Norwich Company Announces Expansion Despite Economic Downturn

Norwich, UK, February 28, 2008 -- Surrey Street-based Franchise Development Services (FDS) has signed an agreement to open a new office in Reigate, Surrey to service the South East of England.

The FDS regional franchise for the South East of England has been acquired by Malcolm Porter, who was formerly Head of Training and Development at Thomson Directories Ltd. Malcolm and his wife Lorraine signed a franchise agreement in Norwich on Wednesday 20th February, which grants them the rights to operate under the FDS brand, with full training and support from the head office in an exclusive territory covering the South East.

FDS is a franchise consultancy and publications group with offices already established in the South West, the Midlands and the North, as well as international associates operating in Europe and the Middle East. The company provides advice and guidance to companies seeking to expand nationally and internationally via franchising; publishes The Franchise Magazine and The Irish Franchise Magazine; and maintains a number of franchise websites including theukfranchisedirectory.net.

FDS Managing Director Roy Seaman CFE says: “The South East region has seen considerable expansion in franchise activity over the past five years with well over 100 franchisors headquartered in Surrey, Kent and Sussex. The new office will relieve the pressure of servicing the market from our head office in Norwich, and increase the volume of consultancy and advertising revenue from the region by establishing closer relationships with clients based there.

Malcolm says: “Franchising presents a fantastic opportunity to individuals wanting to set-up their business in a way that provides support, a structured business format as well as significantly increasing your chance of operating a successful and profitable business. I first became aware of the FDS opportunity through The Franchise Magazine and felt that the company offered me the best opportunity to utilise my existing skills as well as becoming involved in a growing industry that I had some experience in.

“Having worked for a leading publishing company with the number one internet offering I was looking for a company that would offer the same. FDS is an internationally recognised company with a vastly experienced industry-leading team; the number one magazine and the number one internet site; and is a full member of the British Franchise Association.”

As well as offering franchise consultancy and assisting with franchisee recruitment, Malcolm will attend and organise franchise seminars and conferences to raise the profile of franchising and FDS, and aims to become a leader in the local franchise industry. Businesses wanting further information about franchising should contact Malcolm on 07721 985 147 or by email at malcolm@fdssoutheast.co.uk.

Notes to editors

To obtain photographs or arrange an interview with either Malcolm Porter or Roy Seaman please call 01603 620 301

For further information visit fdsfranchise.com

Franchise Development Services (FDS) is an international franchise consultancy and publishing group dedicated to providing a portfolio of services to franchisors and franchisees.

The company provides a complete consultancy service, taking businesses through the franchise development programme from conception to implementation. Through its national and international publications (including The Franchise Magazine), websites and exhibition attendance, FDS also assists in the recruitment and support of franchisees, having helped more than 10,000 people to own a franchise.

Established in 1981, FDS has established offices across the UK as well as in Ireland, Spain, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. In recognition of its status as a professional national and international consultancy and publications organisation dedicated to the franchise industry, FDS has been awarded membership of the British Franchise Association and the International Franchise Association. Last year FDS co-founder Roy Seaman became the first European to be accredited by the International Franchise Association as a Certified Franchise Executive, and he has also been named as an Honorary Professor of Franchising by the Beijing Normal University.

Roy Seaman, Franchise Development Services Ltd
Franchise House, 56 Surrey Street, Norwich, NR1 3FD, ENGLAND
Tel: +44 (0)1603 620 301
E-mail: roy@fdsltd.com
Web: www.fdsfranchise.com

FDS has been established since 1981 providing a comprehensive range of services to the established and prospective franchisor and to franchisee investors. FDS has assisted more than 500 companies with various aspects of their franchise development objectives, and more than 5,000 individuals to achieve their investment ambitions by owning and operating a franchise.

This release was published on openPR.