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Kids Klub
Capturing kids at play  Pictures of children at play go back to the beginning of time, they have been found in early cave drawings on the pyramids, in paintings and in millions of photographs. Since the camera was invented in 1839 people have taken photographs of just about everything, particularly children. This has grown into a massive business worth tens of millions of pounds. Children have always been photographed because parents want to record their offspring's at various stages through school.This created a number of commercial photographers, one of the most famous was Polyphoto. They took 30 snaps on a single 10" x 8" negative, the customer chose the one they liked and Polyphoto produced the prints. When colour photography was developed, it killed off Polyphoto because the technology for black and white photographs was not transferable into colour. The old school photograph where the whole class was taken produced a long scroll picture that still hangs in some homes. This was followed by the individual photograph taken at school, prints produced, orders taken and finally, often weeks later, the photographs arrived. These are "still" portraits but with the age of the video camera combined with the techniques of cinematography, it is about to change. Putting the two together first happened in the USA where it was seen by Harry McPhie who was on holiday from the UK. He identified how it could be applied for filming children and developed the initial concept. Geoff and Jan Thomas started life in this field when they purchased the first franchise from Harry and his wife Irene at the end of 1994. When the parent franchise company unfortunately ceased trading Geoff & Jan, with Harry's blessing, carried on developing the original concept and in 1997 formed Kids Klub Adventure Video Productions Ltd. Today - after having successfully re-launched the franchise operation in October 1999 - Kids Klub are the UK Market Leaders in the production of children's keepsake videos, using high tech equipment that projects the child, in action, against a moving background. Kids Klub video children aged between 6 months and 6 years old against four adventure backgrounds - A theme park, a day at the farm, a safari adventure or a journey to Father Christmas. We film them at nurseries, play groups and pre-school establishments - it is a massive market. We produce the video at the time it is filmed and give it to the parent who takes it home to view and decide whether they want to keep it. They pay for it the following week and order as many copies as they want - they are great for Grandparents and as presents. We even take a frame out of the video and mount it in a key fob, they are very popular. The company, based just outside Salisbury has moved from part time, to a business that employs a team of five full time supporting franchises all over the UK and is ready for further Development and Expansion. top The franchise  Kids Klub is about capturing an excited child starring in their own adventure against a background - It could be a visit to a farm, driving adventure & meeting the emergency services, a safari adventure or a journey to Father Christmas. Just 5 minutes of video film which is all action, fun and laughter and a lasting memory. We have found that men are the best at filming the kids, somehow they manage to control them better, get the right angles and get the right reactions. We use high-tech equipment that projects the child, in action, against a moving background so there is some technical expertise coupled with the ability to motivate the children. Women are better at selling the Kids Klub concept to nurseries, playgroups and pre-school places. These are virtually all run by women so there is some synergy between the person who is explaining what Kids Klub is about to the person who runs the nursery or school. Typically the franchisee will be the man who is responsible for the equipment, taking it to the school, setting it up and taking the film. It is done in group sessions with all the children present along with the children's teacher or supervisor, so the children act as the audience with each child acting out their own adventure. This does make a very good family or partnership franchise but can operate as a sole trader and employ a member of staff to fill one of the roles. You will operate in an area that has around 600 children's nurseries, play groups and pre-school establishments. These will be researched before you start but we will also sell to a number of these in the lead-up to your training and launch - we want you to have some bookings when you start. You can operate from home, you only need a room that you can convert into an office, somewhere to copy the videos for additional orders and somewhere to store the video blanks and your stationery and brochures. You will need the very special equipment that we use, complete with a screen, special video equipment, video copying equipment, computer and office equipment. We have arranged a lease or rental package or you can buy it outright. You will also have a small van on contract hire that will carry the Kids Klub image as a permanent advertisement wherever you go. Once you start you will find that demand grows as parents talk and then tell other nurseries and pre-schools. The filming normally takes a morning so you can fit two venues in when you are very busy. It is not just the school time when you are in demand but also in the holidays when the children are at play groups while their parents are at work. Within a year we would expect you to need a second cameraman and by the end of year three you could have a third cameraman - you will need video equipment for each one and a Kids Klub van. Kids Klub is a serious business because you are working with children so care of children and their safety is of paramount importance. They are always under the supervision of somebody from the playgroup or pre-school who will help to control them and make sure they behave but it is also a fun day and a fun occupation. There are a lot of laughs and a lot of amusing situations - you can hardly call it work. top Training and support  As soon as you have decided that Kids Klub is for you, we need you to spend a couple of days on filming assignments so you can see what we do, how we do it and your interaction with the children. It just may be that after one or even two days of controlling and filming children at play is not quite what you think it is, on the other hand it could and should fill you with excitement and anticipation for the future. These two days are really an introduction to what Kids Klub is all about and are vital to your future and the future of Kids Klub in your area. The two day shoot will probably give you the enthusiasm to want to move forward more quickly and we will obviously try and organise your training at a time that is convenient for you and for us. The training course will cover two weeks and will concentrate on filming, the use of the camera, motivation of children, managing a filming session as well as copying videos and the other technical aspects of the business. The other part of the training will cover the marketing, selling, administration, VAT Returns and how to run the business - it is very thorough. If you plan to operate Kids Klub as a couple the training will cover both of you so that each knows what the other is involved in, it creates a team. If you are employing a sales lady she would join you on the course for one - two days but would then spend time on the area with our Senior Salesperson, calling on nurseries, playgroups and pre-schools. The training leads into the launch of your Kids Klub video franchise and carries on through the first week of operation. The training is included in your initial fee but you are responsible for your income, travel costs, accommodation and subsistence. Additional training specific to your franchise will be charged at rates shown in the Operations Manual. Training for all franchisees, mainly new technology, adventure themes or marketing will be done on a group basis and will be free although you will be responsible for your own costs of attending. This also applies to conferences that will be run every year. Training is the first part of the package, the rest is the ongoing support that we will continue to give you. This will be very intense in your first 3 - 6 months when you will be learning about your business and some of the situations and funny things that occur - it never goes quite to plan when kids are involved. We will certainly be talking to you on the telephone 2 or 3 times a week visiting you after a couple of months but this will ease back to a level that is right for your needs and agreed between us. After all it is your business and you will want to run it but feel the comfort of having somebody you can talk to. We want you to succeed and be part of the team that builds the reputation of Kids Klub on a national basis. Above all we want you to enjoy Kids Klub and the pleasure that it gives to so many children and their parents. top The next step This is an unusual business that involves management skills, marketing skills, an ability to use a camera, have fun and also have a business that you enjoy. Above all we want enthusiasm, a rapport with kids that brings out the best in them and the desire to build a worthwhile business within a national network. We want people who are dedicated to quality and people who can make things happen. You may have a background of working with children but that would not be a major requirement. We are looking for people who will grow the business, are particular with quality and enjoy working with children. If you are interested, just complete the Application Form and send it to Jan Thomas. It is in total confidence and does not commit you in any way but it does give us the information that we need to set-up a meeting - this could be the first step to having fun with Kids Klub. top Our commitment to you
The commitment we want from you
Your investment and return Initial Franchise Fee This covers initial research and demographics for your area, potential number of play groups, your training, pre-selling in your area and assistance on your launch. Fixtures, Fitting and Equipment This comprehensive equipment package includes all the special video equipment, props, initial stock and stationary pack. Computer and office equipment / furniture should be purchased separately. Working Capital This covers the up front deposits for your equipment and on your van, telephone installation, your expenses during training, legal costs, bank and accommodation charges, income for you and a member of staff, if appropriate and VAT on initial purchases Funding The major Clearing Banks, in conjunction with their Franchise Departments will normally provide funding of 50% of the investment for the right applicant. Ongoing Costs Management Service Fee - 12% on all income excluding VAT. The Fee is subject to VAT at the standard rate. Advertising Levy 2% on all income excluding VAT. This is subject to VAT at the standard rate. Rewards We would expect you to achieve sales of over around £42k in year one rising to around £120k in your third year. This should generate an income approaching £11k in your first year rising to around £44k in your third year. Allowing for a reasonable income you should expect to clear your Bank overdraft by quarter 3 of your second year. Note: All figures have been prepared as a guide and although care has been taken they should not be interpreted as a guarantee that they will be achieved or that profit will be made. They are based on our operating experience and knowledge of the market. top  Key Info | | ||||||||||
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