Vending machines form a lucrative industry in the UK, and that is evident by the numbers. In 2007, vending machines in the UK experienced a rise of 2.8% in sales from the year before, selling over £4.3 billion in products. The products that experienced the most success were small items purchasable by cash, such as cold and hot drinks and snack foods. Consumers spend over £1.5 billion on the 510,000+ refreshment vending machines in use in the UK today. There are many caffeine drinkers in the UK that appreciate hot drinks, with consumers purchasing 8 million cups of coffee and 2 million cups of tea from vending machines daily. The refreshment vending machine is part of a growth market that consumers still have an appreciation for, as they need snacks and drinks to help them make it through the day. However, there was also an increase in innovation, as companies rolled out with vending machines for books, mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. Following trends in places like Japan, UK companies rolled out exciting new vending machines for interesting products. There was a definite upmarket surge, as shoe vending machines, novel vending machines and Vodaphone vending machines took the UK by storm. With all these different vending franchise opportunities available to potential franchisees, there is more choice than ever before. The flexible hours and easy-to-run format of many vending businesses may attract individuals to the vending machine growth market. http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/rss/2/209/feed.xml en-us Provide your customers with hygienic seat covers in public bathrooms and WCs via vending machines. http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/vendingfranchises/toilet-seat-cover-vending-07693/ Start your own unique business selling high end products in a growing market - with this top vending business opportunity. http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/vendingfranchises/vanity-angels-07001/ Start your own vending business with the added benefit of advertising revenue with The Phone Bank's exciting business opportunity http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/businessopportunities/the-phone-bank-06866/ Start your own vending business with this unique product that no one else has - low cost snacks customers want...! http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/vendingfranchises/sweet-appeal-franchise-05525/ Be part of a very successful retail franchise opportunity and benefit from its unique business model, training & strong support... http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/directory/cardgroup/3031/ This vending business has introduced innovative snacking solutions for a multiple of markets... http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/directory/snackinthebox/1808/ No experience necessary to get started in this simple-to-run health food franchise opportunity. Excellent business package available... http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/directory/charisnack/283/ This is a remarkable opportunity to invest in the UK's No.1 greeting card retail franchise... http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/directory/cardconnection/280/