Do you dream of escaping the corporate world to realise a dream of becoming an entrepreneur?

With an increasing desire to create a stronger work/life balance, there hasn't been a better time for budding entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the UK franchising industry. The industry's turnover was estimated at £10.3bn in 2005 and this represented an increase of 13.2% on the previous year.

The major appeal of franchising is that franchisees can benefit from the safety net of an established firm

Paul Haworth, Director of Jani-King (GB) Ltd - a global contract cleaning organisation.

The variety of franchising opportunities has also become increasingly diverse over the years. From high street brands to specialised businesses, ambitious entrepreneurs can grow their business in a wide spectrum of industries.

The contract cleaning sector has become more complex in recent years, with an increased focus on health and safety and higher customer (and public) expectations. This has created more opportunities for companies like Jani-King, which provide specialist and legally compliant cleaning services.

Owning a franchise business provides an opportunity to become an entrepreneur, but with the training and support of the franchisor. The franchising concept is becoming more popular in the UK, having proved very successful in the US and Australia in particular.

The flexibility, in terms of time management and workplace, offered by franchise businesses, is often cited as the key attraction.

Is franchising the right option for you?

The franchise business has been an important employer in the UK market, responsible for introducing more than 3,000 new small businesses each year. As its importance grows, research has also shown that running a franchise business is less risky than starting one's own business from scratch, mainly because of the backing and the reputation of the franchisor, the training it provides and the system that is already in place.

No one should, however, rush into the conclusion that franchising is the right option for every self-starter. "With an abundance of franchise systems to choose from, the trick is to choose the right opportunity for you," said Paul. "Self-evaluation and research into potential franchisors is key. It is important to ensure that the culture of your chosen franchise system fits your personality and your preferences.

At Jani-King, we expect a franchisee has to adhere to the quality standards of our proven franchise system. Customers expect the Jani-King brand to deliver a consistent, high quality service. These standards are a proven recipe for success and the brand serves as a recognised quality symbol.

Choosing a suitable franchise is extremely important.

"A franchise is an investment. You are buying an asset that you expect to increase in value. You would not invest all your money in a new home without surveying the structure and researching the desirability of the area. The same applies to franchising. It is important to assess the foundations on which the organisation is built and the market it serves. This will give you a solid ground to build your business,"

Paul Haworth, Director of Jani-King (GB) Ltd - a global contract cleaning organisation.