Despite the common stereotype of a franchise as a fast food outlet, Franchises come in a variety of shapes, sizes and sectors!

Many people belive that franchising is limited to fast food chains and is a really expensive way to start a business. This is not entirely true, there are a huge variety of franchises available from Couriers to Cafes and Cleaners to Chocolates!

Franchises don’t always have to cost hundreds of thousands either, some part time franchises have a starting up cost of under £1,000!

Some examples of the types of Franchise available are listed below:

1. Investment Franchise

• Fast Food & restaurant chains, and some hotels
• Franchisee has overall control
• Franchisee employs own senior management and staff

2. Executive Franchise

• Provision of Professional service
• Financial advice, legal services, recruitment assistances

3. Retail Franchise

• Sells and displays goods approved by the franchisor
• Franchisee has overall control
• Franchisee employs own senior management and staff

4. Distribution Franchise

• Franchisee operates from a depot or central office owned by the Franchisor
• Franchisee has overall control
• Franchisee employs own senior management and staff

5. Depot Franchise

• Generally courier companies & parts suppliers
• Franchisee employs own staff

6. Job Franchise

• Lawn care, car repairs or furniture refurbishing
• Generally a one-person business
• Operated from home

7. Management Franchise

• Franchisee is responsible for both running the franchise and employing and managing a team of operatives

Source: http://www.franchisingni.com