Instead of starting from scratch on their own, franchisees are buying into a tried and tested business concept that offers comprehensive initial and ongoing training and support, and has an established network of like-minded franchisees who can provide additional help and support.

Choosing the right franchise is crucial to your long term success, and one of the first things you should be looking for as you research the available franchise opportunities is membership of the British Franchise Association (bfa), the accreditation body for the UK franchise industry.

Pip Wilkins, client services manager at the bfa, said: “Starting out on the road to becoming a franchisee and running your own business can be a daunting process, however, choosing a franchise business that is a member of bfa does provide you with extra reassurance, as they have all subjected themselves to a rigorous and ongoing accreditation process and can only become bfa members if their franchise offer is ethical, viable, and is a proven business system.”

While choosing a bfa member does not remove all the risks associated with starting up a business, it does indicate that the company is committed to ethical franchising. In applying for bfa membership, franchisors have to agree to meet the standards set by the Association in its criteria for membership and code of ethics, thereby establishing that their franchise represents a fair and ethical opportunity.

The code is an ethical benchmark for franchising, detailing what is expected of franchisors in terms of the information they provide to franchisees about their business, the structure and content of franchise contracts, and the essence of the ethical franchise relationship.

Additionally, bfa members franchisors have to be able to demonstrate that their business is viable in the marketplace and franchiseable; in other words, that their knowledge, expertise and operating systems can be transferred to a new operator at arm’s length.

Ms Wilkins added: “As part of their research of the market, prospective franchisees are encouraged to ask detailed questions about the various franchise companies and their trading histories, and to ask to speak to any current franchisees of their choice. This is something that our members welcome and are more than happy to accommodate.”

The bfa also publishes useful franchise guides aimed at those considering investing in a franchise, and holds regular franchisee seminars at locations all over the country.

For more information on Franchising please visit www.thebfa.org