Franchising: Keeping it in the family

At a time of economic uncertainty, franchising provides the perfect opportunity to start a business and has proven to work with franchises contributing £12.4bn to the UK economy last year and that figure is set to rise this year. It has already been well recorded that franchising is the expanding industry in a slowing economy, so it is understandable that more and more of us are considering franchising as the next career step and in many cases are partnering with a family member or friend for support.

Starting a business with someone you know well may seem like a good idea as it removes the inherent loneliness of some business start-ups; but conflicting views may occur when a decision has to be made such as, the name of the company, the style of the brand, or mechanics of the operation, causing stresses on the business and the relationship itself. Franchising reduces, if not removes, many of the hurdles that can flaw many start-up businesses, so is it easier to run a franchise with a close friend rather than starting your own business from scratch?

Franchising does not automatically mean that you can start up a business with your partner and live happily ever after. Hard work, dedication and a professional approach is required. However, many of the stresses put upon the relationship are removed simply by the fact that a franchise provides a proven business model.

Friends and families in business together do not always put into practice a good business plan as they can spend more time talking about it, and generating ideas, than implementing them. With a franchise you can avoid the ‘dreaming stage’ and get involved in actually making the business work, rather than worrying and arguing about the fundamental start up decisions. The brand is already established and all the other aspects are already set-up for you. Leaving the investors to get on with actually making the business work.

Franchising gives an essential structure of support, management quality and cost saving. A franchise business model allows a successful business to replicate itself by bringing in new franchise owners to run new outlets, under licence and agreement.

When entering into a family/friend business partnership the tendency might be to neglect formalities, which can causes problems later on in the relationship when conflicts arise. Going down the franchise route means these formalities are already in place and a written agreement will have had to be agreed.

Having a licensed agreement, gives you and your partner an arrangement to follow. Having straightforward black and white guides prevents any awkward decisions having to be made, leaving the franchisees free to run a driven business and make it work.

You automatically become your own boss, but under the safety and security of a proven model, with national support structures put in place to help overcome many of the business hurdles that can flaw many new business start-ups. A family business has the ability to take the long term approach without the pressure of shareholders wanting immediate returns.

Banks are more likely to invest in a franchise than a new start-up business, due to the robust business plan which automatically eases the tension between you and your partner. Knowing you have financial backing from a bank can prevent unneeded stresses entering the business. Banks will only lend up to a maximum percentage of the value, so having a close friend on board can help out with further investment creating a sense of personal ownership of the business.

With any business day to day stresses will get in the way and usually two heads are better than one, but with franchising you receive constant support, training and advice. Having an established brand behind you will increase the chances of success. A franchise removes the ‘headaches’ most start-up businesses cause.

Going in to business with someone does provide that extra edge on generating ideas, additional motivation and a diverse range of business skills. Franchising helps push these factors forward as it is already a working businesses structure, leaving you and your partner free to be creative and enjoy the success of running your own business.

About The bfa

The British Franchise Association (bfa) is the voluntary self regulating governing body for franchising formed in 1977 by the major franchising organisations looking to accredit and promote those franchise systems that meet the strict ethical and business criteria of a good franchise.

The term 'franchising' has been used to describe many different forms of business relationships, including licensing, distributor and agency arrangements. The more popular use of the term has arisen from the development of what is called 'business format franchising.'

Business format franchising is the granting of a license by one person (the franchisor) to another (the franchisee), which entitles the franchisee to trade under the trade mark/trade name of the franchisor and to make use of an entire package, comprising all the elements necessary to establish a previously untrained person in the business and to run it with continual assistance on a predetermined basis.

The bfa hold a full list of all of its members and the code of ethics to which these members subscribe to on its website: www.thebfa.org

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All articles published by Wellbeing Magazine are done so with the consent of our contributors.
If you wish to republish any of the works you need to contact the contributors directly.
Their contact details are stated above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read more!

Stay on the ‘Inside’ track – with brand new health blog

It’s cold outside, the weather is grim, cash is tight – so how on earth are you supposed to stay motivated and keep to those New Year’s resolutions you made just eight weeks ago?

By getting your motivation from others going through exactly the same thing! Sharing what you want to achieve not only keeps you accountable but also helps you get support to really achieve your goals.

And with a survey by Yakult revealing that over 27 million Brits have deemed 2009 the year they will become fitter and eat a healthier diet, there are clearly plenty of us looking to achieve new goals – that’s plenty of people to motivate and to be motivated by.

Which is why the digestive health experts at Yakult have added a new dimension to www.insideoutdiet.co.uk, the site dedicated to the diet and lifestyle plan of the same name. The pioneering plan, focused on maintaining good gut health, has been devised by a panel of experts including Dr Anthony Leeds, Fiona Hunter and Nicki Waterman. It has so far been experienced by tens of thousands of people – but those new to the plan in 2009 will be able to enjoy the added opportunity of sharing their experiences.


With the new online blog, those on The Inside Out Diet can share success with recipes, tips on the best exercise in wintry weather, advice on digestive complaints – or simply offer motivation to others. For, although The Inside Out Diet has been created to help people with digestive problems, it isn’t designed solely for people with ‘tummy troubles’ – the basic principles of the diet along with the exercises and planners included can help you at all stages of life as part of a dedicated health plan.

And if you’ve already failed in your new year mission then don’t despair, you are certainly not alone. Already this year, 15.5 million Brits will have struggled to stick to their resolutions. And according to experts, it’s because we are setting ourselves up for failure, by starting too soon.


This is the view of psychologist Donna Dawson, who says: “Starting your resolutions a few weeks into the year gives a far higher chance of success. The reason for this is two-fold: firstly people forget that Christmas can be a very stressful period in many ways; secondly, combining the after-effects of the holiday period with returning to work puts people under a great deal of emotional and physical strain. As a result, the majority of people are not mentally ready to begin their resolutions at the very start of the year.”

Hundreds of people have already signed up to The Inside Out Diet in 2009 and are sharing their experiences in the new online blog at www.insideoutdiet.co.uk. Whether you want to discuss recipes, exercise tips, how to deal with digestive complaints or just to get some motivation from other ‘Inside Outers’ then get online and get chatting!

To get your free copy of The Inside Out Diet (worth £3.49) visit, www.insideoutdiet.co.uk or ring 0845 769 7069.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All articles published by Wellbeing Magazine are done so with the consent of our contributors.
If you wish to republish any of the works you need to contact the contributors directly.
Their contact details are stated above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read more!

Brits urged to set a New 'New Year' for successful resolutions in 2009, 14th January is the best date to set a New Year resolution

For a successful outcome, January 14th is the date to begin a New Year resolution as the nation struggles to adapt in the first two weeks of January.

A survey conducted by probiotic experts Yakult has revealed that over 37 million Brits have set a New Year resolution in 2009. However, with 15.5 million (1) Brits admitting they struggle to stick to their resolutions in the first two weeks of the year and 5 million (2) failing all together, it seems to be time to reassess the trusted tradition of starting resolutions on the first day in January.

Leading gastroenterologist Dr Simon Gabe from St Mark's Hospital, and psychologist Donna Dawson believe delaying the start of your resolution will significantly increase your chances of success. A combination of the body recovering from Christmas indulgence and the physical and mental shock of going back to work in January means the body is ill-prepared to cope with changes to our diet and lifestyle, any earlier than this point in the year.

The research by Yakult showed 52% of people ate and drunk substantially more over the Christmas period with 30% likely to have experienced some form of digestive complaint (3).

Dr Simon Gabe says: "Digestive problems over Christmas are very common and can occur for a variety of reasons such as dietary changes, stress and gastroenteritis. Infections such as salmonella can and do occur from undercooked turkey, but it is more likely that symptoms suffered are due to a combination of dietary changes and stress. Irritable bowel symptoms have a seasonal variation (4) and this may relate to the diet and stress during this time of the year."

Making changes to your diet during this period before you've recovered could increase the likelihood of breaking your resolution. Starting a few weeks later will not only be better for you physically but also ease the mental struggle of trying to keep to your resolution.

This is a view of psychologist Donna Dawson who says: "Two weeks into the New Year is the best time to start your New Year resolution. The reason for this is two-fold: firstly people forget that Christmas can be a very stressful period in many ways; secondly, combining the after-effects of the holiday period with returning to work puts people under a great deal of emotional and physical strain. As a result, the majority of people are not mentally ready to begin their resolutions on New Year's Day."

Keeping to a successful resolution is a physical and mental battle. However, going back to work after the festive period also adds to the strain. 46% of those surveyed said going back to work after the festive period was a physical and mental shock to the system. When it comes to citing reasons for failure, 18% of people blamed the stress of going back to work, whilst 17% said it was a case of January blues which led them to fail. 38% would delay starting their resolutions if they thought it would mean keeping them longer.

Donna Dawson continues: "By January 14th you should be recovered from Christmas and adjusted to being back at work making it the perfect time to focus on improvements to your life. You have had time to think clearly about what you really want for yourself, and you are physically and mentally more able to work towards achieving it. If you have already broken your resolution, don't despair as now is the time to start afresh to increase your chance of success."

Five Tips for Successful New Year's Resolutions from Psychologist Donna Dawson:

1) Choose a Realistic Resolution and a Realistic Target Date: First, choose a resolution that can be achieved realistically within your present life-style. Then choose a date for reaching your goal that is neither so soon that you will fail (for example, a month), or so far away that you will give up before you reach it (say, six months). Any New Year's resolution should be considered an 'ongoing process', so give yourself a target date that reflects that.

2) Brainstorm: Write down every idea and activity that will help you to meet your goal - this may mean "adding" or "subtracting" something from your present lifestyle. Also, consider 'what' or 'whom' may be holding you back? You may have to avoid doing certain things, or even stop doing certain things for others

3) Prioritise: A big goal can always be broken down into smaller steps to make it more manageable. Find the smaller steps that make up the whole, and then work out a time-span for working out each smaller step into your life (for example, "immediately", " a few days", "a week", "a month").

4) Reinforcement; Human beings are creatures of habit; the trick is to unlearn "bad" habits and to replace them with "good" habits. If you are dieting, then reward any success with non-food rewards. If you are getting fit, plan at least two exercise sessions a week within your present routine (write them into your diary as firm dates, and then keep them). By reward and persistence, the "good" habits will soon become automatic, thereby ousting the "bad" habits.

5) Forgive Yourself: If you lapse from your goal, don't berate yourself and give up in disgust. "To err is human", and you must take the longer view. Cultivate the difference between 'willpower' (an "all-or-nothing" approach which brooks no failure), and 'self-control' (which can be 'learned', and which allows for some compromise). Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start again, always accentuating the positive!


1 Figure based on a UK population of 61 million and a survey response of 42% of those who said they will making a new year resolution
2 Figure based on a UK population of 61 million and a survey response of 14% of those who said they will be making a new year resolution
3 NHS Direct reported that calls to their service regarding digestive symptoms increased significantly over the Christmas period - up from around 20,000 calls over a 16 day period, to around 30,000
4 Talley et al (Dec 1995) Psychological distress and seasonal symptom changes in irritable bowel syndrome Am J Gastroenterol. 90 (12): 2115-9

Read more!

Can you imagine owning a wellbeing getaway?

PRESS RELEASE: 2nd September 2008

Rob & Neil from the Wellbeing Network spent 3 amazing days at the end of July visiting the world’s first wellbeing village, GeshaView.

GeshaView is set in a unique location, between the Stara Planina Mountains and the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. The views from the village are quite simply sensational, looking out over green forests and one of Europe’s Pan Parks stretching out into the distance. The village has won the only ever 5 star award for the Best Development in Bulgaria in the International Property Awards.

Properties at GeshaView

The village will benefit from an amazing woodland wellness centre, organic restaurants, conference centre, activity hub, craft shops as well as many other features.

The developers are genuinely committed to building a village to the highest standards, the properties are spacious with great attention to detail, the communal areas and facilities are well thought out and the chosen location is perfect for people wishing to explore the culture or participate in physical or creative activities. So whether you want to relax by the pool, enjoy luxurious treatments, climb, cycle, ride, hike or ski, GeshaView could be ideal for you.

The Local Area

The Wellbeing Network are going to be involved long term with GeshaView, providing courses at the wellness and conference centre, and offering the best value holidays to LifePass™ members.

Although convinced that the huge and growing demand for quality wellbeing destinations will lead to great rental returns and price increases, the developers are keen to have people buy that support the concept and want to get more than just money from owning a property at GeshaView. As such they are offering a 5% discount, to the first ten people that come to them from the Wellbeing Network that purchase a property at GeshaView.

Prices start from £55,000 to over £200,000, various payment options and mortgages are available.

CLICK here to request further details on this amazing opportunity and find out how you can invest in your very own wellbeing retreat.

All the best
Rob & Neil

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All articles published by Wellbeing Magazine are done so with the consent of our contributors.
If you wish to republish any of the works you need to contact the contributors directly.
Their contact details are stated above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read more!

A Day for Heroes – McFly helping to support our Troops

PRESS RELEASE: 1st September 2008

A DAY FOR HEROES

Help support our troops whilst enjoying a fabulous day out for all the family. Top of the bill are chart-busting McFly – with seven number 1s and two number 1 albums. Celebrities, artists and the military are joining forces to give families a day out to remember, whilst raising essential funds for Help for Heroes Charity.

Organisers ‘Your Voice Roadshow’ based in Ashford are hoping to raise a substantial amount of money for the charity. Help for Heroes was launched in October 2007 in response to the desire of ordinary people to do something practical to help our wounded servicemen and women. As individuals we are powerless to prevent war and can feel helpless that we are unable to stop our men and women from being killed and wounded. Celebrity supporters of the charity include TV show hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May (Top Gear), Prince Harry and Prince William, Simon Cowell, rugby star Johnny Wilkinson, Lee Westwood, Sharon Osborne, actor Ross Kemp, Barbara Windsor, TV chef Gary Rhodes and football legend Frank Lampard. Football Icon David Beckham says ‘I am incredibly proud and grateful for the commitment and work that our armed forces do for our country. I support the campaign fully’

The event is taking place in the Detling Show Ground near Maidstone on Sunday 21 September 2008. Compered by Cheryl Baker and Shaun Williamson, the day will be packed with entertainment and thrills. The Princess of Wales's Royal Parachute Regiment will be opening the show with a spectacular entrance. Enjoy over 20 free funfair rides including the ultimate experience reverse bungee power shot and entertainment including military-based attractions such as aircraft simulators, parachute display teams and a challenging inflatable army assault course.

The main stage will feature messages of hope and support from across the globe.

It will be an emotional day for those involved with the forces. The poignant song ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ with its chorus of “Did you ever know you’re my hero?” tug at the hardest heartstrings. With a special appearance by the song’s co writer, Jeff Silbar, who will duet with legendary diva Jocelyn Brown.

For up-to-the-minute listings and to buy advance tickets visit www.daysforheroes.com.

The ticket price includes the full music programme, all funfair rides and the armed services’ attractions. Tickets cost just £25 per adult, £14 per child (6-12 years) and £5 for under 5’s when purchased in advance. A family ticket (2+2) – available by advance booking only costs £70. Ticket prices at the gate will be £30 per adult, £18 per child aged 6-12 and £5 for under-5s. There will be food stalls and a picnic area in the grounds. Tickets can be purchased online at www.daysforheroes.com or direct from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.uk) (booking fee of £2.25 per ticket)

For more information on A Day for Heroes, visit www.daysforheroes.com.

McFly helping to support our Troops

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All articles published by Wellbeing Magazine are done so with the consent of our contributors.
If you wish to republish any of the works you need to contact the contributors directly.
Their contact details are stated above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read more!

The National Osteoporosis Society seeks dance talent from the South East to inspire the nation to boogie for their bones

PRESS RELEASE: 20th August 2008

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and Health Expert Dr. Miriam Stoppard have joined forces with The National Osteoporosis Society to offer dance schools from over the south east and across the country a once in a lifetime, unforgettable opportunity. The charity is offering dancers the chance to perform in front of an array of well known celebrities at London’s Royal Festival Hall on World Osteoporosis Day, 20th October 2008, to inspire the nation to get dancing to build stronger ‘life saving’ bones.


The dance event will be a platform for the National Osteoporosis Society to launch a new Boogie for your Bones dance plan, specially designed by Craig Revel Horwood and Dr Miriam Stoppard. The charity is inviting dance schools from across the UK to apply to take part in the event and will select four dance schools to choreograph their own routine using the new dance steps.


The Boogie for your Bones dance plan can be used by people of all ages and abilities to build stronger bones through dance.


Craig Revel Horwood comments,


“Dance is one of the best forms of weight bearing exercise, it is invigorating, engaging and exciting and most importantly it appeals to everyone. Unlike many exercises when people dance they don’t even realise that while having fun, they are building stronger bones and protecting themselves for the future. We are inviting any dance group, no matter what style, age or ability to join us, show the country their talent and inspire the nation to get healthy and boogie for their bones.”


So the search is now on for the four most deserving, unique, original dance schools, groups or companies from across the UK to participate in this unforgettable opportunity. Craig Revel Horwood, Dr Miriam Stoppard and the National Osteoporosis Society are looking for dancers of all ages, all abilities and all dancing styles to write in to :-



by the 5th Sept with details on their dance group (age, number of members, experience level and location) and a paragraph of no more than 200 words outlining their philosophy for dance and why they believe they can inspire the nation to boogie for their bones.




-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All articles published by Wellbeing Magazine are done so with the consent of our contributors.
If you wish to republish any of the works you need to contact the contributors directly.
Their contact details are stated above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read more!

Bodhi Garden Festival

Press Release: 16th July 2008

Saturday 13th Sept
10am - 4.30pm
Friends, Meeting House,Ship Street, Brighton

Visual art music cinema food workshops therapies stalls

A One-Day Festival of Fun & Food, Art & Music, Health & Healing ... with an off-beat Buddhist twist ... Organised by the Bodhi Garden to give a platform to the multifarious talents of Brighton's Buddhistorienated community Free Entry Interviews with artists and performers are possible.

Contact: Richard 07796 331167

The day is also a fund-raiser day for the Bodhi Garden, a unique and internationally known Dharma centre tucked away in the heart of the city.

• Live, inspirational and eclectic music.
• Buddhist cinema from around the world.
• A taste of real Buddhist meditation for complete beginners.
• Talks from experts from the different traditions of Buddhism.
• Vegetarian and vegan café serving delicious home-cooked & cakes.
• Therapies & Workshops: Art therapy, massage, hypnotic meditation, mindful stress management, yoga for kids etc.
• Stalls: Ethnic, fair trade, ethical goods, handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, Tibetan art
  

The name means 'Garden of Awakening' It opened in 2001 and is located at 7a Ship Street Gardens (the lane running between Ship Street and Middle Street), five minutes walk from the sea in a wood-panelled, skylit and extremely quiet former art gallery in Brighton's Lanes.

It provides a free space for groups and individuals interested in Buddhist meditation, teachings, talks and study. It is a non-denominational Buddhist meditation centre. Its ethos and its operation are entirely non-sectarian. It is unique in that it is the only such centre in Europe, and is networked in every continent except the Artics and South America! An urban Dharma centre housing groups that span a broad spectrum of traditional Buddhism (i.e. Theravada, Tibetan and Zen) is a very rare thing indeed, you see.

The centre is open to all people - Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. It runs on donations and offers: meditation classes, course and tuition; weekend retreats with highly experienced teachers from around the world; workshops on everything from Buddhist psychotherapy to art and movement; yoga classes; an open-minded, contemplative perspective on life.
It is another reason - if one were needed - that Brighton is the Buddhist capital of England.
It is now developing plans to establish a new and secure home for itself, somewhere inside the city limits of Brighton & Hove, from 2010.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All articles published by Wellbeing Magazine are done so with the consent of our contributors.
If you wish to republish any of the works you need to contact the contributors directly.
Their contact details are stated above.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bodhi-Garden-Festival-Press-Release.pdf

Read more!