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Why not buy a business franchise?  The current job market is really tough and there are not many signs that employment prospects for mature accountants are going to improve. So if you want to take control of your own destiny, work for yourself, grow a proven business and create capital value then maybe a business franchise is something that you might like to consider.
Over the last 12 months I have carried out research and met a number of franchisors. As a result I am happy to provide information to you about these franchises and you can decide if this is for you. In most cases the franchise offers a free no-obligation Discovery Day to allow you to “kick the tyres” and meet other franchisees.
   Tax Assist Accountants 
   The key points to note are - the top franchisees that opened in the last 3 years have, at the end of their first year, an average of 131 clients and almost £80,000 of fees. TaxAssist do not pretend that this is easily achieved - it required real effort and enthusiastic following of the business model, but that level of success is being achieved and in some cases exceeded. After five years, depending on individual ambitions, it should be possible to aim for 350+ clients with a turnover of £250k upwards. Full business planning support is provided to help gain an understanding of what could be achievable for you.
   Martin Says:  In the last 12 months FOUR mature accountants have become TaxAssist franchises and a number of you are booked on future Discovery days.

   The Local Book Keeper 
   Many of you have already registered on our bookkeeper’s database but we have struggled to find enough business for you all. After looking at other offers in the market we have come across a very interesting national bookkeeping franchise that has already signed up nearly 50 franchisees and they are looking for a further 402 across the UK. Each territory has between 3,000 and 3,500 SMEs.
They are members of the British Franchise Association and their information and marketing material is top quality.
   Martin Says:  In the last month over 120 of you have expressed interest and 2 of you have signed up and others have booked a Discovery day in 2010.

   The Business Partnership 
   The Business Partnership is a network of 27 independent business transfer agencies, every one of which provides a personal, professional and confidential service to buyers and sellers of owner managed businesses.

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a business, or just want to find out more about the buying and selling process and what your business may be worth, The Business Partnership can deliver the professional solution for you.
   Martin Says:  In the last month 15 of you have expressed interest and some are in discussion with the franchisor.

   Cost Reduction Associates 
   Cost Reduction Associates is a firm of chartered purchasing and cost reduction experts who work exclusively with SMEs. We analyse business cost and expense categories, highlighting opportunities to save money. The focus is on driving down cost and delivering tangible results for clients.

   Martin Says:  Going to networking events can be a bit of a struggle – same old people peddling the same old stuff! So I am very selective but take the view that one good introduction at any event is worth the effort. I attended an event in London a few weeks ago. It was pretty dull but I met Tim Lawson who runs Cost Reduction Associates. I really liked his approach and business model and we have now met again to see how this could be of mutual interest.

I think that this is an interesting and well presented opportunity and the nature of the business lends itself to people with a finance background. There are different levels of involvement, cost and commitment. If this is of interest to you and you would like to find out more please let me know and I will forward your details to Tim.

   Accounts Assist 
   After founding a successful accountancy practice, a gap in the market was identified for book-keepers to work with local companies across the UK on a fixed fee basis with key criteria being personal service and approachability. The Accounts Assist franchise provides the opportunity to specialise in providing SME's, sole traders and contractors with professional affordable book-keeping solutions.

Franchisees offer payroll, tax, VAT and management reporting to local businesses. The company is owned by the individual franchisee with support, training and guidance provided throughout their involvement with Accounts Assist
   Martin Says:  Anita Brook has been a "mature" candidate for 3 years. After a career in the City she wanted to get off the treadmill and started her own practice. She started to get enquiries all over the UK from potential clients and saw an opportunity to franchise her idea. With 11 franchisees (in less than a year) and more in the pipeline Anita has shown what can be achieved with a lot of inspiration and hard work. A woman after my own heart!

Making your experience count - 1/2 day free seminar 13th October at the ICAEW
Are you an experienced chartered accountant currently unemployed, on a career break or in between contracts? Do you foresee/expect unemployment in the next 12 months? Are you working at less than your ideal capacity – e.g. part time, as an interim or independent consultant? In response the ICAEW has developed a free half-day seminar looking at solutions to common barriers faced by experienced chartered accountants in returning to full time employment. The programme will also look at alternative career approaches. Martin Lloyd-Penny will be one of 3 speakers on the day.
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Does the ICAEW do enough to support out-of-work members?
To access the debate go to the mature accountants group on Linked in and have your say.
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LinkedIn
Join my mature accountants group on LinkedIn to develop your business network.
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