APRIL 2014
It could be you!
Scottish Franchise Week 2014
Steve Rhodes
n When he was a stockbroker during the 1990s, Steve Rhodes was used to working in a high- pressure environment – managing risk and spotting a good opportunity when it came along. After leaving the industry in 1999, Steve knew he wanted a role that would offer a better balance of lifestyle and earnings and no longer wanted the stress of his previous life. With no clear idea for starting up his own business, he began to consider franchising. “ERA’s business model jumped out at me immediately. I could see so much potential in it – both in terms of generating a good income and achieving the life I wanted to live.” Like all new ERA partners, Steve enjoyed the support of the brand’s performance development team, which helps new partners to get their consultancy established. Steve wasted no time in building up contacts in the Cambridgeshire area, making use of the ERA network. “Right from the off, the network of franchise partners has been key to my success. The scope of expertise on offer is gobsmacking. I have complete confidence in selling their capabilities to my clients. Without the ERA network, I wouldn’t have a business!” Steve continues to enjoy the success and lifestyle that comes with running a business that provides a recession- resistant service. It’s no surprise that he has benefitted from ERA’s consultancy revenue, which has grown by 64 per cent in the last five years. “The network is constantly evolving,” continues Steve. “Everything is in place to help you achieve – it’s just about how far you want to go.”
n Glasgow will play host to many of the UK’s most renowned franchising professionals during the 11th annual Scottish Franchise Week held from 28 April to 2 May. Supported by Platinum Wave and HSBC, Scottish Franchise Week sees business opportunities and seminars combine with social events in order to celebrate and raise awareness of the thriving franchise sector and its £700million contribution to Scotland’s economy. The Scottish Business Breakfast on 1 May at Radisson Blu Glasgow regularly attracts more than 250 people from franchising and the wider business community. This year’s theme is ‘Driving Franchising Forward’ and three exceptional speakers will be leading the proceedings. The keynote speaker is Gordon Shedden, who is 2012 British Touring Car champion, and will be sharing his inspiring and exciting stories of life in the fast lane. Also speaking will be Trevor
Brocklebank, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care, the 2013 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year. Trevor’s expertise is much in demand and his standing within the care sector sees him contribute to debate in Westminster on the future of healthcare in Britain.
The line-up is completed by Lisa Tobias, outstanding Domino’s franchisee with a number of stores across Glasgow and Ayrshire. She had six stores before she was 30 years old, has won a plethora of awards and is the most successful female
Domino’s franchisee in the UK. Comprehensive seminars will take place for those considering buying a franchise or thinking about expanding their own business via franchising. Both days feature impartial advice from senior bfa managers and renowned local franchise experts and, best of all, the seminars are free to Scottish residents. Director general of the bfa, Brian Smart, confirms the importance of franchising to the region: “Scotland is a market where there are serious opportunities for serious brands. The UK franchise sector is a maturing one and this means a greater number of growing businesses are looking to expand further across the entire UK.” Scottish Franchise Week is organised by the bfa’s head of operations, Pip Wilkins, who comments: “The week is always a perfect mix of business and pleasure, a chance to make new contacts and new friends. The Business Breakfast, in particular, is attended by a combination of both franchising and independent companies, as well as local business groups, raising the standing of the sector in the wider Scottish economic landscape.
“Making as many events as possible during the week free for local residents is our way of encouraging as much involvement as we can. If you’re based in Scotland and have any connection to franchising, there’s really no excuse not to come along!”
Further details on Scottish Franchise
Week can be found on bfa’s website at
www.thebfa.org/sfw.
April 2014 |
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