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As a Sales and Marketing Director and Managing Director within the building materials industry, Andrew Robertson had already lead organisations through two recessions.  Tough times that required him to make tough calls: reducing both costs and manpower. When the prospect of another recession reared its ugly head, he decided to search for something that was more recession-proof and balanced. He began hunting for an opportunity that would be in demand during challenging economic times as well as in ‘normal’ economic conditions and would use the skills he’s acquired over the years. It’s then that he remembered Expense Reduction Analysts (ERA). “I’d actually come across ERA 8 years before,” says Andrew....

Posted on 16 October 2013.

  Andy Atkinson had made the same journey to work for 30 years as the franchisee of his KFC stores in the Blackpool area. Then one day he got an offer for the business from a potential buyer that he and his two co-directors couldn’t refuse.Atkinson, who was on the KFC Council, a member of its Advertising Board, and secretary of the KFC Franchisee Association, decided to sell. It wasn’t an easy choice as he had firm roots in the fast food business – his uncle was a pioneer having opened Britain’s first KFC in 1965 at Preston. What does someone like Atkinson with all his experience turn to when...

Posted on 06 February 2014. Legal aspects of franchising ranging from disclosure issues to the pitfalls of social media will be dealt with by eight lawyers specialising in the sector at a British Franchise Association (BFA) legal seminar at the Hilton Warwick on February 27. The speakers with their topics, in programme order, will be: Nina Moran-Watson (NMW Legal/Franchise Consultancy Services) – What pre-contractual disclosures should be made to prospective franchisees? Stuart Hutson (Clyde & Co) – What clauses are implied into a franchise agreement (excluding good faith)? John Pratt (Hamilton Pratt) – Do franchisors have to act in good faith to their franchisees? Nicola Broadhurst and Gustaf Duhs (Stevens...

Posted on 03 February 2014. Liverpool Football Club (LFC) has announced a multi-year partnership with the Dunkin’ Brands group, the parent company of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin’ Donuts. Under the agreement Baskin-Robbins will become the official provider of ice cream to the club and Dunkin’ Donuts the official bakery partner and supplier of coffee and tea. Billy Hogan, Liverpool’s chief commercial officer said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Dunkin’ Brands, one of the world’s most iconic names and we welcome both to the LFC family.” Dunkin’ Brands has also announced that the group is planning to open between 685 – 800 new stores worldwide in 2014. The company...