Make it your 2010 resolution to squeeze all the fabulous benefits out of Coconut Oil that you can!

Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconut harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Throughout the tropical world it has provided the primary source of fat in the diets of millions of people for generations. It has various applications in food, medicine, and industry.

At Coconut Creatives, we use the goodness of Coconuts to benefit businesses!  We have a good start to 2010 with many client successes to boast of:

The buildings insurance claims management company Spettro have just celebrated the launch of ther 30th franchise in Bristol managed by Susan Massey.

“Sally and Sarah from Coconut Creatives have become very much a part of our team and part of our company. They have exceeded our expectations in pushing Spettro forward in so many ways and we are truly delighted with the progress that we have seen. We whole heartedly recommend them, they are not only a delight to work with but extremely professional and knowledgeable in marketing and public relations,” Jenny Smith, Co-director, Spettro Ltd

Innovative children’s entertainment company, Go-Kart Party are also looking back on a successful 2009 as over just the summer months they have had 10 franchise sales across a wide range of regions.  Founded by business entrepeneur Gerry Ussher, Go-Kart Party has plans to continue its national growth to open up access to Go-Karting experiences for children:

“Demand for parties across the UK is growing due to sporting icons like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button and parents wanting to give their children the best parties and experiences possible.”

Coconut Creatives has also been working with Janine Eaglestone, founder of Woodland Dogs Ltd, to launch the brand new Woodland Dogs franchise operation which allows fellow animal lovers to run a profitable business from home.  She is already welcoming her first franchisee!

Despite the economic unrest over the past 18 months and pressure on retailers, Myakka has proved that doing business ethically pays dividends. In line with increasing sales the furniture and home accessories company has increased the support they give to their suppliers and their community in India. The Directors also opted to support their local community in Somerset by commencing the creation of a £25k community fund through the Somerset Community Foundation. Read more

Rosemary Bookkeeping have taken on their first 2 franchisees just weeks after launching their franchise with the help of Coconut Creatives. They now have 3 (including the pilot) and training scheduled for next week.

“Sarah and the team at Coconut have been extremely helpful to us from the start, they are very knowledgeable in the world of franchise marketing and have supported us tremendously in getting our name out there in the marketplace. I would recommend Coconut to anyone who is looking to boost their marketing efforts.” Lisa Curteis

FitKid launched the LazyTown element to their franchise and have expanded; with many new franchisees, more full-time staff, a brand new online shop and Bournemouth and Poole Lottery funding initiatives, Fitkid has been able to increase its efforts to help combat the frightening statistics on UK childhood obesity.

“FitKid has been working with Coconut Creatives for over four years and the results have been fantastic. We would definitely recommend Coconut Creatives to those companies wanting to take their franchise and business to the next level,” Mrs Nicky Kay, Development Director, FitKid Ltd

For more information about Coconut Creatives, please click here to contact us, or call on 01963 360896

Coconut Creatives’ client Spettro deals with buildings insurance claims for such eventualities as fire, theft, storm damage, flooding and much more.  Their most recent press release covers the topical issue of flooding.  With so many people affected by the floods of late, it is important to spread the word about Spettro’s services, as they are free to the insured home owner.

New research from the ABI indicates that as global temperatures rise, so will the cost of property insurance and for the UK specifically, the insured cost of flood and windstorm damage could increase significantly.
The experts in climate catastrophe risks, AIR Worldwide Corporation and the Met Office, produced The Financial Risks of Climate Change for the ABI which examines the financial implications of the increasing temperatures on the insured cost of flood and windstorm damage in the UK.

Spettro have over 38 years of experience in dealing with claims for flood damage and are prepared for the oncoming gloom of climate change.  Spettro Limited is regulated by the Financial Services Authority which allows them to loss assess and mediate with all the major insurance companies, a service which is free of charge to the insured.

This study brings to light a shocking potential rise of 14% in annual insured losses from river flooding and flash floods, based on a four-degree rise in global temperatures which could occur as early as 2060.  Windstorm losses are even more threatening with a possible rise of 25% due to changes in ‘storm tracks’, along which cyclones travel.

Mrs Middleton from Surrey points out how Spettro thinks ahead in practice: “I would like to say how pleased I was with the service provided by Spettro, in particular Kevin England who gave me some very helpful advice about what we can do to prevent flooding in the future.  You provided a far better service than the restoration company who were originally appointed by our insurance company, much needed at a stressful time!”

According to the research, the worst affected areas of the UK are likely to be Wales and the south-west regions; for the latter, average annual flood and wind damage insured losses could rise by 29% and 24% respectively.

A Spettro Franchise can put you in a position to take climate change by the horns and with 30 territories sold already, this franchise is a popular choice. Contact Spettro now to request a prospectus on 01883 621047.

Coconut Creatives founder, Sarah Cook undertook the first franchisee training seminar for client, Envos, earlier this month. Sarah has assisted the Envos team to recruit and train the first 5 new franchisees within just weeks of launching the franchise package.

With record breaking enquiries and contracts being won across the UK, this franchise has received an outstanding amount of interest from individuals wanting a new career in this market estimated to be worth in excess of £500 million. “Envos is a fantastic business and it is a pleasure to be working with such a talented team to help achieve their franchise recruitment objectives,” says Sarah.

The Envos business model responds to recent legislation changes. From January 1st 2009 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required by law for all commercial buildings, with very few exceptions. Much like the ‘A, B, C’ energy efficiency ratings on household white goods, Envos franchisees respond to the new government legislation to provide similar ratings on commercial buildings.

Envos was initially looking for 20 individuals to fill regional franchise positions. With 5 franchisees now trained and operational this leaves just 15 places left. Regional franchisees purchase a large geographical area with opportunities to subdivide their region in the future and manage a team of energy assessors. Franchise Marketing will continue throughout the year until the remaining 15 places are filled.

The first Envos franchisees to be trained, learned how they could reach projected net profits amounting to £450K by the end of Year 2. The two day training course included a specialist marketing and PR seminar and franchisees left with a selection of marketing tools and knowledge to get their business started.

“This franchise offers all the added benefits of a national brand: national clients, technical help background, training, support and being the first to deliver new services,” explains Mark Doe who was the first to sign up.

The franchise zones now taken include Kent, Devon, Somerset and the whole of Scotland. With over 216,000 audits estimated to be required in the next few months alone, Envos already has demand in place for the additional 15 regional franchisees that come onboard.

Yet Envos founder Wade Barker warns franchise seekers to do their research whatever franchise they are considering: “Be confident that the market is there for whatever franchise you are looking at. Don’t just take the word of the franchisor.”

For further information about Envos and to reserve your franchise zone call 0845 6434954 email franchise@envos.co.uk
To request information about franchise recruitment, franchise marketing or franchisee marketing, contact Sarah Cook at Coconut Creatives on 01963 31030 or email sarah@coconutcreatives.co.uk.

Sarah Cook from Coconut Creatives undertaking the Envos training session

Pilot Franchise Opportunity in your area!

Coconut Creatives have been working with Whizz Bang Pop, the national children’s entertainment business to assist them to launch its franchise operation.

This franchise is ideal for people who do not want a 9 – 5 job behind a desk. It is for individuals that enjoy working with children where every day is different and brings new challenges and rewards.

Whizz Bang Pop is a children’s entertainment business with an established network of entertainers throughout the UK operated from its head office in Brighton. With over 4 years of trading history, Whizz Bang Pop has proved its business model is sustainable and reliable in a range of economic conditions, in providing entertainment for children aged 3 – 12 years old.

This is a BRAND NEW franchise looking for just TWO individuals to operate a pilot franchise within their area. A pilot franchise is the same as a normal franchise, just with an exceptionally low fee! Whizz Bang Pop will offer significant opportunities for the right individuals to completely change their lifestyle and have fun every day through entertaining children. Individuals can also consider operating a Whizz Bang Pop franchise as a management business with a network of their own entertainers.

Established in 2005 as a premier children’s entertainment business, Whizz Bang Pop is looking for enthusiastic, friendly and outgoing individuals to develop the Whizz Bang Pop children’s entertainment brand in their own area.

“The two pilot franchisees will be fully trained using our proven systems and entertainment techniques. We will only be looking for a small number of franchisees initially so that we can provide them with an excellent level of care,” explains Sally Davis, Managing Director.

The franchise package includes comprehensive training, support and an operations manual. Franchisees will launch with an integrated marketing campaign including a promotional launch! Leads are partly generated through the Whizz Bang Pop HQ and passed on to the franchisee within the area.

“What other job could encompass my three favourite things: fancy dress, singing and being silly? It is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had,” Elena Kyriacou, Whizz Bang Pop Entertainer, Sussex.

The Whizz Bang Pop package also includes an exclusive set of costumes, designed for Whizz Bang Pop by Renaissance Designs and custom made for each franchisee. “It is vital that Whizz Bang Pop costumes are unique and endearing. A Whizz Bang Pop children’s party is an experience like no other and the children really believe that they have met a fairy, princess or pirate!” adds Sally.

Exclusively for the first 2 pilot franchisees, the franchise fee is heavily reduced to just £7,595!

This includes FULL training, launch, operations manual and exceptional support from the experienced management team. Training includes shadowing a current Whizz Bang Pop entertainer, so you will feel completely comfortable and confident when the time comes to do it alone! For those looking for a challenging and fulfilling new career working with children, with flexible hours to suit your lifestyle and commitments, this is the franchise for you!

For a prospectus contact Whizz Bang Pop on 08450 17 10 77 or email franchise@whizzbangpop.co.uk

For further information about how Coconut Creatives can assist you to launch or grow your franchise or business, please contact Sarah Cook at Coconut Creatives on 01963 31030

Coconut Creatives is proud to announce the launch of one of its latest clients, Drain Away.
Drain Away is one of the South’s premier plumbing and drainage companies having been trading successfully since 1990.  However, the company was not always this impressive size or shape.  It was very much the brainchild of Jason Carpenter, who started the company as the original “one man and his van”, shortly after having completed his apprenticeship.

Having successfully built the company up from nothing, aside from hard work and commitment, Jason and his team at Drain Away are looking for like-minded individuals rather than trained plumbers to share in their ambitious expansion plans for 2009.

Drain Away offers all their franchisees a comprehensive three-week training programme.  The training programme, which is held in their HQ in Bournemouth, Dorset, has been specifically developed for the needs of the novice plumber.

Coconut Creatives Marketing Specialists, Victoria Bel Gil and Sarah Cook have been working with the directors to prepare for the launch by creating a franchise recruitment marketing plan. “The Drain Away franchise offers so much, including an incredible 15 day training programme,” explains Victoria.

The Franchisee fifteen-day training programme includes an induction to the Drain Away team and their customer service charter.   Franchisees are then taken step by step through what’s involved in the marketing and recruitment of new customers.  They learn about the enquiry to invoice administration system that Drain Away have developed to ensure franchisees will definitely not be distracted from making money by lengthy administration processes.

The majority of the training involves developing practical skills in drainage and plumbing.  In addition to learning the techniques in the traditional classroom setting each franchisee will spend 5 days reviewing and practicing at the Drain Away on-site plumbing and drain practice areas which include a real life residence with mocked up plumbing mishaps to fix and dummy drainage system to practice unblocking drains with the onboard van jetter and CCTV cameras.

Following training at the Drain Away’s Head Office, the franchisee will spend time with a Drain Away Operative, attending jobs, giving them a taste of what it will be like running their own Drain Away Franchise.

“A strong feature of the Drain Away franchise is the support they offer franchisees. For example included in the training package is 3 full days on site shadowing with a Drain Away senior member of staff to accompany franchisees to jobs with the option of further days at an additional charge. There will always be someone at the end of a phone able to give advice, if required,” explains Franchise Your Business Consultant, Tim Mott who has prepared the business package for the franchise market.

Unlike so many other opportunities Drain Away does not have to rely upon a good economy to grow, much of their work is a distress purchase or insurance driven response, so their clients have a need and they chose the most responsive and customer friendly service – which is Drain Away.

Jason explains why,
“We don’t feel the doom and gloom of the credit crunch as many of our customers purchase because they have an emergency or because they are making an insurance claim and they know they are dealing with professionals”.

Drain Away are keen to hear from individuals that can be both hands on and manage a business; no former plumbing experience is required.  Drain Away would love to hear from you if you feel you could be the person to help them in 2009, develop into your local area. Maybe you’re worried about your future or just fancy a challenge…but most of all maybe you want to earn some serious money!

One of the Coconut Creatives team, Sally Butters was invited to speak at an annual conference for franchisees recently. Held in Birmingham, the conference was attended by all the franchisees from Coconut client Spettro, a buildings insurance claims management company.

Sally has been working with Spettro since October 2007 on their franchisee recruitment campaign and with 21 franchisees now running 27 territories across the UK it was time for their first annual franchisee seminar. So, as one of the Coconut’s Marketing and PR specialists, she relished the opportunity to mingle with the Spettro crowd and deliver their session on marketing to improve their business.

“People who know me would laugh as they say that I am not lacking in confidence! I am used to public speaking from my experience with new business pitches, media relations and delivering talks to lectures theatres of 200 students so this was a very tame crowd!”

The day was a great success and feedback from the attendees included requests for the annual event to become biannual so the directors at Spettro will be looking forward to organising the next event soon!

Sally answers questions in the break!

Sally presenting at Spettro’s Franchisee Seminar

***breaking franchise news***
Magnus Scheving appeared live on BBC Breakfast to launch a new partnership between FitKid and LazyTown on Wednesday 7th January.

LazyTown and FitKid have joined forces to launch an exciting new franchise business opportunity enabling franchisees to deliver official LazyTown classes and Parties within FitKid’s proven franchise business network.

With so much concern and media interest over child health and obesity, LazyTown and FitKid’s partnership will cement two companies with drive and passion to offer healthy lifestyle choices to Children. We offer the perfect solution to providing healthy fun activity classes which are enjoyable for all.

Learning the joys of an active life as a child is a vital skill that enables children to become healthy, confident adults. LazyTown classes ensure the children enjoy themselves so much that they keep coming back for more.

Nicky Kay, Director FitKid says “It is fantastic to be working with LazyTown, Children love Sportacus and Stephanie and now they can come along and have fun at the LazyTown classes. This new opportunity will assist in encouraging more Children to be active and meet our aims of inspiring them to lead a healthy lifestyle.”

Magnus Scheving, the creator/director and star of LazyTown, will be attending interviews in January to support the launch of LazyTown FitKid (UK) – fun fitness classes for kids. Sessions will incorporate the LazyTown music and dances along with fun play equipment such as parachutes, space hoppers, balls, etc. encouraging kids to move and get active. Parents will also be able to book LazyTown themed birthday parties for their child.

Magnus says, “We’re very excited about working with FitKid (UK).They’re a terrific company who really understand the LazyTown philosophy of making fitness fun for kids.”

The current FitKid franchise package will be relaunched to include LazyTown, enabling the fantastic opportunity for our franchisees to also deliver branded LazyTown classes and parties to help encourage children to lead an active lifestyle. If you are interested in finding out further details about this franchise opportunity or would like your child to attend the new LazyTown classes, please email nicky@fitkid.co.uk for further details.

FitKid are looking for people to join us in taking this opportunity to the next level and delivering LazyTown Classes and Parties to Children in their local community offering a substantial business opportunity.

E-mail Nicky now at nicky@fitkid.co.uk for further information on how you can become involved in this exciting new business opportunity. Visit www.fitkid.co.uk for further information.

Check out – http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast to view Magnus’ interview.

… as four new franchisees join the team in just one month!

Since Coconut Creatives assisted FitKid with the launch of its franchise package in 2007, this national child fitness brand has been establishing a number of key franchise zones around the UK with a great deal of success and gradual growth.

This month sees a further FOUR new franchisees undertaking training at FitKid’s HQ in Dorset. Training will be undertaken by Coconut Creatives founder, Sarah Cook (formally Sarah Dyer).

Nicky Kay, FitKid’s Franchise Director is delighted with the progress. “We welcome four new franchisees to the team which will cover North Sunderland and Tyne and Wear, Norwich, Islington and Stoke Newington and Wood Green. All are to launch in January 2009. Many individuals are realising that FitKid offers a superb franchise opportunity and suits those who may be returning to work after having children,” says Nicky.

Franchisees can earn £50K through this opportunity by purchasing a 5 year FitKid Franchise at a very low cost of £7.5k. The franchise provides a realistic solution for part time or full time work where franchisees effort equals their own reward, as well as helping to make fitness fun for so many children.

“I think the franchise is popular because it is really affordable. Franchisees also undergo specialist training and gain a nationally recognised child fitness qualification that equips them with the skills to run the business. This franchise is so important to us to help spread the word about childhood obesity and work with as many people as possible to give our children the best start,” adds Nicky.

The pilot franchise, in Poole and Bournemouth is doing really well with over 35 classes a week. New projects have also been secured with Bournemouth School Sports Partnership this academic year.

Sue Young is one of the new franchisees starting training next week and comments, “I’m very excited about bringing FitKid to the North East. I’m looking forward to having fun with the kids while having a positive influence on their health.”

The FitKid Franchise supports government initiatives to improve child fitness and reduce child obesity, currently estimated to be 30% by 2010. FitKid achieves this by making active play a priority and most importantly, enjoyable.

To request a prospectus contact Nicky Kay at FitKid on 08700 85 1000 or email nicky@fitkid.co.uk

Coconut Creatives have many different types of clients with different specialisms. Spettro are one such client that can offer some advice back to us, which is useful to everyone who owns their own home:

Spettro are specialists when it comes to repairing homes and commercial properties when the weather does its worst but take their advice this Autumn and you’ll save yourself some cash this Winter.

Tony Smith, one of the directors at Spettro, has nearly 40 years experience of fixing damage to homes caused by our great British weather. “Take action this weekend and you could save yourself a lot of hassle and money just by checking through the list below,” he explains.

1. Ensure that all gutters and downpipes are cleared, are free of leaves and debris and that there are no blockages in any downpipes or hopper heads where rainwater discharges into.
2. Check that your drains and gulleys are free-flowing and remove any vegetation or blockages to assist with the flow of water.
3. Ensure that flat roofs are in good condition and that any tears, rips or other repairs are undertaken in order to prevent rainwater seaping through into the property.
4. Ensure that any missing or broken roof tiles or slates are replaced and that courses are aligned to prevent rainwater ingressing through into the loft space.
5. Ensure that all pipework is adequately lagged and protected to prevent freezing in exposed areas such as loft spaces or outbuildings.
6. Ensure that all water tanks in the loft are adequately lagged and immersion heaters have sufficiently thick insulation jackets fitted.
7. Ensure that your gas boiler has been serviced by a Corgi Registered heating engineer before winter commences.
8. Ensure that your loft space is insulated to the recommended thickness (which is a minimum of 300mm) whilst ensuring that the fiberglass quilting insulation does not block the airflow to the roof eaves. Check that no insulation is placed directly under the cold water storage tank, as this requires a certain amount of warm air to prevent freezing.
9. Check radiators to ensure they are bled of any air blockages and that they are working at maximum capacity and any thermostatic valves fitted can be turned easily.
10. If you are going away during the winter months, turn your thermostat down and leave your central heating system on so that if we get a bit of snow then your pipes won’t burst!

Remember, if your home or business does get damaged by extreme weather conditions then you can leave it to Spettro to get the repairs done by their trusted tradesmen. Spettro Limited is regulated by the Financial Services Authority which allows them to loss assess and mediate with all the major insurance companies, a service which is free of charge to the insured! Visit www.spettro.net for more information or keep the freephone number handy 0800 389 2251.

In these uncertain economic times you may find people having to cut back on life’s little luxuries. Traditional beauty salons and their treatments such as facials and massages sadly often fall into this luxury category. Treatments are often put on hold pending better times or reserved for one off special occasions, which leaves large gaps in cash flow for salon owners.

However, new Coconut Creatives client, Strip Ltd who offer their clients waxing only treatments, has experienced the exact opposite to this downward trend. That’s because salon owners Danielle and Maria–Louise ensure that Strip Ltd offers its’ clients a very unique wax only experience.

“Our appointment books are always full, even in these harder times there is no substitute for getting a great service in fabulous surrounding, our customers just keep coming back for more treatments.” comments Danielle Featherstone co owner and director of Strip Ltd.

So what is the secret of Strips success?

“Strip’s unique product range is definitely helping us ride out any retail credit crunch, on the contrary we have had our best 4 months with turnover increasing by over 20%,“ comments Maria-Louise Featherstone Co Owner and Director with her sister Danielle.

All franchisees have access to the premium range of waxing products including the new SoBerry Delicious and famous Chocolate-Hazelnut wax that all the celebrities are raving about! The range also includes Rosette, Lavender, Active Gold and Manifico (for men) that leaves skin smooth and smelling delicious. A real treat for clients! Franchisees will also be able to stock fabulous designer lingerie at discounted rates which adds another revenue stream.

Secondly, it offers a unique setting and fabulous interior to ensure clients feel pampered during their visit.

Strip Ltd has recently launched a lucrative franchise opportunity that means that once you have embraced the Strip brand your appointment books will always be full too!

The Franchise costs only £15,000 plus extra expenses involved in turning your salon into a Strip waxing salon and lingerie boutique.

All new franchisees will undergo an extensive training programme supported by a comprehensive operations manual. In order to recreate Strip’s unique customer experience, Franchisees therapists will also undergo a 3 step training programme.

The Franchise has been set up by expert franchise consultant Mike Gratwick from Franchise Your Business. “This is an extremely unique and exciting opportunity that I believe will perform well with the right franchisees,” comments Mike.

If you are interested in beauty and wish to be a part of this waxing revolution then this is the franchise for you. To request a prospectus email franchise@2strip.com or call 07903 502304 or 07932 015 636.

Example of the famous Chocolate-Hazelnut wax. It looks good enough to eat!