2009 is predicted to be a boom year for the franchise industry according to specialist consultancy, FDS.

“With thousands of people throughout the UK being made redundant and more facing the prospect of losing their livelihoods, many of those fortunate enough to receive redundancy payments or have capital available for investment are expected to give very serious consideration to entering self employment by purchasing a franchise,” says Franchise Development Services Founder and Chairman Professor Roy Seaman. “They are examining the facts and discovering that it is easier to start a low overhead business than find a job with a salary comparable to the one that they have lost.”

“Recession is actually an ideal time to start your own business, especially if you choose the franchise option,” comments Professor Seaman. “The competition is likely to be weakened in a recession, while simultaneously customers are hungry for products and services that they can trust – this is where nationally recognised franchise brands score heavily against those independently owned and operated. There is also the reassuring fact that very few franchisors actually go out of business.

“In 2009, there is a lower opportunity cost to investing in a franchise: there are few jobs that can be considered secure and there is very little benefit in hanging on and hoping for the best. Major companies are slashing their marketing, which creates opportunities for smaller businesses and franchise owners to take the lead through the greater purchasing power, established customer base and market know-how of their parent franchisors. With over 1,250 franchise brands representing over 200 business categories in the UK, there is a great deal to choose from and you can buy into a genuine Business Format Franchise from as little as £10,000.”