Sex, lies and videotape: OK, there's no sex or lies, but it got your attention, didn't it? The BFA has revamped its 'Your introduction to franchising' video. Des Garnier gives it an honest appraisal.(British Franchise Association)

FOR THE LAST 25 YEARS, the British Franchise Association has aimed to be the voice of ethical franchising in the UK and is clearly succeeding. Its information guide for prospective franchisees is now so popular that the association sends out over 5,000 a year. No, that was not a typographical error; five thousand prospective franchisees each year purchase the BFA guide, designed to arm them with all the tools they need to evaluate a potential franchisor. The fact that so many people would spend 29 [pounds sterling] on the guide is testament to its quality, its readability and the high regard in which the BFA is held.

Included in the price is a short video telling the story of 'John' and his experiences on the road to success with his own franchised business. John is our guide and his tale is designed to enlighten and inform us. Along the way we hear from many key players in the franchise industry: the BFA, the banks, the lawyers, a number of franchisors and, most importantly, a range of franchisees who have come from many different franchise systems.

The passion and commitment of all the contributors is immediately apparent. Anyone who needs proof that, for the right people, franchising really does give you the tools to succeed need look no further than the franchisee case studies in the video. From lower investment, home-based or mobile systems to the industry's 'big boys'--high investment, high street brands--all the franchisees have one thing in common: determination to succeed.

The video starts at the end of the story with John as a successful franchisee--but John is not just successful, he is self-satisfied, smug and smarmy with it. In a series of flashbacks, we learn ...