Combining the established business concept, training and backup support of franchising with a regional or even nationwide territory and the right to develop a network of sub-franchisees, Master Franchising combines the roles of franchisee and franchisor to provide business builders with a more substantial opportunity.

Brands offering a National Master Franchise are seeking an individual or company to invest in the rights to their concept for the whole of the UK. As the National Master Franchisee you are provided with the proven brand, trading style and system, and apply your domestic market knowledge and localised management to develop the concept for the UK.

After proving the concept with a pilot operation, the National Master Franchisee then usually builds a network of sub-franchisees, effectively becoming a franchisor in the UK.

An example of a National Master Franchise is Jani-King, which is a US brand that has been established in its domestic market for 35 years. In 1992 Jani-King granted its master franchise for Great Britain to Paul Haworth and Ian Thomas, who have built a network of sub-franchisees (see page 68).

A more regionalised version is Regional Master Franchising, where the international company desires to maintain overall control over the concept's progression in the UK, but still benefit from localised leadership. Regional Master Franchisees collaborate with the international franchisor on national policy and marketing, and concentrate on developing their own sub-franchised networks of operators within their regions. BatBox is currently developing a network in this manner.

For proactive individuals who are seeking suitable international brands to spearhead in the UK, Franchise Development Services is operating a European Franchising Trade Mission in October to introduce a number of brands serious about granting Master Franchise rights in the UK and other European markets. An opportunity to meet the leaders of new and famous international franchise brands, the trade mission has been scheduled to enable participants to attend a number of franchise events over the course of seven days in Brussels, Valencia, Madrid and Milan.

Day1: Commences with the Open Day of the European Franchise Federation Conference in Brussels, with a valuable programme of speakers lined up to address the mission on the issues and trends relating to the franchise industry today. The event is followed by a Champagne and Cocktails reception hosted by Franchise Development Services. Among the highlights of the evening will be a fashion show featuring products supplied by fashion brand franchisors, a tasting of European cuisine and the European Franchising 100 Awards highlighting the most exciting established and emerging brands offering Master Franchise opportunities in the EU.

Day 2: Travel to Valencia and Madrid.

Day 3 & 4: Attend the Valencia Franchise Exhibition and meet the principals of US brands at the US embassy in Madrid hosted by the US Commercial Service.

Day 5: Travel to Milan.

Day 6 & 7: Attend one-on-one meetings with CEOs and representatives at the franchise exhibition in Milan.

Places are limited to 40 international entrepreneurs, who will meet the CEOs and representatives of 100 top brands and learn as much as possible about the future direction of the franchise industry in the company of three vice presidents from Franchise Development Services.

To book your place on the European Franchising Trade Mission, call Lyn Linley at FDS on 0870 228 4100 or email enquiries@fdsltd.com