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Q: I am interested in buying a franchise. Where can I find out what businesses are on offer?

Aug 22 2005

The bfa (British Franchise Association) has a website (www.british-franchise.org) listing all franchise companies that are members. These companies have to meet a stringent set of guidelines in order to be accredited so they are a good place to start when looking to join an ethical franchise organisation.

For further information on various propositions you could also visit www.whichfranchise.com and www.franinfo.co.uk. When looking for a suitable franchise, it's a great idea to visit one of the many franchise exhibitions sponsored by the BFA that are held throughout the UK and in Ireland each year. A diverse range of franchise companies exhibit in order to attract new recruits to their networks, so you will be able to meet representatives from these companies face to face and ask any questions you may have.

Exhibitions are currently held in Birmingham, London, Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin. Full details of upcoming events can be found at www.franinfo.co.uk/exhibitions.lasso. In addition, there are several magazines on franchising available in newsagents, such as Business Franchise (the official journal of the BFA) and Franchise Magazine.

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