Franchising Opportunities

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s is looking for talented people to capitalise on the country’s need for pizza

With over 672 stores across the UK and Ireland and a commitment to opening 60 more each year, Domino’s remains one of the largest and most successful franchises. The company is actively recruiting new franchisees, and with one in three of its franchisees owning businesses worth over £1million it’s an opportunity not to be missed.

“We’re looking for talented people to capitalise on the country’s need for pizza,” explains Andy Hirst, head of franchise development at Domino’s. “We are continuing to show good growth and constantly invest in our product with new pizzas, side orders, oven-baked subs and desserts. In addition, we’ve seen incredible growth in our online sales - up 63 per cent in 2010. We have supported this area of the business with technical innovations such as improved online ordering and new mobile apps for iPhone and Android phones to make it even easier for customers to order whenever and wherever they are.”

INTERNATIONAL BRAND

Domino’s franchisees follow a tried and tested formula with the backing of a well established, high profile, international brand. The company provides all the necessary training and assistance to get a new franchise up and running. Ongoing support is provided too, so if you’ve never been involved in marketing or don’t have any IT experience head office and field-based teams will provide the assistance you need. New franchisees just need to be committed to the brand and to delivering the best possible product and customer service - as well as sharing a passion for pizza.

The company’s ongoing track record of success also makes Domino’s a popular choice with lenders - ideal for applicants looking to secure funding. Andy Hirst continues: “As we have a solid business model, the banks see Domino’s as a good investment and remain happy to back new franchisees. Plus with all the support that Domino’s offers to new business owners, there’s never been a better time to be your own boss.”

Other notable benefits of choosing Domino’s include a central marketing fund worth over £20 million. This includes activities such as high profile national TV sponsorships and advertising. Franchising with Domino’s provides excellent opportunities for growth and fast progression, not to mention fantastic rewards, for passionate, hardworking entrepreneurs. The cost to become a Domino’s franchisee is £280,000, of which £120,000 must be liquid.

INSPIRATIONAL BUSINESSWOMAN

Lisa Tobias is Domino’s most successful female franchisee in the UK and Ireland. Her ongoing success has seen her scoop a number of top industry awards, most recently a prestigious national award for women in franchising.

Last month Lisa was awarded Woman Franchisee of the Year 2010 in the first annual Encouraging Women into Franchising Awards.

EWIF is an organisation that seeks to inspire, educate, encourage and support women in franchising, and the awards recognise the success of females in the industry. Lisa was awarded Woman Franchisee of the Year for her dedication and determination, which has seen her go from a part-time worker at Domino’s to a highly successful, inspirational businesswoman.

Lisa, aged 30, currently owns five Domino’s Pizza stores in Scotland and employs over 200 members of staff. She’s very hands-on, as all Domino’s franchisees are, but still finds time for family - she opened her fifth store in Irvine in March 2010 when her daughter Naomi was only six weeks old. Lisa is also a regular speaker at national franchising events and is an ambassador for the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust and Enterprise Insight’s Girls! Make Your Mark scheme.

“Franchising is a fantastic opportunity for people to run their own businesses and I would love to see more women taking up the reins and proving what great opportunities there are for female entrepreneurs,” says Lisa. “I’m really passionate about what I do and with the fantastic teams in each of my stores behind me I’m very excited about what the future holds.”

Andy Hirst, head of franchise development at Domino’s, adds: “Lisa is a shining example of the success that can be achieved through hard work, passion and determination. We have been delighted to see her progress from a part-time pizza maker to multi-unit franchisee and this latest award is further recognition of her fantastic achievements to date.

“We know from our own experience that women make ideal franchisees and we’re keen to speak to anyone interested in taking their career in a tasty new direction with Domino’s. The franchise business model offers a number of advantages that could be appealing to women. Franchising enables budding entrepreneurs to run their own successful business with the support of a national company and, at the same time, have the flexibility to maintain a good balance between work and family life.”