This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
febRuaRy 2012


Franchise owner sponsors green award


n A former policeman-turned- businessman has sponsored an award which has honoured the green efforts of a youngster from Wolverhampton. Keith Walker, who set up Recognition Express North Staffordshire when he retired from Staffordshire Police just over four years ago, has sponsored the Young Persons Award handed out by the Staffordshire Rural Policing Liaison Group for the second year running. Mr Walker sponsored the award, which was picked up by eight-year-old Grace Abbotts at a recent ceremony. Grace was nominated by her friends and family for the work she has done in her garden creating havens and habitats for local wildlife. She also created a pond in her garden to encourage frogs to breed, which has attracted newts and snails. Grace, an avid birdwatcher is a member of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and an active supporter of a


Comment


Ask the franchisor how they entered the business and have they worked in


all aspects of it, or have they bought a master licence to offer franchises? This will help give you an insight into their experience in starting a new business. Do your research and establish how long the franchisor has been operating and whether the business is


horse-rescue group where she recently sponsored a horse named Sampson. The Rural Policing Liaison Group was set up 12 years ago and has a network of volunteers across the county. The group works with the police to protect wildlife and tackle the growing problem of crime in rural communities. Mr Walker, 53 said: “I came into contact with the group during my time with the police and worked very closely with them. The work that they do is very important and worthwhile and I was always impressed with their commitment and efforts. The work that the group does in the countryside is very important and something well worth supporting.


“When I left the police I stayed in touch with the liaison group and when the chance came up to sponsor the awards I was only too happy to help. “Grace is a young girl who on her own has decided to do something to help the wildlife in her area. We should all be following her example, she thoroughly deserves her award.” He added: “I was with the police


force for a long time and carried out various roles but running the business is a very different experience. Of course things are tough at the moment but we are pleased with the way things have been going. The business seems to be doing well and we are kept busy by the customers.”


TV star visits stage-school franchise


n Young performers at a stage- school franchise in Cheshire were treated to a taste of TV stardom by a visit from actress Leah Hackett. Leah, who played Tina McQueen in Hollyoaks, visited Knutsford to hold a workshop at a new LIPA 4:19 academy – the stage-school franchise of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). Based at Knutsford Methodist Church, LIPA 4:19 offers curriculum- based classes for children aged four to 19. Alison Gorton and Becci Francis launched the academy in September. A LIPA graduate herself, Leah Hackett said: “When asked if I would lead a class, I didn’t hesitate and had great fun with the students sharing my own experiences .”


Alison Gorton added: “Leah’s success is proof of the benefits of quality performing arts training and our students were very excited to have her here. Masterclasses provide great insights and can be very inspiring. We’re looking to develop our series of masterclasses in 2012.”


What questions should I ask my potential franchisor?


sustainable and necessary in the current climate. Also ask to speak to existing franchisees so you can get their opinion on the franchise. More importantly ask yourself, can I get on with the franchisor and do I like the system they have developed and are offering? Above everything, always go with your gut feeling, I have found this is usually right.


Carol Stewart-Gill is the founder of Dublcheck, a management franchise that provides commercial cleaning


February 2012 | Businessfranchise.com | 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92