§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what research her Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the role of business franchising as a means of facilitating small firm growth. [47145]
§ Mrs. RocheThe Department has commissioned the following research on business franchising
572WIn 1993–94 Professor John Stanworth of the International Franchise Research Centre, University of Westminster, evaluated the impact of franchising on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The report, entitled "The Impact of Franchising on the Development Prospects of SMEs in the United Kingdom" was published in 1994.In 1995–96 Professor D. A. Kirby of Durham University Business School, Ms J. Waites of the Franchise Company, Stockton and Mr. J. Bagri carried out research on "Franchising as a Business Development Strategy" for the Department. The final report was published in 1996.Both reports are available in the Library of the House.
As a result of the Department's research, a publication entitled "An introduction to Franchising—Franchising Your Business" has been produced. This is aimed at those considering franchising their business, and complements an existing booklet for those considering purchasing a franchise.