FRANCHISE IRELANDAutumn 2006(The online newsletter of the Irish Franchise Association, 30 Tolka Valley Business Park, Ballyboggan Road, Dublin 11. T- 01 4991091. Email - michaelbradley@irishfranchiseassociation.com MESSAGE FROM JOHN GREEN, CHAIRMAN, IRISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION“Welcome to our third newsletter of 2006. The Irish Franchise Association continues to enhance the profile of franchising as a means of starting or expanding a business through its current activities - Regional seminars/presentations – we held information seminars in Dublin with Ulster Bank Group and Carlow with Carlow County Enterprise Board in October. Details of our next seminar at Naas, with Naas Chamber and Kildare County Enterprise Board, scheduled for 8 Nov at 7pm, are on our website. Irish Franchise Awards 2006 – now in their third year, the Awards are designed to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of organisations and individuals in the growth and development of their franchised businesses and their contribution towards this sector on the island of Ireland. The Awards are expected to attract national media attention and to provide good PR opportunities for the winners. There are six categories, viz, Franchise of the Year, Retail and Service: Franchisee of the Year, Retail and Service: Best Emerging Franchise: Franchise Person of the Year. Irish Franchise Exhibition 2006 – will be held at the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 on 17th and 18th November, and information seminars will be held during both days. See our website, www.irishfranchiseasociation.com, or www.franinfo.ie. Franchise Survey – the findings of the 2006 survey on franchising in Ireland are expected to be published later this year and are expected to show continued growth in all aspects of the sector. Irish Franchise Association’s strategic plan 2006 to 2010 – was adopted at a Committee meeting in September. The plan outlines key strategic objectives to improve the Irish Franchise Association’s structure, standards and effectiveness and is being implemented immediately and the first formal AGM will be held in January 07 at which the new Board of Directors will be elected. Training for franchisors – s planned for November at the National College of Ireland and will be given by Howarth Franchising. Modules will, for example, cover subjects like Marketing a Franchise, Recruiting Franchisees, Motivating and Monitoring Franchisees. All members have been notified. Information from sarah@howarthfranchising.com To members of the Irish Franchise Association - thank you for your continued support. To other franchisors – why not contact us about the benefits of Irish Franchise Association membership to your business? And to all our readers - thank you for your interest. See www.irishfranchiseasociation.com for further information on all aspects of franchising”. JOHN GREEN, Chairman NEW MEMBERSWe welcome the following to membership of the Irish Franchise Association: Kendlebell is a Virtual Office service for small businesses. Using state of the art technology, Kendlebell provide effective personalised telephone answering, online diary management, order-taking, lead generation, non-geographic number provision and a host of other services designed for small companies that don’t wish to hire full-time or temporary staff. Contact Kendlebell on freephone 1800 848646 or visit our website www.kbell.ie to learn more. Ultimate Woman – 30 minute fitness - after years of helping people to get fit in America, the Ultimate Woman - 30 minute fitness franchise is now in Ireland!! With years of experience in both franchising and in the health and fitness industry, Ultimate Woman Fitness has the edge on other women-only fitness franchises in the marketplace. Fully qualified staff, longer opening hours and high quality machines set us apart. Franchisees, our ongoing assistance, support and follow-up are second to none! Territories are still available throughout Ireland.Contact Marc Reilly, Ph: 021 4639410/ 087 2250594. W: www.ultimatewoman.ie The Blitz – 30 minute total fitness for men - after years of success in the America, The Blitz 30 minute fitness, is now in Ireland! Voted the fastest growing men’s fitness franchise in the world, by Entrepreneur 2000, The Blitz is already experiencing great success with Irish men. With years of expertise in both franchising and in the health and fitness industry, The Blitz has the edge on other men’s fitness franchises in the marketplace, with it’s fully qualified staff, longer opening hours and high quality machines. The ongoing assistance, support and follow-up we offer franchisees are second to none! Territories are still available throughout Ireland. Contact Marc Reilly, Ph: 021 4639410/ 087 2250594, W: www.timetoblitz.ie MCV Ireland – is the leading professional car valeting company, dealing with the commercial and private sector. No job or vehicle is too big or too small - trucks, buses, cars, vans or any motorised vehicle, mobile home or caravan – are all cleaned to the highest standard by trained staff. All operators offer freephone numbers for contact, so quotations cost nothing. News from Commercial Department, US Embassy, DublinAmerican franchise concepts are now the dominant source of franchises in Ireland and over the last few years, the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy, Dublin has helped several American franchisors identify master licensees and franchisees for the Irish market. For additional information on the U.S. Commercial Service visit their website at http://www.buyusa.gov/ireland NEWS and VIEWSSigns Express - the UK & Ireland’s largest sign company will be exhibiting on stand C20 at the forthcoming franchise show in November, looking for enthusiastic business professionals to join their successful nationwide network. With over 80 centres nationwide, Signs Express is a management franchise opportunity operating within the lucrative B2B marketplace with excellent sales potential from all industries. Operating the tried and tested business formula, Signs Express franchisees are able to generate both personal and financial rewards. Prontaprint - has rolled out its distinctive new brand identity to centres across Ireland this month following a 5million euro investment and almost two years research into the market, brand development and training. Prontaprint’s Irish centres will be the first to be re-positioned out of 170 centres across Ireland and the UK. Prontaprint centres in Ireland are amongst the fastest growing in the network many with a turnover in excess of €1 million with a growth rate in 2005 of 10%. The move is designed to differentiate Prontaprint in the marketplace and re-enforce its position at the forefront of the on-demand business print market in the UK and Ireland, by communicating it’s offering more effectively with an enhanced business image. Prontaprint’s Irish network currently boasts 7 centres in the Republic of Ireland with plans to expand their network to 12 centres before the end of 2008. With the introduction of new products like personalised direct mail literature and improved e-support, the new branding is one of the most significant events in Prontaprint’s 36 year history – it marks a transition to a fully-fledged business provider. See www.prontaprint.com Computer Troubleshooters Ireland - has opened its 9th Irish office in Wexford under the management of Michael Martin, centrally based in Tullycanna, Ballymitty close to Wexford town. Enda Folan, National Master Franchisor, says “Michael joins our Ireland organisation with offices in Galway, Limerick, Kildare, Clare, Longford/Westmeath and Louth”. Ladies Workout Express - opened their 13th new club recently in Newry. Three of their franchisees have located properties for their 2nd clubs and we feel this is a great endorsement for our franchise. Newry follows our new Club openings in Kilcullen Co Kildare, and in Ballycastle, Co Antrim. In the last 7 months we have opened 7 clubs, and we intend to keep up this roll out rate for the future. The Ladies Gym market in Ireland is a only at franction of its potential, and we intend to drive Ladies Workout Express Franchise to be the premier Gym in the country. See www.ladiesworkoutexpress.com. whichfranchise.ie - is a free franchise information and advice portal for the Irish franchise market, and has introduced an “Ask the Experts” facility. Agency Express - At any one time there are approximately 1.5 million ‘For Sale’ boards displayed on the streets of the UK, equating to a business worth around £20 million a year. As the only nationwide board servicing company, Agency Express is the clear market leader. Our growing network of over 90 franchisees provides an unparalleled service to estate agencies across the UK and beyond. Agency Express franchisees come from a wide variety of different career backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common – the motivation to succeed in running their own van-based businesses. As an Agency Express franchisee, you don’t need previous experience or business qualifications, as the training fully prepares you for running your own business. An investment of just £14,500 (plus reclaimable VAT) provides a franchisee with a 10-year Licence for his own protected territory. The comprehensive package includes everything needed to get the business up and running, such as specialist equipment, an 8-day training program and the deposit paid on a brand new Renault Master Van. As a van-based business, franchisees benefit from low overheads, which increases their profitability. With new centres opening at a rate of one or two a month, there’s never been a better time to get on board. For information call Claire Lapping on 01603 620044 or visit www.agencyexpress.co.uk. Kendlebell - is a Virtual Office franchise for small businesses. Using state of the art technology, Kendlebell provide effective personalised telephone answering and a host of other services. The franchise is well established in the UK and has recently been brought to Ireland by Tom Shanahan and David Kelly. Kendlebell Ireland have established their first office in Dublin 3 and intend rolling out a network of franchisees across Ireland. Setup costs for a Kendlebell franchise are lower than average and every Kendlebell franchise in the UK has been profitable within its first year of trading. If you have a passion for excellent customer service, a reasonable understanding of I.T. and are interested in running your own business, then contact Kendlebell on freephone 1800 848646 or visit the Kendlebell website at www.kbell.ie. The Ink Drop – now has three franchisees on board and has at least two more in the pipeline. Launched in Ireland in June 2005 with its first retail outlet in Blanchardstown D15, it already has 10 outlets based in the UK. Our aim has always been to give the franchisee a demographic and geographical area, committed to in our contract, to allow them grow their business without any additional franchise fees. We are also introducing over the next 12 months a scaled management fee that will reduce as the franchisees sales increase. To help us raise our profile we have invested in marketing through radio and direct mail marketing for the next 12 months with An Post, Q102, 106.8fm, and an Internet campaign. With our manufacturing plants holding ISO9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation we know that the quality of our product is second to. There is absolutely no on site filling of empties involved in our business and we can truly say we are the alternative to the original. Enquiries to Sandra Redden on 059 8623872 or email info@theinkdrop.ie. Order online at www.theinkdrop.ie Big Red Book - is an Irish Software Company that specializes in solving the accountancy, payroll and HR challenges of all SMEs. It is used by over fourteen thousand companies in Ireland today and is well known for its simplicity making it the easiest to use accountancy software package on the market. Vat returns can be done at the click of a button and no formal experience in accounting or computer knowledge is necessary. For a free demonstration pack call Catherine on 01 2048345.All Irish Franchise Association members receive a 10% discount on all Big Red Book® software. Franchise International (FI) is the world's only publication totally dedicated to international master franchising. In circulation since 1993 and now published quarterly, Franchise International is available online or in print, providing a valuable guide to investigating the franchise market, helping you to keep up to date with the latest master franchising news and linking to the most valuable franchise resources. See www.franchise-international.net LEGAL ISSUESRenegotiating Franchise Agreements (Bill Holohan, Solicitor, Bill Holohan and Associates, Dublin and Cork. Tel 01 8727120. E: bill@billholohan.ie) If franchisors are not willing to renegotiate the terms of their standard franchise agreement then what is the point of having it reviewed by the franchise lawyer? There are certain terms and conditions in a franchise agreement that would be open to some element of negotiation or amendment such as the size of the franchisee’s territory or matters which are affected by site specific / planning considerations, for example. Franchisees however should be cautious in their attempts to negotiate other less important terms and conditions of the agreement and they should be aware of the fact that the franchisor will not be open to negotiating the entire franchise agreement. They should only therefore focus on attempting to address the most problematical provisions or areas where they have significant concerns. Unfortunately, this is not always understood by lawyers who do not practice in this particular area of law and most lawyers would regard themselves as a hired gun whose job it is to “do the best” for their client, i.e. by redrafting the entire agreement. They misunderstand their role which is to advise the franchisee of the length, depth, shape and implications of the contractual bunker in which they are about to enter. Franchisors and generally reluctant to make amendments for, among other things, the following reasons:
In reality, the franchisors do on occasion negotiate variations. The general rule of “no negotiation” may not in fact apply for example, in relation to a start up scenario where franchisors are more likely to be open to negotiating the franchisee agreement in the interest of selling their first number of franchisees. It may also not apply where the prospect of the franchisee bringing the much needed expertise or capital to the table. Usually however, from the point of view of “marketing” the franchise, these variations are agreed as and incorporated in a “side letter” to the standard document. Franchise Legislation in Sweden (Peter Orander, E: peter.orander@dlanordic.se) Thank you for reading FRANCHISE IRELAND. |