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Minorities make successful franchisees, according to Britain’s franchisors
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Due to the strong working culture of ethnic minorities, franchisors are actively targeting these groups as a main source of future growth. The largest ethnic groups in the UK are Asian, African, and Black Caribbean. It is however the Asian community that have the highest rate of successful franchising, even more than the national average. This is mainly due to a strong motivation to be independent and a keen interest in entrepreneurial
activity.
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Asians, and Britons of black and African origins, therefore form an entrepreneurial pool of potential in which franchisors can develop, with many Asians, and some Africans already finding success in the franchise industry.
But what is it that makes minorities such good business people? The close family upbringing and involvement in the family business from an early age has helped the second and third generations to become good business people. The first generation created the blueprint for their business and brought their children up in households where
business was always discussed.
This helped steep them in the values of hard work and entrepreneurial skills. Where many white children are taught the value of education in order to get a professional job, many minority children strive to develop their own business, which to them is the pinnacle of
success. Doctors, lawyers, dentists are considered lower down the scale than someone who works for him or herself. Taking risks is a desired trait of an entrepreneur, and by immigrating to the UK first generation ethnic minorities undoubtedly took risks. Making a start from nothing also helped breed a hard work ethic. The proof is that many ethnic shopkeepers work around 18 hours a day to help provide for their children's education and build their business.
They fear failure and so compensate for this by working ever hour necessary to succeed.
This new generation of ethnic minorities consider themselves very much integrated into UK society. And the industries that were traditionally associated with minorities are no longer exclusive to retail, pharmacy, textiles and the restaurant trade. This new generation covers every area of industry and business by demonstrating the marketable skills needed in today's job markets.
Yet, the Franchise Development Services would take quite a different view. When contact was made with them about their position on this piece, their marketing department was quite clear that the black and African communities in Britain are not in any way of interest to them. And although they’ve not openly admitted to not wanting black franchisees, their Implication was clear enough to know that the black and African communities will never be courted by them.
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