Annual franchise turnover in the UK has risen by six per cent to £7.4 billion, according to the 1999 NatWest/British Franchise Association survey.

When soft drinks franchises, motor distribution partnerships, petrol retailing and tenanted pubs are included, the franchise related market is worth an estimated £57.9 billion, almost a third (29.8 per cent) of Britain's total retail sales.

Since 1993 the number of franchises in the UK has increased by 50 per cent and there are now 596 fully-fledged business format franchises available.

Peter Stern, head of NatWest's franchise section, said: "The High Street is full of successful fanchises, such as McDonald's, Domino's Pizza and Kall Kwik.

"Franchises are more likely to succeed than independent start-ups.

"The most obvious advantage is that you don't have to come up with a brilliant new idea. Someone else will have tried and tested it for you."

However, he added, the homework has to be done thoroughly if the franchise is to succeed. Mr Stern offers some tips for potential franchisees:

Be sure you have the temperament and skills to run your own business.

Make sure you have the full support of your family.

Have enough capital. You will need at least a third for start-up costs.

Talk to existing franchisees.

Examine how well-known the franchise and its service or product is.

The British Franchise Exhibition takes place at Wembley on Friday and Saturday.

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