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CLIENTS COMMENTS
1.
Some Of Our Franchisor Clients
1.1
Gary Chambers -
General Manager - Apollo Window
Blinds Limited - Full Member BFA
“Hi David,
We have used the services of David
Bigmore and his team since 2008. Apollo Blinds has
been franchising for over 30 years and prior to 2008
we were represented by an international law firm
that purported to be franchise law specialists –
broadly speaking they did a very good job for us. It
is only working with David that made us realise just
how complex franchise law can be and having David’s
hand on the tiller of all our legal movements gives
me a level of comfort that Apollo Blinds will always
be able to protect its position and brand.
David’s name and reputation opens
doors and expedites what could otherwise be
protracted negotiations. David spends all day, every
day dealing with complex franchising matters for
franchisees and franchisors. He quotes complex case
law from the top of his head and it is unlikely we
will ever present him with a problem he has not seen
and handled before.
Apart from being the most competent
lawyer I have ever met he is also a pleasure to work
with as are the rest of the Bigmore team. I would
thoroughly recommend David Bigmore & Co to any
franchise business or groups of franchisees.”
1.2 David Parkinson
– Franchisor: Cartridge World Limited : Full Member BFA
We have been using the
services of David Bigmore & Co for over three years and we have been
consistently impressed with the knowledge and experience that David
possesses in relation to franchising in the UK. I have found that it is
increasingly important to use a company that specialises in franchising
and I believe that David is one of, if not the leading franchise solicitor
in the country. Now that David Bigmore & Co is associated with Goodman
Derrick we have not had to use any other company for all our legal
requirements.
1.3 Stu Beadle
– International Franchisor: Cleantastic
International
" At CleanTastic we use Franchise Solicitors in New
Zealand, Australia, the USA and Great Britain, our
experience with David Bigmore & Co and in particular
David Bigmore himself has been first class. They
provide an extremely efficient service with an
emphasis on providing Franchise expertise that is
highly commercial. We would highly recommend them!"
1.4 Michael Eyre – Franchisor:
Managing Director Blazes Fireplaces & Heating
Centres Limited (Largest Distributor of
Fireplaces in the UK) Full Member BFA
"During the 10 years we have been involved in
franchising we have used the services of no less
than 4 specialist franchise law firms, all of whom
are affiliate members of the BFA. Our experience of
their abilities has not been good; with the
exception of those produced by David Bigmore &
Associates, in every instance where we have
attempted to rely upon the integrity of legal
documents produced by these lawyers they have been
found to be flawed, on some occasions leading to
devastating consequences.
The Franchise Agreements produced by you have been
universally accepted by every one of the nine
franchisees (and their own lawyers) recruited since
you commenced acting for us in 2002.
In two instances since 2002 it has been necessary
for us to involve ourselves in litigation. On each
of these occasions, with your assistance, we have
been able to bring these issues to a satisfactory
conclusion.
In short, and to summarise, I would describe you as
a professional who is always prepared to go the
extra mile and whose fees, in comparison to others,
are almost reasonable!"
1.5 Eddie Mulqueen
– Franchisor: Matrix-direct-recycle
Preparation of Legal documentation to assist with
matrix-direct-recycle Franchise launch.
Dear David
Just a few words of thanks from Craig and I, to show
our appreciation at the way you and your staff
handled our legal requirements within your
organisation.
Here we were less than 1 month short of our
Franchise launch, having taken non affiliated advice
(with best intentions), fully aware that we were not
as professionally prepared to launch our Franchise
concept as we had intended or indeed thought. This
required an urgent appraisal of our situation which
resulted in retaining the services of one of the
sectors leading consultant groups to assess our
situation. Amongst other recommendations they
advised seeking an experienced franchise lawyer to
review all our legal documentation.
Well along came you and your team, what a
difference, somebody we could talk to and more
importantly understand. From the start we could
contact your team with the minimum of fuss, always
receiving a prompt response from either yourself or
your staff, this was essential given the time brief
that we were working too.
Within 8 weeks your team had totally rewritten our
Franchise Agreement and associated administration
enabling us to maintain our development plans.
We have now recruited our 7th franchisee,
and are now on track to meet our recruitment target
of 12 established franchisees within our first year
of franchising.
As part of the recruitment process we insist that
potential franchisees seek professional advise in
respect of the Franchise Agreement from affiliated
franchise lawyers prior to signing, the overall
feedback from this policy is that we have a “a very
clear, firm but fair agreement, which has been well
drafted”.
This is not only a compliment to ourselves, but also
a reflection of your professionalism from your
peers.
Again a big thank you and we look forward to a long
and rewarding relationship as our franchise
develops.
1.6 Mike Le-Gallez
– Franchisor: Franchise Director Mister
Fix-It
With our first pilot scheme about to start we are
already beginning to see the benefits of using your
BFA approved service.
I would like to state that I have been using the
services of David Bigmore and Co. since 2004 and I
have always found Mr Bigmore to be extremely
professional, approachable, reliable and user
friendly (He translates legal jargon into plain
English with great aplomb). Furthermore, I found
that Mr Bigmore has always been willing to go that
extra mile for me and my company.
Mr Bigmore has always been extremely helpful and has
always been on the other end of a phone when we have
needed him, this was the kind of personal touch that
convinced me to use Bigmore & Co.
Moreover, on a legal level, the franchise agreements
written by Mr Bigmore have proved to be water tight,
and this is the single most important factor when
choosing a franchise solicitor. And when you
consider Mr Bigmore is no less qualified or less
professional, it makes him a very attractive
alternative to using a spotty teenager from a much
more expensive, faceless organisation.
If there has ever been a better example of less is
more then I don’t know it. You pay less and get
more.
My business partner and I have been involved with
franchising for almost twenty years, and I wish we
would have known about Mr Bigmore from the start.
For all of the above reasons and the fact that he is
a bloody nice chap, I would have no hesitation in
wholeheartedly recommending the services of Bigmore
& Co. to one and all.
1.7 Jonathan Duff
– Franchisor: Director Blazes Fireplace &
Heating Centres Ltd
We have really appreciated the firms input. They
have totally re written our Franchise Agreements,
which were riddled with holes despite been
originally written for us by a firm of supposedly
specialist franchise lawyers. David Bigmore really
knows his subject, and we have found the personal
touch to be so much more useful than the big
corporate anonymous approach....
1.8 Ted Reynolds
– Franchisor: Managing Director, Box It
"David Bigmore & Co have provided sound and
consistently accurate guidance on matters relating
to franchising our business from the early and often
difficult days to the present. We attribute a good
degree of our success to their services. Accordingly
we would not hesitate to recommend David's practice
to those seeking to franchise their business or to
those simply looking to take advice on matters
relating to franchising."
1.9 Ian Dexter
– Franchisor: Xpert Business Brokers
"We found you easy to work with on what was 'new
ground' for us."
"It was refreshing to work with a legal advisor with
a sense of urgency"
"Working with you gave us a feeling of confidence
for the future"
1.10 Paul Tomkinson
– Franchisor: Director M&i (UK) Ltd
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you
for your help with our Franchise Agreement. As a new
business, in a new area of Transport Services and
being new to Franchising we needed a great deal of
advice and a fixed budget. You provided both! Your
advice has been invaluable and having a budget to
work to and sticking to it is critical to a new
business.
1.11 Chris Newman
– Franchisor: Director Link-Up Properties
Just a short note to say how pleased we have been
with your service to date and how your knowledge and
attention to detail has been fantastic. We would
not hesitate in recommending your firm to other
Franchisors. Many Thanks
1.12 Ian Raby
– Franchisor: General Manager CPS
Building Plastics Ltd
"Just a quick note of thanks for the excellent
service you have provided to CPS Building Plastics
(Franchising) Limited. It has not only been a
pleasure to deal with you personally but
professionally we have all gained a much clearer
understanding of what we have ultimately embarked
upon in a very complex legal minefield. Last but by
not means least you have offered us value for money,
a quality sadly lacking in many companies today. All
the best for the future and keep up the good work."
1.13 Judith Blacklock
- Judith Blacklock Flower
School Ltd: Knightsbridge
"David's wise counsel has been invaluable to me over
the long professional relationship I have enjoyed
with him. His attention to detail is vital in
supporting my business, as is his reliability and
judgement. I know he understands my business needs
and he provides a personal service second to none."
1.14 Jo Stone – Franchisor:
Puddleducks Swimming
David came highly recommended to us by our Franchise
consultant and he did not let us down on these high
expectations. He was highly professional and most
accommodating in working around our limited
availability for meetings. More importantly he was
able to work effectively by use of email. We found
David to be very informative and knowledgeable in
Franchise law. Indeed we felt extremely comfortable
with his expertise and the fact that we were being
given the correct advice for what we think is an
excellent, tight Franchise Agreement. I would
definitely recommend David to others.
1.15 Suzanne Taylor
– Franchisor: Managing Director
Homesafe Ltd
“From start to finish, the service has been
professional, wise and prompt.
When the time came to comb through the rather
lengthy Franchise Legal Agreement, David took time
and care to explain the implications of the
different clauses, as they may apply in the real
world and to our business. He is obviously
extremely experienced in his field, and certainly
someone to have on side!”
1.16 Nick Bolton
-
Franchisor: Managing Director
The Christmas Decorators (Franchising) Limited
Thank you very much for creating a franchise
agreement and tailoring it to our businesses needs.
I feel that it is fair yet firm and covers all
possible eventualities. I chose your services upon a
recommendation and will now join the multitude of
other clients that I'm sure recommend your company.
1.17 Howard Winn-Moon
– Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur
Services Franchisor
“Tristar are in the process of setting up a global
network in 50 + countries.
We were referred to David Bigmore who set up an
initial agreement for us which he can then adapt to
each country as we proceed.
David's approach has been most objective and
professional. We intend to continue working with him
for all our Franchising requirements.”
2.
Franchising Professionals
2.1 Andrew Goodman -
Franchising Expert Barrister
"David Bigmore is the most experienced and highly
competitive independent specialist franchising
solicitor in the country "
2.2 Tony Urwin
- Franchise Consultant FDS Northern
"My firm have used David Bigmore and Co. for most of
our Franchise Agreement work since 2001. During that
time, all work has been handled in an exemplary
manner, to time and to budget. David has met with
clients and explained the agreements to them in a
way that they can understand the legal
technicalities, and all have expressed themselves
very satisfied with the legal services provided"
3.
Some Of Our Franchisee Clients
3.1
Robert – An ex-Franchisee
“David Bigmore has been quite simply
the best lawyer I have ever encountered. He is a
real expert in his
field and has a superb manner with
Clients in what can sometimes be a difficult
commercial environment .
He has done excellent work for myself
and close colleagues. In my case he helped me to
successfully
negotiate my way out of a failing
business, minimising my costs in a fast but highly
professional manner. Just
what I required at the time. He is
highly responsive and a great communicator, a true
consultant not just a
highly knowledgeable technician. I
would have no hesitation in recommending David as a
top Lawyer in his
field with a wealth of experience and
someone who it is a pleasure to do business with…”
3.2 Maureen- Franchisee
As the spokesperson for the XXX Action Group, I want
to express our thanks and gratitude for your
guidance and professional advice throughout the
dispute with our franchisor. Your reputation
caused the other side's solicitors to caution their
client against rash actions (we have a copy of the
relevant letter) and was crucial in bringing the
matter to a fairly rapid conclusion.
Based on your advice, we were able to negotiate a
more than favourable Renewal Franchise Agreement
without doing serious damage to the
franchisor/franchisee relationship. We have, in
fact, reformed into the XXX Franchisees' Association
with the blessing and co-operation of our
franchisor. Not many solicitors would have the
insight and experience to be a major part of such a
very successful outcome. We chose well when we
chose you.
3.3 Jacqueline - Franchisee
I believe, simply having your name at the end of the
emails you sent to the franchisor on our behalf set
the wheels in motion to securing a successful
conclusion for franchisees and, in particular for
those of us with a less favourable FA.
The support of the other franchisees together with [xxxx’s]
cunning and supreme negotiation skills were the
other essential ingredients, which ensured an
excellent outcome for everyone.
Many thanks for all your help.
3.4 Tim: Franchisee: Chairman of a BFA
Full Members’ Franchisee Association
I thought that your service was excellent. The
report that you provided was at least as you had
said that it would be and very probably took you
longer than you had allowed for in your fees. I
cannot remember exactly but I think that you made
sure, at short notice, that we got the report in a
timely manner just before (or maybe during?) the
festive season last year. This enabled us to have
productive discussions with the Franchisor.
3.5 Tony: Franchisee
In my dealings with David I found him courteous,
helpful and very professional. He was prepared to
offer guidance as well as legal advice and I felt
comfortable to be guided by him.
I would be please to recommend him to other
franchisees and small business owners.
3.6 Mike : Franchisee
David Bigmore has acted for myself and other members
of my franchise group for some time now, and I have
always found his advice to be extremely helpful,
concise and accurate. I would have no hesitation in
recommending him to others.
3.7 Adam Farnsworth
– ex Franchisee
"David Bigmore acted on behalf of myself Adam
Farnsworth in August 04 in relation to a dispute.
His professional approach and amiable manner eased
tension and inspired confidence. I was at all times
kept fully informed and the whole process was
completed with speed and efficiency. I would have no
hesitation in recommending David Bigmore."
3.8 Mike Bailey
– ex Franchisee
"David handled my situation in a calm, considerate
and highly professional manner, bringing a steady
hand to the tiller just when it was required. He
took considerable personal interest in my case from
the outset and followed the whole process through to
a favourable conclusion. I have no hesitation in
recommending franchise solicitors David Bigmore & Co
to anyone thinking of becoming a franchisee or
franchisees who have made the leap and found all is
not as it should be."
3.9 Gary McCarty
- ex Franchisee
"I wish to thank David for all his help and advice
when he acted on my behalf during a franchisor /
franchisee dispute case in 2004. David's advice was
friendly, professional and explained in a helpful
way which was clear to understand. I would highly
recommend David Bigmore & Co. to anyone in business
or franchising."
3.10 Cherylee & Andre Van-Es
- ex-Franchisees
David Bigmore is a no nonsense solicitor who acted
on our behalf in a franchisee/franchisor dispute.
David was extremely professional more than efficient
and didn't baffle us with "legal jargon" and he
achieved the best possible outcome for our situation
so let us take this opportunity to thank you and
your secretary Chris in achieving what we set out
for.
3.11 Mike Oldfield
- ex-Franchisee Sheffield Paving Solutions
The service I received from Mr Bigmore was prompt to
the point, and highly efficient. David certainly
knows his stuff and was worth the money, I highly
recommend him if you are looking at a franchise or
having difficulties with your current franchisor.
3.12 Felix Compas
- ex- Franchisee
David Bigmore personally acted on my behalf in a
franchise dispute in December 2005. From the outset
he displayed great professionalism and imparted a
wealth of knowledge, keeping me informed at all
times whilst guiding me through this potential
minefield.
To this end I would have no hesitation in
recommending David Bigmore & Co. to anyone who is
looking to purchase a franchise or indeed is
involved in a dispute, as you can be assured that
you will be in extremely capable hands.
3.13 Mandy and Barry Cook –
ex Franchisees
“With
regards to the service given by yourself, we would
very much recommend you to anyone else going through
a similar situation as we found ourselves in. The
facts were clearly laid out to us along the way,
with no pressure from you in regarding which way we
should go – the decision was left to us, with the
pros and cons of each choice made clear. You
explained everything in terms that we fully
understood and were always approachable and
efficient, always returning our phone calls and
emails quickly. In what was a very stressful and
worrying time for us, we are very glad that we had
you to support us and to take advice from. Your
knowledge and experience of situations like ours was
second to none, and invaluable to us.
Please do stop by and visit us if you
are ever in the area, as it would be nice to speak
to you again.
3.14 Mike H.
“Thank you very much for your help and guidance, it
has been invaluable and we know that some
franchisees who have tried to go it alone (or not
sought specialist advice) have encountered
difficulties – you may be hearing from some of
these! “
3.15 Christine G.
“Hi David
As a new comer to buying a franchise business I was
extremely concerned that I understood the ins and
outs of the contract I was getting into. David was
very helpful, he read the contract fully and made
many suggestions to changes which not only myself
but the company I was buying the franchise from were
very grateful for. His comments were invaluable. I
have been in business for nearly 2 years now and
never had cause to worry about the contract I
entered into. Thank you.”
3.16
Danielle – Prospective Franchisee
“I approached David Bigmore Solicitors as I required
a solicitor who specialised in franchise
agreements. David was extremely knowledgeable and
provided his advice without the use of legal
jargon. The meeting was invaluable as the advice he
gave me meant that I was able to reconsider my
options and since when I have decided not to proceed
with the franchise. David highlighted important
things for me to consider before signing and gave a
balanced view. I would highly recommend David
Bigmore Solicitors if you are considering purchasing
any franchise. “
3.17 Martin
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank
David for his very highly professional service.
David has
handled my dispute with a personal touch always
understanding my position. You will definitely be
put at
ease with David's demeanour. His guidance has been
extremely helpful.
I would have no hesitation in recommending David
Bigmore & Co.
Many thanks“
3.18 Mike G
“David
Bigmore has acted for myself and other members of my
franchise group for some time now, and I have always
found his advice to be extremely helpful, concise
and accurate. I would have no hesitation in
recommending him to others.”
3.19 Angie and Paul
“Dear David
Paul and I would like to express our thanks and
appreciation of a First Class and professional
service.
We’re almost back in business!
With sincere thanks “
3.20 Colin Burbidge - The Lancashire Wine School
“David provided just the service I required. He
highlighted the potential consequences behind some
of the
contract clauses that I would not have otherwise
considered. This allowed me to negotiate for a more
satisfactory contract. David's expertise in the
field of franchising is clearly substantial. All
business with David
was conducted by email and telephone. This did not
impact the effectiveness of the relationship, indeed
it
was far more expedient since it saved me
considerable travel time. “
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