With three new Morris Pasties franchisees set to launch, Rachel Spaul reviews its progressive nationwide expansion OVERVIEW Over 10 years' experience in company-owned shop Tried, tested & proven operating system All pasties are made to the original secret recipe An effective marketing & launch package Ancillary products to maximise profitability Ongoing HQ support Nationally acclaimed product SUMMARY No. of franchisees: 4 plus 7 opening soon Franchise fee: £22,900 Franchisee profile: Motivated team players, willing to work hard, committed to providing high quality products and customer service. Year established: 1972 Year franchised: 2004 Priority recruitment territories: Nationwide Its quality handmade pasties have stood the test of time & been acclaimed on TV & in the press A business on a roll is the impression emanating from the Morris Pasties head office. With four franchisees trading, three poised to open, and more in the pipeline, Cornish pasty brand Morris Pasties is steadily increasing its portfolio of franchised operations. Franchised in 2004, the Morris Pasties offering is appealing to the imagination of people up and down the country wanting to be their own bosses in the highly popular fast food market. With a Cornish heritage spanning over 30 years, a franchise operation developed by a leading franchise consultant, and an offering that combines traditional values with modern dining, Morris Pasties is ideally placed to take advantage of the expanding pasty market. Its quality handmade pasties, baked to a secret recipe using Cornish meats and vegetables, have stood the test of time and been acclaimed on TV and in the national press. Premium soups, specialty ice creams and sandwiches created by Michelin starred consultant chef Nathan Outlaw complement traditional pasties, with Fairtrade organic coffee, various freshly baked morning goods and pastries completing a range of products designed to give maximum profitability to franchisees. Franchisees are not expected to make the speciality pasties themselves as experience has shown that pasties bake best from frozen. The baking procedure has been simplified to achieve easy, consistent results. "We've had a phenomenal level of interest in the Morris Pasties franchise since its launch," confirms Managing Director Chris Morris. "We are now looking forward to opening more Morris Pasties shops all around the UK and having a family of franchisees enjoying the business and the lifestyle it can provide." In recent months Chris has welcomed a steady flow of potential franchisees to the company's head office in Newquay and demonstrated to them why Morris Pasties have been described by The Mail as "upper crust pasties, a sure winner", and "the finest pasties in Cornwall" by The Daily Telegraph. Chris relates: "Nobody that has made the journey to visit us at our head office in Newquay Cornwall has been disappointed." Successful candidates will receive help with gaining premises approval and a combination of in-store and classroom training, which includes instruction in administration techniques, product knowledge, baking techniques, marketing strategies and corporate standards. To help launch the new business, a member of the Morris Pasties team will visit the new franchisee to assist with marketing the business and providing support on a one-to-one level. Ongoing support is provided in the form of training, development seminars, telephone and email support and an intranet service. Morris Pasties is looking to share its business opportunity with motivated team players, willing to work hard and who are committed to providing high quality products and customer service. People who fulfil these criteria will become part of a legacy steeped in family tradition and history, with exceptionally strong values. 'The best on the market' Having grown up in Cornwall, Alan Lloyd says he could see the potential of the Morris Pasties franchise and meeting Directors Chris and Alison Morris confirmed his impressions. "We were impressed by the product, which is the best on the market, and by Chris and Alison's enthusiasm and commitment to the business," states Alan. "It is a family business that has grown from scratch, which gave us confidence." Alan and Sharon, formerly a Retail Operations Manager and a Lettings Negotiator respectively, were conscious that location is everything in retail, have spent some months sourcing suitable premises, and are in the final stages of setting up their shop in Milton Keynes' shopping centre. "We know retail very well and know what drives public demand," states Alan. "We believe we're onto a winning formula with Morris Pasties. We have a good product in the right location with good customer service." 'Tremendous' support' Experienced business owners Dave and Lynne Jones have left behind the post office and newsagent sector to pursue their dreams of owning a food-based business. "We wanted a fast food business, but without the unhealthy connotations," Dave confirms. "We were very impressed by Morris Pasties and felt that they cared about the business." Currently in the final stages of establishing their premises, Dave and Lynne reflect on their experiences so far: "We really enjoyed the training. We visited the factory to see the pasties being made, which made us realise what a first-class product it is. "Morris Pasties have been tremendous. We had difficulty sourcing suitable premises and they came up with the shopping centre in Southampton, which we'd never have known about otherwise. Every step of the way if there's a problem we can just pick up the phone, and although we've been in business for a long time, it's nice to have that back-up."