Papa John's UK

Papa John's is an American pizza take-away with a market in Britain. They currently have 142 stores throughout the UK and have plans to open 40 more in 2010. They have seen a rise in sales for more than four years and saw a particular increase in the last winter.

The rise may owe partly to the recession as many preferred eating at home rather than going out to restaurants. Papa John's have also benefited from their new online order system where people may order even up to 14 days in advance. Thirty percent of their orders come online.

The company is one that looks for people franchising and in the last year has had around 1'200 applications. Their Managing Director Ian Saunders promises the franchisees great support before, during and after and recommends this course for those who would not want to risk running their own entrepreneurial venture in these economic times but would still like to run a business.

Source: Working Lunch, BBC. (27-01-2010)

Papa John's UK

New Balance Sports Shoes

New Balance is an American owned company with a factory in Fimbly in Cumbria. They are the last factory mass manufacturing trainers and other sports shoes in the UK and are well ahead of their competition in the Far East. Some of their items are even exported to those areas.

The factory was built just less than 30 years ago, and after other shoe making companies in the area closed down, New Balance had many skilled workers available. Up to now some of those who worked there from the start remain and work along side new younger recruits.

Surviving the Cumbrian floods as well the recession the company plans on following up its success by trebling productions from last year taking sales from £1M to £3M.

Source: Working Lunch, BBC. (27-01-2010)

New Balance Sports Shoes