Once you establish a successful business, you could consider expanding your operations by franchising. Franchising is a way of selling the right to run a style of business and sell a product or service for a period of time. <P> <P> Before you decide to franchise your business, you should ensure you have a successful and proven franchise model. Operating your own franchise model prior to selling a franchise can help prove your concept, establish demand and create sound processes and systems that can be repeated in each new franchise. <P> There is no specific franchise registration or approval process, but setting up is a legal process and can take some time. It is important that you plan thoroughly and seek professional advice from an accountant, solicitor or franchise consultant.

• Complying with the Franchising Code of Conduct
  As a franchisor, you are required by law to comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct.

• Preparing your franchise agreement
  A franchise agreement is a legal contract that outlines the rights and obligations of both the franchisor and the franchisee.

• Understanding your tax obligations
  As a franchisor, you need to understand your tax obligations and how franchising fees are treated for tax purposes.

• Resolving franchising disputes
  If a dispute occurs and it cannot be resolved between you (the franchisor) and a franchisee, the Office of the Mediation Adviser (OMA) can help you resolve it without going to court.

• Expanding your franchise overseas
  Franchising overseas will involve extensive research of your preferred country, especially details on their registration and legislative requirements for setting up a franchise.

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