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Endless Franchisees

Ready to turn more franchise leads into sales?

Most franchisors don’t have a lead generation problem.

They have a lead conversion problem.

Every year, valuable franchise enquiries are lost because follow-up is inconsistent, nurturing stops too soon, prospects aren’t properly qualified, or recruitment systems simply aren’t working as efficiently as they could be. The good news is that small improvements in the right areas can often deliver significant increases in franchise sales.

Are you:

Keen to prioritise qualified leads and avoid wasting time on unready prospects?
Drowning in manual admin and want to automate the busywork?
Worried you’re missing out on deals due to gaps in your recruitment process?
Hearing all the noise around AI but unsure where to introduce it?
Sitting on a large database of leads and wondering why it’s not delivering more sales?

Paying for a CRM system but only using a fraction of its potential?

“Endless Franchisees” is a specialist service from The Franchising Centre designed to help you maximise your franchise recruitment performance.

This is the only service currently out there which is designed to help franchisors at any stage of growth, from those just starting out right up to large, established brands, and everything in between.

It’s purpose is to help you squeeze the maximum value from your franchise recruitment process and prospect database, and convert more of the right franchisees in the process.

You’ll Benefit from this service if you’re:

Are you:

An established franchisor frustrated with your current conversion of leads to franchise sales
A new or emerging franchisor who wants to get your recruitment process right from day one
Preparing to recruit your first franchisees and want guidance on setting up the right systems from the start
An international brand adapting your recruitment for the UK market
Simply looking to take your franchise recruitment to the next level

More Leads Aren’t Always The Answer; Better Systems Are

One of the keys to converting more franchise sales lies in optimising your franchise recruitment process.

In our experience, many franchise recruitment systems only operate at a fraction of their potential. As a result, high-potential prospects can get missed, follow-ups fall through the cracks and valuable time is spent chasing leads that were never a fit to begin with.

Optimising your franchise recruitment process often comes down to a few critical systems and strategies:

Guiding every lead through a defined process, so nothing slips through the gaps
Using behavioural-based automation and AI to follow up at the right time, with the right message
Scoring and qualifying leads through automation, so you save time and focus on the ones most likely to convert
Delivering consistent, valuable email communications to keep prospects engaged throughout their decision-making process
Using educational, conversion-focused content to build trust and move leads forward
Leveraging clear reporting and data to continuously refine your process and improve your performance

A Service Designed for Today’s Franchise Recruitment Landscape

Many franchisors and franchise recruiters report that lead to sale timelines are getting longer, and that prospects are taking longer in their decision making.

If you’ve noticed this shift, you’re not alone.

This underpins the importance of timing in franchise recruitment.

To win at franchise recruitment today, franchisors need to deliver insightful, inspirational, and educational content to prospects consistently and over the long term, and they need automation to help with this.

Whilst the nurturing process might be taking longer, automation and email marketing alone can deliver significant short-term results – as long as it’s done right.

For established franchisors, this means that:

You can improve conversion rates without necessarily increasing your lead volume, by refining your pipeline, scoring leads effectively, emailing consistently and using automation for smarter, results-driven follow-ups.

For new and emerging franchisors, it means that:

You can build a scalable, professional recruitment system from day one, avoiding costly inefficiencies and showing your early prospects you’re serious.

How it Works: Introducing the Endless Franchisees 5-Point Framework

It all starts with an audit. We’ll work with you under confidentiality and NDA to assess your franchise recruitment activity against the Endless Franchisees Framework.

We’ll look at how you’re performing in each of the key areas.

Together, these five pillars create a recruitment engine that runs consistently, efficiently, and intelligently, helping to convert more of your leads into franchisees with less manual effort.

We can work with you in as large, or as small, a capacity as you need to fully leverage your franchise recruitment tools, systems and processes; reactivating leads, plugging gaps, and building intelligent journeys that turn interest into action, endlessly.

Why Work With Us?

When you choose The Franchising Centre, you gain access to a full team of specialists covering every possible aspect of growing a franchise and a business.

We’ve been at the forefront of franchise recruitment for over 25 years, and we currently work with over 20 franchisors to help them attract and sign the right franchisees.

The Endless Franchisees service is headed up by Andrew Croney, a franchise recruitment marketing specialist with over a decade of experience in franchise recruitment and a track record of helping franchisors recruit franchisees.

Alongside Andrew and our team, you’ll also benefit from our franchise recruitment technology and software house.

We’re always at the cutting edge of franchise software, meaning that if there’s a technology that can help you grow, we’ve used it, tested it and can implement it in your business.

Built In Flexibility

As with many of our services at The Franchising Centre, the Endless Franchisees service is designed to help you as little or as much as you need.
No more, no less.

We can work alongside you or your team on a “done-with-you” basis, saving you time, energy and resources, or through a “done-for-you service”, providing the tools and templates so you can run with the implementation.

Get in touch

Ready to convert more Franchise Leads?

Simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch to arrange a call to talk through what you’re doing now, and where simple improvements could help.

Gary Chatwin

Funding & Finance Introducer

“I help businesses and franchisees access the right funding to start, grow and succeed”

Gary is an experienced business manager who works with growing businesses to turn ambition into achievable plans.

With a practical, people-focused approach, he helps business owners understand what drives sustainable growth – from managing cash flow and securing the right funding to building a strong pipeline of new business.

Having worked with businesses across a wide range of sectors, Gary believes that success is ultimately about people rather than products or services. He works closely with entrepreneurs to help them match their ambitions with the right strategy, resources and financial foundations to achieve them.

Jan Webb

Client Relations Manager

"I’m your first contact, and will be there to make sure that your franchise journey runs smoothly”

Fiona Rimington

Executive Assistant

“I help the team that supports you”

Fiona brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors, including franchising, export, aviation, manufacturing and distribution. She has worked in a variety of roles supporting senior executives, developing a strong understanding of how effective operational and administrative support underpins successful, well-run businesses.

At The Franchising Centre, Fiona supports both the internal team and clients, helping to ensure smooth day-to-day operations while contributing to business development and growth initiatives across UK and international franchising. Her broad experience and attention to detail make her a valued support to senior management and the wider team.

Derek Knaggs

I.T. and CRM Systems Manager

 “I help connect the technology dots in franchising”

Derek works closely with the team at The Franchising Centre, helping to connect the technology dots across franchising projects. He supports the development and implementation of digital and technical solutions that help franchisors work more efficiently and effectively.

Derek holds a First Class BSc (Hons) in Computing from the University of Worcester and has a strong interest in web applications and digital problem-solving. Alongside his technical expertise, he is developing his skills in web design and front-end development, with a focus on creating practical, user-friendly digital experiences.

Continuously learning and expanding his portfolio, Derek also enjoys hands-on technical work, building hardware and technology solutions for small businesses. His blend of analytical thinking and creativity allows him to support innovative, future-focused technology solutions within franchising.

Rob Dancy

Franchise Consultant

“I develop & grow your business through franchising”

Rob is a Partner and Franchise Consultant at The Franchising Centre, with a lifelong connection to franchising. He grew up alongside the development of his family business, Oscar Pet Foods, which became the UK’s leading van-based franchise with a network of over 100 branches.

Rob began his career as an Oscar franchisee at just 18, gaining first-hand, grassroots experience of running a franchised business before completing his degree. After graduating, he joined FranchiseSales.com, where he helped develop one of the UK’s leading franchise recruitment portals, building extensive experience across franchise recruitment, sales, marketing and business development.

Since 2008, Rob has worked with businesses across the North West, helping them use franchising as a growth strategy and supporting them to recruit the right franchisees to build strong, sustainable networks. His approach blends strategic insight with practical, real-world franchise experience.

More recently, Rob has invested in the Radfield Home Care franchise for Tarporley & Mid Cheshire, allowing him to apply his expertise locally while helping people in his community age well and remain independent in their own homes.

Laura Harvey-Smith

Franchise Consultant

“I help businesses understand, build, and grow through franchising”

Dan Allen

Franchise Consultant

“I help franchisors grow and run stronger, more effective franchise networks”

Dan is a senior franchising professional with more than 15 years’ experience across sectors including FMCG, B2B services, franchising, construction, training and retail. He brings a broad commercial perspective and a strong track record in helping businesses grow, adapt and scale.

At The Franchising Centre, Dan works closely with franchise brands to recruit the right franchisees while also providing ongoing strategic support to franchisors. His role spans franchise recruitment strategy, business development, performance improvement and helping brands build compelling propositions that attract high-quality candidates and support sustainable network growth.

Dan has held senior leadership roles responsible for business development, international expansion, sales leadership, performance management, cultural change and product development. He is known as a confident communicator and negotiator, with extensive experience leading teams and projects in multinational environments across Europe, Asia and North America.

Strategic, commercially focused and highly collaborative, Dan combines clear thinking with practical delivery to help franchisors achieve their growth objectives.

Andrew Croney

Franchise Consultant

 “I help franchisors optimise recruitment systems to sign more franchisees”

Andrew is a specialist in franchise recruitment marketing, helping brands unlock the full value of their lead pipelines — from building and reactivating databases to improving follow-up and conversion.

With over a decade in franchising and 25+ years’ experience in CRM, automation and data-driven marketing, Andrew uses tools such as CRM systems, email marketing, lead scoring and AI to attract, engage and convert the right franchisees. His approach combines strategic thinking with detail-led execution, always backed by clear reporting and measurable results.

Andrew has worked with UK and international franchise brands to generate over £5m in initial franchise fees, creating long-term franchise network value well in excess of £170m. His work includes launching new franchise concepts from the ground up, delivering consistently high lead volumes in challenging markets, and supporting award-winning franchise brands.

Outside of work, Andrew is a competitive fitness enthusiast, having competed at the Hyrox World Championships in 2024. He also enjoys spending time outdoors and tracking down great coffee.

Bill Hendrie

Franchise Consultant

“I help businesses franchise, grow, and support successful networks”

Bill has over 30 years’ experience in franchising and is known for his honest, practical approach to helping businesses grow. His career began in sales and publishing before moving into recruitment, where he was first introduced to franchising — a sector that would become his long-term professional home.

Progressing from field support to Training Manager and ultimately Franchise Director, Bill became heavily involved with the British Franchise Association (BFA), serving as a Regional Chair, Board Member and Chairman of the Franchise Group for Scotland. He also holds Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP) status, recognising his extensive knowledge and experience in franchising.

Now part of The Franchising Centre, Bill works closely with clients to assess whether their business is truly suited to franchising and, where it is, to help them develop strong, credible franchise propositions that attract the right franchisees. He believes in clear communication, delivering on promises and guiding clients confidently through what can otherwise be a daunting process.

Based in Gloucestershire, Bill lives with his wife Lesley and takes great satisfaction from seeing his clients succeed — a passion that continues to drive his work today.

"I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank some incredible people I’ve had the privilege to work with on our franchising journey. A special shoutout to Bill Hendrie QFP from The Franchising Centre whose expertise has been invaluable in setting up Nurses UK Franchising Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in franchising that goes far beyond the basics. His strategic insights, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in navigating complex challenges and turning our vision into reality. Bill’s professionalism, clear communication, and proactive approach gave me the confidence to elevate Nurses UK to the next level. Thank you, Bill - your support and dedication have truly made a lasting impact!"

- Roisin Preston, Founder, Nurses UK

Michael Hulmes

Franchise Consultant

“I help businesses assess, build, and grow through franchising”

Michael Hulmes is a Partner and Franchise Recruitment & Development Consultant at The Franchising Centre, with over 15 years’ experience helping businesses grow through scalable and ethical franchising.

Michael began his career in senior operational roles with McDonald’s and Subway, where he supported large franchise networks, launched new locations, trained franchisees and developed structured programmes to drive performance. He later led an exciting start-up project, developing a coffee and food brand from concept to launch, opening two locations within six months and overseeing all aspects of site planning, brand development, recruitment, training and operations, including the launch of an external catering arm.

From 2019 to 2021, Michael worked with Bright & Beautiful (part of the Neighbourly Group), progressing to Senior Franchise Business Coach. In this role, he supported franchisees nationwide, providing strategic guidance across sales, marketing, financial management and leadership, delivering strong revenue growth and the successful launch of multiple new franchise locations.

Michael joined The Franchising Centre in 2023 and was made a Partner in 2025. He supports businesses across the UK with franchise recruitment, development and growth strategy, and has recently been working with international brands entering the UK market, delivering Market Entry Studies to assess viability and franchise potential. His work includes recruitment strategy, onboarding optimisation, territory planning, business planning, financial forecasting and ensuring compliance with BFA standards.

Known for his creative and innovative approach, Michael combines strategic thinking with practical delivery to help brands launch successfully, improve conversion rates and build profitable, sustainable franchise networks.

Dan Sherrington

Head of Brand Storytelling

“I help franchise brands communicate their story in a way that converts”

Dan is the Head of Franchise Storytelling at The Franchising Centre, helping franchise brands articulate stories that don’t just get noticed, but get remembered.

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Dan works with brands to define and communicate narratives that build trust, create emotional connection and inspire action. With a deep understanding of how storytelling influences decision-making, he helps franchises stand out by clearly expressing not just what they do, but why they do it — and why it matters.

Specialising in franchising, Dan understands that a franchise opportunity is more than a product or service; it’s a potential turning point in someone’s life. Whether it’s a new career path, a fresh start, or the chance to build a lasting legacy, he ensures each brand’s story reflects the true value and impact of the opportunity being offered.

At The Franchising Centre, Dan works closely with franchisors to uncover what makes their business unique and bring that story to life in a way that resonates with prospective franchisees, partners and customers alike.

Alan Bradley

Head of Digital

“I create and implement effective digital marketing strategies for franchisors and franchisees”

Alan is a Franchise Digital Marketing and Technology Strategist with more than 20 years’ experience in franchising. Having also been a successful franchisor himself, he brings a practical, commercial understanding of how digital marketing and technology must work for both franchisors and franchisees.

Alan specialises in designing and optimising complete digital ecosystems for franchise brands, combining strategic marketing with carefully selected software and technology solutions. His work helps franchisors improve efficiency, manage growing networks, enhance franchisee recruitment, and strengthen brand performance across digital channels.

His expertise spans bespoke digital strategies, franchise management and recruitment software, CRM systems, local marketing platforms, social media content and design, PPC advertising, digital PR, programmatic marketing, and targeted TV advertising. Every solution is rigorously assessed to ensure it delivers real value and supports long-term, scalable franchise growth.

At The Franchising Centre, Alan works closely with UK and international consultants to support client brands and has played a key role in enhancing the digital marketing and technology strategies of high-profile franchises, including Harry Ramsden’s and YO! Sushi, as they expand into new territories.

Outside of work, Alan is a devoted family man who values time away from the digital world with those closest to him.

John Overdijking

Head of Franchisee Recruitment

“I help franchise brands attract, qualify, and recruit the right franchisees”

John heads up Franchisee Recruitment at The Franchising Centre, where he specialises in attracting and securing high-net-worth investors for both UK-based franchisors and global brands entering the UK market.

Raised in The Netherlands by a Dutch father and Scottish mother, John brings a truly international outlook to his work. He studied Marketing and Business at The Hague University of Applied Sciences before building a long and successful commercial career with W. L. Gore & Associates (GORE-TEX), where he spent almost 23 years in senior sales, trade marketing and strategic account management roles, working closely with C-suite stakeholders and major UK and international brands.

John moved into franchising in 2018, initially as a franchisee and recruitment consultant with Driving Miss Daisy, before joining The Franchising Centre in 2022. Since then, he has played a central role in delivering high-profile recruitment projects, including the successful rollout of over 150 supermarket-based YO! Sushi kiosk licences in partnership with Snowfox, and the recruitment of franchisees for emerging international care brands entering the UK.

Known for his strategic mindset, strong project management skills and exceptional relationship-building ability, John thrives on matching the right investors with the right franchise opportunities.

Outside of work, John is a devoted family man and enjoys golf, pickleball, the gym, and occasionally lending a hand in his wife’s Driving Miss Daisy franchise.

Alan Wilkinson

Head of Digital

“I help your business run more cost-effectively through smart tech, software, and AI solutions”

Alan began his career in banking before moving into recruitment and then franchising in the mid-1990s. Over the next decade, he worked across a wide range of franchised businesses, holding senior roles including Franchise Recruitment Manager, General Manager and Managing Director, and gaining hands-on experience as a franchisee in both depot-based courier and home-based sales models.

In 2006, Alan joined The Franchising Centre as a Franchise Consultant and has since supported businesses across the UK, particularly in the North of England and Scotland, helping established companies accelerate growth through franchising. He has worked across numerous sectors, including health and fitness, children’s activities, renewable energy, retail, logistics, security, professional services and local government.

Alan heads up TFC Digital, The Franchising Centre’s technology and software division. In this role, he helps franchisors reduce costs, improve efficiency, streamline communication, enhance CRM and marketing performance, and simplify the management of growing franchise networks. TFC Digital works with carefully selected software partners, with all solutions rigorously tested and tailored specifically to the needs of franchisors.

Alan was the second person in the UK to gain the Diploma in Franchise Management and the first to also hold the Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP) accreditation from the British Franchise Association.

Outside of work, Alan is a keen cyclist, school governor and former community campaign leader, recognised as a Community Champion by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He values a strong work–life balance and brings the same practical, grounded approach to his work at The Franchising Centre.

Katie Snelling

Head of Creative

“I design and build the marketing collateral for every aspect of a franchisor’s franchisee recruitment process.”

Katie is a graphic and web designer with a strong passion for branding and digital storytelling. Since joining The Franchising Centre, she has played a key role in shaping how the business presents itself visually and online. In 2018, Katie led the refresh of the TFC brand, introducing a more modern, confident identity, and has since redesigned the latest version of the TFC website, bringing an even more contemporary, user-focused approach to the brand.

Her role spans brand, digital and content, working as part of the team responsible for TFC’s social media and wider online presence. Katie also supports TFC’s franchise clients by designing and building franchise recruitment websites, creating email marketing campaigns, developing brand guideline packs, and producing a wide range of marketing collateral, from franchise prospectuses and Franchise Information Memorandum documents to both print and digital assets.

Based by the sea in North Norfolk, Katie lives with her husband and two children and makes the most of coastal life — from beach walks and paddleboarding to sailing off to secret sandy islands. Away from the coast, she loves skiing, camping, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

Steve Felmingham

Director

“I help franchisors solve operational challenges and strengthen their networks”

Steve has been involved in franchising for over 25 years, and has been a Franchisee, a Franchisor, an International Master Franchisee and an International Franchise Consultant, developing, launching and managing dozens of UK and international Master Franchises in Europe, USA, Canada, South America and Australia. During that time Steve was also a main board director of a highly successful international publishing and distribution franchise with over 28,000 outlets worldwide.

Prior to discovering franchising Steve developed and built three of his own independent businesses, and is the first to agree that “franchising is a much easier way to start – or develop – a successful business model.”

One of the first franchise advisors in the UK to be awarded the QFP (Qualified Franchise Professional) status in August 2011, Steve is regularly invited to speak at seminars around the UK and overseas; writes articles and commentary for the franchising press and is a regular speaker at the British Franchise Association’s Franchise Exhibitions.

Steve Eastaugh

Director & Head of Franchise Operations & Support Services

"I help franchisors build and grow high-performing franchise networks"

Steve has over 25 years of operational experience holding positions as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer leading departments across organisations including marketing, sales, customer services, research & development and HR.

10 years of franchising experience with Premier Education Group PLC, where Steve led a market leading provider of education and recreational services, growing a UK franchise network of over 130 territories and operational master partnership franchises in India and USA.

Steve has worked in and with corporate, public and charity sectors, holding executive directorships, non executive directorships and chairing a number of UK company boards. Currently owner/director in performance mindset company Mindspan and a consultant & partner of The Franchising Centre for 5 years.

Farrah Rose

Director & Head of International

"I help develop and grow your business globally through franchising"

Farrah Rose is a world-renowned franchise consultant with more than 40 years’ experience at the forefront of international and ethical franchising. A long-standing BFA affiliate member and IFA supplier, she has played a pivotal role in shaping franchising best practice across developed and emerging markets worldwide.

Beginning her career at Burger King in the early 1980s, and later working with the Arcadia Group, Farrah helped define international growth strategies at a time when franchising was still in its infancy. In the 1990s, she became a key partner at The Franchising Centre, where she spearheaded international development methodologies that remain industry standards today.

Over the past three decades, Farrah has advised more than 300 PLCs and SMEs across sectors including food & beverage, retail, fitness, education, hospitality, and B2B services. Her client portfolio includes brands such as WaterBabies, YO! Sushi, Harry Ramsden’s, F1 Arcade, Bread Ahead, F45, PureGym, KFC and Boots Retail International.

Farrah has also held senior advisory roles with the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Maltese Government, the UK Department for International Trade, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, delivering franchise awareness and strategy programmes across Europe, the GCC, BRIC nations and beyond.

Her contributions have been recognised globally, including induction into the Global Franchise Hall of Fame (2023) and Global Franchise Magazine’s Highest Contribution to International Franchising Award. Today, she also serves in non-executive advisory roles, contributes regularly to franchising media, and is co-authoring a book on international franchising.

Dugan Aylen

CEO & Director

"I work with businesses to turn franchising into a successful growth strategy"

Dug has specialised in everything to do with franchisee recruitment for the last 2 decades and has a passion for helping franchise companies find the right profile of franchise owner, as well as ensuring that potential franchisees go through the right process to ensure they also come to the right decision.

Dug has worked with many franchise companies, improving and implementing franchisee recruitment systems to ensure success in this key area of their business.

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