Tag Archives: Franchise Information

06Oct 2010

Franchise News: Franchise Business

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By Steve Roulstone

 

Well we have just about recovered from what was a draining two days at the National Franchise Exhibition this weekend. There is no doubt that standing on your feet for two days does take it’s toll (I used to work in retail and you can get used to standing – eventually!) but it is a small price to pay for what is a refreshing experience every year.

Renew your Franchising passion.

When I first became a Franchisee, I felt so passionate and proud about what I set out to achieve and by visiting the show every year, firstly as a Franchisee on behalf of Castle Estates and latterly as the Franchisor, I have always find my passion and pride lifted once more by so many people setting out on the same road. It is always a great reminder of why I do what I do and sets the playing field level again for the next year.

Looking like a bumper year.

But this year, as most commentators have agreed, the level of enquiry has been really good and personally I found those choosing to visit our stand, showed a consistent high level of research and knowledge both of what was possible as well as what they wanted from Franchising. It is probably the first year that I have not heard those immortal words, ‘What’s this all about then’!

13 Months please.

The days after the show are all about speaking to and arranging with potential Franchisees the next step that was agreed at the show, with Literature being sent to those who truly want to read about you and arranging to meet those who really want to get to learn about what we offer. At this time of the year, I could do with fitting in an extra month, just to cope with the demand, but that is probably my fault as I like to see everybody myself and especially on a one to one basis.

Franchise Opportunities.

But there is no doubt that it is also the most important time, as we move to make the best of the opportunity, in the correct way for both Franchisee and Franchisor. If I am impressed with the standard of potential in the people I am going to see over the next three months, then it is right and proper that we ensure we allow this potential to make the most of the partnership’s we will develop over the coming years. Now is the time that the passion that has been renewed again this year, to shine through!

01Oct 2010

Franchise News: The Importance of Block Management.

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By Steve Roulstone

When considering a Franchise in any industry, there may be more than one way to generate income that may be available through the business to hand. The Lettings Industry is one of those industries and it is Block Management that is a natural outlet for any good Letting Agent.

A natural fit

What needs to be recognised at the start is whether the Franchisor is happy for additional industries to be part of the Franchisees business. At Castle Estates we not only allow but actively encourage entrepreneurs to get take advantage of any opportunities that come their way and will actually offer training as part of the Franchise.

Landlords want our help.

And that is the point, it is normally Landlords who ask for our assistance as many traditional Block Management Companies are somewhat distant from the communities they serve and by being the Local Agent who services the area concerned, Letting Agents can offer a better feel and better communications for the leaseholders involved. Now from where I look at this, if a Landlord approaches my Company and asks for help and I can offer that help, then I do not want to be the person who says no!

And we have the knowledge.

But because our main field of operation is the Lettings Industry, it does not mean that we cannot supply something extra, in fact, I would go as far as to say that Letting agents can make better Block Managing Agents, because in a market so heavily populated by Buy to Let properties, our knowledge can offer better solutions to situations simply because we do know what to do in such scenarios.  

Giving better advice.

Only this week, I was present at an Annual General meeting where a question was raised about HMO’s on site. Now this happens to be an area that I have a good depth of knowledge and I was quickly able to confirm the law relating to this situation, ensuring that safety was maintained for everybody living in this block. Now Block Managing Agents may already know the answer and some surely will, but my guess is there are as many as would not recognise this potential problem and would not be able to supply the correct answer.

Resulting in Additional Income.

So look at the possibilities, diversification is good in any business and I believe by encouraging involvement in this sector, allowing our Offices to earn additional income and spreading the earning potential in a field which sits so well with our industry, we are adding another worthy string to our bows.

21Sep 2010

Franchise News: Franchise Opportunities.

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By Steve Roulstone

 

It is that time of the year again and the National Franchise Exhibition at the NEC is due on Friday October the 1st and Saturday October the 2nd. There are other Franchise exhibitions at differing venues throughout the year, but you just know from the increased level of enquiry, that it is this exhibition which really gets the public thinking about the Franchise Opportunities on offer.

What to look for.

I visited the show in 1999 and went with a completely open mind about what I would find, but wanted to come away with ideas that I could then review and research. Not just about individual Companies but also about the different trades available through Franchising.

What not to do.

I now sell my own Company at the show, but represented Castle Estates as a franchisee through the years and along the way, I have had many conversations that differed in length and approach and spoken to dozens of people at the show. But what needs to be appreciated, is that nobody actually decides on that day and I believe that it is wrong to try to sell the actual Franchise, rather we should just be letting people know we exist and in what market.

So look for the Franchise Opportunity.

What happens when visitors get back home is far more important than what happens at the show. When the literature is read, or when somebody follows up on that brief introduction to ask about more information. Because it is these reactions and others like them, that will have more impact than anything that actually happens at the NEC. It is based on these reactions that people will see the opportunity and through them, have a realistic chance of actually becoming a Franchisee themselves.

Experienced advice.

This is not just my mantra as it has been part of the science of Franchising that I have learnt through the training I have undergone since becoming Franchisor. I think it was fortunate for me that it suited the way I went about the process, but it is worth remembering, that most visitors would actually prefer not to be hounded anyway. I call that a win win!

15Sep 2010

Franchise News: Training Letting Agents.

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By Steve Roulstone,

Business develops so fast today, that no matter what industry you are in, training and ensuring Staff and Company systems are at the front end of both Business and people trends has never been so important. When I first started in business in the mid 70’s nothing really changed for many years and whilst you had to be much smarter to be ahead of the field, today we need to be aware of the possibilities that the electronic age has afforded every business in the world.

How to achieve the best return.

This is where I believe Franchising really delivers results. There are of course many scenarios where Companies get together to train their staff. But the only situation where it matters so much to every outlet or office, that I am aware of is Franchising.

Because it matters!

Franchising delivers because the people who are being trained need and appreciate the importance of delivering whatever they are being trained for, to ensure their business continues to perform and stay ahead of the competition. Of course some multi outlet National Companies are managed by people who also care, but I seriously doubt they care as much as those who have put their own future on the line by starting their own business!

The links that make the difference.

Of course there are as many who do so, on their own, but that is where they differ and would struggle to be so well informed. Franchise organisations have the not insignificant backing of the Franchisor, who can arrange training at reduced and more cost effective rates, and because it is not only in the interest of the Franchisor that the business succeeds, but also that they stay ahead, the Franchisee can rest assured that the training will be offered when needed and by professionals.

Hence the difference.

I do of course recognise that Franchising does not suit everybody, but what it does do is offer more than just a system and knowhow and through the training offered, it can ensure that a business that is Franchised is kept at the top of the pile, and of course run by people who really care about the success it achieves.

24Aug 2010

Franchise News: Franchised Property Lettings wrapped in the Web.

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By Steve Roulstone

The future is on line.

One of the most important principles that any Letting Agency has to understand in today’s cyber community, is not only the importance of the Web but how to control and appear in the web to all potential customers. With Google controlling 86% of all search engine activity, to be listed on the front page under any generic term, has to be the goal of every National Property Management Company.

Who does not look on the Web?

Every agent should be aware of where their customer base comes from. I was aware years ago, that the number of Tenants moving in to properties that I managed through my Agency, was growing month on month. Now nationally, the figure is around 90% and makes the cost of advertising in the local paper prohibitive and probably explains why most of the press where the income from property advertising is significant, are creating their own web site! Both Tenants and Landlords are looking for their information and sourcing the solution they require through the web and Google have captured the market!

Franchise Online.

As a National Franchise Agency we are very aware that all Property Lettings Franchise Companies look to market themselves in the same way and therefore we all have training available for our Franchisees so they make the best out of what, if you get it right, is a free service. Get your Company in the right position on the web and visible in searches relating to your business in your area and your target customers will find you!

Delivering the message

But this is not as simple as some may think or suggest it is. It takes dedication and understanding of how to achieve your aim and we are all aware that there is a plethora of Companies telling us they can train us how to appear at the top of the listings and I would recommend all Companies employ professionals to instruct them in the correct methods. If you are going to ensure you are well versed in the art (and it is an art!) of positioning then choose carefully, but there is no doubt, we all need to gain web presence!

09Aug 2010

Franchise News: The role of the Banks in your Business.

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By Steve Roulstone

When looking at any Franchise venture, is it important to speak with more than one Bank, or even any Bank at all if your finances are in good order? I believe the answer is a definite yes! By speaking to the Banks you will get advice from people who look at Franchise opportunities in all available types and formats of Franchising.

They know what they are doing.

Not only are you going to get good advice, but you will also get a good idea if the plan that you have put together makes good sense and follows the path that you would be expected to achieve from the organisation you are planning to join. I would say whether you need finance or not, this is a vital part of your Business strategy. To get the seal of approval from experts, I would suggest, should be part of what you need to achieve as you get closer to making that all important change in your life. 

Because they know what you are doing.

The reason is two-fold. Firstly, the Banks that we at Castle Estates would introduce you to, are the specialist Franchising Banks, where they not only look at business plans for Franchising, but understand the business itself, by investigating our systems, targets and objectives before you even speak to them. So they know us and can therefore tell you if your plan is in line with how the Franchise operates.

Because you know what you are doing!

Secondly, because they are so specialist, by getting that seal of approval from a Franchising department, it means that you will understand the operation you are putting together and therefore have good control of your whole business plan, costs and sales objectives.  The professionals that will discuss your budgets and plans know what to ask and how to judge your work and will not give any approval without confirming both the content and you as an individual.

All assistance gratefully received.

So why miss out on an independent review of your plans! I used this opportunity when I first started, even though I have did not need financial assistance from my Bank, because I recognised that the relationship could be both informative and important in the years ahead, which is exactly how it has developed. When I looked to purchase the Franchise, my Bank gave me the assistance I needed to get through the initial twelve months and I would state that it all started with that initial contact and seal of approval!

23Jul 2010

Franchise News: Why choose Franchised services?

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By Steve Roulstone.

The Franchising path.

 Any business that fits as a Franchising model, needs to be one that follows a style of business and have methods of operation which can be easily copied across outlet to outlet. A method that can be taught uniformly and adjusted as required as trends change, well with the amount of government legislation that is involved in the rental market (as exampled by this link) we have a natural fit in my Industry. It is consistent methods that ensure that our Landlords get the correct interpretation of these legislative changes and by the needs and experiences of a group that operates and controls its methods through a central spine, best practise can be assured.

 The passion behind the reason.

 But information alone is not the answer, drive and commitment are also needed and I would argue that anybody whose income depends on their own business is not only going to be more committed in their role, but also show that commitment and indeed passion for the Company they represent far better than any employee and that is where the link with Franchising comes home and delivers, for people whose livelihood rests on the success of their Company are going to perform both more successfully and more diligently.

 Let me give you a lift!

 And having been a Franchisee for ten years, I know from practise, that they are far more supportive of others who are trying to achieve the same goal in life. I have worked in the privately owned sector and been told ‘I am not telling everybody else why we do so well, because I will no longer look as good if everybody did it!’ You never get that in Franchising, exactly the opposite, rather Franchisees are quieting up to pass on good news and good ideas, because they understand what everybody who does what they do are trying to achieve and only too happy to help!

 So who do I use?

 I believe the answer is simple, whatever services you require or want to buy, if it is a Franchise, you are liable to get a better service and probably a better product, because to those who run the Company, your business is simply more important!

15Jul 2010

Franchise news: Why choose Franchising?

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By Steve Roulstone

My recommendation. I think it is time I explained why I became a Franchisee, the following is a Blog I posted as the result of a conversation with the Blog host of the Select Your Franchise site Nick Strong. It was my inspiration to this site and explains my reasons; at a stage where all those who consider Franchising have such questions to answer. So I repeat it here for information.

 Starting point.

 In 1999 I needed to take charge of my own future, Why? Because I was no longer confident that my future was secure with the Company I worked for.   The company had been taken over through acquisition and I no longer felt comfortable.  In fact I was completely outside of my comfort zone.

It was time for change!

So why choose Franchising? I now needed to research and quickly found that Franchise Companies were prepared to send me valuable information, not only on the Company concerned but also about the market they operated in. I now had an overview of markets that I was interested in and an immediate feel for how I could operate my own Company and fulfil my own needs for the future, quickly and efficiently.

The answer to the question I have posed

I chose Franchising because it was a way of working with people who understood what I was trying to achieve. I also liked the security of working with a tried and tested system in the industry of my choice.  I was trained by professionals and worked with other franchisees who had chosen the same route.

Why did I choose a Castle Estates franchise?

The principal always has been that Franchising offers entrepreneurial people specialised assistance, systems and training in a successful proven route.  After investigating many routes to market I found that Castle Estates offered the best way forward for me.

It is a fact that 90% of Franchisees become profitable within two years whereas four out of five people who start on their own, fail within the same period.  I can say with confidence that I am one of the happy 90%.  So much so that I have now bought the company!!!

12Jul 2010

UK Lettings Franchise market insight

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By Nick strong MD Select Your Franchise

In spite of the economic downturn the * lettings franchise market in the UK has grown and remains strong.

According to Steve Roulstone, Managing Director of Castle Estates, “the market is robust even in recession as the interest payments charged to landlords by lenders reduces significantly as in recession making the market both attractive and viable for landlords.  It is also harder for first time buyers to enter the housing market at the moment which fuels the need and demand for well presented letting stock.”

UK properties are valued well for market entry for new and existing landlords which helps fuel business and sector growth.

The number of new franchisees is growing in the * UK lettings franchise market.  Castle Estates has seen a significant uplift of enquiries during late spring and early summer of 2010.

This is great news for people wishing to build their future prosperity via the housing market. 

The Castle Estates franchise system is well positioned to help new franchisee owners advance in the UK lettings franchise marketplace.  With over 30 years of know how the Castle Estates system offers one of the most mature and robust franchise models available to franchise buyers in the UK today.

Steve Roulstone recently acquired the Castle Estates franchise.  As a successful franchisee Steve saw the potential of the brand and system to grow even stronger by building on the existing proven system by working with new franchise owners in towns across the country.
 
Steve is working closely with Nick Strong, Managing Director of  Select Your Franchise UK Ltd, to build the brand and help new franchise owners successfully enter the Castle Estates system.

Nick said, “I am delighted to be working with Steve.  I have been impressed by his focus on ethics and quality.  He is totally focused on the win-win philosophy that make the relationship between franchise brand and system owner and local franchise owner such a rewarding experience for both parties.”

09Jul 2010

Franchise News: Information, Information, Information!

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By Steve Roulstone

No matter what industry you want to review, whether it be Business to Business, Business to Public, retail, office, or home based or a man with a van style Franchise, when considering your future in Franchising, you need to be well informed.

The initial Package.

The difficulty for Franchisors, especially if the industry concerned is a complex one like my Company, Castle Estates with varied and many areas of legislation as well as being an industry that provides different levels and styles of service, is the initial package of information sent to Prospective Franchisees, can only give a brush stroke image and never the full picture.

Grasping the message.

All Franchisors make every effort to provide quality literature, especially those who are members of the BFA but if we try to give too much information, then it is very difficult for the Franchisee to take it all on board from the written word. The answer has to be to offer an open day where the story can be told using a structured approach, giving the prospect the opportunity to ask those all important questions.

Franchise Opportunities

This is why so many organisations involved with Franchising both offer or recommend a visit to the respective Head Office and a few hours to understand method, purpose, Industry, path, and so much more. So when you get asked to attend an Open Day, do not be concerned, it means that the Company providing the Franchise wants to ensure that before you make that all important Franchise Investment, you have all the information you need. In my Industry the term Location, Location, Location, is well known, but I want to be sure that anybody who contacts Castle Estates, is in a position to receive Information, Information , Information as well!