Women and Millennials Help Drive £17bn+ Franchise Sector to Record Levels

ABINGDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / Deccember 17, 2018 / New research on UK franchising has revealed a business sector operating at record heights, with much of the recent growth driven by female entrepreneurs and the under-30s.

There are now nearly 50,000 franchise businesses collectively contributing over £17bn and 710,000 jobs to the country’s economy, according to data from the British Franchise Association (bfa) and NatWest in the 2018 bfa NatWest Franchise Survey.

In the last two years, more than one-quarter of franchisees starting their business were aged 30 or under at launch, and 37% of all newer franchisees are women.

The infographic below highlights some of the key stats.

Pip Wilkins, the bfa’s chief executive, said: “Thanks to franchising, more people are starting their own business and more jobs are being created. These figures show that whatever your background, with the right attitude and ambition you can thrive.

“The rate of female entrepreneurship is well above the national SME average, testament to the franchise community’s drive to empower women into business. We’ve come a long way since 2005, when more than 80% of newcomers were male.

“And the sharp increase in under-30s starting their own business is thanks to the franchise model bridging the gap between experience and ambition. I’m delighted to see so many younger people realising they have a choice between going it alone or being employed.”

Regional economies have also benefitted from the expanding sector, with economic growth since 2015 of 7% in the North East (to £800m); 18% in Wales (£500m); 11% in Yorkshire (£1bn) and 14% in the East Midlands (£1.2bn).

The data also revealed the continuation of a long-term trend: around 90% of franchisees – who own and operate their business using the brand, systems and support of a larger company – have reported profitability annually for over 20 years running.

Wilkins added: “Franchising now covers a huge range of businesses, from hair care to healthcare, but is still to reach anything like the levels seen in the US for example. With so many younger people now entering the sector, the future is in good hands.”

For more information, the survey in full, or interview and case study led opportunities, contact PR Manager Patrick.hulbert@thebfa.org.

About Us

About the bfa

The British Franchise Association (bfa) defines and enforces the ethical standards for business format franchising in the UK. Established in 1977, the association is a self-regulatory body proudly run by its members to champion the growth of the UK franchising sector. Promoting best practice through education and training, the bfa is a passionate advocate of excellence in the whole franchising community.

The vision of the bfa is to empower, promote and connect people in business by becoming the leading educator in franchising. To support this vision the Association has established a Franchise Training Academy to be the fundamental source of key skills and techniques, driving the adoption of best practice in the UK franchising sector. The education of potential franchisees and franchisors is at the heart of what the bfa is and does. Equipping prospects with a crucial understanding of franchising is essential not only to their success, but to the success of the whole sector.

Contacts:

Patrick Hulbert
PR Manager
Patrick.hulbert@thebfa.org

SOURCE: British Franchise Association

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