Good news for anyone considering investing in a business franchise in 2009. Despite the UK’s current economic problems the prospects for obtaining funding for franchise investments still appear to be positive.

Despite uncertainties and reports of a slowdown in the nation’s economy franchising in the UK has been shown to be going from strength to strength.

Research has indicated that a majority of people in the UK prefer to buy goods and services from franchised businesses.

When questioned a significant percentage of individuals stated that if given a choice between buying from a franchise or from a non-franchise business they would choose to buy the franchised brand.

The results of a latest survey have shown that UK entrepreneurs are increasingly opting for franchising when looking for new business opportunities.

In the last ten years the franchising industry has shown consistent growth and is now undoubtedly a significant part of the UK economy. In the last year the estimated economic contribution of franchises increased from £7 billion to £12.4 billion.

A recent survey carried out by NatWest has revealed that for a significant percentage of franchisees a major reason for buying a franchise is the advantage of being part of a ‘well known and established brand’.

The results should come as no surprise as it has long been established that business franchising has many brand related benefits. These advantages are commonly shared between franchise owners and franchisees.