Legal advice: Jane Masih takes a look at the franchise agreement and stresses to Business Franchise the importance of getting the small print checked out.(HOT TOPIC)

MANY PROSPECTIVE franchisees are aware from reading publications such as this of the much-quoted mantra to 'take independent legal advice'. Many do take advice and embark on their franchise journey secure in the knowledge that they have a full understanding about the nature of the legal relationship they will have with their chosen franchisor.

Nevertheless, many franchisees decide not to instruct solicitors to review the agreement before they sign. Sadly, it is often the case that those same franchisees end up spending far more on legal costs.

The reason many cite for not taking advice is that the franchisor had made it clear that the agreement was 'standard' …