In the niche of time

If attractive jewellery appeals to you, Silverdaze is a glimmering franchise, easily run from home and gaining from low overheads and flexibility. Franchisees can do just two events each week and earn a good income, or they can run the business as a full-time operation.

Franchisees organise parties and events at which they set up and present the jewellery for sale. The pieces are sourced from all over the world and chosen by an experienced buyer, then sold to a captive audience.

Franchisees don't do any hard selling, but find that the jewellery sells itself, with event attendees able to try on anything before deciding whether or not to buy.

No sales experience or knowledge of the jewellery sector is required, though a passion for the products is desirable. A Silverdaze franchise would suit anyone looking for more flexible work, and to people who enjoy socialising and regularly working in different places.

The Silverdaze display is quick to set up and provides an attractive focal point. The business model is easy to run, with minimal paperwork and a regularly changing range of products. Franchisees get assistance in developing their customer base, and are also given a wide range of marketing materials and new ideas for marketing strategies. They also get £8000 (retail value) of hand-chosen jewellery to launch with.

• Min total investment: £11,500
• Website: www.silverdazeuk.com
• Phone: 0208 949 7466

Little Kickers

Teaching football techniques to young children is certainly a fun way to spend your working day - and this is exactly what Little Kickers franchisees do.

With child obesity a burning topic in the media, as well as in the minds of many parents, Little Kickers' efforts to get children into the habit of doing regular exercise has been embraced throughout the UK. According to statistics from the National Childhood Obesity database, obesity among two to four-year-olds doubled in the 90s, giving rise to concerns about diet and lifestyle. Today, Little Kickers franchisees are able to go some way toward reversing these figures.

Since its launch in 2002, the company now has 4500 children attending classes throughout the country each week.

Like those who attend Little Kickers' classes, new franchisees get full training and support to help get their business up and running. For a modest investment, new franchisees get help setting up and marketing their franchise within their allocated territory. As part of the package, they also get the coaching and sports equipment required for running the business. Finally, franchisees benefit from practical training as well as access to monthly coach training sessions.

Little Kickers is right now on the lookout for enthusiastic, sports-minded franchisees who also enjoy working with children.

• Min total investment: £6500
• Website: www.littlekickers.co.uk
• Phone: 01235 859255

Urban Planters

Furnishing anything from hotel lobbies and offices through to shopping centres and car showrooms, Urban Planters is the best-known replica plant installation franchise in the United Kingdom.

Established more than 40 years ago, Urban Planters steadily built its name and reputation before expansion plans began in 1996.

Through its network of franchisees, Urban Planters provides a nationwide service with a local touch.

Franchisees often benefit from large national contracts, but can also source private work within their own given territory.

Candidates should have flair for both gardening and interior design, and should also be enthusiastic about running a business that has real potential for growth.

No previous experience is necessary as full, comprehensive training is given, although a passion for both plants and people - though not necessarily in that order - are considered plus points.

New recruits benefit from a thorough induction before they train for their NVQ in interior landscaping. Licence to operate under the Urban Planters brand plus initial stock and setup costs are also included in the package.

• Min total investment: £55,000 including working capital
• Website: www.urbanplanters.co.uk
• Phone: 0800 358 2245

EasyStop

Since the law banning smoking in restaurants and pubs came into force on July 1, more people than ever are keen to kick the habit - and that's good news for EasyStop, the UK's leading smoking and weight control consultancy franchise.

EasyStop has helped many thousands of individuals cast aside the cigarettes, and also achieve their ideal weight, using specialised techniques.

As a franchisee, by following EasyStop's training programme, you will help your clients overcome the cravings/mood swings linked with giving up smoking. With similar techniques, you also help people overcome weight problems.

New franchisees undergo a two-week programme enabling them to deal with the toughest client challenges. The training also provides the tools needed to run the administrative and marketing sides of the business successfully.

The franchise package includes a call centre for taking national calls on behalf of franchisees, counter stands, a launch programme, a personal 0845 local call-rate number, plus much more. With more than 30 years' experience behind the EasyStop franchise management team, franchisees can also take comfort in knowing that throughout the lifespan of their franchise, they they're backed by a wide body of knowledge they are free to tap into at any time.

• Min total investment: £14,995
• Website: www.easystop.co.uk
• Phone: 0845 257 1188

First Impressions

Making weird and wonderful things falls well within the remit of Judy Wiseman's profession. She set up her business over 20 years ago and produces castings that range from the magnificent to the plain bizarre! Recent additions to her artistic repertoire include a baby feeding upon a breast, a golden bottom, and dog paws.

Three years ago, Judy decided to expand her operation as a franchise. The new business was quickly adopted by people who saw the value in Judy's work, and who wanted to explore their own creativity and entrepreneurial ambitions. Today, there are nine franchisees in the network, a number that Judy would like to expand within the next few years.

First Impressions franchisees get to work with a wide range of materials. In conjunction with the main studio, they produce a wide range of artifacts and keepsakes and, with time and experience, can also delve into some of the larger and more complex pieces of work.

First Impressions offers both flexibility and creative fulfilment. Franchisees can also enjoy a good income while adding something of value to other people.

No experience is needed as training is given. Franchisees are supported at every stage of getting their business up and running and benefit from having a franchisor whose passion is as much in the quality of the work as it is in the successful growth of the business.

• Min total investment: £7000
• Website: www.firstimpressions.org.uk
• Phone: 0208 346 8666

The Garage Door Team

With about nine million UK homes having at least a single garage, there's a healthy market for anyone interested in installing, maintaining and repairing garage doors. And with the increasing trend towards homeowners buying automated garage doors, there's a healthy replenishment rate that keeps Garage Door Team (TGDT) franchisees busy throughout the year.

With more than 15 years' experience in the industry, TGDT is unrivalled in its level of expertise, and due to increased demand for its services, four years ago the company owners made the decision to franchise the business.

Franchisees joining the network get their own territory to work in, and benefit from revenues generated by selling a variety of garage doors to customers, and also from the ongoing upkeep and maintenance that all garage doors need.

While no experience is needed, candidates should be practical-minded, amenable and good at working with their hands. And while a little business acumen is a bonus, far more important are the qualities of ambition, and dedication to the smooth and successful running of the franchise business.

Franchisees get 20,000 catalogues for marketing purposes, tools and stock, full TGDT uniform, office equipment, racking and livery. They also get referred leads to get them moving in the early stages.

• Min total investment: £14,050
• Website: www.thegaragedoorteam.co.uk
• Phone: 0800 915 0001