The end of year success can be attributed, in part, to the 12 week see it, save it scheme, which helps customers spread payment costs at a time when budgets are stretched.

The popular initiative has been welcomed by franchisees, who benefit from the security of consistent payments over a three month period.

2011 also saw the roll out of the popular express store concept, with seven express stores opening across the UK in the last 12 months, increasing footfall in high traffic areas.

Offering convenience for consumers, Cash Generator express stores are located on busy arterial routes, combining high visibility for motorists and easy access for local residents, bringing people through to the store from the surrounding areas.

The pace of footfall growth for Cash Generator has been exceptional throughout 2011 and only looks set to increase further throughout 2012 with an exciting year ahead.

Strong footfall ends the year on a high is a post from: Cash Generator

Both Andrew and Helen are new additions to the franchisee family and it will be a big career jump for the pair. Andrew has owned and operated a successful property company in the area for the last 15 years with the support of Helen.

The new store will be operated on a franchise basis with the support and security of Cash Generator.

Looking for a franchise business that would weather the tough economic climate, while benefitting from a strong brand with clear growth potential, Andrew found the solution in Cash Generator. Commenting on his new store, he said: “I am really excited about embarking on a new challenge. Leeds has a fantastic high street at the heart of its community and I am delighted to have invested in a town that I believe has a very promising future.

“Cash Generator is such an attractive proposition as we are able to offer savvy shoppers the chance to get a good deal, as well as instant cash for their unwanted items.”

Located in the heart of the community, the Kirkgate store was the 44th store to open last year with the total number of stores now over 180 across the UK.

Successful businessman opens Kirkgate store is a post from: Cash Generator

Ringing in the new year with both the Cowley and Trowbridge franchises under their belts, Wiltshire based entrepreneurs Cliff and Joanne Barry have been going from strength to strength with the support of Cash Generator.

Cliff commented: “The people at Cash Generator are a great asset, they are very helpful and the training that I received prepared me for the opening of both stores.
I know I can phone my regional manager at anytime to get advice and help.”

Following the success of their first store, Cliff and Joanne wanted to build on the strong opportunity Cash Generator offers and identified great potential in Trowbridge as one of the largest shopping towns in West Wiltshire.

In a boost for the town centre, the new Trowbridge store on Fore Street took over the site of a former shoe store, which was previously vacant for six months, and was praised for creating four jobs for the community.

“We have learned that a Cash Generator store becomes part of the community. Our customers develop very close relationships with all the staff at the store and wherever possible we recruit our team from the local community.”

Located in the heart of the community, the Trowbridge store was the 45th store to open this year and brought the total number of stores to over 180 across the UK.

Two stores in twelve months for Cliff is a post from: Cash Generator

Stores have opened in Middleton and Keighley, welcoming three new franchisees to the fold.

At the helm of the Middleton store is Patrick O’Shea, who made the move to being a franchisee from a career as a black cab driver. Keighley has been set up by brothers Michael and Chris Huntington, who both recognised the security and support that comes with running a franchise with Cash Generator.

With over 180 stores in total, the UK franchise business is well on its way to hitting its predicted target of 200 stores by early 2012.

Store opening update is a post from: Cash Generator

Visitor numbers exceeded 2 million by the end of 2011, a phenomenal 65 per cent increase on the previous year.

As more and more franchisees realise the benefits of uploading products to the website, figures show that revenue generated from web sales in 2011 was triple that of 2010.

Cash Generator is a truly multi-channel business and franchisees have embraced the Cash Generator website as they have looked to reach a wider audience and increase sales.

The website has enabled franchisees to have a national ‘shop window’ and sell to customers across the UK, in addition to its core local customers in the 3 mile radius of the store. The website also benefits regular store customers, as they can browse the items that are in store before visiting.

The investment that Cash Generator makes in TV advertising has also boosted traffic to the website. Following the September TV advertising campaign, traffic to the website doubled in the last quarter of the year and this success is only set to continue with the company’s ambitious expansion plans for 2012.

Two million people log onto Cash Generator is a post from: Cash Generator

Steve Todd, franchisee at Llanrumney said: “When selling items on the Cash Generator website it is crucial to have an up to date product image and description with the right price to maximise web sales.
The descriptions must always be accurate and well written, including key words, to keep the product high up within search engines. Photography is also a key factor when selling online; all photos must do the products justice, as a clear, well thought out image can make a huge difference to a customer.

Paul Shannon, franchisee at Darwen said: “The website is a vital part of our business and an invaluable part of any retailer to generate revenue, however online activity also helps drive traffic to the high street store, as well as drive sales online. Regularly updating the website and issuing news about Cash Generator stores to online media channels ensures the name is consistently gaining online exposure, increasing brand awareness and recognition offline.

Nick Twigg, franchisee at Colwyn Bay said: “Maximising the internet is all about maximising the channels you have available to you and getting yourself seen as an expert in the field.
Search Engine Optimisation is so important to driving online sales. It is ok having a fancy website but people need to find it for it to be effective. Any website needs to drive people to look at it and that is what the website team at Cash generator do so well.

Spotlight Question: Do you have any tips on how to make the most of the internet for your business? is a post from: Cash Generator

Stores have opened in Leeds, Kingsheath, Swindon, Barnsley, Pontefract and Trowbridge, welcoming just one new franchisee to the network. Five of the news stores have been opened by existing franchisees looking to expand their portfolio.

Mike Ashwin has this month opened his 7th store in the Midlands with Kingsheath, husband and wife duo Tracey and Harvey Drew have opened two further stores in Pontefract and Barnsley bringing their total to five, while Cliff Barry has opened his second in 12 months in Trowbridge.

With over 175 stores in total, the UK franchise business is well on its way to its predicted target of 200 stores by early 2012.

New Stores is a post from: Cash Generator

Born and raised in Blackburn, the Darwen store is the second for the pair, who opened their first Cash Generator in Blackburn city centre a year ago. Paul, 27, worked in retail for five years, before deciding to invest in a Cash Generator store with his brother-in-law Michael, an economics graduate.

Michael comments: “Paul and I really enjoy working together and the store is a family business with everyone chipping in when necessary. The express store is a relatively new concept which has proven popular throughout the North West so we are really excited.

“Darwen has a wonderful high street that we are proud to invest in, and the local community has been extremely welcoming. Blackburn is a thriving area and we’re keen to expand and develop our business portfolio across the region. It’s our aim to open another store soon and continue to employ local people with local knowledge.”

Cash Generator has a minimum investment of £70,000 to £80,000 with total start up fees between £230,000 and £250,000.

Local businessmen open second store in Blackburn is a post from: Cash Generator

It has been widely reported that an unprecedented number of us are worrying about how we will afford Christmas this year so Cash Generator is helping franchisees promote its ‘instant cash’ offering.

The push on the buying counter has seen an increase in people bringing in unwanted electrical goods such as TVs, DVDs, mobile phones and games consoles to stores across the franchise network.

Commenting on Christmas trade, Darwen franchisee Paul Shannon said: “We have already seen an increase in trade in the last couple of weeks, with Christmas fast approaching. In addition to people bringing in their unwanted goods to raise cash for Christmas, our sales are also up as people are looking to spend less on presents this year, so are turning to us to get themselves a bargain.

“Customers have also realised that they can use their old products to help pay for a newer model; we’ve seen lots of people selling us last year’s mobile phones, laptops and games consoles and using the money to buy a newer model in store.”

Cash Generator helps locals pay for Christmas is a post from: Cash Generator

Mal Elwood and Phil Horsey employ over 77 staff and, with the opening of their 11th store in Swindon, decided to develop their human resource management skills. Looking to improve their profitability in the long-term, both were keen to recognise, reward and value employees as individuals within the organisation.

Mal comments: “We understand that in order to work to maximum capacity as a team, it is essential to empower and motivate staff. Investors in People offers training in policies and processes and enables business owners to facilitate employees’ needs.”

Phil comments: “This is best illustrated by the really positive attitude shown by store teams competing with each other, each wanting to be the best in everything they do. We have seen individuals take ownership and accept responsibility, not just as individuals but as part of their team. These are great characteristics to have in employees, and we see this as being key to our growth.

“Investors in People is a worthwhile investment and provides a framework that develops our people-related policies and processes, which in turn brings about growth and increased profitability.”

First franchisees to become ‘Investors in People’ is a post from: Cash Generator