Monday, 20 September 2010

National Franchise Week – UK Report Reveals Franchise Sector Growth

With more than 250000 people actively looking at owning their own franchise business and more than 1500 franchise brands expanding nationwide, Norwich-based Franchise Development Services (FDS) publishes the first comprehensive report reviewing all aspects of the UK franchise industry on Friday, September 24.

The report, produced by MBA students from the Norwich Business School at the University of East Anglia (UEA) launches National Franchise Week – September 27 to October 3. It demonstrates that franchising is the safest way to start a business – some 90% of new franchise owners succeed.

Roy Seaman, Managing Director FDS said: “The franchise industry’s good health is evident, so far this year 146 new franchisors have entered the market in the UK providing increasing opportunities for people to own their own business. The major banks with franchise departments are actively loaning money to the franchise sector. People who have been made redundant or have simply lost their job are exploring franchising as a proven business format for their skills, energies and ambitions.”

Local government is waking up to the potential for franchising to kick-start the economy. Ipswich Borough Council is running, with FDS, the first ever local authority sponsored franchise exhibition on November 10.

For potential franchisors, FDS runs a series of free seminars – ‘How to successfully franchise your business’ – the next dates are October 20 in Norwich and October 27 in Manchester and Reigate.

The report Insight: An Industry review of Franchising in the UK 2010 is the result of research by UEA MBA students and analyses historic, present and future trends in the UK franchise market incorporating the views of franchisors, franchise owners and banks with specialist finance departments.

Terry Kendrick, MBA Programme Director at Norwich Business School, said: “FDS and our team of four MBA students have produced an interesting report on a key business area. Together they have provided an insightful introductory overview for those looking at this marketplace – a great example of experienced university students working with business”

The report, costing £495, will be offered at £125 during National Franchise Week. It is available from FDS, tel. 01603 620301, email enquiries@fdsltd.com.

National Franchise Week culminates in The National Franchise Exhibition at NEC Birmingham on Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2. More than 150 franchise brands are exhibiting at the show. FDS will also be at the show at stand A180.

A key element of The National Franchise Exhibition is the extensive free conference programme, which includes seminars by FDS. There will be two seminars each day helping owners of successful businesses to understand how best to successfully franchise their business.

All the speakers are experienced British Franchise Association affiliates and members of the FDS Franchise Consultancy team. They will cover all aspects of creating the Franchise Development Business Plan, including the infrastructure requirements and then how best to recruit franchise owners. Their advice and guidance is based on FDS’ 29 years of experience of working with the UK franchise market.

FDS, which was established in Norwich in 1981, has helped 1000 franchisors, including brands like Domino’s Pizza and Subway, to replicate their success both in the UK and internationally, giving 10000 franchise owners the chance to run and develop their own business, www.fdsfranchise.com, tel. 01603 620301, enquiries@fdsltd.com.

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