Do You Sincerely Want to be Rich? The cheapest and apparently the safest way to set up in business on your own is to buy a franchise - the licence to operate one part of a chain of shops, service companies, plumbing businesses, or even hotels. The masterminds behind the operation have done the groundwork for you, developed the product, advertised it nationally, even assessed the chances of your operation making you the fortune you desire. In theory, all you have to supply is the blood, sweat, and a cheque for a few thousand pounds.
But is it so simple? Michael Rodd meets the American millionaire who pioneered franchising in Britain, yet still works as a flight engineer for Pan Am. He meets some highly-satisfied franchisees ... but then discovers that dreams can melt away when the franchisor isn't doing his job properly.
Even franchising can be a Risk Business, and it pays to know exactly what you are doing when you plunge your life's savings into someone else's business.
Film editor JOHN STOTHART Research SHEH.A HAYMAN
Directors FRANCIS GÉRARD, JOHN GORMAN Editor MICHAEL DLAKSTAD