Member Article

DWP & bfa partnership for Jobcentre Plus network

The British Franchise Association (bfa) and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have created new resources to help better educate individuals about the pros and cons of franchising when considering their futures.

By building new guidance, designed for advisers throughout the Jobcentre Plus network, individuals approaching Jobcentres for advice can now also start to find answers about becoming their own boss through franchising.

Over the last five years of economic trouble, the UK franchising industry has grown more than 20%, creating a net increase of over 6,000 new businesses and generating over 160,000 new jobs. This phenomenal growth is the result of a robust, standards-based approach, which allows people to run their own business, but with the security, training and support of the wider franchise network.

Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, said: “DWP has been extremely helpful in getting this important advice out to people. Franchising, time and again, proves itself to be a powerful way of helping people build successful new lives, but it is vital that they are armed with the right information to avoid any potential pitfalls from the start.”

A DWP spokesperson said: “These new resources, which offer up-to-date information and guidance to all our Jobcentre staff, mean we are able to provide the best possible support and advice to jobseekers.

“We are committed to helping people off benefits and into work, and self-employment can be a great fit for some claimants. We are very pleased to be working with the bfa to provide expert advice.”

Mr Smart added: “The government has shown a commitment to reducing unemployment with the most recent numbers proving very positive. The Jobcentre Plus network has remained an important part of that process and we hope this additional resource with help continue the trend of decreasing unemployment.”

The bfa is the authoritative body for objective advice on franchising; ensuring that those looking to franchise their business or buy into a franchise are properly informed about the real opportunities, limitations and commitments required. As well as providing an online resource (www.thebfa.org), seminars and exhibitions, the bfa work with key partners to help increase an informed awareness of franchising.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Stafford .