Franchising

Over the last few years we have been slowly expanding and up until recently we had 2 franchisers. We now have 5 franchisers and we are looking to expand further.

Franchising is a much simpler option for a person wanting to earn a decent living without the huge pressures of becoming a business owner. Advantages are several fold and include the following:

1. You are working with an established company.
2. The hours fit around school children (if you need them to)
3. You can run as many or as few groups as you want.
4. The start-up costs are minimal compared to starting your own business.
5. The Franchisor (ie the owner of the company you are joining) has "been there, done that" and knows the pitfalls. In other words they will help you to run your part of the company more smoothly and you will be part of a team which is always a nicer way to work.
6. Everything is provided for you in terms of equipment, administration and advertising - another headache taken away to make your life easier when you first start up.
7. The franchisor will help you in the process of starting up new groups and can help advise on ways to minimise problems.
8. It is FAR LESS EXPENSIVE to work as a franchiser than a business owner. The risks are still there; you still have to work very hard to make the franchise work - BUT you are supported along the way; can gain advice whenever you need it; are less tide down by admin and you can expand at your own pace.

Training:

As you will see from the Training page, Rucksack Music is now running training for people who wish to learn the "mechanics" of running music groups for young ones; whether in a "drop-in" session basis or in a nursery/playgroup setting. The Training package is an essential for becoming a Rucksack Franchiser. IF you take up a franchise, the first 2 months franchise fees will be waived if you have been on the training course.

Rucksack Music Inc would love to hear from people who would like franchise with us.

You need the following to be considered:

• A good singing voice - with an ability to develop a stronger voice with voice training if necessary.
• Leadership qualities that will allow you to lead a group AND, of course, a love of children (kind of essential really!).
• Basic guitar/keyboard skills (or a willingness to learn!)
• Your own transport (unless the groups are local to you).

Areas in which we would like to expand are:

• Nursery groups and groups run for outside organisations, for example, SureStart, Council Playdays and so on;
• Weekend groups in established and new areas.
• Other areas of North and East London
• Other areas of London - where the cost of this can be covered by the franchise fee.
• Other areas in Outer London - where the cost of this can be covered by the franchise fee.

Rucksack Music makes sure that groups do not clash with each other (ie two groups close together on the same day). However - we do allow franchisers to share the same area and sometimes, venue. Exclusive access to an area incurs a much higher franchise fee.

New Franchisers always start at the beginning of a new term - unless special circumstances allow a mid-term start. Deadlines for each term are roughly as follows:

For September start		Deadline 1st July
For January start		Deadline 31st October
For Summer start		Deadline mid February

If you think you might have missed a deadline - don't worry - call anyway - you might be fine!

If you want to find out more, give Amy Maguire a call on 07957 608151 or email info@rucksackmusic.co.uk

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.