The rise in consumer demand for more knowledge and complete transparency of who they are buying from has led to the launch of Proud to Franchise, set up by the British Franchise Association (bfa) to enable consumers across Cambridge-shire 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.
Ten franchise businesses across the county have embraced Proud to Franchise, to ensure local customers can clearly identify them as a franchise business, which provide inherent benefits as suppliers.
Marketing manager at the bfa Tom Endean said:
"Our most recent study revealed that twice as many people would prefer to buy from a franchise business over a non-franchised business.
"However, people need to know which are the franchise businesses in the first place.
"Properly franchised businesses provide real benefits to the end user. Not only does the structure mean that you are buying from a locally-owned business, with people who care about the local area, but there is also the value for money, support and consistency level that you get from larger business. It's a formula that gives the consumer the best of both worlds."
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'," said Mr Endean.
"As franchise businesses have a more robust business model they can offer consumers a reassurance of security and stability that are highly sought after commodities today."
The local franchise businesses in Cambridgeshire already using Proud to Franchise include: FDS; NBC Bird & Pest Solutions; Pirtek UK; Oscar Pet Foods; Trophy Pet Foods; Urban Planters; Dairy Crest; Maid2Clean; Signs Express; Little Kickers
Proud to Franchise aims to provide consumers with more information to help them make informed decisions about purchasing.
With an increasing number of businesses clearly displaying the Proud to Franchise logo, it should enable consumers to easily recognise franchise bands, so they can buy with confidence.
