Latest news

10 JAN, 2012

2012 has started with a bang for Jasper’s newest franchisee, Mark Blunt, who opened for business in Manchester as the New Year dawned.

In the first couple of weeks of January he has already brought on board four new clients and is gearing up for a fully-served sit-down lunch for 20 executives this week.

Mark comes to Jasper’s following a varied and established career in hospitality spanning three decades. He graduated from Hotel Management School as Student of the Year in 1979 then went on to management roles in West End Gentleman’s Clubs, for a leading Contract Caterer and then at Center Parcs where he spent 10 years rising up the ranks. His most recent role was as Director of Operations for Wales’ only 5 star Holiday Park – Bluestone National Park Resort.

Mark said: ‘I have wanted to do something for myself for a few years now, but wanted to be part of a team as well. Franchising provides the harmony of these two things.

“The decision to become part of Jasper’s was prompted by the passion and focus of the franchisors. They are fully engaged in the business with their own managed operation, and the development, growth and focus on solutions that comes from that was very tempting.

“When you add this to the product, which is first rate, and the innovation for 2012 - the network now has a Head of Food Development – the decision really was a no brainer.

“On paper there is a very high success rate of caterers who choose a genuine franchise, and success matters to me. Jasper’s is a member of the British Franchise Association, and this makes them highly credible. The tipping point for me though was the Business Management System. It really is first class. In effect, my investment into the franchisors’ BMS allows me to focus on business development, and not on distractions caused by a lack of process, often found in smaller businesses.”

Mark has opened his commercial premises in a suitably impressive location – underneath a railway arch! which means that Network Rail is his landlord. The 3,500 sq ft space in Millow St, Victoria, now houses a pristine purpose built kitchen that Metro commuters – and potential customers – will pass on their way to work.

Director of Jasper’s, Nathan Siekierski, said:

“We are expecting great things from Mark. His high calibre background in hospitality and management; his tenacity, ambition and drive; combined with his natural charm and energy, mean there should be no stopping him. The question is not whether he’s ready for Manchester but whether Manchester is ready for him!”
 

07 DEC, 2011

Jasper’s Corporate Catering has come up trumps in the inaugural Best Franchise Awards, winning Best Growing Franchisor. The awards are based on an industry-wide study of franchisee satisfaction to understand which franchisors best deliver on their promises, have proven franchise systems and offer franchisees excellent financial and non-financial rewards.

Steven Frost from Smith & Henderson, the independent franchise research firm that runs the awards, said: “What makes these awards unique is they are based on what the real experts think – actual franchisees who work in those businesses day-in-day-out and their first hand experiences. The four franchisors recognised in this year’s awards are in an elite group and represent the very best franchise opportunities in the UK today.”

Jasper’s scored an impressive 90% overall satisfaction rating from its franchisees against an industry average of 69%; and scored above industry average on 27 of 28 criteria, with 100% satisfaction for 17 areas including: proven system, training and support, the Brand, products and services, maintaining standards, innovation, respect, trust, confidence and communication.

The industry-wide study of franchisee satisfaction, on which the Best Franchise awards was based, is known as the Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark. It involved gathering feedback from over 1,000 franchisees. Franchisors from all corners of commerce participated, ranging from children’s sports coaching to business coaching; from lawn care to domiciliary care; and from retail to accountancy.

Nathan Siekierski, Director of Jasper’s, said “Being able to compare your franchise model to the industry standards is something new and refreshing in the franchising world. Winning an award based on franchisee opinions is the icing on the cake and makes the hard work of the Jasper’s team worthwhile.”

About the Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark (FSB)

The FSB is provided by Smith & Henderson, a leading independent franchise consultancy. It works by inviting existing franchisees to participate in an anonymous online survey which asks them 30 questions about their franchise ownership experience. Using a consistent methodology, the franchise is assigned an overall FSB score and the highest performing franchisors are recognised in the Best Franchise Awards. For more information please visit www.franchisebenchmark.co.uk email media@smithhenderson.com or contact 0207 183 3224.
 

08 DEC, 2011

Jasper’s Newcastle, are celebrating after scooping 'Franchisee of the Year' at the prestigious 2011 Startups Awards, sponsored by Natwest. The awards ceremony took place at Kensington Roof Gardens on 2nd December.

Managing Director of Jasper’s Newcastle, Sue Burrows, said: “2011 has been a fantastic year for us. Our business is running smoothly with a strong customer base and we have added some big contract wins. In fact, the business has proved so successful that we are now planning to open our second Jasper’s franchise in Newcastle, run by our daughter Claire.”

Jasper’s Corporate Catering provides fresh, quality buffet food to business customers for events such as lunches, meetings, training and conferences; as well as vending and on-site catering such as workplace canteens and coffee shops. It is franchising now across the UK.

The Startups Awards finalists were judged on criteria such as sales volume, visionary leadership and social and community responsibility. The judges believed that: “Jasper’s Newcastle are stand-out winners of the Franchisee of the Year award. Started by a mother and daughter team who initially wore chef’s whites and hairnets in the morning while making the lunches; drivers hats at lunchtime to deliver the food; and business suits in the afternoon for cold-calling new customers; they now employ a team of 20 over three locations. Their growth in turnover and profitability are commendable as is their tenacity to continue striving while companies around them are closing.”

Steph Welstead, editor of Startups.co.uk, said: “We were blown away by the standard of entries to this year’s Startups Awards. All of the businesses who made it to the 2011 final have shown innovation, guts and determination and the success they have achieved against the backdrop of the economic downturn is a true testament to the strength of UK entrepreneurship.

“Competition was fierce but the judges felt that each one of our winners had demonstrated sheer brilliance. Their stories will provide much inspiration both to people who are looking to start a business and to those who have already taken the plunge.”

About Startups.co.uk:

Startups Awards 2011 is organised by Startups.co.uk – the UK’s largest website for people starting and running their own businesses. Startups provides free help and advice to 200,000 new visitors every month. www.startupsawards.co.uk
 

03 NOV, 2011

Jasper’s Newcastle franchisees Sue and Dave Burrow are rounding off a fantastic year by being named finalists for Franchisee Business of the Year in the Startups Awards 2011.

Sue and Dave launched their Jasper’s catering franchise at the end of 2008 and have gone from strength to strength, despite opening in the worst recession since the war. They were profitable in their first year and as they head into their fourth, are well on their way to being a £1m turnover business. Such is the demand for their catering services that they are planning to open their second Jasper’s franchise in 2012, which will be run by their daughter Claire.

Their success is especially impressive when you consider that the North East has got the lowest business start up rates in the country. In 2009, there were just 5.7 business start-ups per 1,000 of the population, compared to a national average of 7.9. And the region has also seen a 17.5% fall in start-ups since 2004.

Jasper’s Newcastle is bucking the regional trend though. The franchise provides catering services to more than 100 corporate clients and also provides vending solutions, office sundries and on-site catering. They recently won a three year contract with the BIC in Sunderland, worth £800k, to provide on-site catering facilities for their 350 staff, along with hospitality services.

Being shortlisted for the Franchisee Business of the Year tops off a great 2011 for Sue and Dave. The Editor of Startups said:

“Our finalists this year are as diverse, exciting and creative as ever...Painful as it was, some fantastic companies didn’t quite make it this far from the hundreds of entries we received this year. For those that have made it to the 2011 final, competition for the honours in each category will be incredibly fierce and we anticipate one of the toughest judging days we’ve had since the awards launched in 2004”

Jasper’s Founder and Director Nathan Siekierski said:

“We’re really pleased that Sue and Dave are being recognised this way. They are a credit to Jasper’s : their energy, optimism and dedication to their business translates into sales and success. It just goes to show that when you add the right people - who have the right attitude – to Jasper’s robust processes and systems, you have a winning combination.”
 

22 NOV, 2011

12 OCT, 2011

Jasper's Newcastle franchisees Sue and Dave Burrow recently celebrated their success with a family treat to Disneyland. The couple are on target for £700k turnover next year and are planning to open a second Jasper's franchise in the North-east.

Read the article in the Sunday Express on 2nd October 2011

25 OCT, 2011

As demand for Jasper’s catering services increases, Jasper’s Franchise has brought in a new Recruitment Manager to bring on board franchisees in new territories and support them through the application process.

Dutch-born Lillian Elekan joins Jasper’s from Autosmart International where, as Franchise Coordinator, she was responsible for business development and sales, and assisting new franchisees with starting their business. Her professional life started out quite differently though – after a Masters in International Relations at the University of Utrecht, she joined the Netherlands Human Rights Institute as a research intern where she was involved in major research projects on Indonesia and Zimbabwe.

Lillian explains her change of career direction: ‘I was in academia in both England and Holland for quite a while as I completed an MA after my History degree. While the subject of Human Rights is something I am passionate about, I wanted to work in a more practical environment. My first business marketing roles showed that I have strong people skills and I really enjoyed becoming involved in franchising. I like being able to make a difference – and helping people change their lives by starting their own business is extremely satisfying.'

Lillian ensures she keeps time aside for her other passion though – lacrosse. A former international player – she captained the Dutch team at their first European Championships – she still plays competitively every weekend and trains each week.

Jasper’s is delighted to welcome another talented and dedicated individual to the Franchise team.

Lillian said: ‘Jasper’s is a dynamic company which, although already well established, has big plans for the future and is growing at an exciting rate. I am looking forward to helping the network expand further and supporting new franchisees through the process of starting their own Jasper’s catering franchise.’
 

05 SEP, 2011

On 30th September 2011, MacMillan Cancer Support are looking to break records again for their fundraising event, the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, and Jasper’s Corporate Catering want to make it easy for their customers to get involved.

Last year 43,000 people signed up to host a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan and an estimated 2.6 million people took part - helping to raise more than £8 million! This year Macmillan are looking to better this.

Jasper’s founder Nathan Siekierski says:

‘Just about everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer. The work Macmillan do to help families and individuals is amazing and so worthwhile. It doesn’t come cheap though, and that’s why we want more people than ever to get involved in this year’s fundraising event.

‘We will give 10% of everything purchased from Jasper’s and 50p from every cupcake we sell on 30th September to MacMillan Cancer Support. We really want to help make this year’s event huge – it’s raising essential funds for a very important cause.

Jasper’s want to make hosting a workplace coffee morning really easy. Customers can order all their coffee, tea, milk, sugar, biscuits, cakes, bacon rolls and delicious cupcakes online and Jasper’s will also provide Macmillan collection boxes.

Nathan says:

‘Hopefully our customers will get the chance to take time out from work and enjoy a coffee, whilst contributing to breaking another world record and helping those affected by cancer.’

To register to host a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, visit http://www.jaspersonline.co.uk/jaspers_supports_macmillan_coffee_morning.asp to download a fundraising pack.
 

15 SEP, 2011

Jasper’s Franchise has scoured the highest ranks for its latest recruit: former RAF Senior Chef Matthew Lightfoot. Matthew has been flown in to head up Jasper's Food Development team, looking to introduce signature dishes and bring his vast experience to bear.

Matthew spent 10 years in the Royal Air Force, most recently at RAF Odiham in Hampshire where he worked within the Catering Squadron feeding up to 1500 personnel at one time. He also catered for private and official functions including cooking for the Royal Family. One of his more challenging career highlights was catering for a team of Radar Engineers on a remote mountainside in the Falklands, where he often had to adapt the menu due to insufficient supplies caused by bad weather. He also travelled to the US and Canada attached to a fleet of Hercules Aircraft where he oversaw the transition of food across the USA border.

Matthew’s new role sees him responsible for food and drink management in the Jasper’s Franchise network. He will introduce new products and menus throughout the year; manage suppliers and costs; train new franchisees and their teams on all menus, food production processes and running of their kitchens. He will oversee and train on food safety and hygiene, ensure food standards are exceptionally high and monitor the internal training and reward program.

Matthew brings to Jasper’s his experience of training and motivating teams, scrupulous attention to cleanliness and standards, food preparation techniques and creative flair – as demonstrated when he achieved a Gold Medal with the Royal Air Force culinary team in the 2006 Combined Services Culinary Challenge.

 ‘I’ve cooked for the highest ranks up the highest mountains in the harshest conditions in the RAF. Moving to Jasper’s to lead their Food Development team is the start of my new life and a dream come true – the responsibility is huge and I’m really excited’ said Matthew.
 

25 JUL, 2011

According to a recent survey from ‘New Business’ magazine, more than 30% of the UK’s working population have a desire to start their own businesses. Yet 49% of these had no immediate plans to embark upon that dream, with only 14% claiming this year was a better time than last to take the plunge.

In the end, it is estimated that only 5.9% of all those people that want to start their own business will actually take the leap into self employment . So what is it that’s stopping people and how can we remove the barriers? Nathan Siekierski of Jasper's believes franchising has the answers:

Nathan says: ‘I’ve been there. Starting a business from scratch is a significant risk and commitment, but there is an alternative way. If we look at the top four reasons why people don’t start their own business, we find that, in each of these reasons, franchising can remove the barriers.’

The top four areas are:

1. Money
The most common reason that people don't or can't start a business is cash – or lack of it. Without the necessary start-up capital, many great business ideas never get off the ground.

Nathan says: ‘An experienced franchisor will have good relationships with top lending institutions because of the proven success of their franchise model. There are 897 different franchise systems in the UK – everything from a few thousand pounds investment to millions of pounds. Financing a new franchise is something a franchisor can help and advise with, and the banks much prefer a solid, proven franchise over an independent start-up.’

2. Security
The thought of losing the security of a steady income and benefits keeps many would-be entrepreneurs in the corporate world.

Nathan says: ‘Having a franchise puts you in charge of your own ship in a fleet. You are no longer just an employee at the mercy of managers, HR departments or efficiency savings. Job security these days is not what it was, yet even in tough times, good franchise models are thriving. Since 2006, the sector’s turnover, and number of franchise systems, have both grown by 15%, despite a UK GDP growth rate of only 9.4% in the same period

3. Competition
Ideas of 'building a better mousetrap' can bring out the entrepreneurial spirit in some. Others may find their idea already exists and they’re not sure how they can differentiate themselves or successfully compete in the same market. Therefore they quickly give up on an idea.

Nathan says: ‘There is no race if there is no competition. A proven franchise model should be at the cutting edge of the market, outperforming the competition. A franchisee invests in proven business systems that put them ahead of the competition. It’s no wonder that in a recent British Franchise Association survey, four out of five surveyed say being part of the franchise model offers them a competitive advantage over similar businesses that aren’t.

4. Lack of Ideas
Some people want to be their own boss but haven't a clue what to do. This leads to confusion, fear and ultimately giving up on a business dream.

But as Nathan says: ‘It’s not good ideas that make a business successful; it’s the application and people that count. That’s what franchising is all about – taking a proven product or service and following a successful franchise model that is working in all parts of the UK.

Nathan advises that the first step if you are interested in running your own franchise should be to think about your skills and interests, and the kind of investment you’re comfortable making  – then look for franchisors that, like Jasper’s, are members of the British Franchise Association (BFA), who have Investor In People status and who have good relationships the banks. Then go on Discovery Sessions and get talking to existing franchisees.

Above all, Nathan says: ‘Remember, you only have one life! So whilst you’re here you should chase and live your dreams.’
 

16 MAY, 2011

Recognising the potential for new and growing firms in the franchise industry, NatWest is making £100 million of new loans available to the sector with discounted fees. The fund could finance up to 1,800 new franchise businesses and 24,000 new jobs. New franchises will also benefit from 2 years' free banking.

Everybody wants to see banks funding business growth, as well as helping new business get off the ground to create jobs - this is exactly what this fund will deliver. The industry has shown itself to be increasingly profitable, so for the many people left out of work by the recession franchising is a great way to start up a business. Our research last year shows that franchisors also see better prospects than the rest of the economy, with 94 per cent feeling positive about the future.

Source: Making Money May 2011

Happy franchising

Kerrie

12 APR, 2011

Sue is excited to be working with the Developing SME Expertise in the North East (DSME) project. Sue has been delighted as the scheme has helped appoint Sam Fuller to assist Sue as a Customer Service Representative.

Sue, franchise owner for Jasper’s Newcastle, said “Due to the experience Sam has garnered with her previous roles she has exactly the mix of skills we need in order to assist in the development of our business. Thanks to the DSME project we have been able to take her on in a way which is very manageable for a growing company.”

It is fantastic to hear of such innovative schemes like DSME, a positive element can be drawn from the situation where SME businesses, which are so vital to the economy’s recovery, can gain access to highly skilled individuals who will go on to grow their business.
 

Happy franchising

Kerrie

28 APR, 2011

The latest BFA survey stated the average UK franchise has a turnover of £335,000.

The average Jasper's franchise has a turnover 20% higher than the average UK franchise!

Happy franchising

Kerrie

16 FEB, 2011

Jasper’s Wellingborough has its best year yet!

When we planned our first franchise outside of Birmingham, we were thinking, Manchester, Leeds or Bristol – not Wellingborough! Opening up the first Jasper’s Franchise unit in a non major city put the Jasper’s Franchise model to the test.

We are very happy to say three and a half years on not only are Peter and Janice Short still franchisees but they have experienced an impressive year on year growth, last year they won a trip to Krakow with spending money after achieving consecutive week’s turnover of over £13,000 a week. With still over 300 potential customers in their data base alone this year we believe they should smash the £500,000 turnover target. Paul McMahon, a director of Jasper’s Franchise, said ‘Peter and Janice work hard to achieve their growth, I personally have never seen somebody develop and grow so much as Janice, she has blown me away with her ability to win new business – and all this from a woman who I remember saying there was no way she could ever do a ‘sales’ appointment’.

Happy franchising!

Kerrie
 

01 JAN, 2011

We have now announced January 2011 Discovery Day dates for individuals and couples serious about running their own successful catering business.

Don't miss the opportunity to attend one of our Discovery Days. Dates as follows:

• 14th January 2011
• 15th January 2011
• 21st January 2011
• 22nd January 2011
• 28th January 2011
• 29th January 2011
   

Places fill up fast so book your place asap!

To book your place on one of our no obligation discovery days please call us on 0121 622 2043, email kerrie@jaspersonline.co.uk or fill out our online booking form.

We look forward to hearing from you.

06 DEC, 2010

We are now fully booked for our last two Discovery Days of 2010 on Saturday 11th December and Friday 17th December.

January is a busy time for us with franchise enquiries so we will be holding more Discovery Days.

However, places are snapped up fast so keep an eye out for our New Year Discovery Day dates.
 

18 DEC, 2010

Our last discovery days before Christmas 2010 were fantastic.

We were fully booked for both the 11th and 17th of December which was great and we had 2 groups of ambitious prospects with great personalities.

One of the prospects said 'I wasn't expecting to get so much information. I'm really glad I came, I truly know everything I need to know before making my final decision'.

From our discovery days in December we now have potential franchisees interested in the Leeds, Manchester, Chester and Bristol areas.

If you would like more information about Jasper's franchise, would like to talk to a Jasper's representative or would like to attend a Jasper's discovery day get in touch. Call Kerrie on 0121 622 2043 or email kerrie@jaspersonline.co.uk.

01 NOV, 2010

The Veg Soc Awards proved to be eventful for Jasper's.

We received more votes than any caterer and we were the only caterer in the UK shortlisted for the Vegetarian Society Awards!

Jasper's are now a Veg Soc 'Finalist' and have proudly added our certificate to our awards page.

After speaking to Alex, from the Vegetarian society, it was apparent how much support we received from our customers. Alex said:

"The comments from Jasper's customers were fantastic. From this and my visit you can see why Jasper's were chosen as a finalist for the 'Best Veg Soc approved eating out"

Jasper's is an award winning franchise, to see our other awards please visit http://www.jaspersonline.co.uk/jaspers_awards.asp

01 OCT, 2010

Jasper's held more successful discovery days last month.

As always, they were jam packed with information about how we have developed our systems to help you run your business whilst allowing you to spend time on growing your business and maximise profits.

Because I see our internal Business Management System every day and I am so used to it driving my days forward I almost forget how brilliant it is. It really hits home on these discovery days just how unique our system is and how 'wowed' potential franchisees are when they see how it helps them drive their business forward.

We now have 4 prospective franchisees in the pipeline to take on 4 new territories within the UK.

If you are interested in a Jasper's Franchise and would like to attend a discovery day, get in touch. Spaces are exclusive to people who are serious about owning a franchise in the food catering industry and who have 100% dedication.

Call Kerrie - 0121 622 2043 to see how you can be a part of our next discovery day.

04 OCT, 2010

Yet another reason to say that hard work and dedication pays off!

24 SEP, 2010

 Jasper's are always more than happy to support any good cause and help raise money for charity.

This year the Macmillan world's biggest coffee morning was held on the 24th September and so far have raised £2,476,000. Their target this year is £8 million so they are well on their way to achieving it.

This year we supplied branded cups and donated cakes and coffee to our customers who were holding coffee mornings to help raise brand awareness and money for cancer support. It's early days yet on the total amount raised by Jasper's and their customers, we'll let you know as soon as we know.

Sue, our franchisee from Newcastle has told us one of her customers raised £410 at their coffee morning last week.

A Birmingham customer, on their coffee morning, had visitors from the Macmillan head office. They were delighted at the effort we had put into producing the coffee cups to promote the day and have said they will definately talk to us next year about putting a bigger promotion together.