Subway FranchisingFranchising has attracted around 34,000 people in the UK to invest in their future in self-employment. Here are 15 reasons why franchising offers an interesting business opportunity.1. Established brand value. Before launching a franchise, the franchisor has developed and established an attractive and meaningful brand for the operation, and as the franchisee network expands, the national recognition of this brand grows. When a franchisee joins a mature franchisee network, they will benefit from the national name recognition the brand has built when it comes to their marketing initiatives, while even new launch franchises have invested in a professionally designed and intellectually protected brand to benefit of its affiliates. 2. Access to a proven system. Most franchises are launched based on an initial location or pilot operation that has been active for at least a year. This is essential to enable the franchisor to resolve the teething problems that any new business faces. The franchisee will benefit from the lessons learned by the franchisor during this period through ongoing advice and support.3. Offer a requested product or service. The pilot operation not only developed the company's operating systems and procedures, but more importantly also established proven demand for the product or service.4. A low-risk path to self-employment. Franchising traditionally has less associated risk than starting your own business independently. The proven nature of the business concept, combined with the training and support provided by the franchisor, leads to a lower level of failure. The NatWest/British Franchise Association's 2007 UK franchising survey reveals that 93% of the...... half of the paper ...... can be attributed to its unusual business model. Unlike most franchises, the parent company does not operate any restaurants. Local franchisees operate the stores, and in most markets Subway contracts with a franchisee to serve as a development agent for that market. The development agent is then responsible for developing new locations, evaluating stores at least on a monthly basis, and assisting franchisees with any needs they may have. Doctor's Associates, Inc. takes an 8% royalty on all gross sales from each store, while between 3 and 5.5% (depending on the market) of gross sales goes into a fund, the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust, also known as SFAFT which is managed by a board of directors voted by Subway franchisees. Unlike other large franchises, Subway's parent company makes no contribution to the chain's advertising.