FDS announces expansion in the South East

FDS continues to franchise franchising by opening new office in the South East.

20/02/2008: 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 & 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 www.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.