One of the key benefits of joining a franchised business is the training and support provided by the franchisor. It’s one of the major reasons franchised businesses are a much safer option than going it alone. According to the most recent bfa Nat West survey, fewer than 1% of franchises fail each year. By stark contrast, figures suggest that about 60% of non-franchise SME startups fail within five years.
Pre-start support
Support from the franchisor should begin way before you commence trading – to help you decide if the franchise is right for you (and you’re right for the franchisor). This should include meeting several head office staff (key support staff) and talking to / meeting franchisees in the network. This will help you work out if the ‘fit’ is right for you – do you have the right transferable skills, and will you enjoy the role?
Before you commit to anything, you should also expect practical help and advice, including, for example, with financial planning, funding the purchase of the business, finding and fitting out premises, and understanding the equipment and the staff you will need. You’re likely to sign a franchise agreement lasting for several years (5 years is common), so undertake your due diligence and don’t be rushed into your decision.
Initial training
Before your new franchise business starts trading, you will need to complete the franchisor’s initial training program – to give you the basic skills and knowledge to operate your business. The length of training will depend on the complexity of the business, and it could range from one week to many weeks. This could take place at the franchisor’s head office, out in the field, and online. Most franchisors seek franchisees with transferable skills rather than specific previous industry knowledge, so expect to learn about the sector you are joining, as well as rules and regulations you will need to follow, and the culture and reputation of the business you are joining.
The initial training will depend on the sector but expect it to include sales (how to win and retain customers), marketing, business and IT systems, finance (e.g., commercial pricing), and much more.
Business launch
The franchisor should be able to assist with a launch program, to help raise awareness of your business. This can include, for example, a written news story and images (for the local press, business news, and for promoting via social media), a personalised newsletter (to post out, hand out), as well as promotional materials.
Ongoing training and support
Once you’ve completed your initial training and you’ve prepared for your launch, you’re ready to start operating your business. This will undoubtedly feel daunting, especially as you can’t possibly know everything about the business when you start. It’s just like when you begin a new job, it takes time to learn the role. That’s why it’s vital you have strong support from day one.
The level of support you should expect clearly depends on the type of business, the size of the business, how long it’s been operating, and the size of the head office team. Ongoing support is likely to include sales (to help you win business), marketing (to help promote your business), an IT system (to help you operate your business), and ongoing guidance (to help you learn and improve). Plus, it’s important the franchisor’s proven business system, documents, and processes help you remain compliant. In addition, a good franchisor can provide market intelligence data, to help you identify potential business and give you an edge over your competition.
It’s hugely beneficial to receive face-to-face support, and this can involve a regional manager (or similar) visiting you in your place of work. This person’s input is often invaluable, as they work with other franchisees and know what works. Ideally, they should also help you win customers.
Peer support
One of the many benefits of joining a franchised business is the opportunity to work with fellow franchisees, share best practice, and learn from the experience of others. This might be achieved through regular regional meetings, an online forum, or simply from you building relationships with local franchisees. You can be part of a network of people in the same business as you but not in direct competition with you. The level of support within the right franchise can be extraordinary.
This feature was brought to you by Driver Hire, the UK’s largest specialist logistics recruiter, with over 100 offices nationwide. The company opened its doors in west Yorkshire almost 40 years ago.
