Coconut Creatives has now achieved the ultimate confirmation of its success by becoming the very first marketing company to attain accreditation from the British Franchise Association.  Coconut Creatives, founded by marketing specialist Sarah Cook, responds to the needs of owner managed, SME and franchised businesses that need outsourced marketing expertise. Having already taken many businesses forward over the last five years, this honour will be certain to take the Coconut business forward for 2010!

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: “The fundamental core of the BFA’s work is upholding the standards and ethics of franchising for the UK. All franchisors that carry the BFA membership logo have had to go through a strict accreditation to gain that privilege. As a result it is paramount that only companies that are able to provide good and ethical advice and services to the industry are able to become Affiliates of the BFA. Coconut Creatives has demonstrated this approach and we are delighted to see them join 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

Christmas cookies make wonderful gifts and cookie baking and decorating is a special event for many families.  We invite you to add a bit of Coconut to your Christmas this year and join us in making these delicious Coconut Christmas Cookies:

The Coconut Christmas Cookie Recipe:    Makes 60 cookies

Ingredients
8oz (225g) unsalted butter; softened                       

½ tsp coconut extract
6oz (170g) granulated sugar                                      

¼ tsp salt
16oz (450g) all-purpose flour                                         

1 large egg                                            

8oz (225g) sweetened shredded coconut               

4 tbsp (2fl oz) milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract  

8oz (225g) red and/or green candied cherries, coarsely chopped

Cookie Coating:  16oz (450g) sweetened shredded coconut

Step 1: Preheat oven to 175°C.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, egg, milk, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed until blended (may look slightly lumpy).
Step 3: On low speed, gradually add flour until combined.
Step 4: Stir in coconut and cherries.
Step 5: Place shredded coconut for coating into small bowl.
Step 6: Drop teaspoons of dough into coconut; turn gently to coat. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Step 7: Bake for 15 minutes or until coconut is toasted and cookies are set. Cool on cooling sheet for 15 minutes and enjoy!

We hope you enjoy cooking with Coconut Creatives this Christmas!