MRI NETWORK WORLDWIDE NAMED ONE OF BRITAIN’S STAR FRANCHISORS
“MRI Network Worldwide is a prime example of how franchising is a proven and successful way for businesses to expand." Cathryn Hayes, HSBC Head of Franchising
MRI Network Worldwide, based in Berkshire, has been recognised as one of Britain’s top franchisors by The British Franchise Association after being named a National Finalist in the HSBC Enterprise Award category in this year’s Franchisor of the Year Awards.
The Awards, sponsored by the Daily Express and HSBC Bank, are designed to showcase the UK’s best performing franchisors in a booming industry now employing more than 327,000 people and worth an annual £10 billion to the economy.
With over 1,000 offices in 35 countries, MRI is a major force in executive recruitment. Network turnover last year reached nearly £29 million but, far from becoming complacent, the innovative franchise sought to add value to the business by introducing two new initiatives.
The first was the launch of an Advertised Selection product. The power of the worldwide franchise allowed preferential rates to be negotiated with major publications, giving individual franchises a cost advantage that benefited their bottom line. At the same time they were able to offer their clients a new service, building their business as well as the MRI brand.
The second initiative was to apply MRI’s proven recruitment principles to hiring staff for their own offices.
While busy franchises were winning and fulfilling contracts for their clients, they were often paying less attention to vacancies in-house. To combat this trend, an In-house Recruitment Service was launched, with the creation of a new position and the installation of new technology. New online and offline marketing material was developed and the group’s off-shore research function utilised.
The two new initiatives will work together to add new products to established offices and increase the number of people delivering those products. In this way, MRI plans to maintain its forward momentum and continue steady growth.
Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: “The bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards pay homage to the very best in franchising and honour those providing a customer-centric approach to franchised businesses. The quality of this year’s entries was exceptional and everyone at MRI Network Worldwide should be justly proud they have been short listed in the HSBC Enterprise Award category.”
Express Newspapers’ Business Advertising Manager, Yvette Taylor, added: “MRI Network Worldwide attests the advantages of franchising and the advantages of following a tried and tested business model and brand. “Building a strong and successful brand is something that we at Express Newspapers fully understand, and we look forward to seeing this year’s winner reap the rewards of their success, and to sharing their story with our readers.”
HSBC’s Head of Franchising, Cathryn Hayes, said: “MRI Network Worldwide is a prime example of how franchising is a proven and successful way for businesses to expand. HSBC is committed to encouraging enterprise and development and has been supporting the franchise industry for over 20 years - we are delighted to honour the innovators who lead and inspire within their chosen marketplace.”
