Franchise project call for participants

As part of the The SEED “Franchise IT” programme, Craigavon Borough Council is working with the other five SEED councils; Armagh City & District Council, Ards Borough Council, Banbridge District Council Down District Council and Newry and Mourne District

Council is offering this opportunity to local people.

The free programme works with business owners looking to expand their current business through the franchise model with workshops and one to one mentoring for up to 25 hours lasting six months (The Franchisor Programme).

Participants will cover all key aspects of franchising, as well as facilitating the introduction of franchisors for the benefit of franchisees throughout the programme.

Chairperson of Craigavon’s Development Committee Councillor Darryn Causby said: “This programme is a fantastic opportunity for people to explore self employment, by giving them and businesses the specialist knowledge and support they need to develop or purchase a franchise.

As a council, this is a welcome development for local businesses and individuals considering self-employment and we are proud to be part of this initiative. We are confident that we will see many more successful outcomes as a result of the programme.”

Barry Kelly, Franchise Services Manager at Franchising NI explained: “A number of franchisees on the first wave of this programme recently attended the International Franchise Show in London.

“This provided them with the perfect opportunity to explore and begin to source international franchise opportunities for the Northern Ireland Market.”

One major success story from the SEED Franchisee programme to date is Dennis Devine. He said: “The Franchisee Programme has provided me with the tools and knowledge that I needed to help me to make the transition from employment to self employment.

“At present I am at the closing stages with a major independent communications company to take their franchise model forward and introduce it into the Northern Ireland market. This is an exciting prospect and the programme has certainly helped to facilitate this opportunity.”

Barry Kelly is delighted with the success, by saying: “Franchisors are actively recruiting in Northern Ireland, demonstrating the growth within the franchise market here in NI.

“We work hard to dispel the common misconception that franchising is a high cost involvement and participants learn that there are many affordable franchises available in Northern Ireland, operating within sectors of the market they may not have considered.2

Recruitment is currently ongoing for the SEED Franchise It Programme. For further information please contact www.franchisingni.com/SEED with applications can be requested from [email protected].

Alternatively, you can contact Barry on 02890 311 002 for an informal chat.