A CONSULTANCY firm that gives professional help to people taking on franchise businesses has set up its own franchise venture.
The Franchise Company, of Darlington, has been awarded the North-East area distribution rights for Hotbite toasted sandwich vending machines.
Stewart Booth and business partner Julie Waites came across the concept at a catering exhibition at the NEC, in Birmingham, in October 2001.
Mr Booth has been advising franchisors and franchisees since the Franchise Company was established in 1991.
He said: "The main benefit of having the machines on a site is that they enable the site owner to provide a hot food offering 24 hours a day without requiring any staff."
The region's first Hotbite machine was installed at Billingham Forum Leisure Complex, and the company has also added Electrolux Outdoor Products' Flymo factory, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to its portfolio.
Each machine can store up to 150 fresh sandwiches in date-stamped, sealed bags, which are kept inside a chilled compartment. Two recipes from a range of eight can be offered at a time.
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