Franchising is one of the most popular ways of starting or expanding a business. Although fraught with problems - large initial outlay, unsocial hours, lack of control - it can be highly profitable. The Barclays Guide to Franchising for the Small Business has been written with the specific aim of providing advice to business people who may be considering franchising as a means of expansion as well as to those who are looking to take up a franchise as an entry point into business.

It examines the vast range of businesses that can be franchised, from hamburgers to computers, and outlines the comparative strengths and weaknesses of franchising from the viewpoints of all parties. It defines the steps involved and the franchise. It examines the processes involved in setting up as a franchisor, from market testing through to the final business product and explains the relationship between franchisee and franchisor in an extremely useful sample legal contract.

Smith and Stanworth are a uniquely well-qualified team, boastin both a first-class research record and experience of running a franchise which is one of the eight founder members of the British Franchise Association. The Barclays Guide to Franchising for the Small Business is an invaluable guide to the opportunities and potential pitfalls associated with this extremely popular form of business.

John Stanworth is director of the Small Business Unit at the London Management Centre, Polytechnic of Central London. A pioneer in the field of small business, he has been active for over 20 years and has published widely in the field of small business as well as participating in radio and television programmes. He has specialized in franchising since 1975. He is co-editor, with Colin Gray, of the Barclays small business series.

Brian Smith is a franchising practitioner. He was for many years Managing Director of the ServiceMaster franchise in the UK which specializes in carpet and upholstery cleaning. Prior to that he was a franchisee with the same company. In recent years he has served a term as Chairman of the British Franchise Association and he has recently moved to Ernst Young for whose franchise interests he is responsible.