According to a survey conducted recently by leading accountants like Baker Tilly, there are many companies that are taking steps to reduce their operating costs. The number of companies doing so has doubled in the last few months. From a mere twenty six percent the figures have climbed to forty five percent by March, this year.

Auditel have been managing the purchase and costs of business expenditure since 1994. They are very well placed in assisting the organisations in difficult times.

According to the managing director of Auditel, Chris Allison, the economic situation in UK is facing a downturn and it is a good time for the franchise to extend its services. The network of Auditel right now is experiencing a steady increase in demand thus creating a significant opportunity for the franchisees.

Auditel mainly specializes in areas like energy, communication, sewerage, water, consumables, finance and premise management. They also work with market leaders across different categories.

In the exhibition conducted by Auditel last month, many companies and organisations showed keen interest including Uniworld, British Gas, Gazprom, Shell LPG, EDF Energy and may other such big names. This annual exhibition seems to be one of the greatest events for Auditel. It offers a unique opportunity to develop in depth market knowledge and valuable relationships.

Due to the credit crunch, there are many companies that are opting for outsourcing. This way the companies can offer their customers the best services at the lowest rates. Outsourcing can benefit the companies in many ways such as profitability and productivity. There are many large organisations that are involved in outsourcing for a long period of time thus reducing their operating costs but still maintaining high quality standards. The recent credit crunch has lead to an increase in the number of companies opting for outsourcing.

A company can get many benefits through outsourcing. It includes a high level of service and major improvements in expertise and productivity as well. Outsourcing comes with a mix of both complex and non strategic briefs. The cost benefits can be massive if the company chooses the right people. It is suggested that the companies involved in outsourcing should work on various aspects of the operation so that they can get more benefits. Organisations should monitor the results on a day to day basis to evaluate the benefits of outsourcing.

At this point of time, when each and every company is suffering from the credit crunch, outsourcing can act as an effective tool to reduce expenses and improve productivity as well.

Lisa Tobias is one of the most successful female franchisees for Domino’s pizza in the UK. She is the owner of four stores in England. This week she was rewarded in a nationwide competition for her outstanding achievements in the catering and hospital industry.

Lisa is an ex gymnast and now she is totally involved into the hospitality industry. She is aged around twenty seven years but is very sincere and dedicated towards her work. She has won awards earlier as well.

Lisa has won this award for passion and devotion to her work. She has been successful in promoting the benefits of working in this industry. Other entrepreneurs have learnt a lot from her. Lisa is experiencing tremendous success in her career and currently handles a business with 120 employees and a turnover of around £2million. At a very young age, Lisa has earned a lot of respect and admiration for herself.

With the tremendous success at Dominos, Lisa has established herself as an able businesswoman. Her Dominos outlets are consistently delivering and are among the top performers in the UK. She maintains high standards and sales at the same time. Lisa is now a role model for the entire group of young businesswomen.

According to a recent study, the ink of Cartridge World produces the best quality photos. The franchisor has recently announced that they are looking for new business partners for opening new franchisees and providing their top quality services.

The research was done by one of the most respected review website – TrustedReviews. Results shows that 3 out of every 4 printers (ink) tested were supplied by Cartridge World. This proves that the company offers the best services in the industry.

Simon Williams, the person in charge for conducting the research said that one can easily save money and have fast light prints at the same time. The only thing is that you should know where to buy your ink from. The review was conducted in three stages. Firstly the quality of the initial print was tested. Further tests were conducted to monitor fade resistance. This test was taken after 3 to 12 months. The initial photos scored the maximum points.

Cartridge World has been one of the best marketing retailers for refilling and remanufacturing of printer cartridges. Cartridge World can refill almost all the laser toner or inkjet cartridges. The company offers high quality products at very economical rates.

Apollo Blinds is one of the biggest blinds store chains in Britain. Apollo Blinds already has more than eighty stores all over Ireland and UK. The company is trying to build itself as the market leader. Apollo Blinds is recruiting new franchisees to join the company. The company is a part of Hunter Douglas, one of the largest manufacturers of blinds in the world.

Apollo Blinds has been the most popular choice for blinds that includes conservatories and windows. The company provides high quality roller, vertical, roman and Venetian blinds. All these products are measured accurately so that they hang and fit perfectly.

The accessories, furnishings and window blinds market is currently worth at an estimated value of £1.24 billion in UK. Apollo Blinds has been quite steady in its prices. It has been in the market for last ten years. Apollo Blinds has been the market leader in this sector and is quite sure that its £2 million investment would increase its market share.

To become a franchisee of Apollo Blinds you need to invest a total amount of approximately £45,000. This investment covers everything that you need to get your business running.

One of the famous children’s gymnastics franchise commonly known as The Little Gym will be opening very shortly three new centres in UK. The first one will open at Kensington. Planning permission has also been granted for the centre in the Westfield Shopping Centre. Later in the year, new centres will open at Harrogate and Harpenden. Weybridge, Windsor, Basingstoke, Hampstead, Guildford and Buckinghamshire will also see new Little Gym centres opening in the near future.

The Little Gym currently has over three hundred locations in nineteen countries. Out of the total, fourteen franchises are in UK. In the Chiswick gym, the total number of full memberships has crossed eight hundred since its opening last September. This has made it one of the fastest growing gyms. The company was established in the year 1976.

The gym offers a curriculum based programme. The programme is for children aged from four months to twelve years.

According to the head of franchise support and services of The Little Gym, Annette Eckhar, the company is really excited about the opening schedule for the season. The company has been gaining pace in the gymnastics programme in UK. This gym has provided youngsters a head start in terms of skill sets and all round confidence. The Little Gym is witnessing a steady growth of members on a daily basis.

Having established franchise operations internationally in countries like Canada, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland, the global franchise brand EmroidMe has launched its first UK store this year, which was inaugurated by the network’s World president Mark Johnson.

EmroidMe is the largest full service embroidery, garment printing and promotional product store group in the world. It provides all the facilities like offering a one-stop solution to branding, promotion, identity and awareness for companies, organisations and individuals alike.

The visit by the president was to oversee the commencement of the new store and to get an overview of their franchise in Ireland and the Netherlands. The store in Northampton started in 2006 summer has been doing really well. Taking it a cue from it, the network thought of expanding its business to the UK. They want to open up many more stores in UK after the launch of this first store.

The entry into the UK market is seen as an opportunity to capitalise on the trend of personalisation.

The Card Connection franchisee for Dublin, Pat Blake was named the winner of Card Connection’s highly coveted Franchisee of the Year Award for achieving the highest sales of greeting cards across the 100 franchisees of the company. Pat stood out for his ability to plan and focus on expanding the franchisee he owned by acquiring the neighbouring Card Connection territory.

Close behind in second position was Joe Sweeny who owns the West of Ireland franchisee. This time the Emerald Isle came up ‘top trumps’. Both the winners have worked very hard in the last year to increase the sales and have set an excellent example for the whole Card Connection team.

Various other awards were given at the conference. David Roseweir from Scotland won the ‘Best Newcomer’ award for his enthusiasm and commitment to increase the. Best Improver category award went to Dave & Di Tudor from Hereford & Worcester who have done a tremendous job of recruiting approximately 60 new retail outlets since February last year. John and Trish Andrew, North Wales franchisees were honoured with Heidi Sulley Commemorative Cup – a special award for team spirit and tenacity.

Richard Martin Chairman, a Dorset businessman, has built a formidable property and letting management firm over two decades. It is already among the leading firms in the UK.

Martin and Co was established in the year 1986 in Yeovil, Somerset. The first franchisee of Martin and Co was launched in the year 1995. Martin and Co is the fastest and largest growing residential letting and property management franchise network in the UK.  They have recently launched three new offices in high street premises and they are looking to open 200 or more new outlets by the end of this year.

Martin and Co has over 140 offices in the UK. Martin and Co is a recognised investor and also a member of BFA (British Franchisee Association). The reputation of Martin and Co is getting enhanced further owing to their expansion plans.

Martin and Co’s provides comprehensive package systems and support to franchisees. They work on the premise that success always follows if you attract right kind of people. In the year 2007, Martin and Co’s network added 30 new franchisees.

Spettro Aberdeen and Highlands and Islands franchise, launched by Munawar Mohamed, is spreading throughout the UK. He is very excited about this new business. Munawar Mohamed recently completed a week-long training with Spettro directors.

A huge area across North UK, which has two territories, will be covered by Munawar Mohammed. Tony Smith, director of Spettro said Munawar is a most enthusiastic, pleasant and ambitious person.

He manages a portfolio of properties in Scotland in an effective manner. He was delighted that Munawar showed such an eagerness for acquiring greater knowledge of this industry during the training.

Spettro has a thrust on assisting people so that they can overcome the immediate difficulties and can enjoy project management. Spettro has a training programme and ongoing support that provides the new franchisee the skills with which they can easily manage their business with confidence. Spettro’s pilot franchise had a turnover of £240,000 in its first year.

Spettro Aberdeen and Highlands and Islands franchisees are planning a big push in the immediate future.