Franchising offers antidote to Scottish business blues

The franchise sector is still buoyant in Scotland and is proving to be the antidote to business blues according to the British Franchise Association as it prepares for its sixth Scottish Franchise Week in June (1-5th June 2009) organised by the bfa Scottish Franchise Forum.

The aim of the week is to raise awareness of the franchising sector in Scotland and the contribution it makes to the economy.  During the week there will be numerous opportunities for the public to find out more about franchising and the potential its offers to start a new business.  Highlights of the week will include a business breakfast at the Glasgow Hilton on 4th June and a special franchise showcase event on 5th June at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow.  

Recently released research from the British Franchise Association reveals that some 476 franchise brands are currently operating in Scotland, up from 445 last year.  The annual turnover of franchise operations in Scotland is £800-million and the sector employs 34,500 people – up from 33,000 in 2008.  

“The economic climate is tough but our members are reporting steady enquiries from potential franchisees,” said Brian Smart, Director General of the British Franchise Association.  “Many people are realising the benefits that ethical  franchising can offer such as being less risky than starting on your own as the business model has been proven and the franchisor offers a great deal of support to help the franchisee succeed in business.  Moreover, even in this difficult financial climate banks are tending to look more favourably on lending to franchise businesses than traditional start-ups.”

He added: “Franchising is also offering a life-line to people who have been made redundant. There are a large number of successful franchise operations in Scotland which have been started by people who have lost their jobs and have had ambitions to start their own business”. 

Some of the world’s leading brands such as McDonalds, Thorntons, Dominos Pizza and Tony & Guy are franchise operations and franchisees joining a reputable franchise company can expect the highest levels of training and operational support.

The Scottish Franchise Week website is being officially hosted by whichfranchise.com and is sponsored by Moreland Insurance (specialist insurers to the franchise sector) and Shokk energie (a leading youth fitness franchise).

The business breakfast will be addressed by Jim Mather MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism and will feature keynote speakers from McDonalds, Nokia and Shokk who will share their experiences of franchising with the audience which is expected to include up to 300 Scottish businessmen and women.  The session will be closed by Sir Bernard Ingham, the president of the British Franchise Association.

For further information about Scottish Franchise Week please visit www.scottishfranchiseweek.co.uk

For further information about franchising please visit www.thebfa.org or call 01865 379892.

Media enquiries to:

Tom Endean
Marketing Manager
The British Franchise Association
T: 01865 379946
tomendean@thebfa.org

Mike Reynolds or Ryan Smith
Sigma Communications
T: 01577 866 776
info@sigmacommunications.co.uk