FOUR out of ten franchisees want their franchisors to set up associations to give them greater support and a stronger voice.hey can be nationally or regionally based and focus on a particular area of business and give franchisees the chance to test initiatives, raise issues or air concerns.
This year’s British Franchise Association survey, backed by NatWest, found that 43% of franchisees have access to an association in some form. Membership is normally high, with an average of 76% of franchisees saying they are members.
Paul Knapman, 56, a Prontaprint franchisee in Rugby, Warwickshire, since 1992, is chairman of its franchise association, which was set up in the Eighties.
Meetings with the franchisor are held every three months to discuss issues such as marketing, finance, sales strategy and new industry technologies. ‘It is the only time the agenda is set by the franchisees. The franchisor can benefit from what we are saying, rather than having to rely on individual conversations,’ says Paul.
Chris Gillam, managing director of postal business Mail Boxes Etc, based in Alford, Surrey, set up a network council a year ago for its 80 franchisees.
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