The event, entitled the Power of Marketing, will be held on the 4th of August at the De Vere Hotel, Wokefield Park near Reading. Presentations will be specifically tailored to increase understanding of the necessary marketing components for successful franchise recruitment. As well as Chartered marketers Sarah and Chris Cook, there will be a number of other speakers including case studies of successful franchisees.

This event is ideal for anyone who would like to improve their franchise recruitment marketing strategy, as well as those who are starting out and looking for some helpful tools and tips of how to begin! To find out more about this exciting event please click here.

To attend this seminar you must be a BFA member, however Sarah and Chris will be running a number of other dedicated marketing workshops for franchisors who cannot attend on this date or do not qualify.

If you are interested in attending this event, or other forthcoming Coconut workshops please click here, or email caroline@coconutcreatives.co.uk.

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

Us Coconuts were so happy that Myakka had done so well we decided to spread the word a little further and on their return launched a small press campaign. Everyone else seemed to be very interested in Myakka’s great products too and the Blackmore Vale Magazine and the Western Gazette both decided to let all their readers know about them by publishing our press release.

Myakka’s products are designed for the British market and produced in India using the latest computer controlled machinery to ensure consistent quality. The company is dedicated to sourcing its products in an ethical way, using only wood from sustainable plantations and negotiating prices which are profitable for their suppliers.

Myakka’s commitment to ethical products has been recognised with a host of awards including the Ethical Award in 2009 which places Myakka in the top 33% of British companies for demonstrating corporate social responsibility. Since 2006 they have been recognised as an importer and retail member of the British Association of Fair Trade shops (BAFTS) and are proud to say that over 90% of their products are sourced in a Fair Trade manner.

Coconut Creatives have been working with Myakka for almost two years now and we love the fact they care so much about being fair to all the people they work with, while still providing great products for all their lovely customers.

To find out more about us please go to www.coconutcreatives.co.uk

Visitors to Grand Designs Live enjoying Myakka's new ranges

The franchise was set up only a few months ago and provides a friendly and efficient outsourced bookkeeping service to small businesses. The franchise has been inundated with enquiries from people eager to find out more; in fact in only a couple of months over 600 people have expressed an interest in joining!

This may seem like a lot, but when you take into account the fact that Rosemary Bookkeeping franchisees enjoy profit margins of around 70% month on month it seems like a very sensible (and profitable!) career choice. There are several other benefits too including totally flexible work times to fit in around family and social life, working from the comfort of your own home – imagine that long boring commute becoming a thing of the past. Being your own boss with the security of using a tried and tested system and tailored support to help you whenever you need it is something new business owners rarely have.

Here’s a quote from one very satisfied franchisee “With a Rosemary Bookkeeping franchise, a lot of the hard work has been done for you and the support and knowledge is already there and ready to use. If anyone wants to buy a bookkeeping franchise I would highly recommend Rosemary Bookkeeping.”

Another big advantage is you don’t need any formal qualifications to join the Rosemary Bookkeeping Franchise; anyone who is logical, friendly and prepared to work hard can make this a success!

Here at Coconut Creatives we specialize in helping franchises just like Rosemary Bookkeeping grow bigger and better by offering support and advice on how to attract the best people for their businesses. Phew, it’s a good job we love what we do so much or we’d definitely be signing up too!

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

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!

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.

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