Franchising is big business these days.

A study undertaken by the BFA found that in the UK alone there are more than 1000 franchise opportunities, and half a million Brits currently working with or for one. Even during the economic downturn of 2008 and the following years, when the whole economic output of England fell by 2.5%, the revenue from franchises went up by 20% - this makes it obvious that franchises don't suffer quite the same economic troubles as traditional businesses. Less than 5% of franchises fail because of a commercial failure; over 90% are successful.

There are many benefits to be had from setting up a franchise, including an allowance for easy growth without a huge investment of time and capital, and a more committed team in the form of invested franchisees rather than paid managers.

In order to make a business into a successful franchise, it must have already been making a profit for at least a year but preferably longer. It also has to be proven that this profit is due to the business model and not, say, to a specific area or person. It also needs to work in other areas - if that's only within the country that is okay, but something that wouldn't work outsdie of Norfolk wouldn't make a good franchise. And finally, the skills necessary must be teachable to new recruits within a short time frame.