Franchise Information, advice and news.

Myhome’s business format and training have been perfected over the last 11 years. It’s a system designed to train franchisee partners to be successful, fast, as Group Franchise Director, Derrick Simpson, explains. “With over 10 years of business success and a client base that stretches to thousands of satisfied repeat customers, Myhome is widely recognised as a proven leader and is one of the UK’s leading residential cleaning businesses. Going into business for yourself is big step. Having a partner with experience and expertise can make all the difference. At the heart of the Myhome franchise programme is our pilot operation. Originally developed by Unilever, this has been used to create, test and develop all the operating systems necessary for a turnkey business.”

Myhome franchise partners are not cleaners. They are talented individuals who manage and build a supremely efficient residential cleaning business. They see the value of working with a proven business format.

Fife resident, Ken Wilson, a former investment director, recognised the importance of going into business with a partner that had already developed a proven business format, and has been running Myhome’s Fife office for almost a year. Ken has now been awarded the master licence for Myhome in Scotland and plans to establish a further 20 territories there in addition to those already operating in Fife, Stirling, West Lothian and Glasgow.

Steve Cannan, who heads up Myhome’s successful Henley-on-Thames office with an ‘on-target’ business plan to achieve a client base of 250 regular customers, a fleet of 10 vans and a turnover of around £600,000 in three years, has set new standards by exceeding both his expectations and the targets set by Myhome. Business is booming and Steve’s Myhome business looks set for continued success!

Group Franchise Director, Derrick Simpson, says there are ten compelling reasons for choosing Myhome:
· A business, not a job.
· A successful operation with thousands of satisfied clients.
· One of the UK’s fastest growing market sectors.
· Comprehensive operating support including IT and call centre.
· Fast track start-up programme with ongoing support.
· 80% repeat business with high referral rate.
· Assistance with low interest finance.
· Not dependent on skilled staff.
· Low investment.
· Accredited by leading trade institutions.

Residential housecleaning has become one of the fastest growing industries in the UK. With 2.7 million households spending around £11 billion every year on domestic help, the market for home services is large and growing. The growth has been driven by the dramatic increase in two-salary households. The lifestyle of these ‘cash-rich, time-poor’ people means they have little inclination for housework, and the changing role of mothers has also contributed to the skyrocketing demand for cleaning services.

More details on the Myhome franchise opportunity can be obtained by completing the short form below.

http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk

Children tend to grow out of their clothes extremely quickly. This, tailored with the fact that many people simply cannot help themselves but buy the latest designer outfits and "adorably tiny clothes" for their youngsters, means the market for children's clothes is huge.

Of course, clothing is generally a particularly large market, but it is one in which sales are high and many areas, including used and brand name clothing and accessories, can produce high returns.

And anybody looking to capitalise on the strong clothing market by way of franchising has a wealth of opportunities and choice open to them.

The clothing sector covers a huge range, with everyone from babies to the elderly needing specific types of garments, accessories and other items. Add areas such as sportswear, office wear and seasonal clothing and you have a mind-boggling selection to consider.

But the blossoming entrepreneur looking to invest in a business within the clothing industry not only needs to be able to decide on a market audience, but also on what kind of franchise they are hoping to take on.

Second-hand clothing franchises are becoming extremely popular, as well as designer name clothes obtained from retail outlets. Children's clothing stores are in particular demand, with the $200 billion market currently bigger than the fast food industry.

And, with around 200,000 more children born each year all needing clothes, there is a steady stream of consumers propelling the annual growth rate in the resale sector at between five and ten per cent.

With great margins on the resale clothing sector, franchisers have obviously taken this on board, meaning there are hundreds of retailers looking for potential franchisees to help expand their business.

And those hoping to take advantage of this sector will need a fair amount of liquid capital as well as personal net worth of around $200,000 in order to start a business, although this can be true of many franchises.

This fee often covers training, support from the franchiser, marketing, equipment, leaseholds on properties, supplies and other necessary extras to help you get on your feet. But with the support and guidance of the franchiser, it can make the prospect much more inviting than taking the plunge on your own.

Franchisees need to be marketing and business-minded in order to succeed in any kind of franchising, and clothing franchises are no different. Locating your outlet in the ideal place is also a key move, but the main tricks and skills needed by any entrepreneur in the franchising world is a savvy sense of the relevant market, a strong business attitude and the will to get stuck in.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com/

Buying and selling property is either most people's dream or their worst nightmare. Moving home is generally considered one of the most stressful things you can do, but getting money for other people moving home is highly appealing.

Most people hate estate agents, but there's a reason for that – they are successful at what they do and are business-minded.

But anybody looking to make the most of the high property prices and burgeoning real estate market in the US and UK will find that estate agencies, or real estate franchises, are often the way to go.

Franchising is certainly the most favoured way for estate agents and businesspeople to get involved in the real estate market with minimum financial input. Financing your own property investment company can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, but franchising uses the investment in a business to help make good returns on the market via other means.

In the UK, arguably the fastest-growing estate agency franchise, Your Move, has become successful thanks to the strong property market and the abundance of entrepreneurial businessmen and women in Britain.

The company has opened over 90 franchises in under four years, as increasing numbers of people looking to make a living from real estate take advantage of the opportunities franchising can bring.

These include financial security: a relatively small investment can help set up a business with excellent potential. Paying a franchiser to help start your business means a lot of the support you would not get on your own is readily available, from marketing to training and equipment supply.

In terms of Your Move for instance, marketing is also essential as franchisees automatically gain access to the nationwide website, benefiting from high levels of internet traffic, UK-wide marketing and an increased base.

Of course, in real estate, location is everything, and potential franchisees need to consider carefully whether investing in the market is a realistic goal if they cannot find a suitable location for their estate agency; key areas of growth in the UK are the south-east, London and the West Midlands.

But entrepreneurs will find they also need enthusiasm, sale skills, marketing ability, financial awareness and a basic knowledge of the housing market to be able to make the most of the opportunity and succeed in real estate franchising.


Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Berkshire mum Lucy Brown knows all about juggling her working life - bringing up a family while travelling the world as a high-flying business executive. Only last summer, however, while on holiday with her family in the Alps, she awoke with a start having dreamed that she had set up a new childcare business. Eight weeks later she turned the dream into reality by launching her own Safehands franchise.

For more than 20 years, this mother-of-three from Newbury was a top marketeer with some of the UK’s leading IT and telecom companies including Oracle and NTL. But now she has embarked on a brand new challenge with her own specialist company, Safehands Network (Thames Valley) caring for other people’s children across the county and the whole of the M4 corridor.

The company, part of the UK wide Safehands franchise network, offers everything from hotel babysitting services to out-of-school care, holiday clubs and domiciliary care. The big demand, however, is for the mobile crèche facilities Lucy provides for weddings and corporate projects. She now targets major social occasions and high profile sporting events such as popular race days at Newbury and Ascot.

The crèche facilities, tailor-made to suit each individual occasion, include a team of qualified Safehands supervisors, plus a range of the equipment from ball pools and toys to DVDs and arts & crafts, and cost an average of just £500 depending on the timescale.

“All clients are the same, too much to do and not enough time to do it, so we step in and take the weight off their shoulders,” says Lucy.

Recent projects for her Safehands business have included a large wedding fair and a prestigious crèche at a top multinational company training day. Now many major hotels in the Thames Valley area are looking to Lucy’s firm to provide baby-sitting assistance on a regular basis.

With over 30 carers and supervisors working on her team, Lucy is covering a wide area taking in Reading, Basingstoke, Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot, Camberley, Sunninghill and Slough. Although operating the business from home at the moment, she plans to move shortly into a converted stable block in a nearby business park.

“Business has been good and I want to get the message out to everyone in the area that if they want a one-stop-shop for anything to do with childcare, then Safehands are the experts. We are the leading company in Britain and genuinely care about what we do,” says Lucy, adding, “There is nothing more precious than our children and working parents know the stresses and strains of trying to juggle domestic and work life. All our Safehands staff are security vetted from the start so parents can rest assured that their children really are in safe hands!”

To find out more about the Safehands franchise, please visit our website.
http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk

Fitness is becoming an increasingly important part of modern life and taking up some kind of exercise is much more widely accepted in society than it once was, with gyms, fitness centres and sports clubs doing a roaring trade.

Diet too is important, and while women and young girls are often highlighted as victims of media images and impossible Hollywood-style thinness, men are now also feeling the strain of the image-conscious noughties, with increasing numbers of men of all ages signing up to gyms in a bid to improve their bodies.

And with current statistics showing that around 13 million adults, more men than women, will be clinically obese in the UK by 2010, clearly heading into the gym is not a bad idea. Of course, more men than women are likely to pump classic iron in a gym, with the average woman more inclined to take part in aerobic exercise classes or cardiovascular activities.

And this means there is a huge market for health and fitness centres in the US and UK, especially those aimed solely at men.

Male-only gyms are highly popular as men are, unsurprisingly, also self-conscious about their bodies in the gym and blossoming beer guts are at home among the same sex.

Men also require different things from a gym to women, meaning male-only fitness centres can concentrate on these and do away with unused equipment or areas that would appeal more to women and female bodies.

Therefore, the potential franchisee has a huge range of areas to work with in order to take advantage of this market and get involved in the burgeoning health market.

Franchisees have the choice of opening a multitude of fitness centre franchises, each with a different take on male fitness.

Of course, the ideal franchisee would not have to be a permanent gym resident themselves, but a good knowledge of the health and fitness market and an entrepreneurial, business mind is essential.

Financing a gym is not easy, but taking on a franchise will allow the franchiser to take the strain of much of the financial decisions, leaving the businessperson to simply invest a given amount and control their business with support and help from a national company.

Training, equipment, marketing and much of the property work is also often taken care of by the franchiser, leaving the franchisee with the day-to-day running of the centre, looking after clients and staff, local marketing schemes and dealing with the finances on a local level up to the skills of the businessperson.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com/

While most people only dream of a romantic cruise around the Bahamas or a trip around the beautiful Scandinavian fjords, some people make a living out of sending people there.

And travel agency franchises, in particular cruise franchises, are proving increasingly popular as greater numbers of people than ever need someone to organise their trip of a lifetime.

Cruising has become the fastest growing segment of the travel industry in the last 20 years and is continuing to blossom, with huge numbers of cruise ships traversing the globe everywhere from the Antarctic to the Mediterranean. And, as a result, cruise planners are more in demand than ever.

Of course, anybody looking to step into the cruise planning business could consider cruise franchising. Many firms now offer entrepreneurs the chance to start up their own franchise with around $250,000, which allows franchisees to get into the luxury world of selling holidays onboard the world's top cruise liners.

But big outlays often incur big returns, and anyone able to help motivate some of the 11 million customers who went cruising in 2005 into purchasing another vacation will do well in the industry.

But entrepreneurs should remember the risks involved in franchising, including the necessity for high-level input from the franchisee, especially in the early stages.

Most franchisees often have little experience in the industry they are entering, which is why support from the franchiser is vital. Marni Pietrzak, director of franchise development for Cruise Holidays, explained to Bison.com: "I'd estimate that 97 per cent of our current franchisees do not have travel industry experience but they do have a passion for travel.

"What's more important to their success is that they are outgoing people who are comfortable networking in their communities and that they have good sales and marketing skills."

The reason for this is that people go to cruise organisers instead of doing the work themselves on the internet because they want that personal touch. Cruise purchasing can also be complex and finding the correct ship, itinerary and package for the customer is the name of the game.

Successful franchisees in this sector therefore need to be financially and business-minded, but also have the selling, planning and interpersonal skills to help develop their franchise through sales and return sales.

And while cruise stores are generally located in shopping malls and built up areas, choosing your location is equally vital in ensuring the maximum potential of a cruise planning franchise is achieved.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007

http://www.franchisedirect.com/

While most people only dream of a romantic cruise around the Bahamas or a trip around the beautiful Scandinavian fjords, some people make a living out of sending people there.

And travel agency franchises, in particular cruise franchises, are proving increasingly popular as greater numbers of people than ever need someone to organise their trip of a lifetime.

Cruising has become the fastest growing segment of the travel industry in the last 20 years and is continuing to blossom, with huge numbers of cruise ships traversing the globe everywhere from the Antarctic to the Mediterranean. And, as a result, cruise planners are more in demand than ever.

Of course, anybody looking to step into the cruise planning business could consider cruise franchising. Many firms now offer entrepreneurs the chance to start up their own franchise with around $250,000, which allows franchisees to get into the luxury world of selling holidays onboard the world's top cruise liners.

But big outlays often incur big returns, and anyone able to help motivate some of the 11 million customers who went cruising in 2005 into purchasing another vacation will do well in the industry.

But entrepreneurs should remember the risks involved in franchising, including the necessity for high-level input from the franchisee, especially in the early stages.

Most franchisees often have little experience in the industry they are entering, which is why support from the franchiser is vital. Marni Pietrzak, director of franchise development for Cruise Holidays, explained to Bison.com: "I'd estimate that 97 per cent of our current franchisees do not have travel industry experience but they do have a passion for travel.

"What's more important to their success is that they are outgoing people who are comfortable networking in their communities and that they have good sales and marketing skills."

The reason for this is that people go to cruise organisers instead of doing the work themselves on the internet because they want that personal touch. Cruise purchasing can also be complex and finding the correct ship, itinerary and package for the customer is the name of the game.

Successful franchisees in this sector therefore need to be financially and business-minded, but also have the selling, planning and interpersonal skills to help develop their franchise through sales and return sales.

And while cruise stores are generally located in shopping malls and built up areas, choosing your location is equally vital in ensuring the maximum potential of a cruise planning franchise is achieved.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007

http://www.franchisedirect.com

Ology was established in July 2003 to provide business coaching and practical advice to SME's and small-medium corporate businesses. The company was designed specifically as a franchise offering from its inception and has proved to be extremely successful. Recruitment is set to double again this year across the UK and Ireland, and recent expansion has included the appointed of a Master Franchise in New Zealand, with several other countries set to come on board during 2007.

Ology has divided the UK and Ireland into 11 regions with a Regional Principal appointed within each. Although 5 of these regional licenses have already been awarded there is still a great deal of opportunity for development within the franchise across all regions.

Ology Business Coaches require relevant experience of business from which to draw, such as sales, marketing, business management, and people management. The potential franchisee should be someone who is looking to regain control of their work: life balance with a commitment to personal development and have a passion for adding value, and helping other business owners succeed.

In order to get started, new Ology Business Coaches will need a total investment of £45,000; regional principals will need £125,000. An amount of working capital dependant on the individual's circumstances will also be needed. Business Coaches can operate their business from home, however the Regional Principal will encompass an office based structure.

All new franchisees receive a minimum of 20 days training and field support within the first 12 months which also includes all aspects of setting up and running a successful Ology franchise. The initial 5 days training is classroom based at the company's headquarters in Warrington, Cheshire. A further 5 days specialist coaching training is undertaken by all franchisees - Ology is the first and only international franchise to send it’s franchisees to the world-renowned Adler School of Professional Coaching in Canada, receiving training accredited by the International Coach Federation. After this initial 10 days, training is staged at regular intervals to ensure competence within every aspect of the Ology process, with on-going mentoring and support.

After the franchise has been launched, franchisees continue to be mentored and supported by their Ology Regional Principal and the Ology Head Office function.

All franchisees are trained and equipped to market their business effectively within their local area. Ology is a UK business, designed by UK business people for UK business people. We understand what makes our clients tick, and we have a proven process of finding and engaging with them.

Ology is a unique coaching franchise. The company's proposition is to address the ‘People and Process’ elements of business equally and simultaneously. We help to facilitate change through professional coaching skills and the introduction of proven business tools and structures.

By adopting a coaching approach we work with clients to increase their awareness of the issues, investigate the choices available and the solutions – we guide our clients to eliminate the root causes of problems in their business.

Ology is a modern and exciting organisation. With over 30 years combined business experience, the founders equip their franchisees with a host of tools and techniques to take control of their work: life balance whilst developing them to help people in business. Ology is a well structured, forward thinking franchise which accommodates the needs of each individual client's business, tailoring the advice and services to each client's agenda, budget and time scale.

Ology offers the opportunity to change your lifestyle plus develop a business with six figure earnings.

If you are interested in becoming an Ology franchisee and would like to receive further information, please visit our site.

http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/

Ology was established in July 2003 to provide business coaching and practical advice to SME's and small-medium corporate businesses. The company was designed specifically as a franchise offering from its inception and has proved to be extremely successful. Recruitment is set to double again this year across the UK and Ireland, and recent expansion has included the appointed of a Master Franchise in New Zealand, with several other countries set to come on board during 2007.

Ology has divided the UK and Ireland into 11 regions with a Regional Principal appointed within each. Although 5 of these regional licenses have already been awarded there is still a great deal of opportunity for development within the franchise across all regions.

Ology Business Coaches require relevant experience of business from which to draw, such as sales, marketing, business management, and people management. The potential franchisee should be someone who is looking to regain control of their work: life balance with a commitment to personal development and have a passion for adding value, and helping other business owners succeed.

In order to get started, new Ology Business Coaches will need a total investment of £45,000; regional principals will need £125,000. An amount of working capital dependant on the individual's circumstances will also be needed. Business Coaches can operate their business from home, however the Regional Principal will encompass an office based structure.

All new franchisees receive a minimum of 20 days training and field support within the first 12 months which also includes all aspects of setting up and running a successful Ology franchise. The initial 5 days training is classroom based at the company's headquarters in Warrington, Cheshire. A further 5 days specialist coaching training is undertaken by all franchisees - Ology is the first and only international franchise to send it’s franchisees to the world-renowned Adler School of Professional Coaching in Canada, receiving training accredited by the International Coach Federation. After this initial 10 days, training is staged at regular intervals to ensure competence within every aspect of the Ology process, with on-going mentoring and support.

After the franchise has been launched, franchisees continue to be mentored and supported by their Ology Regional Principal and the Ology Head Office function.

All franchisees are trained and equipped to market their business effectively within their local area. Ology is a UK business, designed by UK business people for UK business people. We understand what makes our clients tick, and we have a proven process of finding and engaging with them.

Ology is a unique coaching franchise. The company's proposition is to address the ‘People and Process’ elements of business equally and simultaneously. We help to facilitate change through professional coaching skills and the introduction of proven business tools and structures.

By adopting a coaching approach we work with clients to increase their awareness of the issues, investigate the choices available and the solutions – we guide our clients to eliminate the root causes of problems in their business.

Ology is a modern and exciting organisation. With over 30 years combined business experience, the founders equip their franchisees with a host of tools and techniques to take control of their work: life balance whilst developing them to help people in business. Ology is a well structured, forward thinking franchise which accommodates the needs of each individual client's business, tailoring the advice and services to each client's agenda, budget and time scale.

Ology offers the opportunity to change your lifestyle plus develop a business with six figure earnings.

If you are interested in becoming an Ology franchisee and would like to receive further information, please visit our site.

http://www.franchisedirect.co.uk/

Building your own home is many people's dream, although it's one that most people never achieve.

Instead, developing one's own home is the next best thing for many – and as a result, renovation workers, DIY stores and building contractors are more and more in demand.

With the help of reality TV home makeover shows, the US and UK in particular is still riding the crest of a home improvement wave, as high property prices in the UK are fuelled by homeowners making the most of their pile of bricks.

And as many people look to build extensions, conservatories, re-roof their homes or simply redecorate, there is an abundance of companies looking to cash in on this profitable market, making entry into the home improvement market tough.

Of course, this is why many entrepreneurs look to franchising, which can help someone create their own business based on an established model, with support and guidance from the franchiser themselves.

Often, building franchises carry out light construction, such as installing conservatories, rather than getting involved in house building, extensions or major renovation work. However, the opportunities are wide ranging, including estate agents, gardening franchises and decorating firms.

Franchisees can also take advantage of the fact that many people take the equity in their homes to pay for additional services, meaning the market is brimming with high spending consumers looking for a good service.

This is where the enterprising franchisee comes in and highlights the importance of planning well before attempting any kind of franchise. The potential franchisee must consider their own financial status before embarking on any business venture, with the home building market a particularly high risk area in terms of financial loss.

However, the returns are also strong, with successful franchisees often moving on to multi-franchise and create their own businesses.

As a result, the franchisee needs to be particularly business-minded and have a flare for monitoring the construction and property industries, as taking advantage of key moments in property markets can be vital for success.

Of course, location is always key to a business, although many home building franchisees can often take advantage of the nationwide marketing of the franchise and concentrate on local projects in areas of high gain.

A sound knowledge of house building would certainly be an advantage in this area of franchising, although this may not always be the case for some of its related branches, such as home decoration franchising and gardening franchises. All successful ventures, however, ultimately require a great deal of personal and financial investment.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Dogs are, allegedly, a man's best friend, giving a lifetime of love, affection, friendship and joy – but when their owners are at work, someone needs to look after the pooch.

And that's where dog day care centres come in. These franchises are fast becoming the ultimate way for fast-living, high-spending modern couples and families to be able to own a dog but not worry that it's going to affect their lifestyle.

Instead of staying at home with a dog all day, or leaving it alone to howl the house down, dog day care centres take on the challenge of looking after the animal, meaning they can run around and perform their normal tricks without any worries.

Of course, these specialist centres are not cheap, meaning anyone looking to branch into franchising in the right location could have a ready-made market of high-paying clients available.

But the potential franchisee needs to consider the usual factors when looking to set up a business. As well as location (setting up you franchise in a wealthy area of young professionals is more likely to increase your client base), franchisees need to consider the funding and their own skills before embarking on the challenge.

Ideally, entrepreneurs would be dog lovers – they will be spending a great deal of their day around dogs and will need to have a certain way of controlling them.

But many franchisers will take away the difficulties faced by many small business owners, such as marketing, administration details and training, leaving the franchisee to concentrate on running the centre and looking after the clients.

Dogs can be played with, sleep, be fed and groomed at many centres, meaning a certain amount of equipment, food and staffing levels are needed. However, anyone happy to get stuck in and get their hands dirty will have no problem with the routine.

And, as franchises go, the initial start-up fees are quite small. One centre in the US recommends that franchisees should budget for around $50,000 in order to start a small centre.

But it isn't all fun in the park. As with any franchise, hard work is the key to success, with a high level of new clients and retention key. Anybody looking to run a doggy day care centre needs to bear in mind that dogs need a lot of looking after, and with many centres fit to bursting with the loveable pets, it takes a great deal of energy as well as an entrepreneurial brain to achieve success.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Pizza is one of the most regularly eaten fast foods in the UK and US, with millions of the round Italian dishes being consumed every year.

The all-time favourite meal of choice for many continues to be a popular option for both consumers and businesspeople alike, as pizza franchises are maintaining a healthy proportion of the fast food industry, despite the popularity of ethnic cuisines.

Pizza franchises are like the meal themselves: they contain many different elements and can provide a satisfying end result, are quick and easy to set up and prepare and are hugely popular – plus, pizzas have one of the highest mark-ups of any food item.

Among the most popular pizza franchises is Dominos Pizza, which is frequently voted one of the best franchises available. In 2004, the company won Best Franchiser of the Year from the British Franchise Association – a mark of just how effective the simple pizza store can be.

Dominos opened its first UK store in 1985, but now runs 400 outlets through 150 franchisees. The method is simple: invest around £230,000 in a store, which includes a £10,000 fee to Dominos, and the company helps you with every aspect of the business, from training staff to marketing and product control.

Of course, the franchisee needs to consider the normal factors before diving into the industry, such as their location, finances and how much time they can personally commit to running an outlet.

Ideally, a pizza franchise would be situated where there are large numbers of people and other industries, such as pubs, clubs, shops and residential areas. Targeting students is also a key tactic, as university towns often have large numbers of students happy to pay out for a takeaway and also become employed in fast food stores.

But there are also pitfalls potential franchisees need to be aware of. Financially, it is necessary to raise a fair amount of money – a certain proportion of which must often be cash – in order to begin the franchise deal in the first place. Making sure marketing, training, product control and high standards are also met every day is also the job of the franchisee, ultimately meaning the outlet can only be as rewarding as the amount of time invested in it.

There are dozens of pizza franchises in the UK and US, and despite the current healthy eating boom, there seems to be little sign of the global demand for pizza and its variants waning.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

It is currently estimated that up to 15 per cent of all children in the UK can be classed as overweight or obese. And the problem is certainly at the forefront of the British public's consciousness thanks to relentless campaigns from the likes of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

But as children are running around less and playing video games more, this creates a situation in which exercise for young people becomes not only recommended, but vital for lowering the risk of health problems in later life.

And this in turn creates a steady market for anyone wishing to take advantage of the healthy living boom in the US and the UK.

However, children's fitness centres should not be confused with adult gyms. Many franchises are created to help encourage and educate children and parents in a fun way about the importance of exercise and nutrition, as well as make money from the industry.

Most range from centres encouraging ball games and exercises to indoor climbing and play centres.

Anyone looking to start a franchise based on child-related fitness centres should ask the normal questions and carry out research before committing to one franchise, such as whether they are setting up the franchise in the correct area and what kind of training, expertise and funding is needed.

However, many franchisers will take care of much of the specialised training for children's fitness instructors and carers, using comprehensive training programmes and development.

Children obviously do not want to sit on training machines and exercise on their own - which is also not encouraged as children's bodies are still growing and not suited to adult training exercises - meaning centres are instead sport and game based and need to be as engaging and entertaining as the people who run them.

The kind of person looking to take on the challenge of running a children's fitness centre needs to be interesting in improving the health and well-being of children, as well as encouraging social skills.

Franchisees must also be able to relate to children as they would be working closely with them and have a natural sporting ability themselves, in order to encourage and lead staff and clients alike.

But most importantly, the potential franchisee must be commercially aware, as the franchise is likely to provide their livelihood and must be a profitable business.

Enthusiasm, business skills and good management and organisational abilities are therefore a must.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
http://www.franchisedirect.com

Multiple unit franchising is becoming increasingly popular amongst both franchisers and franchisees, a fact that demonstrates the growth and success of franchising as a business model.

After opening and running their own single unit franchise successfully for some time, many franchisees naturally progress to owning two, three or more additional units, allowing them to make more money and enhance their career prospects.

Most of those who have gone into multiple unit franchising say they did not necessarily plan to do so, rather they were on the lookout for a new challenge and soon came to realise the economic benefits of owning more than one business once an opportunity arose.

The first thing multiple franchising allows an entrepreneur to do is to spread their risk. Owning one single franchise means that if the business goes under so to do the franchisee's dreams of building a successful small business empire. Having two or more businesses means that if one does badly as a result of, for example, changing local demographic, then the other or others can support it through the difficult times.

Another reason for opening multiple franchises is to create economies of scale and spread overheads over more units, thereby reducing them. Franchisees can save money by ordering supplies on a regional basis for all their businesses rather than doing so on a store-by-store basis. They could also assign staff members to cover more than one location, meaning one bookkeeper or cleaner can be hired to work across the different units.

Franchisees with more than one franchise unit also have more say when it comes to the management of the overall franchise brand. The more units an entrepreneur owns and manages the more likely it is that their voice will be heard and their ideas and opinions taken seriously by the franchiser.

However, owning multiple franchises is no easy task and franchisees must have the experience and the skills necessary to pull it off successfully before they jump in with both feet. It is important to establish a business infrastructure before opening new units to make sure that accounting, wages and supplies can be handled centrally, saving time and hassle and minimising the risk of error.

Franchisees must also be able to manage their finances correctly. Running two or more units means there will be more income and also more outgoings and so sticking to budgets and making sure that everything is up to date is essential to avoid failure.

There is no guarantee of success for franchisees going into multiple-unit franchising, although sound management and sensible planning will improve their chances of victory.

Copyright Adfero Ltd 2007
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The commercial cleaning industry is one which is growing fast.

As competition increases the appearance a business' office premises is becoming more and more important in attracting new customers and building a good reputation; meaning of course employees are also demanding clean, well-designed spaces in which to work.

With this in mind an office cleaning franchise could prove to be an excellent opportunity for someone looking to run their own business and take advantage of the fast growing demand in the lucrative cleaning sector.

The office cleaning branch of the cleaning industry is, in many cases, more stable than other sectors such as domestic cleaning. Most new businesses when starting up or moving to a new location will look to hire cleaners as a priority – and providing they remain happy with the service they are likely to keep their cleaning contract for a long time.

While freelance cleaners are available to do the job most businesses prefer to employ commercial cleaning franchises which have a ready pool of experienced labour, rather than take a chance on someone who may not be up to the job. Providing franchisees market their services effectively, they could soon cash in.

When looking to invest in an office cleaning franchise location choice is key. It is important to find somewhere where there is both a high demand for commercial cleaning services, such as a city centre location where new businesses are setting up office regularly, or where there is little established competition. The franchiser can help with this important decision, but franchisees should make sure they carry out some extensive research of their own to determine where their business is likely to reach its full potential.

One of the advantages of owning an office cleaning franchise is that the business can be home based, van based or office based, and franchisees can employ as many or as few cleaners as they wish depending on the size of business they are looking to run and the level of profit they are looking to make. It could therefore be a suitable venture for a number of different entrepreneurial types.

Those looking to own an office cleaning franchise should be motivated and willing to work hard to achieve success. A franchise offers the unique advantage of a recognised brand name, ongoing support and a proven business model, but without dedication and competence on the part of the franchiser success may be out of reach.

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Franchising is seen by many as the most effective way of starting your own business, but there are many hurdles to cover and research to be undertaken before any commitment should be made.

The franchisee needs to be aware of their financial status, limits and sources before resolving to take on a franchise. In particular the details of the franchise fees need to be negotiated and examined before any deal between franchiser and franchisee is made.

These can consist of deposits, initial fees, ongoing fees, advertising fees and other costs the franchisee could be accountable for.

Deposits are often charged by a franchiser and can be either fully or partially non-refundable. The deposit often helps locate a suitable territory or property for the franchise, although the sum is most likely to be used in some capacity to help the franchisee get on their feet.

Initial fees can vary between companies, but generally consist of a fee covering training, recruiting and various other initial costs for starting up a business, such as specialist equipment, stationery and launch costs.

Ongoing fees consist of a percentage of the sales from the franchisee, after VAT. Again, this system varies from company to company, although commonly it is directly related to the amount of involvement the franchiser has with the franchisee.

Some companies will not charge any ongoing fees, relying instead on marked up prices for their goods.

Potential franchisees therefore need to be aware exactly what they are required to pay, how often it is needed, what the percentage of any sales is based on and if there are any hidden fees.

An advertising fee is also used by franchisers to help cover the cost of any marketing or promotion work carried out as part of the company's services. These fees are generally percentage-based and range from around one to five percent of gross sales.

This fee covers national or major advertising campaigns and as such many firms will not ask for an advertising fee from many start-up franchises as there would be little benefit. However, any local advertising undertaken would have to be paid for by the franchisee.

Other issues of concern to potential franchisees include extending contracts, in which an additional transfer fee is often needed, special fees for improved training or equipment, and the fact that the larger the corporation behind the franchise and the greater its input into the local franchisee's work, the higher the fee will be.

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In today's world of takeaways, fast food, computer games, the internet and alcohol, it's no wonder increasing numbers of people are looking to take care of their bodies and bypass the coronary bypass.

One of the most common New Year's resolutions, apart from quitting smoking, is to join a gym and get fit – even if the average fitness hopeful only stick it out for a few weeks.

This is becoming increasingly true as government initiatives, magazines, TV programmes and health charities are finally getting a successful message across: that exercise is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life.

But with most people unable to afford their own exercise equipment in their home, it is one of the most popular methods of helping cut down on weight and improve people's general health.

And this means gyms have an escalating market and the potential for rapid, and massive, growth.

Franchising in the UK fitness sector is currently still in its early stages, but in the US and Australia it has already been hugely successful – and demand for fitness clubs in the UK alone is forecast to grow at six per cent annually.

Anyone looking to invest in the burgeoning health sector in terms of franchising has a ready-made market for fitness clubs, backed up by the professionalism and support of a well-known chain.

However, most franchises require a reasonably high initial investment, as buildings, equipment and staff are not cheap. This is, of course, offset by the exponential returns guaranteed from a quality location, good marketing strategy and the resources provided by the franchiser.

Marketing is frequently the key to success with fitness clubs, as many people often only consider joining when the details are put in front of them and they realise what it involves – and what they get out of it.

Research has shown that only ten per cent of the UK are currently signed up to a gym, yet millions struggle every day with weight loss, health problems and often simply find gyms and health clubs intimidating.

This means anybody looking to take the next few steps into fitness club franchising will need to assess their own skills both as a businessperson and as an entrepreneur, coming up with marketing plans, original ideas, budgeting skills, management qualities and an ability to muck in at the beginning.

But the rewards are high. A gym or fitness club in a good location, such as in a large town or city, will generate excellent returns, although potential franchisees need to weigh up the costs of the initial investment, both financially and personally.

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Starting a new business can be daunting but comprehensive planning can make the process more enjoyable and successful in the long-run.

The first step is to decide what kind of business would be the most suitable. The rise of the internet means there has been a growth in online companies so that could be a possibility, especially for a specialised retailer. Other options could include looking at a franchise operation or setting up a business in a field that is already familiar.

Once the type of business is decided on, the next step involves conducting market research. Finding out about possible competitors in the area can help prevent possible financial problems as well as allowing you to ensure you charge a realistic price or fee for goods and services. Research can also test the viability of a business start-up idea, for instance there may be little demand for a pet-sitting business if there already a high number of successful companies in the area offering the same service.

A business plan can also be a helpful way of ensuring that you have a realistic idea of how the company is going to progress as well as identifying any possible marketing opportunities. More importantly it can also ensure that a business stays on track as often the day-to-day running of a business can distract from the original long-term plans. The plan is also a useful document when it comes to approaching possible investors or presenting to banks when applying for start-up capital.

Finance is a crucial barrier for many new small businesses, especially if they are facing direct competition from well established and larger firms. However, there are a growing number of options for start-up firms and getting a clear picture of potential finance problems at the initial stages can help ensure capital is still available if sales are not inline with original forecasts.

It is also important to ensure that all the appropriate institutions are informed when you finally decide to launch a business, including HM Revenue & Customs and that adequate insurance cover is arranged, especially if you employ other workers.

Working for yourself and starting your own business can be highly rewarding but can also be very challenging. Anyone with the correct approach as well as a strong level of commitment is likely to enjoy a number of benefits of being their own boss.

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Anyone looking to step on the road to successful franchising is advised to make sure they follow a few simple stages of planning before they leap.

Firstly, deciding on what kind of franchise offers the best option can be the most crucial step to be made by any potential franchisee. Many successful operations tend to build on existing skills or work experience. For instance, opting for a pet food franchise could be the ideal choice for someone already experienced in animal care.

However, potential franchisees should not dismiss franchises even if they do not have directly relevant experience, as franchises can also make use of general skills such as strong leadership.

The next step involves narrowing down the wide range of franchise opportunities available even within certain sectors. For example, deciding to open a restaurant franchise can still mean a wide choice between the various types of cuisine as well as whether a take-away or eat-in establishment is preferred.

One way to find the ideal franchise is to carry out local market research as well as assessing the company support that will be provided by the franchisor.

Many franchise schemes can offer a quick way of starting a new business using a proven brand name and an existing way of operating on a day-to-day basis. For any new franchisee is it is crucial to long-term business success to invest in a franchise that offers a well run and successful model to ensure maximum profits and sales. In addition, finding a franchise that offers complete support can help negotiating and ensure easy access to relevant training.

Having covered the steps of finding the right franchise, the next leap involves raising the right level of finance needed to invest in a franchise. The cost of franchise opportunities can vary and is often dependent on the franchise type, although they do tend to be cheaper that starting stand-alone ventures.

The franchise purchase fee will often include necessary equipment and supplies as well as accounting procedures. Potential franchisees will often discover that many banks are willing to support new franchisees rather than completely new businesses because such operations have the support of a parent company and an already successful model. Finally, the last step to success involves long-term planning and the development of an ongoing business and marketing plan to ensure that a new franchise gradually evolves in to a well established and profitable operation.

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Once a franchise is up-and-running and customers are making their way through the door, franchisees need to come up with new and exciting ways to keep them coming back. In franchising, sales equal success; and marketing is essential in order to maximise sales and maintain growth.

While the beauty of investing in a franchise is that much of the brand's advertising is taken care of by the franchiser, franchisees must still be aware of the need to market their business at a local level. National advertising campaigns can be a huge help, but without establishing a local customer base a franchise may run into difficulty.

There are many innovative ways that franchisees can market their business, but the best place to start is by speaking to other franchisees within the same network. Finding out which approaches have worked best for them and discovering where they went wrong can help to slim down the list of possible marketing tactics to those that are likely to work best - saving valuable time and money.

Once this is done, franchisees can then begin to think about the approaches they are able to afford and which ones are likely to make the biggest impact on their target audience. Knowing exactly who this group is and tailoring marketing campaigns accordingly is of course a number one priority.

Franchisees should consider as wide a range of marketing tactics as possible so as not to limit their potential and budgeting for marketing on a regular basis will help franchisees to keep abreast of their costs and make sure they do not run into financial difficulty.

Small, well-designed direct mailings can help to target those customers who are most likely to be interested in the products and services on offer, while unique offers and competitions can also be a great way to encourage brand loyalty.

And in today's cyber society internet marketing also has huge potential to boost sales and improve the reputation of a business. Consumers everywhere are logging onto the web, so businesses should make sure they utilise it to their full potential, whether this be through targeted email marketing or advertising campaigns on local websites.

But that is not to say that traditional marketing tools such as advertisements in the local press and on the radio, as well as cold calling and drop-ins, should be forgotten. Depending on the audience these can sometimes have a bigger impact than newer, more hi-tech ways of marketing.

While franchisees are busy marketing their own business they should never forget to keep an eye on the competition and make sure the approaches they are taking differ from those of their rivals and offer customers something unique.

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Anyone planning to start a franchise business is encouraged to make sure they fully research any potential franchising agreements and are fully aware of their responsibilities.

A franchising agreement lays out the details of how a franchise should be operated in accordance with the main aims of the franchisor. The contract is a crucial part of setting-up a franchise operation and double-checking all the details at the start can help to prevent long-term problems.

When investing in a franchise, the franchisor usually has a number of guidelines and rules that must be put in to practice by all franchisees. They can range from the obvious such as ensuring that branding remains consistent across all the franchises but they can also include details of marketing commitments as well as supply-chain management.

Agreements should also include details of what type of training, support and advice will be provided by the franchisor as well as information on any potential central marketing campaigns or advertising that is planned and any possible commitments that the franchisee needs to make concerning reinvesting in the business. The terms of payments of the franchisee as well as the conditions for renewal of the franchise will also need to be detailed fully in the document.

In addition, franchisees are reminded that they could be required to obey certain central franchise commitments to ensure that the operating base of the franchise is kept in good condition. For insurance, a restaurant franchise could be required to ensure that cosmetic refurbishment is carried out every five years and that window and door frames are painted a certain colour in order to ensure that branding is consistent across the franchise network. Such rules could also apply to any vehicles or signs connected to a franchise operation.

Franchising agreements are an important part of a successful franchise business and therefore, they should be drawn-up by a specialist franchise lawyer who fully understands the sector. Contracts must clearly lay out the obligations of the franchisor and the franchisee as well as reflecting any previous promises made by franchise prospectuses.

The introduction of the code of ethical conduct in franchising, developed by the European Franchise Federation has also helped to ensure that drawing up a franchise agreement is more straightforward and ensures that certain standards are adhered to as well as complying with UK and European laws.

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Almost everyone has carpets and everyone needs to have them cleaned once in a while. Muddy shoes, dirty pets and food spillage can make carpets worn and grimy, and while DIY carpets cleaners may do the job, they will never do it as quickly or effectively as a professional cleaner.

That's why investing in a carpet cleaning franchise could be an excellent opportunity to run a successful business, as there is high demand for its services. Competition in the domestic cleaning industry is fierce, but a franchise can help to minimise the risk of failure and allow savvy entrepreneurs to get ahead.

Of course franchising is not for everyone and franchisees should look carefully at what is required of them before jumping into a deal. An initial franchise fee will be needed as well as ongoing payments for advertising, supplies and other outgoings. Owning a franchise is a big commitment and franchisees must be sure it is the right choice for them.

However, the beauty of a carpet cleaning franchise is that is can be run from home, with as many or as few employees and vans as the franchisee desires. Because there is no need to purchase or rent office space, the cost of owning such a franchise will be much lower than, for example, a restaurant or a retail outlet. And while the cost of cleaning solution and other supplies will have to be met, once the cleaning apparatus itself has been purchased it can be used, with good care and attention, to clean hundreds of carpets.

To run a successful carpet cleaning franchise franchisees must be incredibly hard working and dedicated to making the business a success. Since many homeowners will require carpet cleaning services on evenings and weekends when they are at home franchisees must be willing to work unsociable hours if they want to stay ahead of the competition.

A talent for sales and a friendly, approachable manner with customers are also necessary qualities. Franchisees will essentially be selling their services to the public, and while the franchise brand name may help to get them recognised they will still have to work hard to build up a portfolio of clients and keep those clients satisfied so that they return again.

As mentioned before, competition in this area is fierce, but providing franchisees do their homework and chose to set up in a location where demand is plentiful, they should soon see their investment turn to profit. It is essential that they speak to other franchisees to assess the risks and potential pitfalls and make sure they avoid them as they set about on their new venture.

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Financing a franchise can be incredibly expensive and though a franchisee may have the skills, the experience and the determination necessary to make a business successful, unless they can secure the capital they need to get it up and running then their dreams could remain unachievable.

However, there are plenty of options for securing finance that will allow aspiring entrepreneurs to open up their own business. Franchisees do not have to be filthy rich to achieve their commercial goals; all they need is the know-how and the determination to find the right source of funding or the right lender.

In order to secure financing for a franchise, franchisees will have to consider several very important things. One of these is a sound business plan. Without one any bank or lending institution will be reluctant to hand over their cash.

Secondly, franchisees need a good credit history. A bad one can impact on a number of things, including securing a loan and signing a lease for space to locate the business. Anyone with bad credit should consult an expert who will help them consider their options.

Thirdly, franchisees must be able to contribute a significant portion of the financing themselves. Most banks will require the franchisee to supply around 40 per cent of the start-up capital.

So where can a franchisee go to find financing? Well the first thing they should do is examine their personal resources. Family and friends may be able to help by offering a loan, the terms of which may be much better than anything that could be found at the bank.

Banks and speciality franchise lenders should be the next port of call. Franchisees should start with their own bank where they do most of their personal banking, and if this fails they should try further afield. Independent lenders who specialise in franchise lending should also be contacted.

Franchisees unsure of where to go should consult an accountant, particularly one who is qualified in handling the finances of small businesses. A good accountant will be able to calculate the exact amount of capital needed and recommend potential bankers or lending institutions that may be able to help.

Of course the best source of information when it comes to financing options is the franchiser. They may be able to provide financing directly or through a third-party lender, or if not they will be able to point new franchisees in the right direction.

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While franchising can be a great way for anyone to succeed in the world of business, thanks to the wide range of options available, the increased popularity of the model among people from ethnic minority groups has caused a surge in franchisers catering specifically for these areas.

As the growth of large supermarkets and restaurant chains continues to put increasing pressure on small businesses, many entrepreneurs are becoming concerned that the uptake of business in certain industry areas has slowed.

However, many ethnic minorities, who traditionally dominate the small and medium-sized end of these industries in the UK and US, are continuing to fuel the franchise market and embracing the chance to improve their own business through franchising.

And as the number of people from ethnic minorities entering into franchising continues to grow, many franchisers are now actively seeking out such groups, with both sides embracing a strong work ethic and increased support from wider families or community networks as key traits needed to start and maintain a successful franchising career.

Andy Cooke, franchise sales manager at Domino's Pizza, explained to Redhotcurry.com: "Most of our franchisees from ethnic minority backgrounds aspire to own multi-unit operations. These franchisees tend to involve their wider family networks in the investment, set up and management of their own Domino's Pizza businesses."

Formerly, it was often discrimination in the workplace which gave many enterprising people from certain ethnic groups no choice but to become their own boss, but the businesses started by older family members are increasingly being left behind by younger generations, opening the door for new opportunities such as franchising.

And while financing can be a problem for any business, many banks are now waking up to the growing number of ethnic minorities becoming franchisees and are offering specialist services to help get business ventures off the ground. For example, HSBC has opened a specialised South Asian Banking division which offers help and support to ethnic minorities seeking the funds to start their own business.

But as the domination of large supermarkets continues, traditional industries such as local grocery stores, often run by Asian families in the UK, are declining. Opening longer hours, which was often a selling point for ethnic businesses, as well as cutting prices has meant the number of these stores has been dropping considerably over recent years and the trend is continuing.

Nevertheless, franchising is often seen as the ideal solution for entrepreneurs, who can capitalise on the support and backup of a large organisation which can still compete with the supermarkets, meaning people from all ethnic groups can adapt and change, reducing the risk of failure.

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A simple, straightforward way to change your life.

AS AN EMPLOYEE it’s not unusual to feel taken for granted, that your ideas are overlooked, to feel that your life ambitions have been compromised so as to pay the bills and you now find yourself stuck in your very own ‘Groundhog Day’. You may find yourself thinking “things would be different if I was in charge…” But how realistic is it to think we can change things, could we honestly run our own business?

The answer is an emphatic YES – you can achieve anything that you put your mind to. At Franchise Direct that’s our mission, to make it as simple and as easy as possible for you to find the business venture you really want. We’ve even designed a way for you to easily meet companies at your convenience so you can talk to the people who’ve already been there and achieved success on their own terms. We call it having a Discovery Day.

Enthusiastic, determined and passionate entrepreneurs from all over the UK & Ireland are starting to take control of their own destiny and invest in the business that they really want to be a part of and enjoy. Career satisfaction and financial security can become a reality through franchising, with its proven methods and systems, as your new business becomes a vital part of your local economy and community.

Choosing a franchise enables you to take advantage of brand power and starting your own business without having to do everything from scratch. Have a support network to hand from day one! Imagine waking up in the morning and looking forward to the day ahead!

If your current job or career leaves you feeling unsatisfied – it’s time to act. You deserve better and a new career direction could help you achieve success and financial independence.

Through Franchise Direct take advantage of free no obligation advice from our key sponsors: NatWest, Ulster Bank, EXB Legal, Bill Holohan, FranAccounts, and OSK. And if after meeting the franchisor you decide to go ahead with your new venture, discounted legal, accounting and business services are then available including finance packages.

It’s clear to see why this is a fantastic opportunity for you to find the career of your dreams. So what have you got to lose? Take the first small step towards change today and the only regret you will soon have is that you didn’t think to do it sooner!

Good luck!
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After making the decision to open a franchise, investing money, time and energy, surviving the tough start-up period and managing to create a business that is showing signs of success, franchisees face yet another difficult challenge. Growing a new business in order to make sure that your success continues well into the future is easier said than done, but with the right attitude and some expert guidance it can be an exciting time.

Running any franchise requires money and handling it well is essential in order to be successful in the long term. A franchisee may have taken out a loan to pay the initial franchise fee and they will need to make monthly repayments. But on top of this there will also be all the day-to-day costs of running the business and keeping it operating efficiently. These may include stock, staff wages, utility bills, advertising costs and so on.

It is therefore essential that franchisees get some expert advice on how to manage these costs to make sure they can meet all their financial requirements and hopefully have money to spare afterwards to help drive their business forward.

But it is not just being cash savvy that is a necessary tool in the growing of a franchise business. Knowing insider secrets and picking up useful information will also help to improve success.

One of the most valuable sources of information a franchisee can draw on is the knowledge of people who have been there and done it before. Those looking to grow their franchise business should speak to as many fellow franchisees as they can to gather hints and tips on what works and what is likely hinder their success, particularly from those who operate in the same area.

But as well as these people there are also plenty of professional bodies that can offer advice and assistance on financial matters, issues involving the hiring and training of staff and matters of customer care to name but a few.

Then there is advertising, and while the beauty of investing in a franchise means that most of this is done for the franchisee at a national level, it is essential that they promote their own franchise locally in a bid to drive up sales. They may be operating under a well-established, nationally recognisable brand name, but without understanding the needs of their local audience they will soon find their ambitions for growth are out of reach.

E-mail marketing could prove extremely valuable in this area. Franchisees can target specific customers with news of events, special promotions and store opening hours to successfully build up a loyal local customer base.

The local press could also be a great place to advertise. Franchisees should find out which publications their target audience are more likely to read and spread their message accordingly. This kind of local recognition is essential as franchisees cannot rely on their brand name alone to propel them forward.

Overall franchisees should take care not to strive for too much too soon. The key to success is building lasting relationships with consumers, and making dramatic changes or growing too fast will put them off. Working with customers to offer what they need and want is the best way to grow a successful franchise business.

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Despite being seen as a relatively safe way to start up a new business franchising still has its risks and needs to be considered extremely carefully, industry experts claim.

Matthew Shay, president of the International Franchise Association, says those looking to buy a franchise need to be sure the business model is right for them before jumping in with both feet, otherwise things could turn sour.

He told the New York Daily News that despite all the advantages of investing in a well-established franchise there is no absolute guarantee of success.

Indeed there are some considerable costs to pay upfront when buying into a franchise, and franchisees will also have to commit to ongoing payments for advertising, supplies and other outgoings.

Mr Shay and other experts say that those who do not posses the skills and qualities necessary to run the businesses efficiently from day one, or who fail to plan sufficiently for every eventuality, could find they are losing money fast.

But despite the risks those within the industry stress that franchising has many benefits, and they advise potential franchisees to speak with a number of franchisers and conduct some thorough research in order to assess their compatibility with various franchise ventures.

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Aspiring entrepreneurs on the lookout for exciting new franchise opportunities will be heading to Manchester later this week for the 2007 British Franchise Exhibition.

Held at the G-Mex Centre on January 26th and 27th, the two-day event will be attended by around 80 franchise companies from a wide range of industries.

They will be providing information about the opportunities within their own companies as well as expert advice on how to succeed at the franchise game.

There will also be an extensive seminar programme which will cover topics such as financing, location choice and the benefits of franchising compared with other business models.

And there will be a host of solicitors, bankers and accountants in attendance who can talk interested people though the start up process and offer free expert advice on legal and financial matters.

For those already running a franchise the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition and Conference at the exhibition will provide valuable information to help them grow their business.

It will include advice and tips on everything from attracting funding and driving up sales to making the most of marketing and creating a successful website.

Exhibitors at the 2007 event will include Wimpy, Apollo Window Blinds, Auditel, SureSlim and Lasertech.

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