FRANCESCO GROUP, BEN DELLICOMPAGNI, DIRECTOR HOB, West Hamstead

How many franchises does your company have? Ben: We have 29 franchises and one company-owned salon.

On average, how many franchises do you open per annum and at what rate are your numbers growing by? Ben: We’ve actually opened six salons in the last 15 months, which is fantastic. We are opening, on average, a salon per year, which is five percent growth.

How much does the initial set up cost the franchisee and do you help them secure a loan and liaise with the bank on their behalf? Ben: We consider each and every individual on their own merits – it’s likely that there might be absolutely no charge to the franchisee if they don’t have the finances. Or, if they have, for example, £50,000, the difference is then made up by the holding company. If we have an individual who has the potential to create a brilliant salon, we want to ensure that happens so we tailor it for them. The most important thing is that they are successful, and we want to make it as simple as possible for them to concentrate on achieving that, so we liaise with the bank on their behalf and handle that whole side of things.

Do you also liaise with estate agents on the franchisee’s behalf, to ensure they get a prime location and property? Ben: Yes. We make sure we find a great property in a suitable location so the franchise is given the best possible start. If the property can’t be bought then we secure a lease. We hold the covenant lease and then the franchisee is a tenant on that lease, exactly like when you are renting a house or flat. We always

negotiate the best deal for them. What setup and ongoing business support do you give – HR, payroll, IT, PR/advertising, education/training? Ben: The aim of the Francesco Group is to allow each franchisee to be focused on making their salon a success, so we try to take away as much of the pressure as possible by taking care of everything else. We cover absolutely everything and also give tailored additional support depending on their own experience and needs.

What area of the country are your franchisees based? Is there a particular part of the UK you want to expand to? Ben: Currently we are based in the north west but we are very much a national brand. For us, we would be happy to extend to wherever an individual wanted to open, as long as we believe that they can make a success of it.

Given our current economic climate, why should people franchise now? Ben: Franchising is a proven model for success. We offer a tried and tested formula which will give each franchisee the tools to achieve whatever it is they want. Also, being a franchise means you don’t have to go it alone, you become part of a group that will give you all the support you need to be successful, recession or not.

Why should prospective franchisees go with you? What’s your USP? Ben: Our USP is that we will ensure your individual success. We offer a package of support which means you can be confident and secure in your future as part of the Francesco Group.

Contact: 01785 247175 francescogroup.co.uk Francesco Group’s Academy

Rush, Moorgate