Globally, franchised businesses are considered more successful than regular start-up businesses – with the failure rate of franchises at on average 10% or less to independent businesses over 90% in the first few years of business.

Although the success of any business ultimately depends on the person who owns and runs it, a franchise business, with its business format system, offers a greater degree of protection from the cold winds of economic disruptions. Its support system of testing, training, operational systems, marketing and bench-marking is down to the basic fact that they succeed because they follow a tried and tested system.

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Franchising is not for everyone or the faint-hearted and there are the negatives – from whether you are suited to franchising to the controls that the franchisor imposes on your business. Although most franchisees have an element of entrepreneurship inherent in them, most are former employees, from corporate backgrounds, or are the victims of mergers or downsizing, or are on the verge of retirement.

On a personal level you should ask yourself the following questions…

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Franchising is a fantastic method of raising capital and employing dedicated, passionate and motivated management (franchisees) to grow a business concept quickly and effectively. When implemented correctly a good franchise results in a win-win situation as it also reduces the investor’s risks. However, if it was easy, every franchise would be a stunning success and sadly that is not always the case.

If the original concept from which the franchise derives is successful and proven – the next step to ensure long term success to the benefit for all parties involved is the implementation of some basic principles and structures.

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The word “franchise” in French means “privilege” or “freedom” – in essence giving an individual the “right” to something – in this case the right to operate a business or licence under specific conditions.

Franchising is, without doubt, the most “public” of business formats. You recognise a franchise because it carries a strong brand, has a distribution mechanism that reaches far and wide and provides a uniform product, service and image to the public. The word franchising, however, can apply to many “rights” – from the franchising rights of cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse or movies like the Matrix to the franchise “rights” of soccer clubs like “Ajax”.

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The Pro’s of Franchising

Buying into a proven turn-key operation

The advantage of buying a turn-key business with an established brand and tried and tested operational procedures is probably the most important advantage to investing in a franchise.

Reduction of risk

Whilst it is not an absolute given, the very fact that only 20% of franchises fail compared to the standard norm of 80% of independent businesses, it is safe to say that buying into a franchise system is less risky as you are buying into an established concept with proven operating standards.

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“What often causes businesses to fail is not their profitability but their cash flow.”

If there is one lesson that has been learnt it’s that cash flow and the strict management of finances is at the core of every successful business. With access to finance restricted, it becomes even more important to make sure that every business has a ‘living’ business plan that will guide you through the maze of challenges and that stricter financial controls are put in place.

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Changing a career path is a momentous step and deciding to invest in a franchise business needs to be taken seriously. Jumping into self-employment with the first franchise that takes your fancy is not a wise move. Spending time investigating the franchise sector, what’s on offer and how the various companies are structured is crucial to making the right decision.

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