Print and Profit

Talk of paperless offices resulting from the emergence of digital technology - most notably, the internet - once sent shivers along the backbone of businesses in the printing and print-related industries. However, contrary to early portents, the sector is thriving, and the use of ink and paper in both domestic and business environments has increased. Here Matt Pigott looks at a handful of franchise opportunities hot off the press...

Recognition Express

Set up almost 30 years ago, Recognition Express is, today, the UK's largest franchise network specialising in the production of promotional merchandise for corporate recognition. With 50 franchisees operating across the country, Recognition Express operates in a sector worth an estimated £2billion, branding everything from pop-up displays and banner stands to security badges, awards, plaques, cups and gifts.

Recognition Express prides itself on a number of key identifying factors including a local and personal service with a fast and reliable turnaround. This approach has worked well, helping it secure a wide client base. However, a single customer wanting a small batch of branded merchandise is equally valued as a customer.

A key benefit to becoming a Recognition Express franchisee is that head office invests a lot of time and money into research and design. With new promotional products and innovations coming to the market all the time, it is essential for Recognition Express to maintain a competitive edge in terms of quality, price, and product range. And because these things are taken care of centrally, the franchisee is free to focus on their own marketing, sales and territory development.

A further benefit is that in the early stages, the business can be run from home, allowing franchisees to keep their overheads to a minimum at a time when cash flow will be at its tightest.

Direct experience in the sector is not required as all new franchisees get three weeks' training before getting started. During the training, franchisees learn about products and pricing, sales, marketing, finance and business planning.

Top performing franchisees generate sales of over £1million: a good return for a business that requires a comparatively low investment.

Minimum total Investment: £30,000
Website: www.recognition-express.com
Phone: 01530 513300
Franchise classification: Management

Printing.com

Printing.com plc has risen in 10 years to become one of the leading names in the printing sector. With three distinct routes to market - franchise outlets, bolt-on franchises and company-owned stores - the business has attained excellent market penetration and an enviable level of brand awareness in a short time. Printing.com has grown in size and stature and today has an annual network turnover of more than £20 million.

This rapid success can be partly attributed to the company's innovative business model. As a Printing.com franchisee, no printing equipment is needed at the point of sale; unlike many traditional printing outlets, Printing.com operates a 'hub and spoke' system whereby orders are taken and processed in the countrywide outlets, before being digitally transferred via Printing.com's bespoke Flyerlink system, to the company's production plant in Manchester. After printing, the orders are branded, shrink-wrapped, packed and barcoded before being shipped back to the local outlet or direct to the customer.

Printing.com is an ideal choice for potential franchisees who enjoy dealing with local business clients and members of the public, and/or those with an existing design or media-related business looking for a bolt-on service to offer clients. However, franchisees are more than a sales face: they are also there to add value, work on concepts, source photographic images - whatever it takes to ensure the customer ends up with a printed product they are happy with.

Without the need for holding expensive printing facilities or stock, franchisees are free to focus on presentation and winning business in their allocated territory. No experience is needed as training is given, but a passion for sales and marketing and customer service are bonuses.

Minimum total Investment: £115,000
Website: www.printing.com
Phone: 0161 848 5709
Franchise classification: Unit/retail

AlphaGraphics

With aims to have 30 franchisees on board by 2010, AlphaGraphics has boosted expansion of its brand and network through the development of its 'digital centres' - a business model that is helping the company to fulfil its ambitious expansion plans. Its services include design and digital printing for promotional materials, graphics for exhibition stands and newsletters, and other digitally printed products, but where AlphaGraphics really delivers is in the realm of customised delivery. Its clients are offered an unprecedented level of flexibility, which is made possible through the application of powerful technology that has been developed to ensure that each piece of printed material can be tailored specifically to any given recipient. So, no more waiting for the print press, no more endless print runs, and no more wasted stock.

The franchisee's role goes beyond completing the sale and fulfilling the order. They should also pride themselves on providing an experience of value by assisting with the planning, management and implementation of their customers' visual communications materials, and this is something at the heart of AlphaGraphics' intensive training.

All franchisees benefit from comprehensive backing and support, and with experience gleaned from 300 franchisees worldwide, new additions can take comfort in the knowledge that any problems they face will be quickly resolved.

From site selection and blueprint plans for the store, to full fit-out and stocking, every aspect of setting up a new outlet is painstakingly executed. Franchisees also get help with recruiting the right staff before flying to Utah for a four-week training programme. This is followed by two-weeks training in a UK store before franchisees can begin operating. Ongoing training and support are also included in the package.

Minimum total Investment: £135,000
Website: www.alphagraphics.co.uk
Phone: 01904 751080
Franchise classification: Management

Card Connection

Card Connection has developed its network into a sizable 100 franchisees since it launched in 1992. The company now services about 17,000 outlets across Ireland and the UK with its proven system. The business model is simple yet effective: franchisees place a range of greeting cards in various outlets within their allocated territory.

From supermarkets and high street chains to boutique stores and service stations, stockists benefit from the residual income that Card Connection provides, franchisees benefit from a healthy year-round income, and the public enjoy choosing from a wide selection of greetings cards.

Card Connection is a business built on symbiosis through consignments. Franchisees need to be adept at dealing with people, and also enjoy working in different environments. Card Connection holds many national accounts, which individual franchisees benefit from directly.

Card Connection has around 800 cards in its general range, covering all styles. This provides franchisees with real scope to meet the individual needs of varying outlets. For example, it is unlikely that a boutique store would want to stock exactly the same range as a service station; the franchisee can therefore tailor the products to keep clients and customers happy. The company also has a range of gifts providing another distribution opportunity and an additional revenue stream.

A well-developed territory can earn about £50,000 a year for a franchisee. And with no experience needed in retail or marketing, this is a prime opportunity for anyone looking for a change of direction or career. Full in-house training and support are also provided.

A final gain of the franchise is that it is easily run from home, keeping overheads to a minimum.

Minimum total Investment: £35,000
Website: www.card-connection.co.uk
Phone: 01252 892323
Franchise classification: Single operator

Prontaprint

Established over 35 years ago, Prontaprint has today grown into a high-street printing brand with about 175 outlets and a turnover of around £60 million a year. Offering print-on-demand, Prontaprint franchisees satisfy the printing needs of large and medium-sized businesses, with a portfolio of clients that includes Dixons and British Airways. Granted Superbrand status by the independent council of marketing and branding experts three years in a row, the company is recognised as a leading business example both inside and outside of the franchising industry.

With an impressive technological backbone, Prontaprint franchisees offer business-to-business services at competitive rates as well as on-demand printing for walk-in customers, with the highest franchise performers turning over in excess of £1 million each year.

Buying into a Prontaprint franchise means first demonstrating a good head for business plus the ability to manage the difference between expenditure and realistic levels of working capital. Actual experience in the printing trade isn't necessary as an intensive six-week training programme at Prontaprint's modern network support centre is offered. During this time, new franchisees will learn all about the company's marketing systems and operations, and also receive business development training, technical assistance and commercial advice.

Prontaprint also helps new franchisees with their business plan to help source up to 75 per cent of the total investment necessary to fund a Prontaprint outlet. The company's excellent business reputation, proven track record, and recognised brand name, all help when it comes to helping franchisees secure the right level of support and investment.

Minimum total Investment: £120,000
Website: www.prontaprint.com
Phone: 0845 762 6748
Franchise classification: Management