The latest BFA Nat West annual survey on franchising* reports that the franchise business model is thriving with over half of UK franchisees reporting a turnover of £250,000 or more.

Over 600,000 people in the UK work in franchised businesses which contribute a massive £15bilklion to the UK economy. Figures show that taking on a franchise territory is a safer business option than starting up on your own with just 0.2% failing due to commercial reasons.

And at Revive!, the UK’s largest network of accredited mobile vehicle paint repairers, franchisees are celebrating an almost 20% increase in sales year on year with over 45%
of all franchisees running multi van businesses.

Revive! managing director Mark Llewellyn has been a board member of the BFA (British Franchise Association) for the past five years. The company has led the way in driving up standards within the mobile vehicle paint repair industry and helped set up new nationally recognised qualifications for technicians. It has its own IMI accredited training academy.

Commenting on the survey he said: “The franchise sector has never been stronger with 97% of all franchisees throughout the franchisee trading profitably.”

“Here at Revive! our network has performed strongly, mirroring the findings of the survey and underlining the importance of providing top quality, business and marketing support to franchisees together with regular and honest communication.”

“There’s never been a better time to start up your own business as franchising delivers all of the benefits of being your own boss following a proven business model with the support and back up of head office.”

“The key is to take your time choosing your franchise – With over 900 different options to choose from there’s there is still a lack of public awareness about franchising and the huge business opportunities the model provides.”

Revive! recently achieved the internationally recognised Investors in People (IIP) status and has made significant investment in systems and technology to reduce franchisee administration time and improve overall business efficiency. The company has also recruited high calibre industry experts to provide ongoing business support and mentoring to franchisees.

Added Mark: “It takes hard work and commitment to build a business. At Revive! it’s very much a partnership between the franchisees and the head office support team. They’ve got the passion a drive to succeed and grow their business and we’ve got the proven business model and expert advisors to help them achieve their goals.”

Revive! franchisee Jay Belham left the Army five years ago and set up Revive! Guildford. He now has five vans on the road and has seen his turnover almost double year on year. “Setting up your own business is like taking a leap of faith”, he said. “You put together a business plan but in reality that’s just words on a bit of paper, you’ve got to actually get out there and make things happen.”

“Being part of a franchise has helped me to put that plan into action. Head office could see before I could that my business had taken off so well I needed to expand to keep up the momentum. They guided me step by step through the whole process of financing a new van and recruiting my first employee. Their support and confidence in me gave me the impetus I need to take such a big step – and I am really glad I did.”