Member Article

Driving Miss Daisy A Key Focus in ITN Productions Programme ‘Franchising the Next Generation’

Driving Miss Daisy, a driving and companion service with head office in Portsmouth, is featured in the recently-launched latest collaboration between the British Franchise Association (bfa) & ITN Productions called Franchising the Next Generation.

Presented by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky OBE, ‘Franchising the Next Generation’ reveals the positive impact franchising has on individuals, business, society and the economy. The programme addresses what franchising is and how they operate, highlights how the bfa is supporting franchising in the UK and explores the latest emerging trends, and demonstrates why investing in a franchise could be the right choice for you.

Driving Miss Daisy is one of four bfa members featuring prominently on the programme, with one of its clients, Peter, providing valuable insight into the much needed service that Driving Miss Daisy offers to the nation’s most vulnerable. The segment also comprises of viewpoints from people who represent the Driving Miss Daisy network: CEO Greg Blezard, Team Leader Nicky Piper, and franchisee Kate Hampton, each talking about their experience with the company.

CEO Greg Blezard, states of the production: “Like many franchise systems, we look for people to join our brand with passion and ambition to make the business not only a success, but a source of comfort and stability to the Driving Miss Daisy customer base.” “This production showcases not only the roots of the business, but also our ethics and pivotal role in society.”

The franchising industry continues to show record growth, with recent statistics revealing a 14% increase to UK GDP, generating £17.2 billion per annum and creating jobs for 710,000 people. There are now nearly 1,000 business format franchise systems in the UK, with care and companionship for the elderly pivotal to the industry’s success. The opportunities are endless for people of all experiences, passions and backgrounds.

Pip Wilkins, QFP, Chief Executive of the bfa said: “The industry continues to present strong growth. However, the association wants to ensure that this is sustainable through education and support of ethical franchising. Our partnership with ITN Productions is now in its second year and we are excited to launch with a programme showcasing the opportunities that franchising can bring to both businesses looking to grow and investors looking to build their own franchise unit. Thank you to Driving Miss Daisy for participating and sharing its story.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Patrick Hulbert .