Tried-and-tested formulas that will guarantee success
BECOMING a franchisee means having a big brand behind you to start your own business.
The fee you pay the franchisor company gives you the right to use its business name, an operations manual and training and support from its management team.
‘Less than 1 per cent of franchisees closed because of commercial failure in the last 12 months,’ says Brian Smart, director general of the British Franchise Association.
Debi Fellone, the Bury franchisee of local marketing franchise thebestof, says: ‘I was investigating how to market my fashion design business and that’s how I came across thebestof. I investigated franchising, met the franchisor, called some existing franchisees and decided to go ahead.
‘I now work with my husband Phil, and running the franchise means we can spend more time with our children Kairo, ten, and Lola, eight.’
Michelle Downey, head of thebestof, says: ‘Check how long franchises have been established, what support and training they offer, the investment requirements and what they look for in franchisees.’ Thebestof investment starts at £10,500.
Steve Brown, 46, is setting up a Fosse Healthcare franchise in Gloucester. He says: ‘I chose franchising because it offers a prudent business model. I heard about Fosse through the personal recommendation of one of its franchisees, and looked at its training and support.’
Ken Rudge, franchise director at Fosse, says: ‘Ensure a franchise has a “turnkey” operation that enables you to start a successful business quickly. Speak to existing franchisees.’ The franchise investment is £26,000.
Carla Noye, the franchisee in Peterborough for children’s music franchise Jo Jingles, says: ‘After my son’s birth, I began looking at opportunities to regain some work-life balance and the Jo Jingles franchise opportunity ticked all of the boxes.
‘I received fantastic support from the franchise, full business training, and regular support from HQ and the network.’
Caroline Crabbe, general manager at Jo Jingles, says: ‘Jo Jingles welcomes enthusiastic, energetic people from all backgrounds.’ Opportunities range from £5,500 to £9,000.