UK Franchise Opinion and News
Franchise Opinions highlights the latest opinions, news and trends in UK franchising. The authors, all experts in franchising, are happy to share their advice and views with you.
Redundancy as a route to franchising
Article by Richard Holden Lloyds Bank
Redundancy can be difficult experience to deal with. Some people will accept it, while others might feel shock, anger, fear or even denial. But the most important thing for anyone going through a redundancy is not to rush into making decisions about the future. It’s all too easy to make hasty decisions, perhaps out of fear of unemployment or change, however redundancy can actually provide an ideal opportunity to refocus and steer your career or other aspects of your life in a different direction. Franchising can be a great way to reduce the risks of setting up a business, because franchised businesses are already tried and tested success stories.
Now is the time for a marketing message update
Article by Dee Blick The Marketing Gym
To say that we are in oft quoted ‘unprecedented times’ is an understatement. And when it comes to marketing all bets are off. For many franchisees, business has either ground to a halt or is thin on the ground; a combination of safe distancing guidelines and the challenges in reaching target audiences. But it won’t last forever so we must focus on how to market effectively beyond the current situation.
Surviving a pandemic
Article by Richard Holden Lloyds Bank
As the impact of coronavirus is being felt worldwide, you may have concerns about how it could affect you and your finances. Richard Holden, Head of Franchising, Lloyds Banking Group describes the steps you need to take to manage your financial risk exposure.
Covid-19 and current attempts to end contracts early
Article by Victoria Eustace Owen White Solicitors
The global coronavirus pandemic is going to make it difficult or impossible for franchisors and franchisees in a wide range of circumstances to fulfil their contractual obligations. It is likely that many such parties will seek to argue that they should be released from those obligations by virtue of a force majeure clause or under the doctrine of frustration.
Although they are often confused, frustration and force majeure are two distinct principles. Force majeure is not a stand-alone concept in English law but many contracts will incorporate it by way of a force majeure clause. In the absence of a force majeure clause, the parties will not be able to rely on force majeure but may be able to invoke the common law doctrine of frustration.
Assessing the biggest hurdle - YOU!
Article by Nigel Toplis The Bardon Group
Have you got what it takes to be a successful franchisee? Where teamwork and working to a successful system are important in franchising, as is having an enterprising personality, entrepreneurs favour working independently and wanting to “re-invent the wheel”. Nigel helps you to identify if you are enterprising or an entrepreneur.
10 "what not to do's" when franchising your business
Article by Nick Williams Ashtons Franchise Consulting
Do you ever get tired of those self-help books that tell you so righteously everything the author ever did, and that you should do, in order to be like them? I used to like the very direct information that you were given as a small child, such as, “don’t run in the road because if you do, you’ll get knocked over and die!” So much more effective than “when crossing the road, look right, look left, look right again!” So, this is a short article of a top 10 “what not to do’s” aimed at treating people who want to franchise like adults!
Hope springs eternal for the franchise industry in 2020
Article by Matt O’Neill Franchise Advisory Service
If you are considering franchising as a career option, then 2020 could be your year. After a 2-year slowdown in franchise sales (unless you are considering the fast food or care industries both of which are continuing to boom), things are looking up in Franchising. Now that Brexit has been actioned and the British political scene is settling down, confidence can be restored to the UK franchise market.
Do you have what it takes to be a franchisee?
Article by Nigel Toplis The Bardon Group
Not everyone is cut out to be a franchisee. It is not about intelligence, skill set, financial resources. Certainly, these are important factors, but by far the most important attribute is attitude – that is the right attitude. But what defines the ‘right attitude’ and do you have it? In this article, Nigel Toplis, the Bardon Group looks at how to recognise the ideal set of characteristics that go to make up potentially successful franchisees.
TEN things you want from your franchisor
Article by Nigel Toplis The Bardon Group
Whilst different franchisors have different support structures, in my 25 years’ experience there are key ingredients that I believe are paramount in a successful franchise relationship. I have outlined in this article my top ten things you want from your franchisor.
Thinking of selling your franchise business?
Article by Chris Roberts Chantry Group
Prior to putting a franchise business on the market for sale, there are several things the owner can do to improve their chances of getting a higher price for the business and making the process simpler for everyone involved. Chris Roberts from the Chantry Group gives some tips below and highlights some of the common mistakes we often see.