So you have finally taken the plunge and are either starting a franchise from scratch or have bought an existing branch. If you are thinking about running a franchise as a small business, you should have a good idea of what it takes to run it, from the day-to-day operations to the administration tasks. You should have also decided how involved you will be in the daily running of the business.
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The thought of establishing your own business, where you can be your own boss and steer your business in the direction in which you’d like it to go, remains only a dream for most people. However, if you’re among the few who have been brave enough to start a small business, has turning it into a profitable franchise ever crossed your mind?
Have you always dreamt of being your own boss or being responsible for your own income, but never quite been sure how to do it? Maybe you feel like you need some extra support in the structuring of a business or think that you would miss a peer support network that being employed gives you. If this sounds like you then maybe franchising is for you.
The prospect of quitting your day job and becoming your own boss can be very appealing and is the most common reason for venturing into franchising. If you are considering taking this step yourself, there are, however, several things you should be aware of right from the start. Although it may not seem that way, the decision to buy a franchise can quickly be regretted, if you don’t realise the challenges and nuances it entails, since underestimating them can have severe future consequences.
The world is slowly changing and 2019 will bring us many new things. All industries have to adapt to the new economic demands and so do franchises. Strategies will have to change to stay on top of trends – both for doing business and finding employment.
Franchising is an excellent way for individuals to start a business while benefiting from support, training and branding from a larger, more experienced company. The 2018 British Franchise Association (BFA) Natwest franchise survey highlighted a sharp rise in under-30s starting franchises and a high rate of female entrepreneurship.
If you are thinking about running a franchise and don’t want to start from scratch, you might want to look at buying an existing franchise. Franchising is a great method of owning and operating a small business because it has a proven method of success. Buying a franchise has its benefits, for instance it may even allow you to have an easier, smoother process of getting funding.
The British Franchise Association (BFA) together with HSBC UK have launched another year of Franchise Awards, celebrating the success of franchisees and franchisors. The entries for the 2018 franchise awards are now open and all franchisors and franchisees in the UK are encouraged to get involved, and take part in the prestigious industry event.
A franchise agreement is a binding contract between the franchisor and the franchisee of a franchise. It’s a lengthy document of around 40/50 pages and it requires a thorough inspection as you need to make sure you fully understand all terms and conditions of the agreement, to avoid any surprises. The agreement will highlight all the expectations and obligations that your franchisor will have of you.
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