Last year was a fantastic year for CeX (Complete entertainment eXchange), the revolutionary recycling retailer, whose global store count now tops 169 across three continents. With 20 years of experience, CeX has built a trusted brand that buys and sells a focused yet complimentary range of second hand digital electronics and entertainment products. CeX’s unique approach to the sector has recently been reported as the best place to sell your goods in independent surveys by the Consumers’ Association, Which?, ITV and the BBC.

CeX grew from 126 stores in the UK to 144 in 2011 with franchise stores leaping from 66 to 81 by the end of the year. 2012 looks to be the best year yet with 50 UK stores due to open and strong interest from prospective franchise owners keen to join the success.

CeX also saw considerable expansion internationally, with Spanish operations doubling their store count from five to ten stores, including the region’s first franchise store. US operations also opened new outlets on the East and West Coast, including two in San Francisco.

CeX has also rolled the brand out to new regions with its first Master Franchise in Ireland, which opened in April, and late 2011 saw CeX enter Asia with four stores opening across India. With continued expansion planned for both established and new regions, 2012 is looking to be the busiest year ever for CeX.

Cube has now arranged up to 100 per cent funding for the purchase of their franchise offer. This facility is available from one of the big four banks, and payments are spread over five years at a very attractive APR. Stuart Levin, Chairman of Cube said: “This is quite a coup for us and will help prospective franchisees who are short of cash for the purchase of an area. It will also help applicants who wish to purchase more than one territory, but only have the liquid funds for one.”
This offer is subject to status.

McDonald’s UK has today announced it is creating at least 2,500 new jobs across the UK this year. This will take McDonald’s UK workforce to 90,000.

The announcement will be welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who was visiting McDonald’s UK training centre in East Finchley, London, on Tuesday January 24.

As part of McDonald’s commitment to supporting young people, an estimated 30% of the new jobs will go to first-time workers, helping them gain a valuable first foothold in the world of work. More than half of the 2,500 jobs are expected to go to young people under the age of 25.

The new jobs build on the 13,500 jobs McDonald’s has created over the last three years and come as a result of a continued period of sustained investment and growth driven by:

• New restaurants and extended opening hours
• Major restaurant refurbishment programme and roll-out of new technology
• Constant menu innovation and new menu options

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “It is fantastic news that McDonald’s is creating 2,500 new jobs in the UK – and that over half of these posts will go to young people.

“McDonald’s has an excellent reputation for developing its staff with training and apprenticeship programmes. This invests valuable time and resources to help young people, with little or no experience in the world of work, to develop their skills and confidence. In the end, that gives young people a terrific opportunity to move up within the company, or use their experience and training to move into other jobs. It’s a telling fact that half of McDonald’s current board have progressed from the shop floor to the top floor, having started their careers serving customers in the restaurant.”

The Deputy Prime Minister will attend a scheduled training course for restaurant managers and meet a number of crew members, many of whom are completing nationally recognised qualifications like apprenticeships while they work. For a significant number of these young people, their jobs at McDonald’s are the first step in their careers.

Prime Minister David Cameron also praised the news, stating, “I am delighted to welcome McDonald’s announcement of new jobs. McDonald’s has a great record in investing in the UK and providing excellent training, apprenticeships and opportunities for its staff.”

Jill McDonald, CEO, McDonald’s UK, said: “Despite these difficult economic conditions our continued emphasis on good quality food at affordable prices and improving the experience for our customers and our people, has meant that we are able to continue to invest in the business and create jobs.

“Today’s job market is particularly tough for young people so it remains vital that these jobs continue to offer great training programmes that teach the valued, transferable skills that will give them a solid footing on the career ladder and help them to progress their careers with us or other employers.”

McDonald’s has awarded almost 35,000 qualifications from maths and English certificates to Foundation Degrees in the past five years. It will build on this figure significantly in 2012 to support the growing number of employees who choose to study whilst working at McDonald’s.

The lifelong dreams of 82 children have been realised as a result of the hard work and fundraising efforts by staff at Cash Converters. The UK’s number one retailer of pre-owned goods has announced that it has raised £150,000 for national children’s charity, Dreams Come True since its partnership began in 2007.

More than 200 staff across the Cash Converters network of 208 stores have helped raise money for the worthwhile charity. Some staff have cycled more than 300 miles from London to Paris, some have taken part in the London Marathon, running 26.2 miles around the capital city, while some enjoyed a leisurely but competitive round of golf helping to raise thousands of pounds for children across the UK.

Carl Murray, managing director of 26 stores in and around London, has participated in a number of fundraising events and holds the charity very close to his heart. He said: “Raising money for such a meaningful charity really helps make the gruelling fundraising challenges feel like a walk in the park. Knowing that I, personally, am helping to make the dream of a young person come true makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Aside from the large scale events held on a regular basis by Dreams Come True the network of 208 stores have helped contribute to the overall sum by hosting a range of in-store charity days, raffles and competitions. These events, coupled with the public’s awareness of the cause, have helped secure media interest for the charity across the UK.

“Since our partnership began with Dreams Come True, Cash Converters franchisees and staff have put in a tremendous amount of effort to hit their fundraising targets and it’s very rewarding knowing that we have helped such a fantastic charity,” said chief executive David Patrick.

Dreams Come True helps children with both life threatening and long-term illness. They help liaise, coordinate, organise, fund and often accompany the Dream child – to ensure that each child has an unforgettable experience fulfilling their dream, with wonderful memories to share with loved ones and friends.

Each dream is unique. Some children want to meet their celebrity hero or favourite Disney character while others want to visit their grandparents abroad, ride a unicorn, swim with dolphins or work on a fashion magazine. Many want help with their everyday lives and Dreams Come True is delighted to provide vital sensory equipment, wheelchairs or specially adapted bicycles as well.

Peter Newman, chief executive of Dreams Come True said: “Cash Converters is a renowned and popular national retailer, we really value the relationship that has been established over the last four years.

“The result of the Cash Converters partnership has made all the difference to help bring happiness and joy to the lives of some very special and brave children. We really appreciate the help and support of everyone who has got involved with the fundraising events over the years.”

At the end of 2011, intensive theory and practical driving school, 5DAY, opened its second training school in Manchester, which has already proven to be very popular with course bookings almost doubling on a weekly basis. Following the success of the newly launched 5DAY branch, company founders Richard and Jo Minkler are more eager than ever to continue its national expansion through franchising.

It’s the unique approach to the teaching of both the theory and practical elements of driving that puts 5DAY streets ahead of the competition.

When the time comes to begin thinking about Christmas, interest is always generated in The Christmas Decorators franchise. Yet, given the nature of the business, it is difficult to plan meetings for potential franchise owners during the run up to Christmas.

Last September, we started planning an Open Day, which was held on Tuesday, 20th December 2011. Six potential franchise owners from very different parts of the United Kingdom were able to attend. They took the opportunity to discuss ideas with like-minded guests and ask questions about the business.

Nick Bolton, the owner of The Christmas Decorators, with his Franchise Managers, Ged Comerford and Maurice Kelleher, spoke about the business and gave an insight into what new franchise owners could expect from it. Presentations were made by Tony Urwin, Director of FDS North, and Anna Beaumont, from Kenyon Fraser, the PR group acting for The Christmas Decorators.

Later in the afternoon, as darkness fell, the guests were taken on a walking tour of Liverpool city centre to see Christmas displays installed at various locations, including the Philharmonic Hall.

The whole event was extremely successful – from feedback given on the day it was clear the guests thought it was a great way to learn all about the business in a relaxed and informal way. In particular, they all considered that it was an excellent opportunity to be able to see some existing displays and discover more about the fitting of Christmas lights and decorations. It is likely that several new franchise owners will join Christmas Decorators as a result of the Open Day.

Discussions will be held with The Christmas Decorators soon as to the potential of organising another, similar event in the spring of 2012 for those interested people who couldn’t attend last December.

2012 has started with a bang for Jasper’s newest franchisee, Mark Blunt, who opened for business in Manchester as the New Year dawned.

In the first couple of weeks of January, he has already brought on board four new clients and is gearing up for a sit down fully-served lunch for 20 executives this week.

Mark comes to Jasper’s following a varied and established career in hospitality spanning three decades. He graduated from Hotel Management School as Student of the Year in 1979 then went on to management roles in West End Gentleman’s Clubs, for a leading Contract Caterer and then at Center Parcs where he spent 10 years rising up the ranks. His most recent role was as Director of Operations for Wales’ only 5 star Holiday Park – Bluestone National Park Resort.

Mark said: ‘I have wanted to do something for myself for a few years now, but wanted to be part of a team as well. Franchising provides the harmony of these two things.

“The decision to become part of Jasper’s was prompted by the passion and focus of the franchisors. They are fully engaged in the business with their own managed operation, and the development, growth and focus on solutions that comes from that was very tempting.

“When you add this to the product, which is first rate, and the innovation for 2012 – the network now has a Head of Food Development – the decision really was a no brainer.

“On paper there is a very high success rate of caterers who choose a genuine franchise, and success matters to me. Jasper’s is a member of the British Franchise Association, and this makes them highly credible. The tipping point for me though was the Business Management System. It really is first class. In effect, my investment into the franchisors’ BMS allows me to focus on business development, and not on distractions caused by a lack of process, often found in smaller businesses.”

Mark has opened his commercial premises in a suitably impressive location – underneath a railway arch! which means that Network Rail is his landlord. The 3,500 sq ft space in Millow St, Victoria, now houses a pristine purpose built kitchen that Metro commuters – and potential customers – will pass on their way to work.

Director of Jaspers, Nathan Siekierski, said: “We are expecting great things from Mark. His high calibre background in hospitality and management; his tenacity, ambition and drive; combined with his natural charm and energy, mean there should be no stopping him. The question is not whether he’s ready for Manchester but whether Manchester is ready for him!”

After another successful year and about to enter their 20th year of franchise operations, Pitman Training were delighted to end 2011 with a flourish. New Pitman Training Centres opened in Leeds in October, Sittingbourne and Watford in November and London Stratford and Hounslow in December. The total number of centres in the Pitman Training network continues to grow now beyond the 100 outlet mark.

Pitman Training also had a successful first year of their Working Mum of the Year competition, with nearly 1,000 entrants. The winner, Amanda Edwards, received her prizes at an awards ceremony in November. The Working Mum of the Year award was sponsored by Pitman Training Group, with Hayley Taylor, the Channel 4 Fairy Jobmother and Siobhan Freeguard, Director of Netmums, as judges.

Managing Director, Claire Lister, said: “Despite the recession, Pitman Training continues to grow and provide training and support to more people than ever. In these difficult times, quality of product, support provided and brand are more important than ever to individuals considering either the purchase of a franchise business or a training package. This has been reflected in the way we are recognised by both new franchise partners and our successful high student population.”

The Lady Magazine was founded in 1885 by Thomas Gibson Bowles, the maternal grandfather of the Mitford sisters, who wanted to create a “lite” version of Vanity Fair, which he had founded in 1868.Famous for its classified adverts, The Lady remains the first port of call for anyone seeking domestic staff, with vacancies listed for nannies, butlers and governesses. The Prince of Wales and Queen Mother are believed to have used it, and the Duchess of York famously once advertised for a dresser. The Lady is the oldest women’s weekly, and is thought to be the oldest magazine still owned by one family. It continues to operate out of a Victorian building on Bedford Street in Covent Garden, central London.

Ben Budworth took over as Publisher and Chief Executive in 2008. The famous magazine, which since the sixties had been owned by his uncle, was very run down and in desperate need of modernisation. Embarking on a crusade to revitalise this embattled brand, Ben turned The Lady, which had previously been a partnership, into a limited company, with his mother and siblings as shareholders.

He immediately halved the workforce, scrapped the outdated typesetting methods and set a goal of transitioning The Lady to be platform independent whether in newsagents, on the internet, on TV or on the radio.

When the readership was researched, it was discovered that the average age was 78, there were no circulation plans or subscriptions and their associated offers were still being fulfilled in-house. Ben remembers, “The Lady was stuck in a time warp, doing its best to ignore the digital age. The editorial was irrelevant. The magazine out of touch and out of place and archaic working practices were still being employed.”

Cost management was an important part of this planned transformation since supplier contracts, which had been in place for many years, hadn’t ever been reviewed. Auditel was recommended to Ben by his Sales Director in 2010. They deliver cost and purchase management services to clients in well over 100 areas of business costs and have over 200 specialists covering the country. Ben was keen to see what could be achieved.

Ben enthuses, “Over the last year Colin [Colin Simmons, Auditel Consultant] has proved to be a valuable resource for us. I was impressed that he didn’t simply switch to the lowest bidder, but found the supplier that best suited out needs. By outsourcing our cost and purchase management, we have not only made savings, but also saved ourselves the time and cost of doing it in-house.”

Auditel have made welcome reductions for The Lady in three main areas so far. Electricity costs have been lowered by 11%, credit card charges by over 17% and, most significantly, stationery and IT consumables by an impressive 20%. Ben is genuinely enthusiastic about his experience with Auditel. “Colin is quiet, honest, open, discreet and transparent. I would recommend him to other businesses without hesitation.”

Christmas is most definitely the time of year to enjoy some well earned time off work, take pleasure in having a break from the office, spending time with loved ones and indulging in all your favourite things.

New Year is the time for re-evaluating your circumstances, identifying the areas of your life you’d like to improve and making those all important New Years resolutions.

For many, January is the time to start thinking about a career change however, with numerous roles failing to materialise as budgets are cut, many are turning to investing franchising.

Franchising is a proven business process with a higher success rate than starting your own business, providing you with the independence of being your own boss so that you can plan your work load around spending time with your family or leisure activities.

With cost reduction being the number one issue facing the UK economy, there has never been a better time to take the step into self-employment and invest in your own ability with Expense Reduction Analysts.

An Expense Reduction Analysts’ franchise could be the ideal option for you as it offers;

• The freedom of being your own boss whilst having support from the franchisor
• A low overhead business you can run from home
• Substantial earnings that truly reflect your efforts
• A better work life balance, meaning you can take more holidays and time off
• A service that businesses are interested in regardless of the economic climate

Your skills and ambition, combined with Expense Reduction Analysts’ knowledge, tools, training and support brought together in our dynamic business structure, can provide you with the formula for success that you are looking for.

To find out how you can become an Expense Reduction Analyst Franchised Consultant benefitting from a better work/life balance and incredible earning potential, click here to request more information.