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

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

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

“We are really excited to be offering these services to our clients and we can not think of a better person to deliver them, other than Linda,” explains Sarah Cook, founder of Coconut Creatives.

Packaged in a compact one-hour telephone conference with Linda Whitney:
·    A ten minute briefing session explaining how to prepare, what journalists want to know and how to relax before starting.
·    Then after a break for preparation, Linda will call again and conduct a ten minute mock interview, focussing on the kind of information journalists want from you.
·    Ten minutes of feedback, highlighting what comes across well and explaining how you can improve any area that needs polishing up.
·    Another ten minute interview allowing you to put into practice what has been learnt, followed by a final ten minute feedback session.

All interviewees receive a summary of the points made in the session by email within an hour of the session ending, which provides useful notes to refer back to in the future. The system has been on trial for a while and the response has been fantastic. The insight it has provided business owners and franchisors into the mysterious world of journalism is valuable.

“Anyone who undertakes this training will gain media communication skills that they can use for the rest of their professional career,” adds Sarah. “For just an hour on invested time, it provides a great result!”

Linda explains further “All business owners, franchisors and key staff will deal with the press at sometime. Getting it right can boost your business. Getting it wrong can have incalculable consequences.”

To find out more about media training with Linda Whitney, visit http://www.coconutcreatives.co.uk/services/press__media_training/ for full details.