TITLE : TAKING UP A FRANCHISE.

Introduction        9
 
1. What Franchising Means         12
   Forms of franchising 12; Business format franchising 14
 
2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking up a Franchise       21
   The franchisor 21; The franchisee 22; Mutual dependence 24
 
3. Evaluating the Franchise         26
   The product or service offered 26; The territory and the site 27;
   The relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor 29;
   The franchise package 31; The franchisor 33; The experience of
   other franchisees 34; The financial viability 35; Taking over an
   existing franchise outlet 51
 
4. Evaluating Yourself        56
   Suitability for self-employment 56; Family support 56; Leadership
   and discipline 57; Personal characteristics 57; Questionnaire 58
 
5. The Franchise Contract         59
   The purchase agreement 59; The franchise agreement 60;
   Typical franchise agreement 66
 
6. Financing a Franchise         88
   How much will you need? 88; How can you finance a franchise? 91;
   Improving your chance of getting external finance 101; What help
   can you expect from your franchisor in raising money? 104; The
   Consumer Credit Act 107; Business Expansion Scheme 107
 
7. Legal and Tax Considerations         109
   The legal form of the business 109; Basic tax issues 114;
   Employing people 118; Pensions for the self-employed 125;
   Professional advice 130
 
8. Current Franchise Opportunities - a Guide       132
   Why look at franchise companies anyway? 132; What should you
   look at? 133; Alphabetical list of franchise opportunities 136;
   Company and business profile of each franchise 137; Index of
   franchises by business category 227; Ranking of franchises by
   investment level 228; Company ranking by number of UK franchise
   outlets 229
 
9. Future Franchising Opportunities         232
   The United States 232; The United Kingdom 235; Opportunities 236
 
10. Franchising Check List            238
 
11. The British Franchise Association      246
    Full members 246; Associates 250
 
12. Useful Organisations and Publications       251
    Organisations 251; Publications 257
 
Index of Advertisers         259
 
Index             260