Latest news

19 JAN, 2013

Jasper’s Catering has extended its reach by opening its first London franchise. Jasper’s Croydon opened on 14th January, serving high quality buffet style catering to businesses in the area.

The franchise has been opened by Croydon-born Chris Pook who previously worked in the telecoms industry for 18 years. On recognising that there was a major downturn in the industry, Chris decided to seize control of his own destiny and take the leap into self employment.

Chris said: “I knew that the industry I was in was at risk and I couldn’t stay there any longer. I had already experienced two redundancies and there were potentially more to come. Being employed by a company does not provide the security it once did where as owning your own business allows you to take control, not answer to managers and Boards of directors, and set your own path to financial and personal growth and success.

“I looked at franchises from the start as I didn’t want the risks of starting out from scratch on my own – there is a much higher success rate with franchises than there is with independent businesses.

“I enjoy fitness and looked seriously into owning a gym franchise before realising that the model was vulnerable. In Jasper’s I found a franchise that provides the financial returns I am looking for, providing I follow Jasper’s proven systems and processes.

“I was also very impressed by the openness of the franchisors Nathan and Paul. They opened their first Jasper’s in Birmingham when they were in their early 20’s and after a decade in the business, have created a very robust and exciting franchise model in a market with limitless opportunity. Everybody needs to eat and Jasper’s core customer base of businesses provides a highly targeted, high value, repeat business market.”

Chris began the intensive training programme for his catering franchise at the start of November, focusing on sales and conversion training, which is at the heart of the Jasper’s franchise model. The systems and processes that are in place to attract and retain customers are highly sophisticated and backed up by Jasper’s unique Business Management System which has been developed specifically for the business over the past 10 years. Chris began his production training in the new year, ahead of his business opening on 14th January.

Chris said: “The training has been challenging – data gathering and making phonecalls to potential customers has been a really good learning experience as the business is very much about sales. It is all becoming real to me now – especially when I saw the floor plan to my production unit which has now been fully kitted out.

“My aim is to follow the Jasper’s systems and processes to reach the financial targets in my first three years, then look at developing into further London territories.”

About Jasper’s Catering Franchise
Jasper’s Catering provides hot and cold delivered catering to businesses for their meetings, training courses, lunches, conferences and other corporate events. Clients include Lloyds TSB, the NHS, BSkyB, Grant Thornton and the National Blood Service. Franchisees also manage on-site catering facilities for customers and supply state-of-the-art vending solutions.
 

19 NOV, 2012

Jasper’s Director Nathan Siekierski recently attended an exciting and exclusive event at the British Franchise Association’s Head Quarters with 20 other franchisors. The event was to share best practice between franchisors with the aim of ‘turning good franchisees into great franchisees’.

Nathan said: "One of the benefits about being a BFA-approved franchise is that you get a chance to network, share and learn with other ethical franchisors who are focused on helping their franchisees improve and flourish.

"The good news is that Jasper’s has implemented, or is about to implement, all of these best practices, which means 2013 is looking more exciting than ever!"

Here are some of the key things an ethical franchisor will do in support of their franchisees:

• Diligently assist with the mastery and implementation of systems
• Provide weekly metrics and support
• Give awards for great performing franchisees
• Provide KPIs to identify improvements
• Host regular network meetings
• Encourage the network to feed back to the franchisor on what they need help with or what needs improving
• Manage negative franchisees out of the network

The key to building a successful franchise starts with the people in the network. Like a football team, you are only as good as your weakest player, so the emphasis has to be on encouraging your best performers by helping them achieve their ambitions. You also need to make sure you assess those players that aren’t performing so well by helping them to achieve more or moving them on to another position or division.

Most franchisees are passionate about succeeding and you can be assured that BFA franchisors are extremely passionate about making sure they do. They will do everything within their power to assist a franchisee with achieving their goals.

Nathan said: "What we are looking forward to in 2013 is the involvement of more franchisees in product development and meetings. We have our annual awards ceremony coming up where our highest achievers will be acknowledged for their hard work over 2012. We even have a special guest coming – check out our Facebook post on December 14th (the day of our annual conference) to find out who it is!”

If you are thinking about franchising, remember to look for a franchise with proven systems and processes and is BFA approved. If you would like advice about franchising, contact Nathan at nathan@jaspersonline.co.uk

11 OCT, 2012

Jasper’s Head Office has recruited three PAs who are acting as virtual PAs for franchisees, taking control of inbound calls and emails, booking appointments and managing general administration. The PAs have been brought in to free up franchisees so that they are able to spend more time out and about meeting new prospects and customers.

Early adopters of the scheme are franchisees in Chester, Brighton, Manchester, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Derby.

Jasper’s Franchise Recruitment Manager Lillian Elekan said:

“We always say that a Jasper’s catering franchise isn’t for everyone. It’s for high calibre people, who are passionate, disciplined and motivated. Running your own franchise means overseeing production in your commercial kitchen and also generating sales to bring in and retain customers.

“It’s alot to take on, that’s why we recommend running your franchise as a partnership with a spouse or business partner. We have also found with our latest franchisees that the demand for catering in their territories means they have had a large number of inbound calls and emails to deal with, so much so that it has hindered their ability to go out and see customers. That’s why we have encouraged them to use a PA, to take on the administrative work for them.

"Lizzie, Matt and Carol are three organised and bubbly characters who love a chat! I know that our customers are going to get to know and like them. Franchisees who have taken on a PA are already feeling the difference, with more appointments being booked and time to focus on really growing their business.”

Jasper’s Chester franchisee Simon Hadley said:

“Having Lizzie supporting me this week has already made a difference. Production has been busy for us but I have managed to go on appointments, attend a network meeting and speak to the book keeper. The result of which is I feel far more in control (I’ve even typed up my notes from the two meetings today..!) I know that as time goes on she will make an even bigger difference.”

The new recruits are based at jasper’s Catering Franchise HQ at the Custard Factory in Birmingham and currently each support two franchisees. It is expected that more franchisees will take on a virtual PA as the benefits become evident across the network.
 

23 JUL, 2012

After two years living in Ipswich, Paula and Andy Hancock have returned to their roots and opened up a Jasper’s catering franchise, not far from their home town, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, supplying delivered catering to businesses in the North Nottinghamshire area.

The couple moved to Ipswich for Paula’s job at energy company Haven Power while Andy stayed at home looking after their young son. Before that, Andy was self employed as a driving instructor for 10 years.

Andy said: “Having a career break to look after Xavi has been wonderful but now that he’s going to school, we felt it was the right time to take the plunge and open our own business. Originally we were looking at a B & B but were drawn to the support and back up that a franchise gives you.

“We first came across Jasper’s around three years ago and have been following it ever since. We have watched as the brand has developed and the network has increased. We like the fact that the business isn’t ‘rocket science’ – it’s something that we both can do, with me focusing on operations and Paula on sales. We were in touch with the franchise team for a good while before we signed on the dotted line but never felt pressured into it, unlike with other franchises that we looked at. One import business that we were very interested in turned out to be a scam and franchisees lost £40,000!

“We talked to other Jasper’s franchisees and visited them to see their operations. All our questions have been answered and we even did lead generation in our territory to reassure us that the market for our business is there – which of course it is! The whole process has been very transparent and we’ve gone through it at our own pace.”

The decision was a big one for Andy and Paula as it involved not only starting up a new business but moving house, transferring Xavi to a new school and leaving good friends behind.

Paula said: "Originally we were looking at opening up our franchise in Ipswich, but as we talked things through with each other and Nathan and Paul the franchisors, it became clear that moving back home was the right thing to do. We have family here that can support us and we know the area really well.”

Paula left her job as Learning and Development Manager on a Thursday and the very next day was thrown in to the pre-launch training at Jasper’s HQ in Birmingham.

Paula said: “It’s all happened very fast and we’ve been pushed out of our comfort zone but are really enjoying it! We’ve got big plans for this business: we want to be turning over £1 million at the end of year three and once we have proved ourselves, want to open up in a second territory so we serve the whole of the Nottinghamshire area – North, South and the city. We are really up for the challenge and know we’ve got the energy, passion and discipline to make it happen.”
 

24 MAY, 2012

Jasper’s Catering Franchise has been shortlisted as a finalist in the franchise industry’s top accolade: the bfa HSBC Franchise Awards, for the HSBC Franchisee Support Award. Judging takes place on 15th and 16th May with the winners announced at the 23rd British Franchisor Awards gala dinner on 21st May 2012 at Telford International Centre.

The awards highlight the outstanding business acumen, passion and achievement of franchise businesses across the UK. They are only open to franchise businesses that are accredited members of the British Franchise Association, and put standards, ethics and best practice at the top of their agenda.

Jasper’s nomination for the award recognises the way it supports franchisees – right from when a potential new franchisee first submits an enquiry, through to when they are an established member of the franchise network. Jasper’s support covers every aspect of a business owner’s needs: financial, sales and marketing, business growth, emotional, psychological and peer to peer.

Jasper’s founder, Nathan Siekierski, studied philosophy at university and this is reflected in Jasper’s unique approach to developing and supporting the network.

His particular skill is the design of systems based on patterns that lead to success, to reduce the need for human reliability and to enable people to focus on spending time with people. This has led to the development of Jasper’s Business Management System and Sales Buddy tool which take care of administrative processes, and marketing planning and implementation for franchisees.

Nathan said: “The focus of our support structure is on making life easier for franchisees. Our Business Management System supports franchisees on a daily basis, communicating with them on everything from when a customer places their first order, to when it’s their birthday! It manages all production schedules and provides reports on turnover, margin, conversion and retention rates.

“How often do you see that a franchisee wants to grow their business but simply doesn’t know how to go about it? The Jasper’s Sales Buddy tool works on the basis that if a franchisee inputs the growth they are after, the system will work out how to achieve it, including providing training media files and email reminders of when to do what.”

Support for Jasper’s franchisees starts before they even come on board. The ten step application process is extremely thorough – using DISC profiling to assess a candidate’s character and to benchmark results against existing franchisees to ensure they are the right fit for Jasper’s.

Once on board, franchisees undergo a rigorous pre-launch training programme including production training by Jasper’s Head of Food, systems training and sales training. They are also trained to identify £500,000 worth of leads in the first year. At head office, 100 appointments with prospects are made for franchisees in their first year.

Nathan said: “When a franchisee comes on board, particularly if they were previously in employment and it is their first experience of being in business, it is our responsibility as franchisors to support them in their transition into the world of franchising. Our systems and training give them the framework they need to start their business successfully and profitably. In addition, we help them financially by subsidising a third of their first year’s accountancy costs so they have up to date and robust financial information.

“We also recognise the considerable emotional and psychological support that is needed to keep confidence levels, motivation and self belief high. This is why, as part of the franchise fee, all Jasper’s franchisees have four sessions with High Performance coach Richard Elwell - who works with celebrities, top sports people and business people - to keep them focused, on target and energised. We also work with business experts like ‘Double Your Business’ coach Lee Duncan for business growth sessions and all franchisees have monthly growth meetings with us to keep them on target.

“The other element of support that Jasper’s franchisees receive is peer to peer. Although all franchisees have chosen to go into business, many of the people we talk to and that become franchisees, say that they chose franchising because they like feeling part of a team. That’s why we have regular franchisee meets and introduced the ‘Jasper’s Lion’ – an elected member of the network who takes comments and concerns from all franchisees and speaks on everyone’s behalf to the franchisors.

 “I admit I am obsessed with ensuring all franchisees are supported at every level to ensure their success. It’s clear to me that franchising is the safest way to enjoy the freedom and rewards of running your own business without being alone.”
 

14 MAY, 2012

Jasper’s opened two new franchises today, in Brighton and Chester.

Jasper’s Brighton has been opened by Dutch-born Maarten van der Velde who spent 15 years managing luxury chalets and hotels in the Alps. He has also worked as Food and Beverage Director for Michael Caines’ Abode Hotel in Chester and for Conrad Hotels in London and Brussels.

Jasper’s Chester has been opened by chef Simon Hadley. Simon began his career as an apprentice at the Dorchester then worked as a Chef di Partie for Raymond Blanc at Le Manior aux Quat’Saisons. Simon has also worked at the three Michelin-starred Le Crocodile in Strasbourg; as Sous Chef at Hambleton Hall; and his last role was in food development for Kerry Foods.

Maarten said: “Having spent my whole career in hospitality, I knew I wanted to set up a business in this industry, but with support from a franchisor. While researching online, Jasper’s really appealed to me - I like the ethos of the business and the approach to customer service. I have spent more than 20 years working at excelling in customer service and I am very passionate about it. I believe this sets Jasper’s apart as a business – it’s something they believe in and is evident in everything from their customer guarantee, to their online ordering system and the training they provide their staff.

“Every step of the way during the launch process, my confidence in Jasper’s has been confirmed. They have been franchising since 2007 and have honed their systems and processes over the years. It’s reassuring to have a proven business model behind me and a network of peers I will be meeting with in the franchise network throughout the year. Now I am looking forward to running my business, in my town, and making a real success of it.”

Simon said: “I am at the stage of my life now where I want to work for myself. I didn’t want to open a restaurant as it is extremely difficult to make a success of one and in this climate, starting your own business without any support is particularly challenging. I was drawn to a Jasper’s franchise as it is a proven catering business with robust systems, but it has more flexibility than the typical food franchise. I researched a couple of the big name retail food franchises but for me they were far too rigid and appeared quite dull – I could have been making and selling car parts.

“Jasper’s has diversity in its food and drink offer and I will be able to put my own stamp on products and menus. As soon as I met the Jasper’s franchisors I knew I had found the right business for me. I like their philosophy and their approach to their customers and their franchisees. When I delved deeper into the business model I was just as impressed and reassured by their food production processes and standards, and their business systems.”
 

13 MAR, 2012

Jasper’s is delighted to have been shortlisted for Best Franchisee Marketing Support at the Franchise Marketing Awards, with the winner to be announced at the British and International Franchise Exhibition at Olympia on Friday 16th March.
 
The Franchise Marketing Awards (FMA) recognise the most innovative and effective marketing campaigns in the industry. Six other franchise businesses have been shortlisted alongside Jasper’s for Best Franchisee Marketing Support including McDonalds, Chemex and the Creation Station.
 
Director of Jasper’s Catering Franchise, Nathan Siekierski, said:

”We may not have quite the marketing budget of some other franchises as we’re not a global giant – yet - but I’d happily back our approach and system against those of any other franchise, any day of the week.
 
“Our approach at Jasper’s is always based on two things: will what we are doing enable our franchisees’ businesses to grow? And will it enable them to grow at a profitable rate?

“We make sure that the data our franchisees use in their marketing campaigns is robust and up to date, so they are always targeting qualified leads. Then we empower them to undertake authentic, permission based marketing, where they have the confidence to verify that who they are talking to, want to be talked to.
 
“We recruit experts in their field to train our franchisees on key skills from being successful on the phone to psychologically having the right attitude to sales. We also listen to our franchise network and introduce their ideas, such as our ‘WOW’ fortnight of extraordinary events just for Jasper’s customers. Our franchisee in Coventry ran an Elvis concert for his customers with proceeds going to charity.”
 
But it’s Jasper’s bespoke ‘Marketing and Sales Buddy’ that is the real weapon in Jasper’s marketing armoury, and this was the focus of the submission for the Best Franchisee Marketing Support award. Developed over 2 ½ years, the system enables franchisees to undertake targeted marketing to meet their growth targets.
 
Nathan said: “Jasper’s Marketing and Sales Buddy breaks down annual targets into tangible weekly activity. Franchisees undertake campaigns at their pace, are fully enlightened as to the cost of investment and the return on this investment per customer, the length of the campaign and what the campaign will add to their business overall in terms of turnover.
 
“Each week, they are emailed the next steps of the campaign and their daily planner is updated. They are given all the tools needed to deliver the campaign and each step is accompanied by a training video from the franchise team explaining what it’s for and how to do it.
 
 “You hear ‘Return on Investment’ bandied about alot in marketing, but our system provides this down to the most granular level. It’s about enabling our franchisees to undertake their own sales and marketing in the most enlightened and empowered way with the minimum hassle for them.”
 

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!”
 

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
 

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.
 

22 NOV, 2011

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.”
 

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.’
 

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

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.
 

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.
 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.
 

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

04 OCT, 2010

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

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.

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.