A merchandiser is proving there is more to the franchising industry than burger bars.

The Monk Marketing Partnership (MMP), which sells promotional gifts, is launching its national franchise operation at the British Franchising Exhibition at Manchester's G-Mex centre.

Hove-based MMP will be among 70 companies competing for business.

Franchising is ideal for people who want to run their own business but are unsure how to start one.

It has grown so fast the major problem is finding enough people to take on licences.

The UK industry is worth £9.2 billion, comprises almost 700 franchised businesses and employs about 325,000 people.

The businesses cover everything from plumbing to retailing and removing graffiti to will writing services.

According to the British Franchise Association (BFA), 93 per cent of franchisees reported profits last year and 96 per cent of those operating a franchise for five years or more were profitable.

MMP's managing director Mike Monk believes the time is right to become a national franchiser.

He asked Sussex Enterprise for advice and was put in touch with Sussex Business Link.

MMP has raised money through the small firms loans guarantee scheme.

It has also developed a marketing strategy with Horsham-based Denise Blick Marketing Consultancy.

Mr Monk said: "It is because of the depth of advice and assistance I have received I feel confident to move forward."

Meanwhile, Andrew Newton and Dennis O'Sullivan are the regional franchisees for Fastway Couriers.

The Lewes-based firm has quickly reached its targets on the back of a client list that includes Halfords and Currys.

Mr Newton said: "We chose Fastway because we wanted to buy into a proven business with real potential. A franchise gives you a skeleton to work on.

It is much easier than starting from scratch."

In the US, where there are more than 1,000 franchise companies, the industry is worth about £1,000 billion.

The exhibition takes place on Friday and Saturday.

For details, call 01280 707433.

www.franinfo.co.uk