Who Are Franchise Brands Plc?
Alice Tuffery, writer
Franchise Brands Plc is an international multi-brand franchising company. Before we go any further – you might be asking, “What is a multi-brand franchising company?” So, let’s find out.
What is a multi-brand franchising company?
Also described as a multi-brand franchisor, this is simply a franchisor that manages more than one franchise brand. These often come about when a franchisor in charge of one brand feels they have reached their potential in their territory and are operating at maximum efficiency. If this happens, some franchisors make the decision to use their accumulated expertise to start a new franchise, rather than expanding their current brand into a new territory. This new franchise is run by a completely separate team but overseen by the franchisor.
One advantage of this is that two franchises are a more secure source of income than one, as the factors that might impact one will probably not affect the other, so the franchisor can benefit from the ongoing income of one (or more) franchises if another experiences difficulties. Starting new franchises also brings exciting, new challenges and enables the franchisor to develop a whole new set of skills.
So, let’s go back to Franchise Brands Plc.
Franchise Brands Plc
This multi-brand franchising company operates four brands from different sectors: the drain clearance and maintenance brand, Metro Rod; the automotive repair and maintenance brand, ChipsAway; the UK’s original oven services brand, Ovenclean; and the dog care brand, Barking Mad.
Each of these franchises are industry leaders and Franchise Brands Plc is proud to support them in their development. The brands can take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience that is integral to their multi-brand franchisor’s success; not only does this inform franchisor’s management strategies, but the brands can seek out specific guidance if the need arises. In terms of day-to-day operations, Franchise Brands Plc employs an IT team to put the most efficient computer systems in place, a marketing team to boost the brands’ customer bases, a recruitment initiative to gain new franchisees and a general franchise support team to advise existing franchisees and help them achieve maximum profitability and job satisfaction.
It is fair to say that people are important to Franchise Brands Plc. The multi-brand franchisor truly cares about their employees and franchisees, and works to ensure that they are fulfilled in their jobs. This is demonstrated in its five core values:
• We demand integrity. • We empower our people. • We are challenging of ourselves. • We are fair. • We work as a team.
The History of Franchise Brands Plc
Franchise Brands Plc was established in September 2008, acquiring ChipsAway and Ovenclean in the first year. The founders were Stephen Hemsley, who is now the company’s Executive Chairman, and Nigel Wray, who is the Non-Executive Director. Franchise Brands Plc continued to focus on these two brands and developed them over time. Both experienced successes over the years; for example, in 2013, ChipsAway launched a six-month television advertising campaign, and in 2014, Ovenclean appointed its 100th franchisee. In 2016, Franchise Brands Plc acquired Barking Mad and, in 2017, further diversified its portfolio by taking on Metro Rod.
Today, the multi-brand franchising company boasts a combined 97 years of experience and a network of more than 450 franchisees across 12 different countries. It is also listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. With an impressive group of brands and an extensive history of success behind it, Franchise Brands Plc is keen to continue its positive performance in the future. It has stated that it is interested in fostering additional business partnerships with profitable B2B and B2C franchises that are leaders in their sector, and using its current standing and resources to develop them further. With such a diverse range of franchises in its existing portfolio, who knows what the future holds for Franchise Brands Plc?
Other Multi-Brand Franchise Companies
Franchise Brands Plc is, of course, not the only multi-brand franchising company out there. If you’re interested in getting involved in a franchise that is supported by a multi-brand franchisor or joining a multi-brand franchising support team, take a look at the businesses below.
Neighbourly
This is a multi-brand franchising company that manages a range of home services franchises. Founded by Don Dwyer in 1981, Neighbourly was formerly named Dwyer Group. It has 22 businesses and over 3,700 franchisees in nine countries in its portfolio, including Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, Drain Doctor Plumbing, Dream Doors, Molly Maid and Mr Electric. After Don Dwyer passed away, his daughter, Dina Dwyer-Owens, led the business for 20 years and now serves as a Brand Ambassador and a member of the Board of Directors. The current President and CEO is now Mike Bidwell, who has been a part of the business since 2000.
United Franchise Group
This US-based franchisor describes itself as “The Global Leader for Entrepreneurs” and has been in the franchise business since 1987. It works with B2B companies and specialises in personalised business services. These include the world’s biggest signage franchise, Signarama; the world’s biggest embroidery franchise, Fully Promoted; the business brokerage brand, Transworld Business Advisors; and the sustainability guidance brand, SuperGreen Solutions. United Franchise Group now manages nine brands and has over 1,400 franchisees and over 1,600 franchise units in more than 80 countries across the globe.
Buzz Franchise Brands
This is a comparatively smaller franchising company. Buzz Franchise Brands began as a group of five employees that worked to develop the original brand, Mosquito Joe, into a franchise that spanned 280 locations across 34 states in the US. Since 2015, Buzz Franchise Brands has introduced additional franchises into the mix. Pool Scouts, Home Clean Heroes and British Swim School are the three brands that make up the multi-brand franchisor’s group today. Buzz Franchise Brands explains that it has seen success as a result of its scrupulous franchisee selection process, delivery of clear guidance in marketing and operational excellence, which involves staying ahead of the game by taking note of franchisee and employee feedback.
Alice Tuffery, writer