December News 29/10/07 21:14 Page 3
Franchise News
Avenues take over fuels
Searchmate’s expansion
FRANCHISEE DIARY
Kevin Andrews
Personal introductions agency Searchmate has
Recognition Express, Taunton
announced an agreement to acquire competitor I come from a print and design background but the specialist field I worked in was being
Avenues’ assets, including its membership. The overtaken by the internet, so I decided to look for a new challenge and began to look into
company operates through franchised local franchising. I was attracted to Recognition Express by the broad range of products they provide
offices which provide assistance and a regular
and the variety of customers they appeal to. As well as this the company came across as having
point of contact for members searching for a
a good set-up and providing great back up for franchisees.
partner. “The takeover makes great sense for both
I launched my franchise in July 2004, however before doing so I had two weeks’ training at
Avenues and Searchmate clients - immediately
the Recognition Express head office. The training was really good - in the first week we covered
we have a hugely increased number of people to
every aspect of the production and products, while in the second week we focused on the actual
match with both sets of members and that is what
running of the business such as sales and marketing.
everyone wants - more opportunity to find their
Since launching my franchise I’ve almost doubled my turnover every year and I’m currently on
soulmate,” says Searchmate Managing Director
Adrian Slatter, who initially joined the network as
annual sales of £170,000. I really like the independence I get from being my own boss and I
a franchisee before acquiring the entire operation
enjoy the variety of the work. No two calls are the same as one could be from a big blue chip
in 2005.
company and the next the local scouts group. I aim to concentrate on building up my business
“When I took over I took time to review the
and continuing the current rate of growth.
whole operation, but recognised that I needed an
Read more about this opportunity and register for more information at:
www.thefm.net/25718
expert and impartial review of the business - so I
FRANCHISEE DIARY
Duncan McEwan
David Reid Homes, Warwick
I found out about the David Reid
Home franchise opportunity in The
Franchise Magazine. The franchise
attracted my attention as it was a
new venture for the UK and I was
looking for a business opportunity
that I thought would have real
potential for the future.
As part of the training I went out
to Australia to meet and spend time
with franchisees there, which
enabled me to see how the David
Reid Home businesses operate and to get a general feel for the day to day running of the
called Franchise Development Services and had a business. I found this to be a crucial part of adding to my understanding of the franchise as it
consultation with Franchise Consultants Gordon allowed me to see how the company worked. Additionally I have received training with the
Patterson and Gary Rigby.”
practical aspects of operating my franchise such as computer systems training, knowledge of
The resulting operational overhaul has seen
dealing with the accounts systems and an overview of the project management requirements.
the company grow dramatically to become the
When I launched my Warwick-based franchise in mid-September this year I became the first
biggest franchised agency in the UK with 18
David Reid Home franchisee in the UK. I think this is an exciting time to launch my franchise, as
offices across England and Wales. “In many
it is such a new concept to the UK and no other building company offers this turnkey service.
ways finding the right franchise is like finding the
Although I would say I’m still in the process of launching my business I’ve had a lot of interest
perfect life partner - they have to be right for you
from people about what we do and the service we provide.
and you have to be right for them!” adds Adrian.
At the moment my priority is to build up my business and in the long term I’m hoping to be
“We have big plans and we’re seeking a number
of quality franchisees to share in our growth.”
able to expand and take on more franchise areas.
Read more about this opportunity and register for more information
Read more about this opportunity and register for more information at:
at:
www.thefm.net/30023
www.thefm.net/41098
98 ©2007 The Franchise Magazine
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