Franchise Development Services (FDS)

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Is Your Business Suitable To Expand Successfully By Franchising?

Do you own a business that could expand through a network of franchises? Consider if your business exhibits the foundation stones to form the basis of a successful franchise.

Is Your Business Suitable To Expand Successfully Through Franchising?

Historical Trading Performance

Franchising is about replicating a financial model that has already been achieved, so it is imperative that there be sufficient trading to give realism to any financial projections.

A Proven System

Good franchising requires the franchisor to have gone through the learning curve, identified the pitfalls and found appropriate solutions, the franchisee can then be shown a business model that works. The franchisee should be replicating a tried and tested business system, rather than experimenting with new ideas.

Branding

Strong branding is fundamental. People want to invest with a sense of pride, in a business that portrays a strong corporate identity and has a brand suitable for national or international recognition. If the trade name has been formulated around a local region and is unsuitable to travel nationally, it is best to formulate a new brand before franchising is undertaken. The brand should be simple and shout out the message of clarity, professionalism and quality.

Corporate Image

The corporate image of a business is portrayed through external signage, a protected brand, corporate colours, vehicle livery, corporate dress, website design, promotional material, own label products, stationery and head office presentation. Quality franchisees are attracted to a business that has a strong corporate identity that they would feel proud to belong to. It is important to develop strength of corporate image throughout all aspects of the operation.

Professionalism

Professionalism is manifested in how the telephone is answered, the quality of service provided, the clarity of written communication, the nature of the head office meeting room, the attention given to detail, a clear code of values and evidence of satisfied clients. Franchisees will be attracted by a professional approach to recruitment which involves the right body language, meeting room atmosphere, wall hangings and the approach to the franchisee. That which portrays a lack of true professionalism can be a ‘switch off’ to the right people.

Products and Services With Good Staying Power

Franchisees do not wish to make a long-term investment in a business which has a product or service which may be fashionable or become obsolete over time. Confidence is inspired by that which demonstrates longevity in the marketplace. Discerning prospective franchisees will be looking for product and service deliverables that are required in a depressed market. They can then be confident of a continuing market need through varied economic conditions.

Sufficient Profit Margin

Franchising is not suited to low margin/services – there must be sufficient margin to sustain continued business growth and development, while also enabling both the franchisor and the franchisee to enjoy a reasonable return. The franchisor must receive a profit margin sufficient to provide good back-up and support and maintain a healthy research and development programme. The franchisee must have sufficient margin to build a rewarding business, given their commitment and dedication to replicating the proven system. It is important that any mark up on product supply or management service fee provides a win-win situation, that enables the franchisee and the franchisor to succeed together.

Management Attitude

The attitude of management towards franchising is key to success in franchising. Franchisees are not employees; they are self-employed business owners who must be treated as equals. While the franchisor needs to lead with authority, franchisees should be given the opportunity to have their ideas and suggestions heard and discussed. The franchisor’s objective is to build a successful business through the successful development of its franchisees.

To find out how FDS can help you transform your business into an established national franchise, call 01603 620 301, email enquiries@fdsltd.com or complete the form below.

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London House International

London House International

“Some time after launching our London House franchise, we commissioned FDS (Southern) to provide consultancy services. It was an extremely beneficial exercise to our company. Our only regret was that we did not do it sooner.”
Godfrey Lancashire, Founder & Managing Director

etyres

etyres

“Following three years of profitable trading, our business was firmly established and ready to be franchised. Finding the right consultant to help us was crucial. I interviewed several leading consultancy firms before deciding on FDS, who we met at the National Franchise Exhibition. FDS were by far the most superior in terms of knowledge and experience.”
Tony Bowman, Managing Director

LMI

LMI

"Having been in franchising for some time, I commissioned FDS Southern to undertake a consultancy work programme for LMI. The period of working together proved of immense value to strengthening our franchise system. The services provided were very professional and of immense help in enhancing our own franchise growth and development programme."
Ray King, Managing Director

Jani-King

Jani-King

“FDS have been particularly helpful in the case of Jani-King – developing its business model in the UK. I first met FDS in 1992 and we have an excellent relationship. They have a wealth of experience from a range of franchise models and a huge amount of industry knowledge. I see them as not a cost but as added value and it is an investment well worth spending.”
Paul Howarth, UK Master Franchisee

Mahmoods

Mahmoods

"I had toyed with the idea of franchising the Mahmoods business for quite a while. However, I could not find a company I liked or trusted enough to help me take the next step. I visited the National Franchise Exhibition held at Birmingham NEC and met FDS."
Tariq Mahmood, Managing Director

CleanMy

CleanMy

"When we decided to franchise CleanMy we needed expert advice and guidance to help us through the process. The FDS Consultant quickly identified our requirements and paid particular attention to our need for clarity throughout the consultancy process. As a result, I would strongly recommend FDS services to anybody serious about franchising their business.”
Ben Williams, Managing Director

Puddle Ducks

Puddle Ducks

"Jo and I sought help from FDS North when we decided we wanted to franchise the Puddle Ducks business model. We needed help developing the franchise package so that we could offer prospective franchisees a 'business in a box'."
Tracey Townend, Co-Founder

YogaBugs

YogaBugs

“We decided to franchise our business and we sought advice from FDS because they had an excellent reputation. FDS were incredibly supportive and helpful – identifying areas for improvement and suggesting ways of developing our business model to ensure we could franchise our business effectively and appeal to a much wider audience."
Fenella Lindsell, Co-Founder

SnorePro

SnorePro

“We have found all the people at FDS to be courteous, timely and professional. The work that they have carried out for us has been first class and we have been very happy with the service provided. FDS have the experience and knowledge that we need to carry our brand forward.”
Grant Stephen, Director

Granite Transformations

Granite Transformations

“FDS helped us with the strategic implementation of our second tier franchise offering, which opened an array of new recruitment opportunities for Granite Transformations. They also produced the FIM to streamline our franchise recruitment. FDS offers no-nonsense solutions, which get results and we found them a pleasure to work with.”
Danny Hanlon, Chief Operating Officer (Europe) of Granite Transformations

All Trades Network

All Trades Network

“FDS repeatedly stressed the importance of long-term thinking, and was committed to developing a business model and franchise offering that would be ‘sustainably’ profitable. Now, our business is thriving, our network is strong and our prospects are very bright indeed. If you are looking to franchise your business, you want FDS developing your system.”
Keith Roberts, Managing Director, All Trades Network

A-Star Sports

A-Star Sports

“FDS North's experience and reputation – Tony’s in particular – are peerless. Tony quickly grasped our business, market and objectives and helped us to position A-Star Sports head and shoulders above the competition. I’d recommend FDS North to anyone looking to franchise their business the right way.”
Gary Bassett, Managing Director, A-Star Sports

Sports Xtra

Sports Xtra

“I would recommend FDS without hesitation. FDS will give you a professional and honest initial appraisal and ultimately, you will find their advice is worth every penny. Paul Hague has helped build Sports Xtra into a fantastic management franchise from which we have seen the benefits of the hard work that we continue to both put in.”
Gareth Lippiatt, Managing Director, Sports Xtra

Caremark

Caremark

“For over 12 years we have received consultancy services from FDS. The advice given has been of vital importance to the successful growth and development of our previous franchise business and our current successful Caremark franchise development programme.”
Kevin Lewis, Managing Director, Caremark

CeX

CeX

“We view FDS as our long term partners for advice on all aspects of franchising, currently consulting them for international growth and can recommend them without hesitation.”
Hugh Man, Franchise Director, CeX Complete Entertainment Exchange