Member Article

UK franchising reaches record heights

Franchise businesses across the UK have reported record highs in turnover and full-time employment according to the 2013 NatWest British Franchise Association (bfa) Franchise Survey.

The research, looking at the five years since the country entered recession in 2008, shows a 20 per growth compared to a 2.5 per cent contraction in the overall economy during the same period.

The survey calculates that the sector contributed some £13.7bn, or just less than one per cent of UK GDP, to the economy in the last 12 months.

Over a quarter of a million full-time jobs were recorded for the first time in UK franchise history out of total employment in excess of 560,000, an increase of 20 per cent over the last five years.

With around 4 out of every 5 brands operating a franchise model in this country being UK-owned, domestic success is translating into export success with one in four expanding their business model abroad. And franchisors expect their growth to continue through 2014 – almost 9 out of 10 stating they believe trading conditions will improve in the coming year.

Impressive long-term trends continued at the franchisee level too, with 92 per cent reporting profitability and one in four running multiple outlets, reflecting a maturing and growing industry. Of those new to the industry (up to two years), 80 per cent are already turning a profit.

Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, commented: “UK franchising offers thousands of people each year the opportunity to take on their own sustainable business, in turn creating employment for many thousands more – a success that has continued through hard economic times while other parts of the economy have struggled.

“The exceptional performance of the franchise sector since 2008 augurs well as the UK returns to business growth and prosperity. There are now nearly 1,000 franchise brands operating in this country across multiple business sectors, offering plentiful opportunities for those undertaking the necessary research and due diligence to join the franchise success story.”

Graeme Jones, head of franchising at NatWest, said: “Franchising in the UK continues to deliver real benefits for the economy and the growth achieved over the past five years is a standout achievement.

“Optimism remains high, underpinned by profitable trading and opportunities both here and overseas. In the thirty plus years that NatWest has had a specialist franchise team, this is the most robust set of results from our annual survey and we are delighted to continue our support for the sector.”

At a regional level, the franchise model has confounded economic trends even in some of the areas worst-hit by economic difficulties over the previous five years. Every part of England and Wales recorded growth in franchise turnover, with Wales increasing by 33 per cent, the north west by 27 per cent and the north east by 14 per cent. The south east continues to lead the way with a remarkable 42 per cent growth since 2008.

For objective information and advice on any aspect of franchising, visit the bfa’s website www.thebfa.org.

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