FRANCHISE NEWS The latest reports from businesses in franchising
Venture Marketing Group strengthen US relationship
nAdrian Goodsell, Head of Franchise Sales at Venture Marketing Group – publishers of Business Franchise magazine and organisers of the bfa-supported Franchise Exhibitions – took part in a webinar held at the US Embassy in London in November last year. This ground-breaking event was organised jointly by the US Commercial Service – the equivalent of the British UK Trade and Investment agency – and Venture Marketing Group (VMG). Adrian spoke on behalf of VMG alongside representatives from HSBC, Owen White solicitors, Gilbert Evans and Anytime Fitness – a US brand that has rapidly expanded internationally. The webinar was broadcast via a live webcam feed to delegates across the US. The primary focus was to discuss with US franchisors the unique challenges they would face in the UK and how the British franchise experts had seen other US brands mitigate and
overcome these challenges. The main concerns raised in the webinar were how to deal with the effect fluctuating exchange rates have on franchise fees, how to develop a brand suited to a UK audience and the importance of utilising the exhibitions to increase brand awareness. This collaboration reinforces the partnership between the USCS and the UK’s leading international franchise event, The British & International Franchise Exhibition, which was
recently granted Trade Fair Certification by the US Department of Commerce. Many well-known US brands will be present at the event, which takes place on 14 and 15 March 2014 at London’s Olympia. Adrian said: “These developments
are significant for serious potential investors. Here at VMG we have a long history of attracting leading brand names to our exhibitions and this will be reinforced at The British & International Franchise Exhibition in March.”
Peter Andre opens Kung Fu Schools franchise
nMusician, celebrity and martial arts enthusiast Peter Andre officially opened the Kung Fu Schools franchise in Croydon. Guests were treated to a display of Kung Fu black belt training in which Peter took part, as well as a traditional Chinese lion dance and folk dancing performed by the London Confucius Institute. Children from the junior beginner and little dragon advance classes showed off their Kung Fu skills in an exciting live demonstration. Paul Hawkes, Alan Paterson and Peter Andre, the business owners, were also delighted to be awarded membership of the British Franchise Association by Pip Wilkins, the head of operations.
Paul Hawkes, managing director of Kung Fu Schools said: “Obtaining bfa accreditation really was the icing on the cake and the perfect end to the day. We were delighted that Peter could take time out of his busy schedule to officially launch the franchise and it
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Businessfranchise.com | February 2014
Paul Hawkes, Peter Andre, Pip Wilkins and Alan Paterson
was also great to see so many local politicians and dignitaries support our event. We now look forward to growing the business and welcoming on board our first franchisees.” Managing director of independent franchise consultancy Platinum Wave, Suzie McCafferty, who is advising the
company, added: “Kung Fu Schools is offering a fantastic franchise proposition that I am confident will be very successful. They have done their research, proven the business model works and have put together an excellent infrastructure to support franchise owners in their journey.”
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