Member Article

Darlington consultancy celebrates 25 years in business

The Franchise Company is celebrating an impressive 25 years in business, a landmark achievement reached thanks to the long-term emphasis on the highest franchising standards by its directors.

Founded in 1991 by Julie Waites, the consultancy has flourished from its north-east roots to become a truly international concern, with offices in London, Riga, Istanbul and Jeddah added to its Darlington headquarters.

Julie was joined by business partner Ken Rostron in 2001 after the pair had previously working together at Prontaprint under former bfa chairman, Edwin Thirlwell. Combining their wealth of experience – Ken was present when the bfa was first established in 1977 – with an insistence on best practice and standards, the pair have gone on to make their mark on projects across the globe.

An enviable client list includes British Airways, football clubs, the NSPCC and Age UK, highlighting the standing in which the business is held. Ken and Julie have worked everywhere from New Zealand and North America to Uganda, Myanmar and across the Middle East; an upcoming project will even take Julie to Mauritius!

Ken was joined at the recent franchise exhibition at Olympia by the bfa’s chief executive, Pip Wilkins and chair, Simon Bartholomew to celebrate The Franchise Company’s landmark achievement.

Julie said: “The past 25 years have gone so quickly since I started the consultancy business and there have been a lot of changes, especially in relation to launching a new franchise and recruiting franchisees. The role the bfa has played in establishing best practice in our industry has been extremely beneficial and long may that continue.

“Seeing the brand I started expand overseas is very rewarding and we will all continue to provide our clients with excellent service and value, in line with what they would expect from a bfa affiliate.”

Ken commented: “Having worked with Julie at Prontaprint, joining her in 2001 to replace Stewart Booth was an easy decision, and one that I have never regretted. I found the change from ‘hands on’ directing to ‘talking and mentoring’ harder than I thought it would be; but with Julie’s support and the systems she and Stewart had established, the ‘tried & tested’ mantra of franchising has worked well for me.

“I can clearly remember the crucial role that the bfa played soon after it was formed to establish franchising as a credible business format with the banks and professions. Without that work the industry would not be where it is today.”

Pip Wilkins added: “Congratulations to Ken and Julie on a very impressive milestone. Their success and longevity is testament to an insistence on the highest standards, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Stafford .