Franchise Ireland magazine - past articles

Market Focus

Roar of the Tiger

Franchising in Ireland has never looked healthier. And with the sector estimated to be worth more than €1.6billion today, the Celtic Tiger is flexing its haunches as never before. Here Matt Pigott takes a looks at some OF the beasts with the sharpest teeth.

O’Briens Sandwich Bars
Founded by Dublin-born Brody Sweeny in 1988, O’Briens is an internationally expanding franchise with a distinctly Irish flavour. With bites such as Wrappos and Toosties (made-to-order sandwiches and tossed salads), O’Briens continues to build on its international reputation, and now has 270 outlets spanning Europe and Asia.
Anyone interested in investing in an O’Briens franchise will need to enjoy the cut-and-thrust nature of the fast food business. The ability to work hard is also of key importance. What franchisees get in return is a fun business that promises great financial rewards, and with the real possibility of further expansion.

There are different franchise options catering to different investment levels; from a one-person coffee cart and kiosk to a retail outlet with room for 100 people or more, there should be a business model to suit most budgets.

Once signed up franchisees get assistance with property acquisition, aspects of store design, recruitment, purchasing, and business development. Initial and ongoing training are also included as part of the package.

The Bagel Bar
Established in 2001 the Bagel Bar served, first hungry Dubliners, then most of Ireland. With its wide selection of healthy bagel bites, in just six years, the franchise has gone from having just one outlet to 21, with seven more in the pipeline.

With its range of 99 percent fat, cholesterol and preservative-free bagels – which also contain no genetically modified ingredients – The Bagel Bar has managed to carve an impressive niche out of an overcrowded market.

Today, The Bagel Bar is keen to hear from anyone with business savvy, a flare for food plus the drive and ambition to make a Bagel Bar a thriving franchise.

No direct experience is needed as new franchisees get full support and training in every area of running their new business, from locating and negotiating premises, to marketing and driving sales.

Franchisees get three weeks of business-focussed training before opening, followed by a further three-week’s in-store management support. This ensures that any new franchisee’s outfit runs at an optimum level from day one.

Card Connection
Set up in Surrey, England, in 1992, Card Connection now has more than 100 franchisees servicing more than 17,000 outlets across Ireland and the UK. Using a proven system, franchisees place greeting card ranges in retail outlets on a ‘consignment’ basis.

Card Connection sources a colourful, exciting and ever-changing product range for its franchisees to ensure existing clients are happy, and new buyers enticed.

Current stockists of Card Connection products include boutique stores, retail outlets, supermarkets, high street chains, and service stations.
Buying into Card Connection gives you the flexibility of being your own boss, the excitement of meeting new people in a variety of situations, plus the ability to gain a solid income.

Right now, because the franchise networks in the UK and Ireland are complete, only resale opportunities exist.  Starting at £40,000 (excluding stock) with earnings potential in excess of £50,000, they offer an excellent opportunity for potential franchisees looking to buy a going concern.

No experience is needed in retail or marketing, as full in-house training is given. New franchisees also benefit from ongoing field support from experienced business development managers.

Ology
If you are the kind of person who has had enough of working for somebody else, are looking to set up your own business, and want to make money helping others succeed, Ology’s business coaching franchise could what you are looking for.

Set up in 2003, and in addition to its established UK network, the company now has two Ology franchises in Ireland with a further five to be rolled out by the end of the year.

As an Ology franchisee, you will benefit from extensive training, which includes attendance at the Adler School of Professional Coaching. There, you will gain International Coach Federation (ICF) accreditation, something not offered by any other business coaching franchise at present.

Ology offers an excellent business package that means franchisees can get into the field to start helping both struggling and successful businesses attain more effective, balanced and profitable operations.
Franchisees benefit from 20-days training to get to grips with the new business, with ongoing training and support available thereafter.
If you’re interested in becoming your own boss as a business coach, you will need to be highly motivated with strong management, marketing and/or a sales background.

The Wine Buff
For those interested in owning their own liquor store outlet Irish franchise, The Wine Buff, is a welcome alternative to the big brand chains and supermarkets that command much of the buying power on the high streets. The Wine Buff sources its wines from specific regions in Europe for exclusive sale through its outlets. It’s a business formula that has paid dividends.

Since opening its first franchise in Limerick in Christmas 2000, the company now has 13 franchised outlets and an expanding assortment of wines from Italy, Spain, France and Germany.

The Wine Buff has excellent relationships with small, family-owned vineyards that fall beneath the radar of the big brand buyers, meaning that the company is able to focus on bringing character-full wines to the peoples’ palates in Ireland.

With a focus on independence, good customer service, and outstanding wine products, The Wine Buff will suit potential franchisees with a seasoned nose for a good business opportunity. And without the use of agents, merchants or brokers, The Wine Buff avoids any middleman taking a cut from its bottom line profits. Naturally, this also means that any savings made can be passed onto the customer, making The Wine Buff wines very affordable.

Founder, Paddy O’Flynn is on the lookout for serious wine enthusiasts ready to make an investment. And while experience in the retail sector is a clear advantage, it’s not essential as full and thorough training are given in all areas of the business.
 

Think before you buy
As with any purchase, due care and consideration should be taken when buying a franchise. To ensure that any of the listed opportunities meet your personal, financial and lifestyle requirements, it is important that you conduct your own thorough research. If you have any doubts, or think that you need further help in making the right decision, contact the Irish Franchise Association (IFA) on 01 499 1091 or visit its website at: www.irishfranchiseassociation.com

Note: Where applicable, investment figures have been based on an exchange rate of £1 = €1.47