Tag Archives: Franchise News

16Nov 2010

Franchise News: New Board Launch

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By Steve Roulstone

Twice a year all of the Castle Estates offices get together for a Network Day and later this week we will be holding our autumn meeting in Birmingham. These are days that I always look forward to and once again we will have a busy day ahead of us, with presenters from all aspects of our Industry and new ideas being discussed whilst old acquaintances catch up with each other.

Network Day agenda

We will be looking at new Landlord marketing ideas as well as reviewing the plans discussed last Spring, discussing the Tenants Deposit Scheme with a senior representative from one of the Government approved schemes, looking at how an Insurance and Referencing Company who we do not currently employ can possible give us better service and discussing new training methods as well as catching up with the current training schedule and planning. Not forgetting to mark the progress we continue to strive for in our web profile. A busy day for all!

Board Launch

But the most exciting part of the day for me, will be the launch of our new ‘To Let’ board, pictured above. Of course, as offices have needed to replenish supplies, they have started to use the new board over the last two months, but we still need to mark that official moment in time when the old boards are no longer available and because we have advertised the event, with most offices having the ability to comment about the design over the last six months, our offices will be ready for the change and order new stock without delay.

Marking the new era.

This is what is most significant for me, as a group we are now focused with the future in mind and the new board for me is the centre of that focus, significant in its message and new style of design, it mirrors the way in which Castle Estates has changed over the last 18 months and is a visual declaration of our intent to move in to a new era of style and Management. Bring on the future!

10Nov 2010

Franchise News: Property Letting Agents set to boom.

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By Steve Roulstone

And that is not just my opinion, indeed it is not just the evidence of my own Franchise office in Stafford, but more and more people are agreeing that the demand for rental property is growing quarter on quarter. From my standpoint as a Franchisor this is of course good news, especially for our network of offices, but also because of the large number of entrepreneurs looking to become Letting Agents, that we are currently interviewing as a result of the National Franchise Exhibition in October.

Buy to Let Mortgages.

But of course this is not the whole picture, because the large number of Tenants need a large number of houses to live in and at the moment, whilst I am confident there are a large number of Landlords looking for the opportunity to buy, the vehicle they require, is not yet readily available. Those who are closest to the situation, will be aware that some Building Societies appear to be ‘testing the water’ with offers that are only available for a short space of time. The reasons for this could be many, but I would surmise that two very good reasons are initially to see what interest such offers attract and secondly to see what reaction there is from the industry and regulatory bodies to any easing of cash availability in the mortgage market.

Market forces will dictate.

Certainly, one offer drew such interest, that it became impossible for the brokers to action all requests in time, before the offer was withdrawn. This of course confirms that where there is a demand, the market will provide. The natural outcome, as our offices confirm, is that Landlords are keen to buy, but only when the market shows confidence, the available deals are consistent (Nobody wants to buy when better offers are just around the corner!) and property prices become stable.

Reporting good news.

So hopefully and sometimes I have my doubts, the media will start to print, confirm or just talk about the positive things happening in the rental sector and stop making headlines out of property prices, especially  when historically they have always shown a decline at this time of year! In October, even when one agency confirmed an increase month on month, it did not achieve the status of the report from a differing agency the week before that house prices had fallen ‘Yet again’ as the report gleefully confirmed!

 UK Letting Agents will prosper.

But the facts are that during all of this time of property uncertainty, the Rental sector has prospered and letting Agents in the UK are now set for another increase in business as the economy recovers and the increase in rental property continues across the UK. I believe that trading over the next decade could be as good as it was at the beginning of the last decade as we enter a period of sustained growth. This is of course, all good news for those looking to join our ranks as franchised Professional letting Agents!

29Oct 2010

Franchise exhibition observations

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By Nick Strong, Franweb.

It was fascinating for all that attended the national franchise exhibition this year to see how the economic conditions we are going through are affecting the community.

Far from being negative the mood of franchisors on their stands and delegate visitors considering business format franchising as their future was brisk and buoyant.

Steve Roulstone, MD of Castle Estates, commented, “The show has been very busy as has our stand.  We have noticed for the first time an increased number of would be franchisees aged thirty years old and under.  We are excited about the focus and quality of visitor and have already set up some very promising meetings”.

Other franchisor exhibitors I spoke to echoed much of what Steve Roulstone had to say. 

The increase in activity at the national franchise exhibition in both exhibitors and visitors is also reflected on line.  Fro my own business www.SelectYourFranchise.com we have seen a huge increase in buyer visits to our websites and a steady increase of franchisor advertisers in recent months. In fact, buyer visitors to our websites in September 2010 increase by 50% compared to the same month in 2009 and more leads were generated than in any September going back to 2006.

 The economy may be flat but franchise business certainly is not.  The franchise department leaders of the banks have made it clear that they have money to lend to well qualified franchisees and suitable franchisors. Clearly every franchisor should select suitable franchisees carefully and every franchise buyer should go through personal and franchise system due diligence before entering into contract, training and trading.

 It is great to see a go ahead attitude and the franchise community is clearly demonstrating this.  Franchise community leads are cautiously optimistic about the future.  The key is to work hard, follow the proven system and work together for the common good.  This is good franchising.

 

29Oct 2010

Franchise News: Franchising successes

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By Kendall Braddock HSBC Franchising Department

Out with a Bang

As the year draws to a close we look at how the UK franchising sector fared during 2010. Now the nights are drawing in and bonfire night is just round the corner – a sure sign that the end of the year isn’t far away.  I thought I would reflect on how the UK franchising sector has fared during 2010.

Hard Times?

There is no denying that 2010 has been a difficult year for UK businesses.  The economic recession forced sweeping changes in strategy for many businesses, add to this the uncertainty of a general election, increased unemployment and reported lack of available credit and it’s not surprising many firms have struggled. However, franchising has remained fairly resilient during these difficult times.  This is mainly due to the wide spectrum of industries covered by franchised businesses, the strength of the business model and the support provided by franchisors and other franchisees within the same networks. 

Evidence of Hard work

Nowhere is this success more evident than this year’s bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.  Financial stability and growth, innovation, creativity and the relentless pursuit of success were just a few traits demonstrated by this year’s finalists.   The overall winner, Gerald Thompson of McDonalds showed that the key to his success is building a relationship with his local community. 

Achieving results

Despite being part of a global corporation, he has successfully created local restaurants for local communities through his involvement with a number of local youth football teams, contributing to local prison programmes and proactively engaging with young people with activities such as a Midnight Basketball Initiative. This is just one example of the strength of franchising and HSBC has seen this repeated many times during the years we have been involved with the sector.

21Oct 2010

Franchise News: Franchising appealing to younger entrepreneurs.

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By Steve Roulstone

I have been attending the National Franchise Exhibition for several years now and there is no doubt in my mind that the age of those attending is dropping year by year, with for me, a definable difference this time around. I have already commented in these posts that the quality of attendee was very high this year and therefore having spoken to many people between twenty and thirty years of age, it confirms that the younger entrepreneur is no different in researching the potential offered by Franchising than anybody else.

Recognition for the Industry.

I have searched the internet for proof of my beliefs through the written word or quoted statistics, but can find nothing to back up my feeling, but for me, being convinced through what I experienced myself, it looks as if the facts behind the ability for Franchising to offer such a higher success rate for new Business is beginning to be seen and hopefully appreciated by a younger market.  

New Initiatives?

And with new initiatives supporting  the Industry due to be announced  in November as well, although as yet the context and content is not known, good support schemes can only legitimise the Franchising route to being the owner of your own Company for a wider market of would be entrepreneurs.

Age should be no barrier.

It is of course just as important for us to treat everybody in the same way when as Franchisors we look at the attributes of every applicant we see, regardless of age or any other definable characteristic. But experience has to be taken in too account and without being ageist, I will continue to consider the individual qualities of every potential Franchisee I meet. It would be a tough call if like the X Factor, I had to recommend to somebody that they ‘Came back next year’ or something similar but because Franchising is very much a two way street, I would continue to take this approach with everybody who approaches us.

Franchising will be the benefactor.

But normal evaluation aside, I firmly believe that a younger more dynamic age group seriously considering our market place has got to be good for the whole industry. Whatever sector is considered, a drop in the average age of Franchisees has got to be welcomed.

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!

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!

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!

14Jul 2010

Franchise News: The importance of looking the part!

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By Steve Roulstone

That all important first impression.

Every Company providing services today and Letting Agents are no different, need to make a good impression from the start. This means when Tenants are looking for a property to rent they will make a decision about your Company, the moment they walk through your front door. This is human nature!

Landlords know as well.

 And Landlords know that Tenants (as the customer in the triangle) will make this judgement, so they are doing the same. So what do we need to do to look the part and give a good impression? Well I do not apologise for my recommendation here, because tried and tested methods are exactly what they say on the tin; tried and tested!

 Want to let your house?

 Then present the office in the same way! An office can be full of modern furniture and new technology, but unless it looks tidy and well presented, will it make a good first impression? I say no, simple rules of tidiness such as empty desks when staff are out and just like a well presented property at a viewing (did you see the link coming?) you will get that good impression. And I have not forgotten that what applies to the office applies to your staff as well, but let’s concentrate on the office today.

 Not magnolia again!

 Oh yes, the reason we letting Agents recommend neutral colours stands just as well in our offices, we do not need to make bold statements with challenging colours, or different colour schemes with furniture that does not match. Why? Because we need it to look good, in exactly the same way we look to market a property. So if you want to give the right impression, keep it clean, keep it tidy, and present it ‘neutral’.

 Old rules are good rules.

 We do not need to re-invent the wheel when making an office look professional, we just need to do our job. If we tell Landlords how their property should look to achieve a good Tenant, after all ‘The better the home looks the better the Tenant will appreciate the home’ then we should do the same and again, I believe this simple rule applies to both.