Tony Maddock, recruitment, Franchise Selection talks about why Australian franchising has never had more to offer incoming franchisees than it has now.

The strength and viability of Australian franchising can be seen in its continuing growth through the Global Financial Crisis and the optimism the industry has for the short, medium and long-term future.

According to a recent PricewaterhouseCooper survey established franchise networks have outperformed the economy and franchisees are feeling very confident that their businesses and franchisees will experience strong growth over the next one to three years.

Here are two very good reasons for the optimism.

Unemployment peaked at under six per cent during the GFC and has now tumbled down to 5.3 percent and is widely expected to return to near pre-GFC levels. That means more money in the pockets of consumers and thus more demand for franchised goods and services across the country.

Secondly while existing franchises continued to grow through the downturn borrowing money for expansion plans became difficult because of overall credit cut-backs by the banks and other lenders.

This is rapidly coming to an end and the recent record profits announced by the major banks indicate banks/other lenders will be back in the lending market for the franchise industry.

Rapid employment growth and increased availability of credit are just two of the reasons making Australian franchising a strong business proposition for business buyers considering franchising.