The Coconut’s morning session focused on the importance of consistency, guarding your brand, passing your brand values through your franchise network and ways of affecting changing brand values.

The seminar audience was made up of some powerful brands including; Dominos Pizza, Shopper Anonymous, Burger King, Gas Elec, Laptop Learning, Select Appointments, Snack in the Box and Wiltshire Farm Foods amongst others.

The second half of the session was a lead debate between the franchisors and other seminar attendees. This gave everyone the opportunity to discuss what had worked for them and their franchise networks. A great morning and appropriate conclusion to the two day conference.
The Coconut’s ended with ideas on further books and articles to read. These included; Brand Sense by Martin Linstrom and Tribes by Seth Goodwin. Sarah also presented her own white paper.

If you missed the seminar and would like to request your free white paper titled ‘Love, War and the Future of UK Businesses’ please email caroline@coconutcreatives.co.uk

The Coconuts are experts in marketing franchises, and they are currently the only BFA Accredited Marketing Consultancy. Their long awaited book on Franchise Marketing titled ‘Dream, Plan, Reduce Risk & Take Action‘ is due to be published in July this year.

Kyli’s Coconut Creation

Ingredients

Malibu coconut rum (1 measure)
Curacao orange liqueur(1 measure)
Orange juice (1/2 measure)
Pineapple juice (1/2 measure)
Cranberry juice (1/2 measure)

Method: Pour the Malibu rum and Curacao into an ice-filled cocktail glass. Add, by pouring down the side of the glass, in order; orange juice, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice. Garnish with a cherry & pineapple wedge.

Now, if that doesn’t do it for you, try one of the old classics…..

Caroline’s Carribean Crusade

Ingredients

Watermelon schnapps (1 measure)
Malibu coconut rum (1/2 measure)
Triple Sec (1 measure)
Orange juice (1 measure)
Lemonade (1 measure)
Lemon juice (1/2 measure)

Method: Fill a highball glass with a handful of ice and add ingredients. Then mix.

Kyli

Caroline

The British Franchise Association acts as the governing body of the franchise industry and has recognised Coconut Creatives as THE specialists in the field who add value to businesses through expert marketing for franchise recruitment, franchisee marketing and progression of the core business and its long term strategic direction covering the areas of advertising, PR and promotional activities.

Brian Smart, Director General of the BFA, says: “Marketing is both a structured discipline and a creative art.  Building the one into the other is a continuing process that Coconut Creatives do, and do well.  Franchising is a similarly a structured discipline and a creative art which you need to understand to get right.  Coconut Creatives do understand franchising and we are delighted to welcome them to the BFA.”

Coconut Creatives’ service combines the benefits of employing an in-house Marketing Manager with those of a Marketing Consultant, without the disadvantages of either; this means franchisors benefit from a complete service from marketing planning right through to implementation   ensuring the delivery of the key activities and tracking return on investment.
“We are thrilled to be welcomed as a member of the British Franchise Association. Having worked with many franchisors over the last few years, it seemed like a natural step for us to take,” says Sarah Cook, founder of Coconut Creatives.
For more information about Coconut Creatives or to arrange a free consultation, please contact Sarah or Chris Cook on 01963 360896 or email info@coconutcreatives.co.uk

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

Janine Eaglestone has managed to succeed when many others have failed before her in attempting to make money through working with animals.  Woodland Dogs Ltd was launched 5 years ago and she now generates in excess of £60K per year walking and caring for dogs.  Using her methodologies, systems and experience, others can now also learn how to run a successful, profitable and long term business with animals.

“I’m offering a fantastic lifestyle and profitable business venture.  Most people don’t know how to work with animals profitably, but I do.  You can learn Woodland Dogs’ unique systems and strategies through the training and support offered through this franchise opportunity” Janine says.

Janine is actively searching for franchisees who are skilled in customer care with great communication and organisation, franchisees who would love to become part of the Woodland Dogs team.

Some regular tasks for franchisees include:

• Visiting potential owners and their dogs
• Discussing their requirements and to ensure that the owner has a broad understanding of the costs
• Meeting the dogs to be walked in order to demonstrate compatibility
• Informing Woodland Dogs HO of those requirements and costs.
• Fulfilling the agreed contract with the owner
• Marketing the Woodland Dogs business locally
• Organising a diary of daily walks for owners’ dogs
• Picking up and dropping off dogs from their homes
• Walking different groups of dogs (6 – 12) two or three times a day in a safe and controlled environment.

Above all, Woodland Dogs franchisees offer exemplary service to dog owners and provide a safe, sociable and fun walking experience for the dogs in their care.

To find out more about this exciting opportunity and to request a prospectus or check availability within your area, please contact Janine Eaglestone on 07732 876092

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 360896

Sophie is in training to be a consultant and is in the process of completing her CIM (Chartered Institute of Marketing) examinations.  Not long from now however the husk will be removed and the true marketing coconut inside will be revealed…(or she’ll just pass her exams and become qualified).

Sophie’s profile will be arriving soon on www.coconutcreatives.co.uk giving curious cats a chance to read all about her!

Coconut Creatives founders Sarah and Chris Cook are delighted to announce Peace One Day as the company’s official non-profit organisation that they wish to support.

Peace One Day is headed by Jeremy Gilley who has worked tirelessly for the last 10 years to establish 21 September as a day of global peace. Sarah and Chris met Jeremy recently at a Peace One Day fund raising event in London.

With support from famous names like Angelina Jolie, The Dalai Lama, Jude Law and Annie Lennox, Peace One Day has managed to raise much awareness. Jeremy has campaigned around the world to boost recognition and increase momentum of this official day of ceasefire and non-violence agreed by the United Nations.

“We cannot think of a better cause than to support a day of peace,” says Sarah Cook. “Wherever you live, everyone deserves peace, especially the children in war zones and those that have lived a lifetime of violence in fearful situations. If we can help to spread the awareness of 21 September, Peace Day, we help to save lives.”

“If we are to move from a culture of war to a culture of peace then we will have to unite around the most fundamental issue that humanity faces – the protection of each other and our environment,” says Jeremy Gilley, Founder of Peace One Day.

“21 September, Peace Day, is the starting point and I am delighted to have the support and commitment of Coconut Creatives in helping us raise awareness. Our call to action is ‘What will you do to make peace on 21 September?”

Please make your commitment at wwww.peaceoneday.org and mark 21 September on your calendar to include yourself in this global day of peace.

Whether you have an existing campaign that could do with an outside opinion or you are looking to start from scratch, why not book a place on the free clinic. Franchise Marketing Specialists from Coconut Creatives will be on hand during the day to share some handy hints and tips on creating a successful franchise marketing strategy.

Headed up by Chartered Marketer’s Sarah and Christopher Cook, Coconut Creatives specialises in servicing the franchise sector with marketing solutions. “Any franchised business has a much more complicated business structure,” explains Sarah Cook. “It is vital that all the stakeholders involved with the business are communicated with in a clear and consistent manner and this includes prospective franchisees. This is the key to a successful franchise recruitment campaign.”

“The workshops offer the opportunity for attendees to take away something they can implement back in the office and if they get stuck, they can pick up the phone and ask us a question,” explains Coconut Creatives founder Sarah Cook.

Spaces are very limited due to a small number of ‘Coconuts’ being available on the day for 30 minute consultations so it is advisable to pre-book your slot. By pre-booking, you will be able to send copies of your adverts and any marketing plans you are following to the Coconut Team, so that they can be reviewed before the day. This gives franchisors the chance to obtain more detailed feedback and to discuss some possible solutions.

For further information about Coconut Creatives services or to reserve a space on one of the forthcoming free clinics email Sarah Cook at sarah@coconutcreatives.co.uk or visit http://www.franchiseinfo.co.uk/fmc/ for more information about guest speakers at the conference.

With the Glasgow Franchise show fast approaching, franchising is high on the public agenda. There is no wonder why, when it is said that 1 in 2 business start ups fail while the risk of getting into business by buying a franchise is significantly lower.

To find out about the Glasgow Franchise Show or get a copy of Business Franchise Magazine visit http://www.franchiseinfo.co.uk/other-pages/magazine

Hello, Yellow!!

Coconut Creatives directors Sarah and Chris Cook were delighted to discover that the colour that represents the Coconut Creatives brand, has been named ‘Colour of the Year 2009′!

Pantone Inc declared that Mimosa: the bright optimistic yellow, that Coconut Creatives use, will be the colour of this year! Yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance.

The Coconut Creatives team certainly believe in its qualities to cheer up any exhibition hall or event they attend!