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.

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.

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!”

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.

In line with their vision of providing highly professional support services to business owners’ in the SME sector, fast growing and dynamic franchisor Assist With Solutions have partnered with the UK’s winner of ‘Large Independent Financial Advisers 2011’ award, in an agreement that will open up a complete portfolio of additional products and revenue streams for all existing and new Assist With Solutions franchisees.

This agreement comes soon after reaching agreement with RSM Tenon plc, the UK’s largest provider of Recovery/Turnaround services in the SME sector, in an extremely exciting growth phase for the company and their franchisees.

Andy MacDonald, Chief Executive Officer of Assist With Solutions said, “This historic agreement will have a huge positive impact on future earning capabilities for our franchisees and ensure that their future clients will receive the utmost care and professionalism in all areas of financial requirement during their business development cycle.”

Caremark (Aylesbury & Wycombe), a home care provider in Buckinghamshire, has recently signed a Preferred Provider Contract with Bucks Social Services to provide care and support to children and young people. The service will be giving specialist care and support to young individuals living at home, who have physical and/or learning disabilities, behavioural difficulties, or other special needs, some of which may be life limiting.

Caremark (Aylesbury & Wycombe) will commence provision of Care services to this very vulnerable sector of society this week thus providing valuable support to another ‘in need’ sector of their local community. Caremark (Aylesbury & Wycombe) has worked hard over the preceding months building and training a specialist team of care workers who will be responsible for providing the care and support to their young customers.

“We are extremely pleased that our planning and preparation for provision of care in this complex area has borne fruit and we are excited about expanding our quality services to one of the most vulnerable sections of society,” commented Janis Anderson, MD Caremark (Aylesbury & Wycombe).

Having registered earlier in the summer with the Care Quality Commission to provide care for children, Caremark (Aylesbury & Wycombe) are looking forward to adding this specialist service to their growing portfolio of customers.

For further information on the Caremark franchise opportunity, please click here.

£745,000 from a single showroom secures top prize at annual awards.
For a brand that has grown by almost 20 per cent this year, December’s Dream Doors Christmas Conference provided the perfect platform to celebrate. Top of the tree were Dream Doors Oxford’s Mike and Elaine Hurley, who walked away with an unprecedented triple trophy haul that included the coveted ‘Franchisee of the Year’ award for the showroom with the highest annual turnover.

Taking the top award for the first time with sales of £745,000 – and one stand out day in September that secured £69,000 and the award for the most ‘Outstanding Monthly Performance’ – the Hurleys beat their closest rival by more than £100,000. Holiday vouchers and luxury hampers were warmly received, but it was the people’s choice, or ‘Player’s Player’ trophy that the couple will cherish the most, an award voted for by all 40 Dream Doors franchisees.

“We knew about the ‘Franchisee of the Year’ award because everyone’s figures are published for the whole network to see,” says Elaine. “But we really didn’t expect the other ones, particularly the ‘Player’s Player’ award. That one really meant a lot. It was quite an emotional moment for us since we were chosen as winners by our peers, and not just as a result of our financial performance.”

“This does make it all worthwhile,” she adds. “We’ve been under pressure lately, managing the logistics and installations that follow such high sales. And with Christmas coming and a holiday planned we’ve not had much time to reflect on our achievements. This is real reward for all that effort, and we’ll be enjoying all three hampers well into the New Year.”

Amongst the other prizes handed out during the black-tie ceremony were the ‘Checkatrade Award’ for the branch that demonstrated the best in customer care, the ‘Head Office Award’ for the franchisee that had given most support back to the brand, and the self-explanatory ‘Most Improved Franchisee’ won by Dream Doors Bath’s Ivor McKeown.

Ivor said: “I’m totally shocked. The award was a real surprise for us, but it’s an accurate reflection of the year we’ve had. The first half of 2011 was pretty poor, and May was the worst month we’ve had in three years of trading. But since then things have just got better and better. The head office directed online marketing has helped by generating lots more internet based enquiries. But more importantly I have total belief in Dream Doors and the products and the service we provide. Customers want to see that and respond to enthusiasm and belief. Plus I couldn’t do this if I didn’t enjoy it, and I really love what I do.”

The UK’s leading children’s activity franchise, The Creation Station, announced the award of 11 new franchises to mums during the months of September and November 2011. The ‘Licence to Inspire’ children’s imaginations’ enables the 11 women to run their own art and crafts activity franchise within their local community and to start 2012 with their own ready-made inspiring business.

The 11 mums come from across the UK and are launching their Creation Station franchise within their local towns. Helen Silva is from Exeter, Debbie Collins is from Chester, Susan Hammond is from South Bristol, Susan Hicks is from Durham, Erika Doerksen is from Ipswich, Christine Cox is from Solihull, Ann Berry is from North Ipswich, Louise Platt is from Bedfordshire, Naomi Savory is from Southport, Debbie Miodonski is from Chelmsford and Cath Allen is from County Antrim.

Susan Hicks said: “I was looking for an opportunity that would give me flexibility around my family needs, but at the same time provide a good income” states Hicks from Durham. “I came across The Creation Station and both my husband and I felt it ticked all the boxes for us as a family. For me, I love the brand ethos and all the people involved are very supportive and helpful.”

Cath Allen from County Antrim in Northern Ireland was recently made redundant and was looking to run her own business to enable her to have more time with her daughter.

“I’m really excited to be the first to bring The Creation Station to Northern Ireland. I completed my training just three weeks ago and have already delivered a Creation Station Arty Party, which was really good fun, I have another booked for this Saturday too,” stated Allen. “The response to the Little Explorer and Baby Discovery art and craft classes has been really positive. I am starting 2012 with classes planned within the local community centres in Crumlin and Lilburn. I feel I have turned the difficult situation of redundancy around and I am now really looking forward to an inspiring 2012.”

The Creation Station is the UK’s leading children’s art and craft activity provider. With over 50 Creation Station franchise owners delivering art and crafts experiences for families and organisations within communities across the UK. The creative experiences include; Baby Discovery, Little Explorers and Family Fun classes, Arty Birthday Party entertainment plus activities at events. The Creation Station was established in 2002 by multi award-winner and mum to three, Sarah Cressall. The Creation Station is an affiliated member of the British Franchise Association and is running the children’s centre at the British Franchise Exhibitions throughout 2012 to support women and families that are considering franchising. For more information about franchise opportunities and the arts and crafts experiences of The Creation Station, click here.