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First Choice targets independents with franchise scheme
First Choice Retail is to offer franchise partnerships to independent agents as part of a plan to expand its travel agency network.
The company has also introduced a scheme enabling existing staff to franchise any of the 300-plus branch network.
Independents who sign up to the First Choice Partnership scheme will look and operate under the First Choice brand.
Branches will receive benefits such IT, training, finance, commercial, access to all head office support functions and a multi-million pound marketing spend designed to attract new customers.
Retail trading director Cheryl Powell said: “We believe we have the ideal solution. Good independent agents already have excellent knowledge of their local market. The agent retains control of their business, it will always be their business but we will help them increase their commission and earnings, by supporting and growing their First Choice Group share.”
Powell, who has already had approaches from a number of independent agents, claimed: “In addition to the First Choice product range there is a massive opportunity to grow and maximise profits on foreign exchange sales.
“We believe this is a fantastic opportunity and we will only be progressing First Choice Partnerships where there are mutual benefits to First Choice and the agent – we know there has to be a win win.
“I’m particularly interested in talking to agents in areas where First Choice Retail don’t have a presence or has little presence.
“With just over 300 shops, I believe First Choice is ideally placed to set up partnerships with Independents. For the larger multiples, it would prove more difficult to find high streets where they don’t already have shops. The company is not looking to expand by a specific number of shops, the expansion is very much opportunity driven, if the financials stack up for both of us, we are very interested. “
Report by Phil Davies
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