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Lynda Goldsmith, National Training Manager with Caremark Limited, is in the running to collect a national safety award having been nominated as a finalist in the category of Learning and Training with the National Association for Safety & Health in Care Services (NASHiCS), Safety in Care awards.

NASHiCS focuses on many aspects of health and safety affecting the care sector, their mission being to promote and improve health and safety in care practice. This is the third year NASHiCS have run the awards and the first year that Caremark has entered them. Open to anyone who works in the social care sector, the nominees come from all over the UK.

Commenting on her nomination as a finalist, Lynda Goldsmith said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated. I am privileged to have been given the opportunity to develop a blended learning system of good quality that totally suits domiciliary care services. This excellent learning tool enables our franchisees to give the best training to their care staff. It also means

we are able to ensure a consistently high standard of training is rolled out across our network.”

Winners of the four categories will be announced during the NASHiCS Safety in Care Awards Luncheon at the 10th Anniversary National Learning &

Development Forum on September 11, 2014, at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford.

Read more at: thefm.net/e1430or call Claire Collins on 01903 266 392

Success for New Horizons global franchise networkThe recent success of the New Horizons franchise network looks set to continue. The IT training giant accepted requests from 16 of their existing franchisees to renew their Agreements in the last year alone. These franchise renewals are seen as testament to the fantastic training and support offered by New Horizons and the ever-expanding marketplace in which the business operates.

Not content with growing within their existing territories, over the last 12 months, New Horizons has also developed new franchise markets in two more US states and five new countries globally.

“The last 12 months have been extremely exciting for us,” explained Scott McDaniel, International Development Director. “Having existing

franchisees renew their Franchise Agreements shows that they are dedicated to their businesses and want to carry on their experience with us. At New Horizons, we have a comprehensive and award-winning training and support programme and we are dedicated to giving our franchisees the best start possible in their new business ventures. We’ve been successful in developing the franchise globally and now we’re looking to open more franchise territories in the UK because the market has huge potential for new franchisees.”

Both new and existing franchisees will come together at the New Horizons annual conference being held in Las Vegas in July. Spanning three days and held at the luxury Marriott resort and spa, the conference offers franchise owners the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with their fellow franchise owners, as well as

providing essential training and support on new products, services and the development of the franchise.

New Horizons is looking to partner with like-minded

companies and professionals who are passionate about growing their business and achieving financial freedom, whilst at the same time helping others to succeed.

Read more at: thefm.net/e1462 or call Nick Williams on 01603 620 301

Caremark finalist in Safety in Care Awards

©2014 FDS TheFranchiseMagazine.net | August/September | 19

Talhat Mahmood@talhat786 - June 21Looking for suggestion for all my outgrown clothes. Making a tent is one, any others? #LighterLife

Stephen Mather@stevemather – June 20Sending post at @MailBoxesEtcUK branch on Victoria St in London so much more efficient than a Post Office.

Bellinda McIntosh@BelMcIntosh – June 26@IAMWOMANGB fab night as always ! Inspirational speakers and great networking with Merlot and chips !

BoConcept@BoConcept – June 26A little #Danish lesson: The "Bo" in #BoConcept means "to live" and is the root word for domesticity in #Scandi languages.

RightAtHomeUK@RightAtHomeUK – June 26Wow - we are the bfa's Emerging Franchisor of the Year! Well done to everyone involved in @RightAtHomeUK getting this fantastic recognition.

Rachelle Pugh@Siren_Sister – June 27Just ate nearly an entire tub of @yoomoo strawberry yoghurt...I know I should feel guilty, but it's just too irresistable!

Kakau@SayPharaoh – June 25@cashconverters is so fantastic ! Nothing better than being tight and getting a great deal :p lol

M&C Report @MCReport@HarryRamsdensUK secures 1st international franchise in over a decade, to open 5 sites in Qatar over next 5 years

Carlieeeeee@CarlieLouise_TW – Jun 15@Esquires_Coffee does THE BEST iced tea ive EVER had!!

Samantha White@SELDNGirl – June 13Getting lots of compliments from colleagues on my hair today, all thanks to Stef at @RUSHHairBeauty Victoria earlier on!

Home Instead@HomeInsteadFran – June 13What a busy week at National Office with new and established owners visiting us to celebrate their successes and future plans #homeinstead

Portal Business@portalbusiness – June 11Our fabulous new website was designed by the very talented team @EngageWeb. Couldn't recommend them highly enough

Sean Lajoie@LaJocknOnDemHos – June 20Once you smell auntie anne's it's a wrap. you're forced to take out your wallet.

Andrea Claire@ACboutique – June 12 @ZipYard thank you again for fixing a little problem. Excellent service :)

Josh Totty@josh_totty – June 20Bought a @tayloroldbondst shaving cream today. I think my habit is becoming an addiction...

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CeX@CeX - May 13Do you want a Bitcoin ATM

in your local CeX? Look this way, no this way! Media cover CeX Bitcoin launch in Glasgow.

Caremark@CaremarkLtd · Jun 10Looks fun! RT @

Independent 100 year old woman just wants to ride a lawn mower for her birthday http://ind.pn/1lkbxpc

VIP launches Bin Cleaning into two new countriesVIP Bin Cleaning is proud to have launched its business in two new countries, Poland and Botswana, during the month of May.In Poland, VIP has joined forces with Tomasz Borkowski, owner of Technika 2011, a well-known and respected company that has been established in Poland for over 20 years.VIP has signed an exclusive agreement where it will work together with Technika 2011 to expand the VIP brand throughout Poland by dealing directly with municipalities, waste management companies and franchisees.This deal has proved to be very exciting due to the change of law in Poland, which makes it mandatory for all waste containers to include a cleaning programme. This gives VIP Bin Cleaning and Technika 2011 an ideal opportunity to penetrate the Polish market to its full potential.Meanwhile, VIP’s new business in Botswana has been launched to one of the most positive receptions it has ever encountered. VIP’s partner in Botswana is Thapelo Letsholo, a very well known entrepreneur in Africa. VIP’s intention is to prove that the model and concept are successful and it hopes to use Botswana as the springboard to launch the VIP brand in other African countries.This is proving to be an exciting time for VIP Bin Cleaning as it witnesses the growing recognition of, and need for, waste container cleaning in many countries around the world. The strong brand and reputation that VIP has built for many years puts it in an ideal position to take advantage of these new commercial opportunities.

Read more at: thefm.net/e1667or call Nick Williams on 01603 620 301

Confidence continues to soar across British business Business confidence has hit a 22-year high. That is according to the latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank and is the highest level recorded since the survey began in 1992. The results of the survey are seen as a reflection of rising expectations for orders, sales and profits in the next six months, and are likely to further fuel hopes of continued economic growth in the second half of 2014.

Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising, HSBCWe have seen increasing numbers of highly successful female franchise owners as finalists and winners in the bfa HSBC

Franchisee of the Year awards. Last year’s overall winner was Janis Anderson, MD of Caremark Aylesbury and Wycombe,

home care providers, with a special judges award going to business coach Shweta Jhajharia of ActionCOACH London. In the franchisor awards, Lee Dancy picked up the HSBC Award for Franchisee Support for Barking Mad, the franchise she founded which matches host families with treasured family pet dogs when their owners go on

holiday.So if these stories of successful women in franchising inspire you, could you

consider becoming a franchise owner yourself? Franchising offers a structure and brand to work within, with support and training at the outset and on an on-going basis. Many women like the support and help that franchising can offer, enabling them to concentrate on making their business a success.

So, what do you need to consider when looking at franchising? The most important thing is to make sure that you do your research and ask the right questions. Once you have chosen the one for you, start looking at the financial aspects, as you will need to ensure that you can afford to buy the franchise you are interested in, and set up your new business.

There are a wide variety of franchises available, so whether you want to work with children or animals, the care sector, fast food – on your own or running a larger business with staff – franchising has something for everyone.

HSBC's guide, Starting a Franchise Guide, includes a comprehensive list of suggested questions to ask franchisors and existing franchise owners and you can download this on the web site.

EWIF was formed in 2009 by Clive Sawyer, owner of franchise consultancy Business Options. Clive was of the opinion that not enough was being done to support women considering franchising in the UK at the time, a time when women were seriously under-represented in the industry and when most of the information available was being written by men, for men. When he added to this the research that men and women look for support and information in totally different ways and after consultation with a host of experienced franchising names, EWIF was born.

EWIF has three missions; to encourage women to buy a franchise organisation; to encourage women to consider franchising their existing businesses and to help franchisors address any gender imbalance they may have and recruit more women into their businesses.

In 2012, Louise Harris, Franchise Director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, and Louise Bruce, MD of franchise specialist PR company, Big Red Box PR, took over as co-chairs of EWIF, regionalising it and updating the website and social media offerings. EWIF now has approximately 60 franchisor, franchise owners and service provider members and, aside from the annual

meeting (26 Sept 2014, Warwickshire) and the EWIF Awards, runs quarterly meetings in four regional centres across the UK, London, South, East and North organised by dedicated EWIF members. It holds its London meeting in The Houses of Parliament and was recently invited to HM Treasury by Nicky Morgan MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Women, to a meeting to discuss what more the Government can do to encourage women to become entrepreneurs.

Louise Harris said:"We are absolutely delighted by the growth

and extended reach of EWIF, but with the most recent bfa survey revealing that the number of women entering franchising is actually falling, we are far from resting on our laurels. We believe the best advertisement for franchising is our members, hard-working business-women and men running ethical, sustainable businesses. One look at the winners in our 2014 NatWest EWIF Awards shows the outstanding talent and professionalism of women in our industry today and EWIF will continue to shout about franchising and the incredible business opportunities it can offer to women, in the months and years to come."

Louise Harris, Franchise Director of Wilkins Chimney SweepWomen, like men, have a particular way of working and processing information and encouraging women into franchising should be tackled no differently to advertising or marketing a product to a female audience.

Although a subject too big to tackle here, the psychology of appealing to a woman shouldn’t be ignored and our industry does so at its peril if it chooses to ignore the subject. Does your franchise differentiate between the two sexes? Do you deliver one message hoping to attract two audiences?

Having recently attended a group of mixed and female-only networking events, I was struck by how collaborative women are and while they are just as intelligent as their male counterparts, I frequently heard about their need to ‘toughen up’ and ‘be bolder’, yet these women were already successful in their own rights.

Is this why franchising works for so many women? Is it because, provided with a model to follow they can be successful without the fear of failure and with a strong guiding hand?

It is interesting to note that a Government study of female entrepreneurship identified that while fewer women actually applied for funding for a business, 70 per cent of those women who did apply were successful, compared to 56 per cent of their male counterparts. The report states that the female applications were stronger, better informed and more confident, which blows the confidence theory, but makes us ask, are women confident enough but simply ‘risk averse’?

It seems that to attract women the emphasis needs to imply minimal risk, so a proven business model, with evidential proof of trading success must surely be one route to market, as is telling your target audience in a manner that women find appealing. Over to the marketeers…

Women in FranchiSing

EWIF : Encouraging Women in Franchising

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©2014 FDS TheFranchiseMagazine.net | August/September | 59

franchise profile

An increasing number of businesses in the UK are choosing franchising as a way to expand while protecting

their brand and quality of service. Over two and half decades ago, Kevin Lewis, CEO of Caremark Ltd, recognised franchising as the best route to build his first home care business, taking it to market leader. Four years after selling this highly successful business, he launched Caremark, set on a mission to achieve greatness in the provision of domiciliary care. "As our network has grown, female franchise owners have played a significant role in helping Caremark achieve our goals; we have always recognised the qualities businesswomen can bring to a franchise network, whether as an individual or within a partnership."

Women who decide upon a business in the care industry are sometimes motivated to do so by previous poor personal experience of care within their own families. Being able to make a difference to the lives of others through providing a quality care and support service is a primary element motivating their interest. Some may have already worked within the Health

and Social Care sector and, following a career change or redundancy, then find themselves looking at the years ahead and wondering which sector will best suit their skills set.

Helan Graham and Stephanie Doherty, joint directors of Caremark (Oldham), shared: “Following

Rising to the challengeAs the haul of awards earned in recent years highlights, Caremark Ltd is a franchise in which women, as well as men, are prospering and making a real difference

“Having previously considered other franchisors within the domiciliary care sector, we came to the decision that Caremark was the one for us due to the quality and professionalism it showed at every level.”

redundancy, we were delighted to join the Caremark network. Having previously considered other franchisors within the domiciliary care sector, we came to the decision that Caremark was the one for us, due to the quality and professionalism it showed at every level.”

Interestingly, since Caremark

franchised its business model in 2006, three of the ‘Franchisee of the Year Award’ winners have been female, testimony to their ability to build a highly successful, profitable business, while embracing Caremark’s franchise model.

Additionally, the bfa HSBC

‘Franchisee of the Year’ and ‘Female Franchisee of the Year’ awards were presented to Janis Anderson of Caremark (Aylesbury and Wycombe) at their 2013 awards ceremony. Upon receiving these coveted accolades, Janis reflected: “It’s brilliant to be recognised for all the hard work that contributes towards Caremark’s success, especially at such prestigious awards. I became a Caremark franchise owner at a challenging time when cuts were being introduced, but this spurred me on to drive the business forward and we have since grown from strength-to-strength. At Caremark, we pride ourselves on our staff and the team excels at ensuring only the best level of service is provided for all of those we look after. I’m thrilled this effort has been rewarded and excited for what the future has in store.” Janis had previously commented: “The care sector attracted my attention because it was clearly a growth industry and was providing a service that I knew I could feel passionate about."

Whether or not candidates have a background in the Health and Social Care sector is not vitally important

Women infranchising

Janis Anderson, Caremark Aylesbury and Wycombe with Catheryn Hayes , HSBC

slug in here

60 | August/September | TheFranchiseMagazine.net ©2014 FDS

01903 266 392

franchise@caremarklimited.co.uk

Read more online and register for further information: thefm.net/e1430

Investment Required:£32,950 + VaT + working capital

when it comes to owning and running a Caremark franchise. What is important is the drive and determination to build a solid business, having the passion to deliver an excellent service and, of course, developing the Caremark brand within their local market place.

Franchising as a business option often appeals to the more risk-averse investor and for female professionals wanting a long-term investment opportunity that offers both a personally and financially rewarding business, a Caremark franchise should be one they consider. n

Become an aWard Winning inVesTorCaremark has enjoyed a terrific past 12 months which

has brought widespread recognition from the industry as a whole. One of its most successful franchise

owners, Janis Anderson (Caremark Aylesbury and Wycombe) (left), won the coveted bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award 2013 last October. Within the expansive network, Girish and Varsha Khubchandani (Caremark Harrow) took home

the 2013 Caremark Franchisee of the Year Award at the annual conference, held earlier this

year in Leicestershire.

Helan Graham and Stephanie Doherty, Caremark Oldham

©2014 FDS TheFranchiseMagazine.net | August/September | 141

Investment required from £32,950 + VAT plus working capital Further information: thefm.net/p/caremark

CaremarkSummary of Operation: Homecare franchisor offering a management franchise. The role of the franchise owner is to drive the development of the business and manage a team of care staff who provide quality home care in their exclusive territory.

Ideal Franchise Owner Profile: Professional, personable individuals who can communicate well, have a committed approach to the growth of their business and a passion for the care industry and the customers they serve. Dedicated to working to the Caremark standards, they would also strive to continue the development of the Caremark brand within their locality.Company Established: 2005First Franchise Owner: 2006Training Provided: Two-week

intensive residential training course, designed to comprehensively cover all aspects of business development and the delivery of service, plus ongoing support, workshops and seminars throughout the life of your business.Support Services Provided: Excellent support from an experienced team at all stages of your business development. Providing you with the knowledge and tools to build a business in this exciting and dynamic sector.

®

Investment required from £26,300 + VAT plus working capital Further information: thefm.net/p/cargocall

CargocallSummary of Operation: Provides international logistics services to the business sector where franchise owners arrange and manage the movement of goods by air, sea and road freight services. Cargocall offers a brokerage type business

system with low overheads and low start-up costs that can be started from a home office. Ideal Franchise Owner Profile: Professional people with an eye for detail who are capable of delivering excellent customer service. Franchise owners need to be numerate, well-organised, quick-thinking and willing to engage in the business development process.Company Established: 1997 First Franchise Owner: 2008 Training Provided: Initial

five-day intensive training course covering technical, sales and overall business operation along with ongoing knowledge and skills development.Support Services Provided: Cargocall provides an initial business launch programme along with ongoing technical support and business development mentoring. In-territory visits, telephone support, business guidance and direction throughout the franchise term.

NatioNal FraNchise ShowcASe

Investment required from £100,000 + VAT Further information: thefm.net/p/bo-concept

BoConceptSummary of Operation: A Danish-based global furniture retail chain with more than 260 stores in more than 60 countries. BoConcept offers customised, coordinated and affordable design furniture and accessories. BoConcept Brand stores are

situated at high-traffic locations.Ideal Franchise Owner Profile: Franchise owners have a personal passion for design, style, trends and ideally having business knowledge and experience, although not necessarily within the industry. Company Established: 1952First Franchise Owner: 1993Training Provided: The training is conducted as a combination of training seminars in Denmark,

locally or on the job coaching in the store, as well as online e-learning seminars in every aspect of the BoConcept operating model.Support Services Provided: We have industry professionals who help on retail, property, finance, buying, marketing and more. Our regular franchise visits ensure that you feel you are in business for yourself but not by yourself.

Investment required from £19,450 + VAT Further information: thefm.net/p/cake-hut

Cake HutSummary of Operation: Cake Hut features bright, modern, welcoming cake boutiques selling cake slices, bespoke celebration cakes and other sweet treats that are totally egg-free and can be enjoyed by all. Our franchise

owners tap into a previously ignored market of cake lovers - from vegetarians to coeliacs to allergy sufferers.Ideal Franchise Owner Profile: Excellent managerial and business skills; previous management or business ownership experience; an ability to focus and follow the proven system; a commitment to quality; a strong customer service mentality; consistent professionalism and attention to detail.

Company Established: 1988Training Provided: Three weeks of hands-on shop training at a company-owned Cake Hut boutique; five-day franchise business management course at the Birmingham Training Centre; up to five days of completion training at the franchise owner’s location in their initial weeks of trading.Support Services Provided: Full ongoing support through a dedicated Franchise Manager.