New Year, New Possibilities: Become a Franchisee in 2024.

New Year, New Possibilities: Become a Franchisee in 2024.

Almost a third of Brits are predicted to have made a new year's resolution for 2024, with doing more exercise, losing weight, drinking less and spending less time on social media among the most popular choices.

Nearly one in five resolution-makers (18%) want to advance their career goals and, if you're one of them (or have just decided you fancy a career change), now is the perfect time to consider investing in a franchise.

Of course, people unfamiliar with franchises will probably ask: "But what benefits does choosing a franchise have over getting a new job?" 

Let's take a look!

Wellbeing on your terms.

Essentially, franchisees operate as entrepreneurs, with the autonomy to make decisions on work hours, locations and duration. This flexibility creates a career that aligns with your lifestyle, fostering a work-life balance often elusive in a 9-5 job while simultaneously improving your wellbeing.

And, with more and more people working from home in 2024, investing in a franchise that can adapt to different locations and settings - like Cafe2U - is a particularly good idea!

It's profitable.

The franchise industry is renowned for its profitability, making it an attractive choice for those seeking financial growth. Consistent performance directly translates to increased income, offering limitless earning potential for franchisees.

Swift start up.

Becoming a franchisee is a straightforward process that involves an interview, the drawing up and signing of a contract, buying into the franchise and then training for the new role, which may only take a matter of weeks. After that, you're up and running!

If you don't want to hang around, franchising is one of the best ways to get a new business off the ground as soon as possible.

Low-risk venture.

Did you know that approximately 97% of UK-based franchisees currently run in profit? (Or that just 38.5% of businesses that launched in the UK in 2016 were still operating five years later?)

This success can be attributed, in part, to the ability to tap into an existing customer base that is already familiar with the brand. With a built-in trust factor, franchisees can bypass the years typically spent establishing credibility, saving both time and money on extensive promotional efforts.

Comprehensive training and support.

Opting for a franchise means gaining access to thorough training from the franchisor before your business opens. Ongoing support from both the franchisor and fellow franchisees ensures a wealth of knowledge and assistance to navigate challenges, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.

Our customers aren't going anywhere!

Even with a significant proportion of the population currently having less disposable income, there are certain products and services that people just can't do without, and research shows that good coffee is one of them!

Traditionally, consumers would splash out on new clothes or gadgets to treat themselves when they got paid. As a result of the cost of living crisis, however, people are increasingly swapping more expensive treats like these for cheaper but equally rewarding alternatives, with top-quality coffee among their favourites.

Consequently, despite the pandemic/lockdown, our sales have gone from strength to strength in recent years and this trend shows no sign of stopping.

Is a Cafe2U franchise right for you?
At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining every month. If you're interested in developing your career by becoming the owner of a mobile coffee franchise and a qualified barista operating in your own exclusive area, you can find out more about our franchise opportunities here.

How To Get Your Franchise Summer Ready

As the temperature rises and the days get longer, now is the perfect time for Cafe2U franchisees to gear up for a successful summer season. With people craving refreshing and energising beverages, this is the perfect opportunity to attract new customers and boost your sales. In this blog, we'll explore some essential tips and strategies to ensure your franchise is ready to thrive during the summer months.

Give your menu a summer twist

To cater to the summer crowd, it's important to introduce new and enticing offerings like iced coffees and frappés to your menu. Experiment with seasonal flavours, like strawberry, and don't forget to offer non-dairy milk alternatives to cater to a wider range of dietary preferences.

Invest in equipment and supplies

Ensure your van is equipped with the necessary tools to handle the increased demand for chilled drinks. Stocking up on cups, straws, napkins, and any other supplies you'll need to serve your customers efficiently during busy summer days is a must!

Enhance your outdoor setup

Make your van a destination for people seeking respite from the heat. Create an inviting and comfortable outdoor seating area with umbrellas or awnings to provide shade. Set up some tables, chairs and cosy seating options to encourage customers to relax and enjoy their drinks, as well as to attract passers-by.

Embrace social media

Leverage the power of social media platforms to promote your franchise during the summer. Share enticing photos and videos of your seasonal offerings and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Run contests and offer special discounts or giveaways exclusively for your online followers to increase your online presence and drive foot-fall to your business.

Collaborate with local events and businesses

Summer is the season for festivals, concerts and outdoor gatherings, so why not partner with local event organisers or nearby businesses to establish collaborations? Not only will this increase your visibility, it will also provide an opportunity to connect with a broader customer base.

Offer mobile ordering

To cater to customers who demand convenience above anything else and help you tap into new markets, be sure to make the most of the mobile ordering options that are available through the Cafe2U app and online platform.

Here's to another successful summer!

Preparing your franchise for summer requires a combination of thoughtful planning and creativity but, by keeping your focus on providing exceptional customer experiences and staying ahead of the competition, there's no reason your mobile coffee business can't thrive over the splendid summer months ahead.

Five Questions To Ask Yourself Before Investing In A Franchise

According to the most recent survey by the British Franchise Association, more than 700,000 people in the UK work in the franchising industry, with a staggering 93% returning a profit. Consequently, it's no surprise that, when thinking about a career change, many people weigh up the pros and cons of investing in a franchise themselves.

But with so many factors to consider when it comes to joining the franchising industry, how can you be sure that becoming a franchisee is the right decision for you? 

We've compiled the top five questions that every would-be franchisee should ask themselves.

Can you afford it?

Whatever type of franchise you find most appealing, investing in it will require you to find enough money to cover both start-up and ongoing costs, with the average cost of buying a franchise in the UK currently standing at approximately £15,000.

Before you begin trading, you'll need to pay an up-front franchise fee to the franchisor for the right to use its brand name, logo and business plan. It also usually covers training, support and marketing.

An ongoing fee will almost certainly be payable too, such as a management or royalty fee to continue trading under the franchisor's brand. This will either be a fixed monthly fee or a percentage of your profits. You may also be expected to make regular contributions for ongoing promotion and marketing activity and, if you're required to sell the franchisor's products, you will also need to buy inventory.

Depending on the nature of the franchise, you may also need enough working capital to pay suppliers, staff, rent, insurance and utilities - as well as your own cost of living - in the interim before your business becomes profitable.

Are you passionate about your chosen franchise?

If you're not 100% interested in the industry in which your chosen franchise specialises, walk away. Not only will your customers and clients quickly pick up on your lack of enthusiasm, resulting in reputational damage to your business, but you're also more likely to lose interest in it in the long-term, which could conceivably cost you a significant amount of money.

Conversely, if you invest in a franchise you're truly interested in, your energy and passion for it will naturally come through, resulting in you offering a better product or service to your customers.

While the predicted earnings and the work/life balance being offered by your chosen franchise are important factors to take into account, if they're the only things that interest you about it, it's time to think again.

Have you done your due diligence?

The only way to ascertain your new business' chances of success is to get out in the area in which you want to operate and do some market research. Does the local community have the right demographics for your business? Is it crying out for whatever you have to offer? Or are there already too many businesses offering the same services in the area? 

At this stage, being thorough and patient is vital, so resist the temptation to sign on the dotted line until you can answer these questions and more. The more time you invest before you buy a franchise, the better your return on investment is likely to be.

Do you have the right skill set?

Familiarise yourself with what day-to-day life as a franchisee in your chosen field entails and make sure you're confident you have the personality, lifestyle and skills to make a success of it if you decide to take the plunge. 

Ask yourself questions like: 

• can you deal with early starts and long days?

• Do you enjoy interacting with members of the public?

• Are you well organised?

• Can you handle any and all daily paperwork that may be involved?

• Will you be comfortable implementing the franchisor's procedures?

If you can honestly answer 'yes' to these sorts of questions, franchising could be a good fit for you. 

How will you spread the word about your new franchise?

You'll need to advertise your new business before it launches - to build interest - and once it has launched, to ensure people know that you're there and what you have to offer.

Establishing a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all advisable and you should also be prepared to put up posters, make and deliver flyers and advertise in local newspapers in order to promote your franchise too, especially if it isn't already a household name.

Cafe2U franchises are available

Not only are they available, they're one of the best franchise options for 2023. In addition to a top-of-the-range electric van and an exclusive area in which to operate, all our new franchisees receive all the training and equipment necessary to get their businesses off the ground. We also supply them with all the ongoing support and marketing advice they need too.

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, we can even assist in arranging finance for you. For more information, click here.

Franchising Resolutions For 2023

Resolutions are for the whole year, not just January, so we've compiled five top franchising tips for you to stick to in 2023 in order to take your business to the next level.

Become as sustainable as possible

Climate change awareness is higher than ever, so it's imperative for your franchise to reduce its carbon footprint to become as sustainable as possible without delay. With consumers increasingly unlikely to deal with any company that isn't overtly environmentally friendly, ensuring your franchise is as sustainable as possible has become non-negotiable if you want it to succeed.

While sustainability has rightly been a buzzword for franchises for many years already, 2023 could well be the year when record numbers of businesses become greener than ever, with shifts towards going paper-free by digitising records, using recycled/recyclable/reusable products and materials wherever possible and installing long-lasting LED light bulbs among the most common initiatives.

At Cafe2U, our zero-emission electric vans are helping us on our way to becoming the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company.

Get out and about

This might sound obvious for a mobile business but in order to increase the profitability of your franchise, it's worth getting off the beaten track every once in a while.

Every Cafe2U franchisee has an exclusive territory in which to operate but, no matter how well they know the area, untapped opportunities can often be found within it. If there's a good-sized park or sports field in your vicinity, find out if any upcoming events are taking place there as these will often provide you with an excellent opportunity to make new customers.

Freshen up your offering

It's no secret that customers quickly become bored if a franchise's product offering stays exactly the same every day. That's why it's so important to occasionally add new items to your menu to complement your perennial best-sellers to keep regular customers interested and attract new business.

Keep an eye out for opportunities like Easter, Halloween etc and offer products themed around them when the time comes. Our sweet and warming S'more mochas always go down a treat around Bonfire Night!

Plan for upcoming seasonal events

Do your research to make sure you're always prepared for any national holidays or awareness days that are just around the corner and can be targeted by your franchise. Bank Holidays are an obvious example as they can provide multiple catering opportunities for your franchise.

What this means is that you should be promoting your services now - whether it’s in person or online - to try and get some bookings in the diary. A simple Google search will also bring up a list of other relevant dates for you to note down and target. 

Ensure you're making the most of social media

It's one thing to be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram but if you're not posting regularly and using them to interact with customers, you're missing a trick!

As well as allowing you to let people know when you'll be out and about - and where you'll be - social media also allows you to advertise any new drinks or snacks you're offering, answer customers' questions and build strong relationships with consumers.

Franchising opportunities with Cafe2U

If you're interested in changing careers or becoming your own boss, franchising is one of the most risk-free ways of doing so.

All our franchisees receive all the training and support they need to help make their business a success. If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

Franchise Forecast for 2023

As a new year looms, franchisors across the UK are analysing 2022's trends to try and ascertain the direction in which the franchise industry is heading. While external factors like rising inflation rates and reduced consumer spending are out of their control, there are still plenty of things franchisors can do to give themselves the greatest chance of success over the coming months. 

Successful organisations know they must constantly evolve to remain ahead of the pack and these are the three ways in which we expect to see growing franchises shape the franchise industry in 2023.

Becoming as environmentally friendly as possible

With awareness of the importance of sustainability at an all-time high among consumers, environmentally-aware businesses are reaping the well-deserved rewards, as customers increasingly choose to only support those that protect the environment as much as possible or, better yet, give something back to it too.

Franchises that use recycled and/or recyclable products, work to reduce their carbon footprint and demand the same of their partners and suppliers can expect to earn the support of both customers and potential franchisees over those that exist solely to make money in 2023.

Innovating

Every franchise wants to be profitable and increasing your profit margin invariably means taking a percentage of one of your competitors' market share. One of the most effective ways of doing so is by being as innovative as possible in order to get in front of - and appeal to - as wide an audience as possible.

In the mobile coffee industry, this might mean developing an app that customers can use to make their experience more convenient, embracing digital advertising or switching from diesel vehicles to electric models - all moves which are both innovative and environmentally-friendly and ones Cafe2U has made in recent years.

It would be a surprise if the franchises that innovate the most in 2023 aren't celebrating another successful year in 12 months time.

Through sustained growth

According to the British Franchise Association (BFA), approximately 710,000 people are employed in the UK franchise industry, with more than 90% of franchisees running at a profit.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing cost of living crisis, it's not unreasonable to think that many who can afford to do so will be tempted to invest in the franchising industry in 2023. This will allow them to take back control of their finances by becoming their own boss in a demonstrably profitable industry that remains low risk, with fewer than 1% of franchises failing each year in comparison to the approximately 60% of non-franchise SME start-ups that fail within their first five years.

Those franchises that make themselves most appealing to would-be franchisees in 2023 should be in for an excellent year.

Could a Cafe2U franchise be right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining regularly. If you're interested in becoming the owner of a mobile coffee franchise and a qualified barista operating in your own exclusive area, you can find out more about our franchise opportunities here.

We’ll supply you with everything you need to get your business off the ground, from training and equipment to ongoing support and advice on marketing.

With an excellent reputation, ever-expanding customer base and impressive sustainability record, we're sure that joining the Cafe2U family in 2023 is a decision you won't regret.

National Career Development Month 2022: Why Choose A Franchise?

Established by the National Career Development Agency in 1967, National Career Development Month is a month-long awareness campaign designed to improve career development among people of all ages and encourage employees and students to focus on their future career choices.

With the opportunity to think about your future career prospects comes the opportunity to consider changing jobs but while changing your employer but remaining within the same industry has long been an everyday occurrence, today more and more people are considering leaving their current career behind in favour of becoming a franchisee.

So what benefits does choosing a franchise have over simply getting a new job? We take a look.

You are your own boss

In recent years, work models like the gig economy and zero-hours working have become more prevalent in the UK than ever before. But with people now realising the limitations of these ways of working, many people are choosing to become a franchisee in order to take back control of their career development.

Franchisees are essentially self-employed, so becoming one gives you the autonomy to make your own decisions on a huge variety of issues, including where, when and for how long you work each week, giving you a flexible job that fits in with your lifestyle and improves your work/life balance. 

With working from home now the 'new normal', running a business that can adapt to different locations and settings is a great idea and one that is likely to see the franchising industry continue to flourish over the coming months.

You can get started quickly

If you want to get a new business off the ground as soon as possible, franchising is an effective way to do so.

Becoming a franchisee is a simple process that involves an interview between the franchisor and franchisee to ensure suitability, the drawing up and signing of a contract, buying into the franchise and then training for the new role, which may only take a matter of weeks. After that, you're up and running!

It's low risk

It seems like the last few years have been fraught with risk at every turn, with everything from the pandemic to the cost of living crisis putting a damper on people's ambitions. 

However, with 97% of UK-based franchisees currently running in profit and fewer than 1% of franchisors closing due to commercial failure, it's clear that one thing that is relatively low risk is investing in the franchising industry, especially when compared to the fact that only 40% of new businesses in the UK survive more than three years.

Becoming a franchisee also increases your chance at enjoying a successful career because your customers are likely to already be aware of your brand and its reputation (which, hopefully, will be positive), meaning you get the benefit of an established customer base that would otherwise take years to establish, saving you both time and money on costly promotional activity designed to raise brand awareness.

It's typically profitable

Many people change careers in order to increase their earning potential and the franchising industry is profitable to say the least. Consistently good performances will see your income increase directly, meaning the sky's the limit when it comes to your earning potential.

With many people's finances in need of a shot in the arm after two years of economic uncertainty, the franchising industry's profitability makes it a great place for people looking for a career change to start their search.

Is a Cafe2U franchise right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining every single month. If you're interested in developing your career by becoming the owner of a mobile coffee franchise and a qualified barista operating in your own exclusive area, you can find out more about our franchise opportunities here.

The Importance of Franchisee Wellbeing

Taking place from October 10th - 14th, National Working Life Week 2022 is designed to give employers and employees the chance to focus on wellbeing at work and the importance of a healthy work-life balance. 

It's no secret that although running a franchise can be extremely satisfying, it’s also hard work, which can be tiring and pressurised at times. As a result, taking care of their own wellbeing can sometimes get pushed down franchisees' 'to-do' lists. So how can we try to make sure this doesn't happen?

Become familiar with the warning signs

Everyone gets warning signs when they need to slow down or take a break. Physically, the signs often include headaches, aching joints or not sleeping well. Emotionally, they might present themselves as low moods, mood swings or feeling demotivated or constantly on edge.

It’s important to be aware of what your indicators are so that you can do something about them. You can’t eradicate every source of pressure so instead of feeling stressed about things over which you have no control, try to focus your energy on things you can.

Take time off

Nobody can - nor should they attempt to - work constantly, so taking time away from running your franchise is vitally important. As well as being good for your mental health, making time to do things you enjoy often enables you to get a clearer perspective on issues within your franchise too.

Sleep, eat and exercise

It can be easy to fall into unhealthy habits when running a franchise, especially in the early days, and failing to get enough sleep, eat well or exercise are among the most common. 

If you find yourself skipping meals, working through your breaks or replying to emails late in the evening when you could be relaxing or doing some exercise, it's time to reassess your habits and work-life balance. While these things may happen from time to time, it's important not to let them become your usual way of working or you increase your risk of suffering burnout.

Be realistic

As a franchisee, you will naturally want to give your clients the best service possible. But there's a fine line between wanting to accommodate customers and over-promising, with the latter often resulting in you having to sacrifice your wellbeing in order to deliver. 

If you find yourself regularly over-committing, it's time to question whether you're taking too much on. And remember the old mantra 'It's better to under-promise and over-deliver.'

How Cafe2U looks after its franchisees

At Cafe2U, looking after our people is of paramount importance, which is why we provide all our franchisees with all the training and ongoing support they need. By ensuring our expert advice and experience is always available to them, it makes it easier for them to deal with any issues that may arise and increases the likelihood of their wellbeing being suitably catered for.

We let our franchisees know that we're right behind them and happy to provide assistance, whether it's practical or emotional. We're always here if they need a chat or some moral support.

Furthermore, becoming a franchisee gives people the opportunity to take control of their work destiny by giving them the autonomy to make their own decisions on a huge variety of issues, including where, when and for how long they work each week, giving them a flexible job that fits in with their lifestyle and improves their work-life balance, which improves their mental health.

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

Financing Your Franchise

As regular readers of our blog will know, joining the franchising industry remains a good financial option despite the cost-of-living crisis. But there's no getting away from the fact that some people who want to become franchisees simply can't afford to do so right now.

If you fall into that category, what options are available to you? We take a fresh look.

Angel investors

A term originally used to describe the wealthy patrons that funded Broadway shows, today angel investors provide capital across almost every industry. Put simply, they are wealthy people looking to invest in businesses that will earn them a profit.

Angel investors could invest anything from £1 up to hundreds of thousands - or even higher - so there's a good chance that there's one looking to invest the sort of amount you're after, whatever the figure.

To secure funding from professional angel investors, you'll need a solid business plan and an intricate knowledge of your business that you can explain in simple terms to someone who may have no prior knowledge of the franchising industry. Of course, you'll also need to be comfortable and confident discussing the numbers - how much investment you're hoping for, what your predicted turnover is and how that translates to profitability.

Fortunately, preparing a solid business plan is relatively straightforward when the business is a demonstrably profitable franchise with an already-established reputation but don't be fooled - preparation is key as you'll need to impress any potential investors, who might also be considering investing in numerous other businesses.

If you're interested in becoming a franchisee and think an angel investor would help you achieve your dream, you can find out more information here.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding provides a platform for anyone to pitch an idea and anyone to invest in it.

Although successful pitches may result in a handful of investors investing large sums, most typically see several investors contributing a relatively small amount. For example, in America, a new smoothie company recently raised more than $1mil with approximately 5,000 investors all investing around $100 each.

Anyone interested in crowdfunding should remember that if the campaign fails to meet a minimum investment, all funds are returned to investors, so would-be franchisees need a plan to market their fundraising campaign as heavily as possible.

If this sounds like a route you're interested in exploring, check out Shopify's list of the 10 best crowdfunding websites here.

Friends and family

Quite possibly the oldest, easiest and most reliable method of securing funding for a franchise opportunity is turning to the bank of mum and dad, so if you have family and friends with enough savings to help you get your franchise off the ground, don't hesitate to ask them. 

The worst case scenario is they say no. But if they can afford to help out and are looking for an investment opportunity, the fact that they know and, hopefully, believe in you could help you raise the capital you need quicker than you imagined.

Cafe2U - the franchise for you

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information. We can assist in arranging finance and your personal investment can be as low as £15,000 subject to status.

Tips For Boosting Your Franchise in Q3 and Q4 2022

In the franchising industry, it's important to be aware of the financial year. Made up of four quarters, the financial year is a period of 12 months that enables both franchisors and franchisees to calculate their budgets, profits and losses and compare their results to previous years to ascertain whether or not the business is performing as well as expected.

The financial year also allows franchisees to evaluate their success in greater detail by enabling them to compare their results quarterly, instead of across a whole year. This means that, if necessary, they can tweak their business offering to help increase profits and/or hit targets before the end of a particular quarter.

With this financial year's third quarter (Q3) starting on July 1st, what should you do if your franchise could do with a shot in the arm heading into it? Here are our top tips.

Keep things new and exciting

One of the benefits of becoming a franchisee is being able to use the franchisor's already-established name to attract customers. However, those customers are likely to become bored if your product offering stays exactly the same every day, so it's important to add new items to your menu to complement your perennial best-sellers every so often to keep regular customers interested and attract new business.

Keep an eye out for opportunities like the August Bank Holiday, Halloween and Bonfire Night and offer products themed around them when the time comes. 

At Cafe2U, we celebrated the Platinum Jubilee by adding some new items to our menus that were fit for a Queen, including the Eton Mess Milkshake, Cucumber & Mint Iced Tea and the English Toffee Iced Latte. Thankfully, our customers loved them!

Make sure you're environmentally-friendly

For many customers in 2022, eco-friendliness has become a necessity, with a significant number refusing to do business with companies that aren't overtly sustainable. 

If your franchise needs to drive extra footfall between now and the end of the year, review your marketing material and online presence to ensure you're making customers aware of just how sustainable your business is.

At Cafe2U, some of the green initiatives our franchisees can shout about include:

• our reusable or compostable cups

• our paper cup and coffee grounds recycling schemes

• our fully digitised, paper-free head office

• our sustainable and ethical partners and suppliers, and

• our fleet of emission-free, fully electric vehicles

Hit the road

If you need to increase the profitability of your franchise, it's a good idea to get off the beaten track every once in a while.

Every Cafe2U franchisee has an exclusive territory in which to operate but, no matter how well they know the area, untapped opportunities can often be found within it. If there's a good-sized park or sports field in your vicinity, find out if any upcoming events are taking place there - funfairs, charity events and performances by local bands or amateur dramatics groups will all provide you with an excellent opportunity to make new customers.

And don't forget to let people know where you'll be and when. Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram are great for getting a message out; you could also have pamphlets and flyers made up for some more traditional advertising.

Treat your customers kindly

Not for no reason is the phrase 'the customer is always right' still prevalent in the business world!

If you need to sell more of your product, one of the first things to review is your approach to customer service. Every person who visits you should be made to feel appreciated - after all, there are plenty of other places they could spend their money. Make sure you greet every customer, make eye contact, engage in small talk, go the extra mile to make sure they're happy with their order and generally treat them like royalty. Where possible, offer them a loyalty card to increase your chances of repeat business from them too.

Remember, people are much more likely to tell their friends and family about a bad experience than they are about a good one, so keeping your regular customers happy and making your new ones feel important is paramount. Doing this will give your franchise the boost it needs.

Take advantage of your franchisor's experience

If you need a helping hand, your franchisor is always there to help and offer advice and support, so don't be afraid to ask for help if your numbers aren't where you'd like them to be.  

Franchising opportunities with Cafe2U

There's never a bad time to join the franchising industry and at Cafe2U, all our franchisees receive all the training and support they need to make their business a success. If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

Why Franchising Remains a Good Option Despite the Cost of Living Crisis

As a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis, many people are experiencing financial worries and, if you're one of them, launching a business is probably the last thing on your mind.

However, if you've ever considered joining the franchise industry, here are a few reasons why doing so today could actually be a smart idea.

It's a Reliable Business Model

Franchisors enable franchisees to operate under an established brand with an existing customer base. This means that buying a franchise is both comparatively low-risk and, with 93% of franchisees in the UK running at a profit, potentially lucrative. 

Needless to say that, during a cost of living crisis, these are two of the most desirable characteristics a new business venture can possibly have.

You Receive Training and Support

By investing in a franchise instead of starting your own business, you will receive all the necessary training from the franchisor before your business opens, as well as access to ongoing support from the franchisor and other franchisees.

When you start your own business, you're essentially on your own, so having your franchisor's expert advice and experience to help you become established and deal with any issues further down the line is invaluable and increases the likelihood of your franchise being successful.

It's Easier to get Funding

In the eyes of the banks, franchises are generally considered to be a less risky route to business ownership, even when the economy is suffering. This means that, so long as you have a robust business plan in place, receiving the funding you need to get your franchise up and running can be reasonably straightforward.

There's Less Competition

When the economy is booming, more people are emboldened to take a risk on a new business venture. However, when finances are being squeezed, people are much less likely to take the plunge. This means that if you decide now is the right time for you to buy a franchise, you'll be competing with far fewer other new businesses than you would be than if the economy was booming, increasing your chances of cornering the market in your chosen industry.

Consumers Aren't Going Anywhere

Even with a significant proportion of the population currently having less disposable income, there are certain products and services that people just can't do without. This means that, as long as you do your research and pick a franchise that operates in an industry which consumers regard as essential, there will be a guaranteed market for you to tap into.

You're Motivated

If the cost of living crisis is negatively impacting you, you'll naturally be more careful with your money and investments so, if you decide now is the time to buy a franchise, you'll have an incentive and be even more motivated to make sure it's a success. 

Cafe2U Franchise Opportunities

Our CEO, Martyn Ward, gives his thoughts on why investing in a Cafe2U franchise could be right for you despite the cost of living crisis.

"At Cafe2U, we have a robust and proven business model. We do everything possible to equip new franchisees with all the tools they need to make their business a success, from training and support, to organising networking events with other franchisees, providing them with exclusive areas in which to operate and helping them advertise their business to drum up interest before it launches and ensure it gets off to the best possible start.

"What's more, we know for certain how effective our approach is - despite the UK's financial issues, our mobile vans set a new sales record just last week! For anyone questioning whether a business such as ours would continue to be profitable in the current climate - there's your answer.

"Consumers love good coffee come rain or shine and it is becoming increasingly apparent that there is still a large market for it despite the cost of living crisis - where people might previously have treated themselves to a pair of shoes or a new jacket, they're now treating themselves to a top-quality coffee instead to reduce their outgoings while still getting a well-deserved pick-me-up.”

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, click here for more information.

The Top UK Franchising Trends

It's no exaggeration to say that the UK franchising industry is in rude health. Recent figures have revealed that it's both one of the most profitable in the country and one that is growing exponentially - in 2001, it contributed £5bn to the UK economy; today, that figure stands at £15bn, an increase of 200% in fewer than 20 years.

Following another positive year in 2021, in which the industry recovered impressively from the difficulties of the COVID outbreak and subsequent lockdowns of 2020, there's every reason to believe that 2022 will be another positive one for franchisors and franchisees alike. 

But what are the secrets of the most profitable franchises' success? We've highlighted some of the trends being adopted by them below.

Franchising Trends 2022

Before we get into the details, the first thing to mention is that all the current trends are geared towards growth. If 2020 was about survival and 2021 was about making a comeback, 2022 looks set to be the year when the most successful franchises consolidate and expand their businesses. 

This is how they'll be doing it:

By appealing to the growing number of prospective franchisees

As a result of the franchising industry's ongoing success and the fact that more than 50% of franchisees are now declaring an average turnover in excess of £250,000, interest in franchising is at an all-time high. Add in the fact that would-be investors are eager to make up for lost time when it comes to changing careers post-COVID and it's not hard to see why many people believe 2022 is set to be a year of major franchise growth.

So with an ever-growing pool of franchisees to attract, franchisors will be going all out to ensure they have the materials and systems in place to make their businesses as appealing as possible by creating strong marketing plans, installing expert franchise development teams and refining - or even completely redesigning - their websites.

By investing in public relations

This follows closely on from the previous point and offers significant benefits to those who can afford it.

Simply put, hiring a public relations (PR) company helps franchises communicate with the public or a specific target audience, increasing awareness of its image and improving its reputation and profile by positioning it as an expert in its field.

Although PR works hand-in-hand with marketing and advertising and has the same goal of securing the customers and sales necessary to increase the franchise's profitability, it differs from both by earning consumers' attention, rather than paying for it. To put it another way, adverts tell people how great your franchise is; PR convinces people to talk about how great your franchise is.

With growth at the top of franchisors' to-do lists, expect to see more and more of them adding PR teams to their pay-rolls.

By becoming more sustainable

With awareness of climate change and the threat it poses at an all time high, it has never been more important for organisations to reduce their carbon footprints and become as sustainable as possible. And, with prospective franchisees, employees and consumers all increasingly unlikely to deal with any company that isn't explicitly environmentally friendly, ensuring your franchise is as sustainable as possible has become non-negotiable if you want it to succeed.

While this is a trend which has been gaining traction for many years, 2022 is likely to be the year when record numbers of businesses become greener than ever, with shifts towards going paper-free by digitising records, using recycled/recyclable/reusable products and materials wherever possible and installing long-lasting LED light bulbs among the most common initiatives.

At Cafe2U, we're introducing zero emission electric vans to our fleet of vehicles, with the aim of becoming the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company.

By strengthening key relationships

Important in any year, strengthening relations with internal teams, other franchisees, suppliers and consumers is perhaps the most important trend for 2022.

Having reestablished key relationships in the aftermath of the pandemic, solidifying and strengthening them to ensure stability and repeat customers will almost certainly hold the key to business growth over the coming months.

Franchise Opportunities with Cafe2U

With the industry stronger than ever, now is the perfect time for people interested in investing in a franchise to leverage the strength of the industry and begin their journey towards becoming a franchisee.
At Cafe2U, our franchisees receive all the training and equipment they need to get their business up and running, as well as ongoing support, marketing advice and an exclusive area in which to operate. To find out more about our mobile coffee franchise opportunities, click here.

New Year, New Start: Become a Franchisee in 2022

Well over half a million people in the UK work in the franchising industry - circa 620,000 - and, in 2021, an astonishing 97% of franchisees turned a profit. Consequently, the number of people employed in the industry is expected to swell even further over the coming months.

If you're weighing up whether or not becoming a franchisee is the right move for you, it's important to remember that there's a lot more to becoming successful than just identifying an opportunity you like the look of and handing over your money. Here are a few things to consider before you take the plunge.

Make sure you can afford it

Different franchises have different costs but whatever franchise you're considering, you'll need enough money to cover both start-up and ongoing costs.

Before you begin trading, you'll need to pay an up-front franchise fee to the franchisor for the right to use its brand name, logo and business plan. It also usually covers training, support and marketing.

The average cost of buying a franchise in the UK is £15,000 but that figure varies enormously depending on the nature of the business. The start up cost for a home-based franchise, for example, will be much cheaper than for one that requires premises, specialist equipment and furniture.

An ongoing fee will almost certainly be payable too, such as a management or royalty fee to continue trading under the franchisor's brand. This will either be a fixed monthly fee or a percentage of your profits. You may also be expected to make regular contributions for ongoing promotion and marketing activity and, if you're required to sell the franchisor's products, you will also need to buy inventory.

Depending on the nature of the franchise, you may also need enough working capital to pay suppliers, staff, rent, insurance and utilities - as well as your own cost of living - in the interim before your business becomes profitable.

Be passionate about your business

This may seem obvious but if you're not really interested in the industry in which your chosen franchise specialises, walk away. Not only will your customers and clients quickly pick up on your lack of enthusiasm, resulting in reputational damage to your business, but you're also more likely to lose interest in it in the long-term, which could conceivably end up costing you a lot of money.

On the flip side, if you invest in a franchise you're truly interested in, your energy and passion for it will naturally come through, resulting in you offering a better product or service to your customers.

While the predicted earnings and the work/life balance being offered by your chosen franchise are important factors to take into account, if they're the only things that interest you about it, it's time to think again.

Do your due diligence

The only way to ascertain your new business' chances of success is to get out in the area in which you want to operate and do some market research. Does the local community have the right demographics for your business? Is it crying out for whatever you have to offer? Or are there already too many businesses offering the same services in the area? 

At this stage, being thorough and patient is vital, so resist the temptation to sign on the dotted line until you can answer these questions and more. The more time you invest before you buy a franchise, the better your return on investment is likely to be.

Customer service is vital

When you launch your new business, you ideally want it to gain a good reputation, fast. However, in the age of social media and online reviews, poor feedback from customers can quickly break a business, so you need to remain friendly, knowledgeable and professional at all times (the same goes for any employees).

If you can achieve this, not only will your customers keep coming back, improving your customer retention rates, it will also increase the chances of them singing your praises to their friends and colleagues. There's nothing better than free publicity, especially when it's positive!

Marketing and advertising are vital too!

Speaking of publicity, you'll need to spread the word about your new business before it launches - to build interest - and once it has launched, to ensure people know that you're there and what you have to offer.

Establishing a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all advisable but putting up posters, making and delivering flyers and advertising in local newspapers are all effective ways of promoting your franchise too, especially if it isn't already a household name. 

Cafe2U franchises are available

Not only are they available, they're one of the best franchise options for 2022. In addition to a Mercedes-Benz Vito premium van and an exclusive area in which to operate, all our new franchisees receive all the training and equipment necessary to get their businesses off the ground. We also supply them with all the ongoing support and marketing advice they need too.

If you're interested in investing in a Cafe2U franchise, we can assist in arranging finance for you and your personal investment can be as little as £15,000. For more information, click here.

Why a Coffee Van Franchise Could be Right for You in 2022

In the UK, 620,000 people are employed within franchising and, with 97% of franchisees turning a profit, there is every reason to think that that number will increase next year. 

But profitability is just one of the reasons that make the industry such an excellent option for people considering a career change over the next 12 months. Here, we've taken a look at some of the others.

The opportunity to become your own boss...

In the UK, forms of work such as the gig economy and zero-hours working have become more common than ever. However, following the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are increasingly on the lookout for jobs that offer them the opportunity to take control of their own work destiny and becoming a franchisee does precisely that, making the franchising industry an attractive proposition in 2022.

Franchisees are essentially self-employed, so becoming one gives you the autonomy to make your own decisions on a huge variety of issues, including where, when and for how long you work each week, giving you a flexible job that fits in with your lifestyle and improves your work/life balance. With working from home now the 'new normal', running a business that can adapt to different locations and settings is a great idea and one that is likely to see the franchising industry continue to flourish over the coming months.

If you've ever dreamed of being your own boss, becoming a franchisee will make that dream come true.

...and do it quickly!

If you want to get a new business off the ground in a hurry, franchising is the answer to your prayers.

Typically, becoming a franchisee is a simple process that involves an interview between the franchisor and franchisee to ensure suitability, the drawing up and signing of a contract, buying into the franchise and then training for the new role, which may only take a few weeks. After that, you're up and running.

With people keen to put 2020 and 2021 behind them as soon as possible, the quick process involved in joining a franchise is likely to see people taking the plunge in large numbers over the coming months.

Franchising is a low risk industry

People who want to run their own business have seen their ambitions restrained by Covid-19 over the last couple of years, with everything from going to the shops to changing jobs carrying with it a significant degree of risk.

One thing bucking that trend is the franchising industry; 97% of UK-based franchisees currently run in profit, with fewer than 1% of franchisors closing due to commercial failure. Compare that to the fact that only 40% of new businesses in the UK survive more than three years and it's not hard to see why the industry is so popular.

Becoming a franchisee increases your chance at succeeding because your customers are usually already aware of your brand and its reputation (which, hopefully, will be positive). It also brings with it an established customer base that would otherwise take years to establish, saving you both time and money on costly promotional activity designed to raise brand awareness.

With many people currently more risk-averse than ever, the low risk involved with becoming a franchisee is another reason the industry should perform well in 2022.

Profitability

As we've already mentioned, the franchising industry is a profitable one but 'profitable' could be an understatement. Consistently good performances will see your income increase as a direct result, making your earning potential as big as you make it.

With many people's finances in need of a shot in the arm after two years of economic uncertainty, the franchising industry is a likely destination for many people looking for a new challenge in the new year.

Could a Cafe2U franchise be right for you?

At Cafe2U, we have a network of circa 100 franchise partners, with new franchisees joining every single month. If you're interested in becoming the owner of a mobile coffee franchise and a qualified barista operating in your own exclusive area, you can find out more about our franchise opportunities here. 

As well as receiving a Mercedes-Benz Vito premium van, we'll also supply you with everything you need to get your business off the ground, from training and equipment to ongoing support and advice on marketing. What are you waiting for?!

Our Red Vans Are Going Green!

That's right - the nation's favourite mobile coffee company has become the first anywhere in the world to introduce an all-electric, totally emissions-free coffee van to its fleet of vehicles! Our new van launched earlier this week and can already be found serving customers.

Historically, our vans have been petrol powered with diesel generators powering the equipment. However, in 2019, we switched all the generators to emission-free lithium-ion batteries and are now in a position to begin moving away from petrol in favour of electric too. 

On the road to being the first carbon neutral coffee company

Our goal is to become the UK's first carbon neutral coffee company and to have an entire fleet of electric vans in the next few years - well ahead of the Government's ban on petrol and diesel vehicles, which doesn't come into effect until 2030. By changing the fleet to electric power, we estimate we'll save a whopping 12,672g of CO2 per year.

And that's not all. As well as boasting zero emissions, our new vehicle also features fewer moving parts and more effective brakes, meaning fewer replacement parts need manufacturing which reduces our greenhouse gas emissions further still.

To coincide with the unveiling of our first electric van, we've also launched a compostable paper cup to minimise our paper usage and our head office is currently in the process of digitising all its files ahead of a 2022 deadline to be completely paper-free. We've also switched from print to digital advertising and launched a new app to replace the old loyalty card system.

Our other existing sustainable practices

But doing everything possible to become more environmentally-friendly is nothing new for us - we've introduced several other sustainability initiatives in recent years, including the launch of a waste coffee grounds recycling scheme and replacing our plastic straws with paper alternatives.

Our Chief Executive, Martyn Ward, said: "Reducing our carbon footprint is absolutely vital to us and our customers so we're always on the lookout for new ways to become even more sustainable. We are delighted to be leading the way in the mobile coffee market with our new zero emissions coffee vans which are a world first.

"As well as being better for the environment, electric vehicles will enable our franchisees to access indoor events and emission-free zones, amplifying our pro-sustainability message even further. To be the world’s first is testament to the progressive nature of our brand and the hard work both our head office and franchisees put in each and every day."

Setting Your Franchise Up For Success

The Tokyo Olympics are now well underway and, with double figures in the medals already, this is the best start for a British team in Games history - and the highest number of gold medals for Britain at this point.

With Team GB impressing from the start, we've taken a look at what we can learn from its sporting success and how it can be applied to our businesses to ensure we stay ahead of the competition.

Teamwork

If you've listened to the winning Olympians' post-event interviews, you will have noticed that almost all of them emphasise the importance of teamwork, with their coaches, trainers, nutritionists and families often receiving special praise. What you won't have heard is an athlete claiming their success was down to them and them alone.

At Cafe2U, we know that, just like athletes, our franchisees can't succeed without support, so, in addition to providing them with a support network to cheer them on, coach them and challenge them, we also provide them with a comprehensive four-week training course to ensure they have the skills necessary to hit the road as a qualified mobile coffee business owner.

From barista training to business processes training, our Franchise Development Managers are always there to help our franchisees reach the top of the coffee podium.

Confidence

Just like athletes need to believe in their own abilities, entrepreneurs must be bullish about their chances of becoming the best.

At Cafe2U, we assess potential franchisees to ensure our business is right for them, so when they start up their mobile coffee business, they can be confident that we have faith in them and will be there to cheer them on, no matter what.

In fact, we're so confident that our new franchisees will do a great job, we offer a £275 per day income guarantee during the early days of their franchise.

Passion

Why do athletes limit their calorie intakes and put their bodies through stress, pain and the risk of injury? Why are they constantly looking for ways to improve performance? Because they're passionate about what they do and they want to be the best at it.

The same is true of successful entrepreneurs. Setting up your own business is hard, stressful and demanding, and inevitably involves encountering obstacles. If you're not passionate about the thing you do, you won't be motivated to overcome those obstacles and you'll fail.

Fortunately, many people are incredibly passionate about coffee, including us. From our unique blend, which is sourced from some of the finest growing regions in the world and roasted by small batch coffee roasters, to the expertise provided by our barista trainer, passion goes into every cup of coffee you'll sell. 

Practice, evolve, improve

In addition to determination, drive and focus, practice is the most important weapon in an athlete's armour, and the same is true of Cafe2U franchisees. 

Practice enables you to learn and expand your skill set, two abilities that are vital for any successful businessperson. Cafe2U has been on the road for more than 17 years and, although we know the coffee industry like the back of our hand, we're constantly creating new avenues for growth and keeping up to date with new trends so we can ensure our franchisees have the latest equipment and are familiar with any new changes in the industry.

Our weekly newsletter also communicates new insights to our franchisees that help boost their bottom lines, whether it's news about new discounts that have been negotiated or ways to source weekend events. We believe there's no finishing line when it comes to improvement.

If you’re thinking about becoming a Cafe2U franchisee, find out more about the process here.

5 Reasons to Become a Cafe2U Franchisee

Are you looking to start your own franchise business? Then Cafe2U is perfect for you - within 4-6 weeks you could be a qualified barista and mobile coffee franchise owner, serving your first customers in your own exclusive area. 

Want to know more? Below we have listed 5 reasons why a Cafe2U franchise is the business opportunity you have been waiting for:

1. It Attracts a Loyal Customer Base

People are drawn in by your Mercedes-Benz Cafe2U van and if they like you and your coffee, these same people will become regulars, requesting your services at business parks and other areas. In other words, where there’s demand for you, gaining a loyal customer base is easy.

2. It’s Unique

There are plenty of coffee shops, but not many of them sell their coffee on the road. Cafe2U provides the best equipment to get you out on the road serving barista-quality coffee - you’ll get a Mercedes-Benz Vito van, a commercial espresso machine and on-demand grinder. Plus, with our 4 to 6 week training program you will quickly become a qualified mobile barista. Find out more here. 

3. You can Upsell

Whilst coffee is a very important part of every Cafe2U franchise, it doesn’t have to be the only thing you focus on. Capitalise on your coffee sales and you can sell pastries, sandwiches, biscuits and snacks - people will gladly buy these upsell items to complement their coffee break. Cafe2U has potential to make money beyond coffee!

4. You’re given Support and Opportunities

Cafe2U organises and hosts regular national and regional meetings for our coffee van franchisees across the UK. These meetings provide the perfect opportunity to meet, network and swap tips and tricks with your fellow mobile coffee business owners. 

As well as this, on-going support is available and designed to suit franchisee needs at different times of the franchise journey - this covers everything from phone calls, visits and operational updates.

5. It’s Relaxed

You can create your own relaxed working environment, simply serving your loyal customers, and with the new Cafe2U app customers can pre-order their drinks before you arrive; so you can make them ahead of time, helping you serve customers in a more timely manner.

You can also keep in touch with your potential customers via social media pages that Cafe2U can help set up - keeping them informed of your whereabouts and if you’ll be serving in their area today. It also gives them the chance to give you feedback and inform Cafe2U about what a good of a job you’re doing!

Those are just five reasons why becoming a Cafe2u franchisee is perfect for you - take a look at our how to become a franchisee page today!