channel has seen the number of stores rise by almost 50pc to 728 in 51 countries. ... [more] 15 Jun, 2010
robertson technologies continues to grow with appointment of third franchisee.
thebfa.org - Romping its way through the recession, computer support company robertson technologies has awarded its third franchise of 2010 and is on course to complete its target of six by the end of the year. ... [more] 14 Jun, 2010
Care franchisor aims to double its numbers.
crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk - Despite cuts in public spending, a Warrington-based care business is aiming to double its franchises to 100 over the next 12 months. ... [more] 14 Jun, 2010
McDonald's Still Hungry for U.K. Growth.
businessweek.com - Revamped stores, more franchising, and staff training have already lifted sales in Britain. But Northern Europe chief Steve Easterbrook aims to gain more ground. ... [more] 10 Jun, 2010
Marks & Spencer chief's pay more than doubles to £4.3m.
guardian.co.uk - Sir Stuart Rose, who steps down as chief executive at the end of next month, rewarded with 140% increase in salary and bonuses despite lacklustre performance of group. ... [more] 10 Jun, 2010
Laura Ashley sees rise in UK sales.
google.com - Fashion and homewares retailer Laura Ashley has reported a successful start to its financial year after strong website sales boosted revenues. ... [more] 4 Jun, 2010
Children's Franchise Rhythm Time Set For Welsh Expansion.
news.yahoo.com - Set up in 1995, children’s franchise Rhythm Time first began franchising in 2000. In its tenth successful year as a children’s franchise group it is set to launch its latest franchise in Wales later this year. ... [more] 31 May, 2010
Rose unveils his final M&S profits before checking out.
guardian.co.uk - A new era got under way at Marks & Spencer today as chief executive Sir Stuart Rose unveiled his last set of annual profits before handing over to new boss Marc Bolland. ... [more] 25 May, 2010
Kabab Factory plans to enter Britain, S Asia.
ptinews.com - Restaurant chain The Great Kabab Factory today said it is scouting for partners in British and Southeast Asian markets to accelerate its overseas expansion. ... [more] 23 May, 2010
102 franchisees plan ODC claim.
printweek.com - Some 102 franchisees at Kall Kwik and Prontaprint have appointed franchise law specialists Field Fisher Waterhouse in a potential group claim against their franchisor On Demand Communications (ODC). ... [more] 21 May, 2010
Mothercare looks abroad for growth.
yorkshirepost.co.uk - Babycare retailer Mothercare today said strong growth overseas would offset a "more challenging" consumer climate in the UK this year. ... [more] 20 May, 2010
Alliance Boots reports big rise in profits.
news.bbc.co.uk - Health and beauty retailer Alliance Boots has announced a a pre-tax profit of £475m for the year to 31 March - up from £13m a year earlier. ... [more] 17 May, 2010
Promoting franchises could deliver prosperity if supported, say business experts.
scotsman.com - Scottish entrepreneurs could create thousands of jobs and earn more than £1.5 billion for the economy if more support was given to the franchise industry, according to business experts. ... [more] 16 May, 2010
Sir Stuart Rose admits he considered taking M&S private.
drapersonline.com - Sir Stuart Rose, the chairman of Marks & Spencer, has admitted he considered taking the chain private to allow it concentrate on long-term planning. ... [more] 12 May, 2010
M&S shareholders expect Marc Bolland to deliver rapid turnaround.
guardian.co.uk - Marc Bolland will walk into his new job as chief executive of Marks & Spencer tomorrow knowing two things: he has bagged the highest profile job on the high street – and one of the toughest. ... [more] 3 May, 2010
Survey shows franchises worth £0.4bn to Welsh economy.
walesonline.co.uk - Franchise businesses are worth around £0.4bn to the Welsh economy according to the latest research on the sector. ... [more] 30 Apr, 2010
Franchise Industry contributes £11.8bn to UK Economy despite Recession.
webwire.com - UK franchise businesses continue to grow and remain robust despite economic conditions, with the industry contributing £11.8 billion to the country’s GDP last year, an increase of £400 million from last... [more] 28 Apr, 2010
Place to be if you're in market for a franchise.
nebusiness.co.uk - More than 35 franchise businesses with licences available in the North East are coming together at a fair aimed at entrepreneurs and business service providers. The Great Northern Franchise Show... [more] 27 Apr, 2010
Fife franchise will be first to fly the flag for robertson technologies.
thebfa.org - robertson technologies has awarded its first franchise, extending the computer support business out of its Central Belt homelands and taking its lauded services to the SMEs of Fife. ... [more] 27 Apr, 2010
Pret a Manger plans more shop openings as sales rise.
news.bbc.co.uk - Sandwich and salads chain Pret a Manger has reported rising sales and said it plans to open a record number of new outlets this year. ... [more] 9 Apr, 2010
FDS see further growth in franchising with their 23rd edition of The UK Franchise Directory.
thebfa.org - The UK's franchise sector is set for an influx of new business start-ups and job opportunities through increased interest in franchising and a growing ambition to expand their networks, according to latest... [more] 7 Apr, 2010
JAG franchisees lash out at targets.
mobilenewscwp.co.uk - Retailer JAG is hit by claims from franchisees of unrealistic targets and difficult sales environments. ... [more] 29 Mar, 2010
Franchisee Makes BFA history.
news.yahoo.com - Signs Express (N. & N.E. Lincs) franchisee Ken Bevis has been elected as one of the first franchisees to sit on the British Franchise Association (BFA) board in its entire history. ... [more] 20 Mar, 2010
M&S boss Rose to take 25% pay cut.
news.bbc.co.uk - Marks and Spencer's chief executive and chairman Sir Stuart Rose will give up his executive role in July and take a 25% pay cut, the company has announced. ... [more] 18 Mar, 2010
French Connection sees its annual losses narrow.
news.bbc.co.uk - Struggling fashion retailer French Connection is selling its Nicole Farhi subsidiary as it reported that its annual loss had narrowed. ... [more] 15 Mar, 2010
Marks and Spencer's Sir Stuart Rose expects pay cut.
news.bbc.co.uk - Sir Stuart Rose, Marks and Spencer's chairman and chief executive, says he is ready to take a pay cut when he hands over part of his role. ... [more] 9 Mar, 2010
Female Franchise Celebrates International Womens Day.
prfire.co.uk - Female Franchise, the leading online franchise resource is celebrating International Womens Day, on 8th March, with a day full of celebrity interviews. ... [more] 8 Mar, 2010
Flat white froths up Costa Coffee's fortunes.
guardian.co.uk - Coffee popular in Australia and New Zealand has helped the chain increase sales by almost 10% ... [more] 4 Mar, 2010
M&S's Rose could go early, as he defends £15m Bolland.
independent.co.uk - Sir Stuart Rose hinted yesterday that he may step down early from the chairman's role at Mark's & Spencer, as he launched a robust defence of the £15m that the incoming chief executive, Marc Bolland, could... [more] 4 Mar, 2010
Yo! Sushi aims to be a big fish in Scotland.
timesonline.co.uk - If it wasn’t for Robin Rowland, the Scottish salmon farming industry would have probably collapsed a long time ago. ... [more] 28 Feb, 2010
No Letting Go Hosts First Awards Ceremony.
thebfa.org - No Letting Go, the UK's first and longest established inventory management franchise, hosted its first national conference recently. ... [more] 19 Feb, 2010
bfa Welcomes New Vice Chairman.
thebfa.org - Clive Houlston, Managing Director of national franchise network Mr Electric & Aire Serv, has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the British Franchise Association (bfa) Board of Directors. ... [more] 10 Feb, 2010
Baptism of Fire for Blazes Home-Based Franchisees.
thebfa.org - As the government's boiler scrappage initiative builds up a head of steam, Blazes Home Based Central Heating (HBCH) franchisee's phones have gone into meltdown. ... [more] 9 Feb, 2010
First bfa Qualification Launched to Recognise Excellence in Franchise Professionals.
thebfa.org - The British Franchise Association (bfa) is this month launching its first industry recognised qualification for franchise professionals, aimed at recognising expertise in franchising. ... [more] 8 Feb, 2010
2010 Brings Immediate Success.
thebfa.org - Rosemary Bookkeeping heads into 2010 with roaring success: not only are they officially BFA accredited, but they already have two new franchisees currently undergoing training! ... [more] 1 Feb, 2010
The £15m shopkeeper – golden hello for new M&S boss Marc Bolland.
guardian.co.uk - Marks & Spencer has struck a £15m deal with its new boss, Marc Bolland, that is thought to be one of the biggest golden hellos in corporate history. ... [more] 1 Feb, 2010
New starts urged to make the franchise connection.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk - A business development agency has called on budding Northern Ireland entrepreneurs to join a new scheme to help them tap into the £400m franchise market. ... [more] 29 Jan, 2010
McDonald's serves up record-breaking year.
independent.co.uk - The UK was McDonald's best performing major market last year as consumers were drawn to its value meals in the recession, the firm said today. ... [more] 22 Jan, 2010
TGI Friday's: Sale of UK restaurants on the menu.
independent.co.uk - The UK franchise of TGI Friday's, the American-themed ribs and steak restaurant chain, is to be put up for sale in the first half of this year. ... [more] 10 Jan, 2010
M&S returns to growth but figures disappoint City.
guardian.co.uk - An anaemic performance by Marks & Spencer's food business over the crucial Christmas sales period today took the gloss off the retailer's first quarter of sales growth in two years. ... [more] 6 Jan, 2010
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