Press Room

Natwest Celebrates 25 Years in Franchising
(02 February 2006)

This year, NatWest celebrates 25 years of helping both franchisors and franchisees to succeed in the world of small business. In 1981, NatWest was the first UK bank to establish a dedicated Franchise team, which has since gone from strength to strength, helping thousands of people to start a franchise.

Franchising continues to be one of the most profitable ways to go it alone with 88% of franchisees reporting that they were profitable last year. In 2005 the team received more enquiries about franchising than ever before and more people actually decided to bite the bullet and go it alone.

Mark Scott, National Franchise Manager for NatWest, said: "Banking, and in particular franchising, has come a long way in the last 25 years and we are thrilled that we have been able to commit to helping so many franchisors and franchisees succeed. It is hard to believe that the NatWest Franchise Unit has been around as long as 20p & £1 coins!"

Brian Smart, Director General of the British Franchise Association, said "NatWest has been at the forefront of franchise finance since their team was formed and their work with us, every year since 1984 on the NatWest/BFA Survey of franchising clearly demonstrates their long-term commitment to the industry. I look forward to working with NatWest for many years to come."

Notes to editors:

NatWest’s Franchise Unit Offers.

  • The largest network of franchise specialists based around the UK
  • The only bank to offer specialist Relationship Managers
  • A dedicated telephone line to your Franchise Manager
  • 24/7 telephone banking
  • Free and discounted banking for up to 2 years
  • Award winning Business Software and Starting up in Business Guide

Interesting Facts about Franchising – 20 years ago:

  • Industry Turnover was £1.04bn (now £9.1bn)
  • 71,000 people employed (now 330,000)
  • 220 Franchises (now 715)
  • 8,300 franchise units (now 31,300)
  • Average turnover was £191,000 (now £297,000)
  • Average Investment by a franchisee £26,000 (now £79,300)

Media Enquiries:
Caroline Harris
NatWest Media Relations
Tel: 020 7672 1931
Email: caroline.harris@natwest.com