Franchising

There is more to Franchising than Burgers and Pizza !

What do these Businesses have in common?

Bluebird Care

Toni & Guy Hairdressers

Riverford Organic Foods

Yes they are established and recognised brands in the UK, but they are also businesses that have been really successfully franchised. Franchising is not just for those entrepreneurs wanting to create a chain of fast food outlets. Franchising can and is being applied to all kinds of businesses.

If you have a unique product or service and/or operate in a rapidly growing market and looking to grow your business, Franchising is a good way to recruit ‘likeminded’ people with ambition who are prepared to invest their time, money and energy as well as share in the success.

Alternatively if you want to start your own business but are worried by the high failure rate of start-up, then the lower risks  offered by buying into an established  brand and system with head office support and training may well be attractive to you . About 91% of Franchised businesses report making a profit within 12 months of start-up.

 As ever doing your homework properly is imperative! A good place to start for information is the British Franchise Association (http://www.thebfa.org/). Their website is packed full of useful information . They also run in-expensive seminars at which you can find out more about being a Franchisors or Franchisee. Having access to experts can be invaluable and helps you avoid expensive mistakes and provide a good insight in what to look for in a franchising opportunity if you are thinking of investing in one.

The BFA also run a number of exhibitions throughout the year with the next being the British & International Franchise exhibition at Olympia London on 15^th & 16^th March.

One of the best recent examples of a successful franchise, I have seen is Blue Bird Care based in Petersfield. They have been in business for 7 years providing domiciliary care in the community to the elderly. They have expanded their business to 150 offices in the UK with a distinct service and leading the market. No doubt with people living longer and the high cost of residential care for the elderly there is still considerable growth potential. From such modest beginnings in Petersfield with their first franchise being set up in Fareham, they have now created a multi- million pound business nationally in such a short period of time. This is a massive achievement that any major company would be proud of.  It is difficult to see how this success could have been achieved so quickly without using the franchising model.

Kate Bradbury