Answered by Gary Clere (below, right), Managing Director of Cargocall

Gary says: Obviously the word 'franchise' can mean slightly different things to different people but to me it means 'partnership under licence' - multiple business entities working under one banner (the brand) for a common cause but having clear lines of demarcation.

It is very important to keep the 'partnership' ethos strong within a franchise network. Even though our own company is relatively new to franchising this is something I see as being vital to ensuring the network is dynamic and engaged. This also gives a sense of belonging to the franchisee and ensures the franchisor is highly focused on the well-being of each franchise. For the franchisee it is important they do not feel isolated or lacking support and for the franchisor they need to see their business system being followed and their brand treated with respect. I see these two needs encapsulated in the term "partnership under license" or as we say, franchising.

Q. what support will the Franchisor give me with regards to managing staff and employment law?

Answered by Nicholas J Cooper (opposite, left), Franchise Director of Northwood

Nick says: Recruitment plays a hugely important role in the success or failure of a business and getting the right staff, with the right experience and credentials doing the right job is critical to a company's success, so a franchisor will usually provide training on recruitment selection and staff management. At Northwood we help our franchisees to identify suitable candidates by providing job profiles. We even review CVs and attend initial interviews. Once a candidate is selected we advocate using employment screening as a way of verifying their credentials and qualifications. In a recent Mori Poll over 71 per cent of candidates admitted to lying on their CVs.

We provide the franchisees staff with ongoing training and have systems for future performance management. We advocate the use of outsourced employment law specialists who, at discounted rates provide the reassurance that all current and future employment laws are being adhered to.

Answered by Karl Sandall (above, left), Chief Executive and Director of TaxAssist Accountants

Karl says: Many franchisees will be running a business for the first time and lack the knowledge and experience to enable them to successfully negotiate the employment minefield. A good franchisor will provide a comprehensive initial training course, which should furnish you with all of the knowledge required to effectively run your franchise. This should include guidance on managing staff and current employment law and at the very least provide core compulsory employment documents like contracts, disciplinary/grievance procedures and provide updates on frequent law changes and backup when the franchisee needs specific employment advice.

At TaxAssist Accountants we subscribe all of our franchisees to an employment law support service called 'Employmentor' run by qualified employment Solicitors. Employmentor is a uniquely practical, commercially aware management tool which enables all our franchisees to put in place and maintain up-to-date systems for recruiting and managing their employees, while complying fully with their legal requirements.

Q. How can I get a realistic idea of how much it will cost to set the Franchise up?

Answered by Kevin Lewis (above, right), Managing Director of Caremark

Kevin says: There are several factors to consider when assessing the total costs of starting a franchise business. Initially, there is the franchise fee usually attracting VAT, initial set up costs and a working capital requirement. A responsible franchisor will be transparent in indicating all of these costs, allowing a prospective franchisee to make a fully educated decision before entering into any agreement.

Working capital requirements can vary depending on local economies and demand for services, therefore, research local conditions with the franchisor. While assessing the financial forecast, it is also important to gain a full understanding of the rate for Management Service Fees and also if there are any arrangements with prescribed suppliers. Caremark takes pride in ensuring a prospective franchisee has the best understanding of financial requirement and forecasting, working closely with them and the banking sector to establish a strong, solid foundation for a new business.

Answered by Godfrey Lancashire (above, left), Managing Director of London House

Godfrey says: You should only part with your cash when you have a realistic and measured idea of all the costs involved. First of all I would advise addressing the franchisor with a series of questions and ask yourself how confident you are with the answers, if they were freely given and if there was any hesitancy?

The next stage is to speak to a selection of existing franchisees (of your choice) and ask them if the information provided by the franchisor is accurate. Try and clarify the cost of the licence fee, if there are any continuing fees or royalties, if you need to buy specialist equipment or stock and if there are any additional advertising levies.

If satisfied with the answers you should prepare a detailed list of all other overheads from premises rent, utility bills, staffing costs to professional fees such as a lawyer or accountant. If the franchisor is unable to provide some good guidelines the major banks will provide easy-to-follow models for compiling your own income and expenditure form. Finally, remember it may take weeks or months before sales produce any substantial income. You will need to consider how you will live in the meantime and pay bills. It is advisable to have a cushion of finance or working capital. If you do not have your own resource, this cost should be included into your business plan when approaching bankers.

Q. How will buying a franchise affect my work life balance?

Answered by Hugh Man (above, right), Managing Director of CeX

Hugh says: The initial workload and energy requirement is very high, whereby most social, family and leisure activities must be sacrificed, although involvement from close members of immediate family is recommended for personal and support reasons.

However, visualising the fruits of your labour will be sufficient in making this enjoyable providing you have selected the correct franchise. This should be the case providing the franchisor has provided a 'try before you buy' experience. Once you have established your business, team, etc, the benefits both financial and in job satisfaction will truly enhance your personal life. Every day is a holiday if you enjoy what you are doing with adequate reward. With the right franchise you will get substantial satisfaction and financial rewards.

Answered by Tony Williams, Managing Director of Countrywide Signs

Tony says: Becoming a franchisee, preferably within a reputable British Franchise Association member franchised network, is a big life step for anyone to undertake. There is no getting away from the fact that becoming a successful business person requires a great deal of dedication and commitment. It is very important to have the full support and understanding of those people who are closest to you. Your family and friends will undoubtedly see changes in you as you develop your business and your confidence grows.

Finding the money for your chosen franchise, ensuring that you have adequately budgeted for those all important first few months of trading, carrying out the daily work and then applying those newly learned business skills during evenings and sometimes weekends can create initial pressures. However, once you are running a successful business the sense of satisfaction achieved and the knowledge that you have control of your own destiny makes the journey more than worthwhile.

Q. How important is the strength of the franchisor's brand to the franchisee's business?

Answered by Alex Waite, Franchise Sales Director of Dream Doors

Dream Doors was recently aclaimed by Express Newspapers as Brand Builder of the Year, acknowledging Dream Doors' success in adding value to its brand over the previous 12 months. The judges chose Dream Doors as the winner, because since 2007 the company has successfully managed to open seven new showrooms, increased brand exposure and improved franchisee support with business coaching courses available on a range of topics to ensure Dream Doors brand values are maintained.

Alex says: The strength of the franchisor's brand is crucial to the success of a franchisee's business. Consistency in the brand message is imperative in re-enforcing the benefits of using a franchised operation. Therefore, a corporate image and operational standards must be set by the franchisor and adhered to by all.

Branding can take the form of advertising and marketing on a national scale that will complement and support local promotions. Brand exposure generates more public awareness, therefore, more sales and, in our case, more revenue to re-invest in training and supporting our franchisees. A brand, however, is more than just logos and sharp copy - it is about a shared vision and code of practice that underpins the public's perception of a company.