Franchise Focus Business News…

As we prepare to take a break for the Christmas holidays, we would like to reflect on what has been a tough year for many individuals across the UK who may have lost their jobs, or suffered pay cuts. In light of this, we feel that the franchise industry offered many individuals the opportunity to keep their career alive by starting their own business. Many franchises offered much needed services to their franchisees to help them through economic difficulties such as discounts in franchise start up cuts, during our Recession Buster Season or added extras to their existing franchise packages.

Congratulations to all those existing franchisees, who have managed to keep their business going well through 2009, and also congratulations to all those brave new franchisees who have started their own business this year.

As the economy picks up pace, and we look forward to a 2010 filled with economic recovery and happier times (fingers crossed), all the team at Franchise Direct would like to take this opportunity to wish all our valued visitors and franchise clients a very Happy Christmas, and a peaceful and prosperous 2010!

We’re going to take this opportunity to celebrate the story of an entrepreneur who learned to love and appreciate Christmas after a visit from a few clever individuals!

This week, two notable care franchises announced their receipt of full membership of the bfa. Both Bluebird Care, as well as ERA Healthcare announced that they have received full bfa membership and accreditation.

So, what is the importance of franchise association membership and why should any franchise be bothered to apply, or why should any franchisee pay any attention to association accreditations.

It is important to point out that a franchise or business opportunity without any accreditation is not necessarily a hoax or a scam. However, investing in an opportunity with an accreditation such as the bfa can give franchisees with an extra level of security. Franchises have to conform to certain standards in order to gain accreditation and this will mean added services and support for franchisees. So while those researching franchise opportunities should most certainly not disregard those franchises who do not have an accreditation as the process can be quite lengthy and very expensive, which for new franchises in particular can be difficult to achieve; yet bfa membership can be helpful if for example, the franchisee has a grievance with their franchisor as the association can step in as an independent arbitrator.

Andrew Quail, Head of Standards and Compliance at the BFA said of Bluebird’s full membership: “The British Franchise Association is pleased to welcome Bluebird Care into full membership. Our quality standards for reaching this level are set high, deliberately, and to reach this demanding level a franchisor company has to demonstrate to us that they are worthy of this level of membership.”

Recently, I wrote about the lack of quality care available in the UK care industry and it is reassuring to know that care franchises are stepping up to the mark and providing quality care to people who need it most across the UK.

The Times ran an article focusing on shocking statistics  published by the Care Quality Commission on the state of the UK elderly care industry.

The Commission, the regulator for health and social care, has threatened to close 400 homes unless they are improved immediately. The Commission also described a further 3,500 homes, in which 70,000 people live, as “adequate”, thus giving these homes the second-lowest rating.

Sue McMillan, regional director for CQC’s Yorkshire and Humberside region, said “We are particularly concerned by the continuing poor performance by some care homes.  The Yorkshire and Humberside region continues to register some of the weakest performance of any region – and the number of residential care homes and homecare agencies who provide a weak service is simply not acceptable. Those providers must act quickly to put their house in order. Next year the Care Quality Commission will introduce a new system of registration for all care providers – and we intend to focus our attention on those who are failing. We will take action to ensure that the weak providers improve for the sake of all the people who depend on them.” 

The inspections highlight concerns over staff supervision, health and safety, and the way that medication is handled. One in five homes failed to provide adequate activities and opportunities for residents to socialise. Investing a care franchise opportunity will give you the chance to provide high quality care to those who need it. With the UK’s dedicating such effort towards an increase in the quality of service provided to the elderly, this shows the importance of and also the demand for these services. As the UK’s population ages each year, take your chance now to become part of an industry which provides a much needed and rewarding service.

This week, Bank of Cyprus reported that almost half of SME’s across the UK have no business plan in place. The survey of 500 senior small firm managers revealed that 46% of SMEs do not have any business plan.

Having a coherent plan in place is important in terms of knowing where you want your business to go in the future and how you are going to achieve your goals. Any good franchisor will be able to help you set realistic goals for your business, and set in place a valuable business plan to help you achieve those goals.

“With the recovery around the corner, now is the perfect time for SMEs that have weathered the storm to take stock of their circumstances. Having a business plan can help ensure companies are in a strong position to take advantage of the opportunities that will no doubt arise from a more positive economic climate,’ said Tony Leahy, Head of Communications at Bank of Cyprus UK.

If you are an existing franchisee, then take the time to set out goals for 2010 and work out how you are going to achieve those goals. As the UK economy is set for growth in the coming year, now is your chance to plan how you and your business can take advantage of the economic upturn. The early bird catches the worm after all!!

Or if you are researching franchise opportunities, remember to ask franchisors what their plans for expansion are and how they will help you grow your business in the future.