The rise in consumer demand for more knowledge and complete transparency of who they are buying from has led to the re-launch of ‘Proud to Franchise’, set up by the British Franchise Association (bfa) to enable consumers to better identify suppliers, shops, services and general businesses that are ethically franchised, while giving them a more informed choice of who they buy from. Tom Endean, Marketing Manager at the bfa explains, “Our most recent study revealed that twice as many people would prefer to buy from a franchise business over a non-franchised business, however with over 800 different franchise business brands in the UK it’s difficult for consumers to decipher whether they are actually buying from a franchise business or not.”

Now more than ever the demand for information to help consumers make informed decisions about purchasing is ever more apparent. “In times of economic uncertainty and with many high street shops going into administration, consumers want reassurance that the business they are buying from won’t be ‘here today gone tomorrow’,” explains Endean. “As franchise businesses have a more robust business model they can offer consumers a reassurance of security and stability as well as a national support network.”

Proud to Franchise aims to provide consumers with more information to help them make informed decisions about purchasing. With bfa members now clearly displaying the ‘Proud to Franchise’ logo it should enable consumers to easily recognise franchise bands, so they can buy with confidence.

“The very nature of a franchise creates a best of both worlds for the consumer. Its structure of locally owned businesses, run by dedicated, passionate and professional people; supported by a larger network to provide better value, higher levels of consistency and security, means that you have a local business with national support,” explains Endean.

Source: The Franchise Shop