July 5, 2006 - Franchise Development Services Ltd (FDS), one of the longest established and most prestigious Franchise consultancy groups in the UK and publisher of The Irish Franchise Magazine, is aiding growth of Franchising in Ireland with the launch of a FREE online magazine (irishfranchisemagazine.net), widening the scope and reach of its printed publication.

Since its foundation in 1981 FDS has shown continued commitment to the development of Franchising worldwide through its Franchise consultancy services and printed publications. With the launch of irishfranchisemagazine.net the company aims to spread its message of ethical and effective Franchising wider.

The site was launched with the Spring/Summer edition of The Irish Franchise Magazine and is free to all web surfers interested in Franchising in Ireland. It contains news and views, advice and guidance, Franchise company profiles and features from the printed magazines, and is presented in a web-friendly HTML format. Director of FDS Christian Seaman, who spearheaded the project, says the site has already received a positive response from visitors and traffic has increased substantially following Northern Ireland’s first Franchise exhibition for several years, held in Belfast.

Gordon Patterson, FDS Consultant for Ireland and the South of England, believes Franchising in Ireland is on an upward curve. “Franchising in Ireland has shown tremendous growth over the past decade and there is currently a healthy demand for Franchise opportunities, especially for systems from the US and the rest of Europe,” Patterson said.

“However, there is also demand for more education and information on Franchising. The launch of irishfranchisemagazine.net gives people in Ireland greater access to information and opportunities. We are very busy working with prospective Franchisors in Southern Ireland and bringing some new quality brands to the marketplace. Also, as a result of the Franchise exhibition in Belfast, we will be working with new prospective Franchisors in Northern Ireland.”

The Irish Franchise Magazine is published twice a year and distributed via newsagents, banks, hotels, business advisers, and at The Franchise Exhibition in Belfast and Dublin. irishfranchisemagazine.net is the latest addition to this arsenal and will bring even greater brand exposure for The Irish Franchise Magazine advertisers.

FDS specialise in providing advice and guidance to prospective and existing Franchisees and Franchisors worldwide through its network of 14 Franchisees and Associates. Its publications, which include The Irish Franchise Magazine, The Franchise Magazine, European Franchising and The United Kingdom Franchise Directory, are industry leaders with The Franchise Magazine heralded as the “UK’s Best Selling Franchise Magazine” by WHSmith.

Notes to Editor:

• For further details please call 01603 620 301 or email Rachel Spaul on: rachels@fdsltd.com

• The new website can be viewed at: http://www.irishfranchisemagazine.net

• High-resolution photographs available on request at rachels@fdsltd.com

• For further details on Franchise Development Services visit: http://www.franchise-group.com

View Company Website: http://www.irishfranchisemagazine.net