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Franchising Quality

Quality control and training top franchise associations' concerns at annual meeting in Kuala Lumpur

Representatives of national franchise associations from around the world gathered in Kuala Lumpur in late September to discuss the development of franchising and to exchange views on improving the quality of practitioners.

Top of the agenda at the World Franchise Council (WFC) and the Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation (APFC) Meeting was how to monitor the quality of franchisors.

"Delegates suggested establishing a guidelines for franchising companies on information disclosure, code of ethics, and so on, to ensure the healthy development of franchising activities," Charlotte Chow, Senior Manager, Business Policy of the Chamber and also General Manager of the Hong Kong Franchise Association, said. "The issue would be further discussed at the next meeting of the World Franchise Council May next year."

Franchise training was also seen as important for maintaining quality. A database on training programmes run by individual franchise associations would be set up, which could then be accessed by each franchise association for reference to help them adopt or develop their own training programmes.

Although franchising in China is still a relatively new concept, it is developing very rapidly and franchising communities from around the world are very optimistic about the potential of the Mainland market. Regulations on franchising in China are still unclear, but there are strong indications that a concrete law will be laid out in May 2004, when Beijing hosts the China Chainstore and Franchise Association Franchise Conference and Exhibition. It will also host the next WFC and APFC meetings, also in May.

For more information on franchising, contact Charlotte Chow at, chow@chamber.org.hk