Buying a franchise is recognised as one of the safest ways into business ownership, but the process requires just as much research and planning as setting up in business independently.

The first port of call for anyone thinking about a franchise should be the British Franchise Association (BFA), the independent accreditation body for franchising within the UK.

In addition to offering information and advice on becoming a franchisee, the BFA has among its membership franchises that have chosen to be accredited by the association and abide by its codes and procedures. These ensure that a franchise is ethical, viable, and franchisable, with a proven product or service, and disclosed. They are also re-accredited by the BFA on a regular basis.

Plumbing and drainage service franchise Drain Doctor Plumbing, a full member of the BFA, has been established for 11 years and now has 104 franchised areas. Many of the franchisees have come from a diverse range of career backgrounds.

Franchise sales director Jan Mitman says: "We have former accountants, IT consultants, lorry drivers and bankers, who in many cases they have proved to be more successful than people who came from the industry.

“We can inspire people with the Drain Doctor success formula if they have the right attitude and motivation, regardless of their previous career experience." Prospective franchisees need be realistic about the type of business that best suits them and find out, preferably by asking them direct, what the existing franchisees in a particular business really do.

It is important to look into the potential earnings of a franchise. Choosing a franchise that can only realistically produce £15,000 a year is pointless if your living requirements are £20,000 a year.

One of the main advantages of owning a franchise is that you are running your own business, but not on your own. The level of support provided by the franchisor, particularly during the first year, is therefore crucial.

Take time to find out the facts and find the best match for your own strengths and weaknesses. Ideally prospective franchisees should have a short list of around six franchise opportunities, acquiring as much information and advice as possible from the respective franchisors, from their franchisees, and from the BFA. Major banks and other professional advisors, such as solicitors and accountants who specialise in franchising can also help.

Franchising may be safer than going it alone, but it is no easy option. Alan Smart, national franchise manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland, says: “As well as checking out the various franchise options, prospective franchisees need to interrogate themselves to check their own motives, expectations, and commitment. Franchising is hard work. They should ask themselves how much time and financial commitment they can give to the business, and what their own expectations are.”

For more information on franchising visit the BFA website at www.british-franchise.org.uk