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: “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

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

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 have been working with Janine Eaglestone, founder of Woodland Dogs Ltd.  Janine and the Coconuts have been working together to launch the Woodland Dogs franchise operation which allows fellow animal lovers to run a profitable business from home.

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

Coconut Creatives has teamed together with the Fleet Street freelancer, Linda Whitney, to offer press and media training to its clients. Linda, whose franchise columns have appeared in the Daily Mail for over a decade is now offering this unique training opportunity in a response to help combat media nerves, commonly suffered by business owners and managers. Linda will be offering ‘one 2 one’ training to help individuals understand what journalists are looking for.

“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.

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 Director Chris Cook has just returned (by train!) after cycling to Le Mans from Somerset in just 48hrs. The 232 miles of cycling is part of a training programme for a charity off-road mountain bike ride in the summer.

The ride was conceived by Chris’s friend Andy Stobart (PR at Bridgestone). Andy and Chris left Somerset, with pace man James Bowler, at 12.30 last Thursday. After a brief photo-shoot at J Day Engineering the 3 headed for Shaftesbury and then on to Salisbury along pretty country roads.

With a healthy tail wind and fresh legs the pace was rapid with a top speed of 50mph recorded after one descent. James departed in Salisbury and the 2 pedalled on to Portsmouth stopping for a shower and food before catching the overnight ferry to Le Harve. The average speed for the afternoon had been 15.2mph and total mileage 85…

After a poor nights sleep on the ferry and with sore legs the guys arrived in Le Harve. The rain eased and the sun came out as they headed East to cross the estuary and then West before dropping down South towards Le Mans. Day 2 saw a whopping 95 miles covered with rain ending play at the small village of Sees approximately 70kms from Le Mans.

An early rise on Saturday saw the remaining 55miles to Le Mans covered by 11.30hrs. The guys arrived picked up their passes and met the Lola press team.

Chris returned by train to St Malo and then over the channel by Condor Ferry. Andy has continued on to the French Grand Prix a further 250kms – ouch!

Pictures copywrite Coconut Creatives Ltd. 2008

A Mendip butcher turned franchisor, who helped a Somerset school win the best dinner 2007 award, will take pride of place in this month’s Mendip Food and Drink Festival (October 19 to 28).

Among the delights offered by Jon Thorner’s is the free range pork which helped Baltonsborough School near Glastonbury scoop the Somerset accolade.

Later this month he will be showing off why he’s among the best at producing and selling local food on a national scale, and why more than 60 schools across Somerset have chosen him as their food supplier.

As a main sponsor of one of the largest regional food festivals in the country the Mendip Food and Drink Festival. Jon Thorner and his wife Caroline, run two successful template franchise farmshops with a further 4 franchised butchery counters within established farm shops in Somerset and Dorset, say promoting local and regional food is vital to supporting our farming community.

Mr Thorner, who has previously been awarded Somerset Business of the Year, said: “The Mendip Food and Drink Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate regional and local food. It creates a focus on the good things about our region and brings suppliers, retailers and customers together to offer a deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes of so many wonderful local businesses.

The recent foot and mouth outbreaks in Surrey have reinforced his message that supporting local producers helps reduce the need to transport animals and therefore reduces the chances of spreading the disease.

He said: “We’re really glad that the Surrey foot and mouth outbreak has been contained and well managed. In promoting local and regional food, we further reduce the travelling of animals and produce which reduces the risk of diseases like foot and mouth spreading right across the country.

“Seventeen of our producers live within just 10 miles of our shops, most of our meat reaches our farm shops after travelling very few miles, ensuring full provenance and quality of the meat and other produce that we offer our customers.”

Jon Thorner’s has an established relationship with marketing specialists Coconut Creatives who manage their on and offline communications, seasonal events and annual marketing strategy to maximise on exposure opportunities such as the Glastonbury Festival which Jon Thorner’s has supplied with produce for almost 10 years.

Since graduating from Bournemouth University in 2005, Tariq Ebrahim has had big plans to redefine the online dating market with a brand new concept; theICEBREAKER.

Launched on the 1st December 2006, with national newspaper and radio coverage, the business concept had a great start towards hopeful success.

What makes theICEBREAKER different from other online dating sites is that the real magic doesn’t happen online. Once registered and armed with cards, you could be absolutely anywhere, even stuck in a crowed public place where traditional ‘chat up’ lines just wouldn’t be appropriate.

Tariq explains “You sign up, order your cards and start giving them out. Then, next time you’re at a party, on a train or even at work and you see someone you’d like to get to know better, just give them a card… they go to our website and look at your profile and if they like you, they click to accept the date!”

Tariq also happened to give a card to Sarah Dyer at Coconut Creatives and began a new type of relationship… a professional marketing one.

Since it’s conception, Coconut Creatives has helped www.theicebreaker.co.uk make affiliations with Bournemouth University, Islandoo (owned by the Channel 4) and the BBC to help raise awareness of this unique online dating phenomenon and increase its growing online membership base.

Maybe not coconuts but every business owner has an ultimate goal and ours is to escape to a desert island filled with palm trees!

The reason I have started with this analogy is business owners tend to get bogged down in the daily operation of their company and loose sight of what they are actually doing it all for!

Ask yourself; are you suffering from the common things associated with small independent business:

- Keeping up with new technology
- Growing pains as you expand
- HR issues and red tape
- Loosing site of the customer as the market changes (so does customer needs)
- You know what you want to do but just don’t have enough time to do it

The answer can be simpler than you think!

The owners we work with often know what they need to do to generate more profit, many simply need more time! The reason you are doing what you do is because you are good at it. The forward momentum of the operation tends to be left to grow in an ad-hoc way which is not the best way.

We have one core aim which is to offer the small independent businesses a fair and fighting chance at reaching that aim, whether it is a desert island with palm trees or a luxury motor yacht…