What is a Franchise?

Nigel Toplis, managing director of Recognition Express and past chairman of the British Franchise Association, explains the increasing appeal of franchising.

It can be argued that franchising is neither an industry in its own right nor in fact a business.

Rather, it is one of the fastest growing and most consistently successful methods (a marketing concept) for distributing products and services.

Franchising is the answer to many people's dreams of becoming their own boss - a proven business system with a supportive framework.

It is a crazy mixture of conformity and individuality and combines the very best elements of big business and small operation. To be successful a Franchise Owner must comply with the franchise system and yet such compliance will enable the franchisee to achieve a level of self-fulfilment.

'"In business for yourself, not by yourself" really does capture the essence of franchising.

A franchisor will always be on hand to provide knowledge and expertise on all the key areas of business which Franchise Owners can take as much or as little advantage as they require. Some have referred to the relationship of franchisor and Franchise Owner as a 'marriage'. It is the ideal option for bother enterprisers and those less keen to take a big leap into the unknown.