Franchising – An opportunity for ex-service people

Having worked in the armed forces for years it can be difficult to know what to do regarding work once you have left. It is easy for some who have the necessary skills and contacts to go immediately into employment but for others there is a large gap between leaving and finding the right job.

A lot of people in the ex services are looking towards franchising as a good option, they have the money to invest (retirement gratuity funds or savings), the self motivation and dedication to work which has been instilled in them from years of discipline and hard graft.

The advantages of choosing the franchising option are immediately obvious in that you are buying into an already successful business where the returns are noticeable, you are your own boss but at the same time have an upper management to keep you in the right direction and the return on investment is one which can set you and your family up for life.

It may be that you want to use your existing skills as a base for the type of franchise you are buying into and as there are a multitude of options out there, whether it is retail, automotive or trades & industry, there will always be an option tailored just for you.

Even if you want to branch out into a completely different area than you are used to, there are many franchise opportunities out there that offer extensive training and ongoing support. It is in the franchisors best interest to have you make a success of your new business.

Before diving in head first, it is always best to research the opportunities available to you, there are many franchised businesses out there and not all succeed. If possible always ask the franchisor for a list of franchisees whom you may contact. Try to get some negative feedback from the franchisee, whilst of course the franchisor is very likely to have given you a list of the most successfully run franchises you should still be able to learn a few of the pitfalls which they encountered when they first started.

When talking with the franchisor, remember they are not your employer and this is not an interview, do not be bullied by them because they need you as much as you need them. If you feel at all pressured by them into buying their franchise then maybe it is a sign that you should look elsewhere. For every coffee franchise there are several other similar options available. It is your savings you are investing so take the time to find the best opportunity available for you.

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Matthew Anderson is the founder of The Franchise Shop, a directory of some the the UK's best franchises and a resource for franchising information.