Franchising Opportunity company, which earlier this year announced the creation of 1,000 new jobs, has just won a major award.  The lawn treatment co GreenThumb franchises, was named Brand Builder of the Year in the British Franchise Association’s annual awards. GreenThumb, based in St Asaph, saw business grow by 20 per cent last year and expects turnover to reach 100m a year by 2012.

To cope with the demand, 1,000 new staff will be needed across GreenThumb’s 190 branches in the UK.  Tom Endean, Marketing Manager of the British Franchise Association, said: “We send our congratulations to GreenThumb.  “Their consistency in their performance and their response to challenges has made them a worthy winner.  “In difficult economic conditions, they have raised their game and ensured that the entire network not only remains resilient, but actually generates new business and opportunities.”

He added: “Their performance is a testament to the franchising industry, which now generates £11.4billion in contribution to the UK economy and employs 467,000 people.”  David Collison, GreenThumb Marketing Manager added: “We’re honoured and delighted that our contribution to the economy in Wales and across the UK has been recognised with this prestigious award.  “We’ve grown steadily since we were founded 25 years ago to become market leaders.

“After a hugely successful TV advertising campaign we expect this year to be our best-ever.” Dave Griffiths, Marketing Director added: “David Collison and his team have excelled this year in innovation and professionalism.”

"We are delighted to welcome Tim O'Shea and Adrienne Tuba to the énergie franchise family with the opening of énergie fitness for women, Limerick. We are actively seeking Franchisee's of high calibre around the country and this club is the latest addition to an ever expanding network.

The énergie team will now fully support Tim and Adrienne operating an énergie gym franchise for women studio," said John Hannaford, MD of énergie Fitness Clubs Ireland. "This is a further step toward positioning the énergie fitness for women product as the foremost Women's fitness circuit in Ireland". Business Partners Tim O'Shea and Adrienne Tuba both have backgrounds in nutrition and fitness. "We are proud to become the latest addition to the énergie fitness for women network in Ireland" said Tim O'Shea, owner of énergie fitness for women, Limerick. "We see this relationship with the énergie family as a tremendous business opportunity, given our existing knowledge of the local market.

We look forward to helping grow the énergie brand name into an even greater presence in the Women's fitness circuit market in Ireland". énergie fitness for women offers a fitness and weight loss studio for Women designed around a 30-minute workout, combining aerobic exercise and muscle toning to achieve stunning results.

The studio's offer investors a low outlay and the potential for fantastic returns! Members are offered the unique empower 6-week programme which encourages first time club users with a fixed price programme, featuring Guaranteed results in 6 weeks, No joining fee, No contract and 6 personal training sessions. énergie are the fastest growing fitness club brand in the Europe and now has 11 franchisees around Ireland with further clubs to open in the coming months. It's clubs are built on a commitment to high levels of service and a unique 6 week results guarantee. To find out more about this multi award winning gym franchise in Ireland, click here: http://www.franchise-pitstop.ie/Details/Energie-Fitness-Franchise.html

Virtual office creates real franchise opportunities. Up to 20 new jobs and virtual office solutions for hundreds of businesses in Ireland. Progressive entrepreneur, Donal Daly has signed a lucrative franchise deal with Kendlebell Ireland to create an outsourcing and Virtual Office Business Solution in Rathcoole, Co Dublin.  Kendlebell, now operating from Unit 6, Greenogue Business Plaza in Rathcoole, plans to provide employment for up to 20 people and a professional service to hundreds of businesses around Ireland. Kendlebell, Co Dublin offers a range of personalised, “virtual office” services for small businesses.  Clients simply divert their telephone lines (landline or mobile) to their own exclusive Kendlebell number and a team of professionals represent them as if they were sitting in their own office. 

Businesses based in Cork, Donegal, East or West can avail of this service to have a virtual base and Dublin phone number.  Some use the service in advance of expansion plans and some simply want a low cost all-Ireland solution. Kendlebell have cultivated an enviable reputation for providing the most personal level of service to its 2000 plus portfolio of customers throughout the UK and Ireland.  The Co Dublin office will concentrate on serving businesses all over Ireland that are looking for a central base.  With impressive modern offices and a specialist local management team in place Daly has ambitious plans for the future and said, “We believe that Kendlebell is an ideal technology driven operation to help small businesses create the right impression. We believe that this operation will become a role model for sustainable high quality employment and economic growth throughout Ireland. Kendlebell County Dublin is now open for business for people wishing to outsource front–end receptionist duties! Key objectives for clients may be to cut costs, increase efficiency, reduce capital outlay and ultimately increase profitability.

Effective, dedicated outsourced telephone answering services help build customer loyalty thus gaining competitive advantage.  Depending on requirements, clients can choose between five packages that range from €50 per month to €400 per month. The difference between Kendlebell and other similar services is the personalised approach. “We will get to know our clients so that we can represent them fully. We can manage diaries, take orders, update systems, receive deliveries, screen prospects and do pretty much anything that inhouse staff would do on a daily basis but at a fraction of the cost,” says Daly. Some of the other services on offer include the provision of non-geographic phone numbers, prestigious office address, secretarial services and boardroom rental and a full range of personalised inbound and outbound services. Potential clients include solicitors, professional photographers, property consultants, driving schools; office supplies companies, entrepreneurs, training companies and electricians amongst many others.  Using their range of non-geographic numbers, Kendlebell can also provide RSVP and registration services for some larger organisations such as banks and employer organisations. 

Kendlebell is an ideal solution for “pop up” events such as Ice Rinks, Seasonal events in Marquees and on-trend ideas such as pop-up shops and restaurants that are transient and need a professional front of house and telephone answering for a defined period. Donal Daly was previously Sales Manager at Eircom, Lan Communications and Eircom Business Systems with 13 year’s sales management experience profitably growing market-share in the information communications technology market. He specifically focused on serving the needs of Ireland's leading businesses, providing innovative and customised solutions. To search franchises opportunities for Sale in Ireland, please click the !All Franchise Opportunities" button above.

Home Instead Senior Care Franchising Ireland: the trusted source of home care for seniors,  won the Irish Franchise of the Year Award in this year's prestigious Irish Franchise Association Awards. This award reassures both seniors who use home care services and their families that the highest standards of care are being delivered. Speaking about the award win, Ed Murphy, Chief Executive of Home Instead Senior Care said: "It is so rewarding to see that Home Instead Senior Care and the home care service we provide to Ireland's seniors has been so strongly recognised by the Irish Franchise Association.

As Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care I am very passionate about not only providing the highest quality home care service, but also a truly caring service that makes a real difference in the lives of seniors. It is a terrific accolade for such efforts to be acknowledged". As Ireland’s only home care provider to have the ISO 9002 and healthmark quality awards, Home Instead Senior Care is easily distinguished from other home care providers. It is recognised for quality care and adheres to a set of home care guidelines unlike other market players in order to protect seniors and provide a consistent home care service. Home Instead Senior Care was set up in Ireland back in 2005 and now has 18 offices throughout the country.

The organisation is regarded as Ireland's  trusted source of home care for seniors, enabling seniors to maintain their independence and live at home for longer than otherwise possible. Home care services include help with day-to-day activities such as personal hygiene care, meal preparation, housekeeping, transport as well as specialist Alzheimer and arthritis care in the home. Home Instead Senior Care is no stranger to award wins and was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. It was also named 'Irish Franchise Business of the Year' and Irish Small Business of the Year. If you wish to start Franchising in Ireland, please click the "All Franchise Opportunities" button above.

Rainbow International Restoration Franchises Surge up Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500” Rankings. Entrepreneur Magazine has listed Rainbow International No. 129 in its 2011 “Franchise 500” list. Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 is recognized as the world’s first, best and most comprehensive list of the "Best Franchises for Sale". The magazine bases its rankings on financial strength and stability, growth rate and overall system size. It’s both rewarding and inspiring to see our franchise owners recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine.”Entrepreneur Magazine also ranked Rainbow International No. 49 in “Fastest-Growing Franchise Rankings for 2011” and No. 108 in “America’s Top Global Franchises for 2011.” Keith Spencer is Managing Director and fire restoration and technical expert with Rainbow International in the Republic of Ireland. “I believe Rainbow brings international best practice standards to Ireland,” Keith added. “Utilizing the most advanced equipment, innovative technologies and a built-in accountability system, our professional staff completes every job rapidly to assure an uncompromising commitment to service excellence and customer satisfaction. Ultimately, we don’t just restore homes and businesses; we restore value, stability, and peace of mind.”

Patrick Cox is water restoration expert and sits as Operations Director with the company. “The Rapid Structural Drying system that Rainbow International utilises is at the forefront of new technology and our business,” Patrick added. “Furthermore as we are part of a global organisation we receive regular on-going training and support in restoration standards, security, safety procedures, field operations and best practise from world headquarters. These influences are what set us apart from competitors and local tradesmen.”

To view Franchising Opportunities for Sale in Ireland, please click the Home link above.

Business Franchise for Sale Ireland, Franchising with Irish MatchPoint - With companies downsizing to adjust to their shrinking budgets and the national unemployment rate at 9.6 percent, job security is a thing of the past. That’s why many individuals are taking control of their destinies and investing in a franchise with a proven model.

But how can you find a concept that best suits your career goals, skills and lifestyle? With an estimated 1,500 different franchise companies operating in the U.S., it’s important to do your research and not settle on the first concept you find. Think about your strengths, weaknesses, interests and overall goals.

Most franchisors don’t require their franchisees to possess industry experience but managerial knowledge is extremely beneficial. When investigating franchise options, important factors to consider include: investment and royalty costs, hours of operation and training and support. But be sure to think about the business model rather than the services or merchandise being sold. For instance, just because you like kids, it doesn’t mean a childcare franchise is the right choice for you.

Below are various franchising sectors; take a look at which is best suited for you / In-Home Care:

With the baby boomer population passing the age of 60, more individuals are in need of long-term care. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans turning 65 is expected to nearly double to 70 million in the next two decades.

Research has also found that nearly one out of every four U.S. households provides care to a relative or friend aged 50 or older. For most, a desire to remain independent in their homes for as long as possible is a high priority. In fact, studies have shown that seventy percent of American seniors spend the rest of their lives in the place where they celebrated their 65th birthday. Due to these demographic and lifestyle trends, there has been a surge in home care franchises.

Since the year 2000, the number of franchise brands in this sector quadrupled to over 3,000. When researching which one is right for you, look for reputable companies that have established themselves in the industry. Yet while the home care industry is a booming one, keep in mind that caring for others can be a demanding job that requires a lot of patience from you and your staff.

On the other hand, however, it can also provide an extremely gratifying feeling and opportunity to give back to your local community.

Franchises for Sale in Home Improvement:

With consumers always looking to better their living spaces, the home improvement sector remains a steady one. Especially with houses sitting on the market longer, more consumers are considering improving rather than selling their current residence.

As a potential franchisee, you may fear that you don’t have the skill-set to execute a home improvement job and build a successful business in your community. The good news is, though, that many of these franchises offer extensive training and marketing support to lead you to success.

Franchises Going Green:

In an effort to restart the economy, an $819 billion economic stimulus package that encourages businesses to implement green initiatives was introduced by the government last year. As a result, these businesses are given incentives, such as tax credits and rebates.

Currently, twenty-three states offer some form of tax incentive to encourage businesses to use renewable energy or adopt energy efficiency systems and equipment.

Home-based- Work from Home Franchise:

There are a great range of home-based franchises to choose from, including several service-based concepts such as Internet marketing. This sector of franchising continues to generate interest due to low initial investment costs and flexible hours.

In purchasing a home-based franchise, you will cut one of the biggest expenses faced by many start-up companies—rent and staff. You will also be eliminating commute time and managing your own hours. This is a great option for families with young children. In a home-based franchise, it is also likely that you will wear many hats and facilitate many aspects of the business.

This can be positive at first, yet as your business continues to grow, keep in mind you may have to begin working long hours to adjust to the growing demands. Good franchised businesses have a proven track record but each company is different.

Attending trade shows and enlisting the help of an experienced franchise consultant are great ways to investigate different business models.

• Will Social Media work for your Franchise?
• Taking Advantage of the Support from Other Franchisees
• So you want to own a food franchise?
• Staying on top of leads
• Booming into franchising
• A new outlook for a new year
• Looking to invest in a franchise?
• What are some common myths in franchising?
• Finding the Right Franchise
• Franchise Opportunities for Veterans in Light of Veteran's Day
• Steps to Hiring Staff to Help You Run Your New Franchise
• Why a Franchise Business Consultant Is So Important
• The Role of Franchise Business Consultants and How They Benefit You
• The Unique Business Opportunity a Franchise Presents to an Entrepreneur
• The Ideal Personality Type for A Successful Franchise
• Franchising and the Provisions of a Franchise Agreement
• Franchise Agreements and Their Benefits to You
• Common Mistakes Made by New Franchise Owners
• Developing Your Franchise
• Best Franchises
• Franchise Opportunities
• How to Get Started
• Franchise Financing
• Starting A Business
• Tips for Buying a Franchise
• Franchise Businesses For Sale
• Small Business Franchise Opportunities
• Now is the Time to Recession Proof Your Small Business Franchise
• Questions to Ask Yourself Before Opening a Franchise
• Types of Profitable Franchise Businesses to Choose From
  
  To search franchises for Sale in Ireland, please click the Home link above.

The future of the Four Star Pizza franchise in Ireland has been secured. Four Star Pizza - Leases renegotiated after a company called Gonville decided to purchase the Irish and UK business franchising rights. Gonville is the investment company owned by Irish entrepreneur Michael Holland. Four Star Pizza, which has been in examinership since November, has 37 outlets across Ireland and has a workforce of about 400. The franchise had an annual turnover of €15m two years ago. Gonville said a key element in its decision to buy the troubled company was its ability to repudiate the franchisees' leases through the courts and which were then renegotiated on better terms.

To find Franchising business opportunities in Ireland, please click the Home link above.

Weight Loss Franchising Business Opportunity plans to expand in Ireland with creation of 100 jobs
in 2011. Motivation Weight Management Clinics runs an Irish network of 23 clinics countrywide, with over 120 employees. Owner Paul Connolly is in negotiations to develop new franchise opportunities in the west, midlands, and north of Ireland.

Connolly established his first clinic on Dawson Street in Dublin 6 years ago, and added a second clinic at the Beacon in Sandyford in recent years. Between 600 and 700 clients are seen at these two clinics each week. The franchisees of the Limerick clinic opened a new Tralee facility, while a 25th one has opened in Maynooth. ‘‘We get a couple of enquiries every week from people interested in establishing clinics, including previous clients or friends of theirs who have seen their success," Connolly said. ‘‘We are big on quality control, however, and meet any interested people around six or eight times before we decide if they are suitable. They then go through a training process in Sandyford."

Connolly is currently examining other franchise opportunities across Ireland in Sligo, Clonmel, Ennis, Wexford, Castlebar, Roscommon, Carrick-on-Shannon, Monaghan, Thurles and Tullamore.
There are also currently negotiations with interested parties about bringing the brand to the North.
Connolly also believes MWMC can be exported to Britain and further afield, and is shortly introducing a new programme for teenagers. The clinics are based on the premise that being overweight and over-eating are psychological. To search Franchises for sale in Ireland, please click the Home link.

Clothing franchise possible for Asda - Irish Business Franchising Opportunities. Supermarket chain Asda has unveiled plans to open its first George stores overseas as it looks to turn the fashion label into a major global brand. The chain has set up a team at George’s base to explore entering into franchise arrangements for the first time. George expects to announce its first partner in the Middle East in the next few months, followed by store openings in the first half of 2012.

The George label already trades in six countries in stores run by Asda’s US parent company Walmart, but the business now hopes to step up its expansion by opening specialist George outlets in new markets overseas through franchise agreements.

George was set up 21 years ago by George Davies, who also invented the Per Una label at Marks and Spencer. Asda said George is now the third best-selling clothes brand by volume in the UK, selling through its 364 supermarkets and 27 Asda Living general merchandise stores. George claims to sell more childrenswear than any other retailer. The firm spent over £70m last year in sourcing products from Northern Ireland suppliers and has invested £230m in food and drink products since moving here their 6 years ago.

To search Franchises for sale in Ireland, please click the Home link above.

New nationwide service, Smile Ireland to offer a FREE friendly financial repair and maintenance service. Smile Ireland is the brainchild of Financial Adviser, Clare Dooley who set up the service as a radical response to the personal debt crises in Ireland. Smile Ireland will offer immediate FREE practical and qualified financial advice, a full financial review and assistance with creditors.  Smile Ireland also has a support network in place to help people rebuild their lives outside of their obvious financial predicament.  This team of experts specialise in counselling, diet and nutrition, fitness, interview skills and CVs, liquidation and new business start ups.  Smile Ireland is currently recruiting qualified financial advisors, pension advisers and trainee financial advisors for an immediate start.  The jobs will be located nationwide with the initial 30 positions Dublin based.  Smile Ireland are looking for motivated self starters who are willing to work in a caring professional way and will provide full training, admin support, client leads and competitive remuneration package.

Irish personal debt stands in excess of a staggering €172 billion and now the crises has reached such catastrophic proportions that health is no longer any indication of wealth as money worries aren't just keeping people awake at night but are causing high levels of stress, depression, low self esteem, hopelessness and despair.

The call for action is immediate and although there have been some measures put in place to help individuals and families; unfortunately it is not happening fast enough. 

Smile Ireland can take complete charge of an individual’s finances with the objective of returning it in a manageable state after a period of time with no fees and hidden costs.  Smile Ireland is not a debt management agency or any relation to MABS.  The main objective is to take away that crippling fear that renders some people powerless to cope and give them back control of their finances.

The main areas where individuals and families find themselves falling into difficulty are credit cards, credit union repayments, mortgages, overdrafts, creditors going legal, utility bills such a electricity and gas, bank loans, loans from family or friends, car loans and debts which have been ‘sold on’.  A qualified financial advisor will perform a full financial review and then work out a plan to steer the person back into a manageable financial position. The Smile Ireland representative will negotiate with solicitors, banks, mortgage companies and all creditors and restructure weekly and monthly incomes.

The financial advisor will also check tax efficiency, life cover, pension and insurances to make sure that the individual or family has the best value products and advice.