Category: Ask Nigel

Nigel Toplis has been in franchising for over 20 years and is currently the Managing Director of The Bardon Group which is the home of leading UK franchise brands Recognition Express, Kall Kwik, Techclean and ComputerXplorers. A former chairman of the bfa he was made an honorary Fellow of Lancaster Business School in 2007 for […]

Are you looking for a franchise? Well, let me get straight to the point. You might not be cut out for it. You could be intelligent and highly-skilled with a decent wedge of cash behind you. But all of these things count for nothing unless you have the right attitude for franchising. So, what is […]

Getting into franchising can be difficult and confusing. It should neither be rushed nor done on the spur of the moment. Over the years, I’ve found a six-step process helps potential franchisees ensure an opportunity suits their needs and circumstances before they sign up: 1. Assess the suitability of the franchisor Conduct a thorough and […]

Nigel Toplis, managing director of the Bardon Group, spent Christmas and New Year in South Africa where he had time to reflect on his African surroundings and contemplate the strong links between nature and business. It’s early morning on Christmas Eve and the African mist is slowly reaching the tops of the trees revealing extraordinary […]

Amidst all of the Brexit angst, it seems that the UK government has lost sight of all that is good about the UK and the vibrant business environment it continues to provide for entrepreneurs. The annual Legatum Prosperity Index produced by the prestigious Legatum Institute tracks the journey made by 149 countries worldwide towards or […]

It has been my long held and passionately believed view that the franchising model offers a highly credible opportunity to assist in the regeneration of a local/regional (some would assert national) economy. Even the UK government is finally waking up to the point that self-employment is the engine house of growth for the British economy. […]

This is a ‘cheap and dirty’ way for you to assess if you have the ‘make-up’ to be a franchisee. 12 questions with two points for each answer. I would want 20 points or more to be sure. How to mark is at the end. I sometimes feel I’ the victim of outside forces   […]

Taking on a franchise is a big decision – right there with marriage and moving house – so it requires careful and due examination. So rule number one – don’t rush and don’t let the Franchisor rush you. Second rule, when you think you have found the right business, the right opportunity – stand back […]