116 117 fds northern DSAP 29/10/07 17:33 Page 2
EXPAND YOUR
BUSINESS THROUGH
FRANCHISING
Tony Urwin: Keith, we started work together on the All Trades Network
franchise system back in 2005 and you launched the franchise in the April/May
2005 edition of The Franchise Magazine. You recruited your first three
franchisees from that campaign - how many do you have now?
Keith Roberts: Our network has grown to 26 franchisees, all of whom have
contributed greatly to this year’s record turnover figure.
TU: Your recruitment has been quick. What was your strategy and how has this
growth affected your business and the operation at head office?
KR: There has been great interest from potential franchisees, which has allowed
us to be very selective and only award franchises to the right people. That’s
basically the crux of our recruitment strategy. This is a management franchise,
so it’s vital that our franchisees have the relevant experience. While several of
our franchisees have come from the building trade, anyone with a general
management background could be suited to the business. We’re finding that
there are a lot of applicants from middle management positions who are keen
to start their own businesses, which I suppose is a general reflection on the
current jobs market.
Cliff Whitehead: Our head office operation has had to change significantly as our
network has grown. We provide a comprehensive package of support to our
franchisees, which includes claims processing, customer service monitoring,
full invoicing, credit control and payment collection. As a result, our head
office team has increased from two people to 16. We’ve also brought in an
experienced Business Development Manager to work with new franchisees in
putting their business and financial planning packages together.
Providing solid franchisee support is key to our business. It’s a big
commitment and something we take very seriously because it allows our
franchisees to concentrate on building their businesses, rather than being
bogged down in admin. We wouldn’t have achieved such impressive group
turnover figures without it.
KR: Obviously, as the business has developed, there have been implications to
the franchise system and we’ve had to run things past you a couple of times.
Having access to unbiased, sound advice has been invaluable and I’m sure
we’ll continue to call on your expertise as we move All Trades forward.
If you’re based in the North of
England or Scotland and looking to
TU: Your network turnover figures are testament to your success as franchisors.
Is there any advice you would offer to business owners who are embarking on
franchise your business, contact FDS
the franchising route?
KR: Always seek the best professional services that are available to you. Don’t Northern to find out how we can
fall into the trap of thinking that not using them would be a cost saving, as the
experience of a British Franchise Association (bfa) affiliated consultant will be
help you achieve success.
invaluable. We soon discovered that your services included much more than a
manual and franchise marketing advice. It’s also vital that you build your
franchise on solid foundations by having quality legal documents drawn up by
a bfa affiliated lawyer.
I’ve been developing franchise systems in the North West since 1999 and it is
great to catch up with a successful franchisor, especially when they have
reached a milestone to be proud of. I wish Keith, Cliff and everyone at All
Trades the best of luck and look forward to seeing what they can achieve in
another two years of ethical franchising.
For companies looking at franchising as a method of
expanding their business effectively and profitably, FDS
FURTHER INFORMATION:
provides an intelligent evaluation of your potential for
franchising and works with you to implement a carefully
Tony Urwin is the Regional Director of FDS Northern and is structured Franchise Development Programme.
a British Franchise Association Affiliated Franchise Consultant
with eight years’ experience helping Northern franchisors to
structure fair, mutually beneficial fee structures.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
0161 926 9882
Call Tony on: 0161 926 9882
email:
tony@fdsnorthern.com
email:
tony@fdsnorthern.com
web:
www.fdsfranchise.com
Find out more about FDS at:
www.fdsfranchise.com
For other areas of the UK call 01603 620 301
©2007 The Franchise Magazine 117
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