Franchising FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Franchising FAQs
Why do we use the franchise model?
Franchising is one of the most successful business models in the world. It’s good for both the franchisor and franchisee, allowing the latter to benefit from the proven processes and well-known brand of the former in order to build a business which will grow, develop and be supported while it does. For the former, it allows them to harness the drive and enthusiasm of new entrepreneurs to continue to grow.
What is a franchise agreement?
A franchise agreement is an official document which lays out the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee. The franchisor gives permission for the franchisee to use their trademarks, processes and know-how in exchange for a fee. The franchisee also benefits from technical and commercial advice relating to the setting up and growth of their new business.
What is a franchisee?
A franchisee is a party in a franchise agreement defined as a distinct legal and financial entity from the franchisor.
Do I need investment capital to open an MBE franchise?
Any business needs a little capital to get going. You will also need some working capital to keep you going during your starting period. There are a number of different ways to access this kind of capital if you don’t have it already. MBE’s framework agreements cover financial guidance, so you will have an expert to talk to about which combination of private funding, grants, loans, subsidies and other options might be suitable for you when you enter discussions to become part of the MBE network.
What training will I receive?
The initial training you receive as an MBE franchisee is four weeks of classroom-based instruction as well as in-store and field-based sessions. By the end, you will have a thorough grounding in all aspects of operating your new business. But there is an extra focus on business development skills.
Is there any additional training available?
Yes. As an MBE franchisee, you will be able to take advantage of extra courses, primarily aimed at business development and sales skills. We use a variety of teachers to ensure that every part of the knowledge base is covered. Your lecturers on these courses might include highly successful existing franchisees, internal personnel, regional managers, vendor-sponsored experts and more. They may be delivered in the form of classroom sessions, workshops, in-centre programs and more.
What support do you provide in opening my MBE Centre?
We will help you with every aspect of opening your new Business Centre. Having helped thousands of entrepreneurs establish themselves in locations around the world, we know what works when it comes to internal layout, decoration, fixtures and furniture. We can help you supervise the build-out and installation to make sure it meets MBE’s accepted standards as well as the best operating practices we’ve worked so hard to establish over the past decades.
Will any other Centres be opened in my area?
No. Your franchise agreement will set out an area which is yours and yours alone.
Will you help me choose a good location for my Business Centre?
Yes. Having already opened thousands of Centres, we know what makes for a good location. We can help you assess each potential location’s quality and choose the best option for your new premises.
How do I find customers?
MBE conducts national-level marketing on your behalf. This is on top of the day-to-day finding of clients, which is accomplished via a process we refer to as “farming”. Essentially, it’s the way you cultivate your client base and develop a local reputation for competence and reliability which complements the MBE brand as a whole. This is all the easier because the services which you will offer as an MBE franchisee are always in demand by local people and businesses.
Is the MBE business concept applicable to my area?
Yes. There are thousands of MBE Business Centres situated in more than 40 countries around the world. These countries have different cultures, different economies and a wide range of other features which set them apart from each other. But the MBE business concept works in all of them.
Can I purchase an existing MBE Centre?
It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes the owners of existing MBE Centres do retire or otherwise move on. If any Centres are available for purchase, we will be glad to discuss the option with you.
Why would I choose MBE instead of starting my own business?
Starting your own business with zero support is risky. You will massively reduce that risk with the support we provide and the expertise and economies of scale you have access to.
If you’re wondering whether MBE specifically is the right choice for you, we invite you to talk to any existing MBE franchisee at any time.
We’re proud of the support and expertise we provide to the entrepreneurs who are the key part of our network.