AIM in good shape after OK from The Franchise Doctors

The Capital company said the deal would see it vet and channel around 1600 hopefuls for a range of franchise opportunities across the UK.

Lesley Kidd, one of AIM's managing partners, said its role would be to select only the most appropriate and suitable applicants for each available franchise.

Franchising is booming across Britain and accounts for turnover of around 10 billion a year, according to the British Franchise Association (BFA).

It offers thousands of opportunities, including hairdressing, estate agency, commercial cleaning and management training.

In Scotland, such proven business opportunities have revenues of around 800 million, accounting for just over one per cent of Scotland's GDP, with predictions that the concept will continue to find favour among those looking to start their own business.

According to experts, because franchising is about repeating previous success, it has a business success rate of around 90 per cent.

Cheshire-based The Franchise Doctors specialises in investigating whether the franchise concept is appropriate for a particular business idea and then handles the development, implementation and management of its franchise network.

Ms Kidd said: "We are delighted to be supporting The Franchise Doctors and help franchisees reap the benefits of becoming their own boss.

"We believe that franchising allows the new owner to create a successful business right from the start."

Ms Kidd and business partner Linda Butler operate two franchises of their own in addition to running AIM, along with fellow partner Sandy McNaughton.

Describing the requirements of the deal with The Franchise Doctors, Ms Kidd said: "We offer a complete service to the franchise market from advertising the franchise on behalf of the company to dealing with the response and referring all suitable candidates to the relevant franchisor."

The BFA Franchise Group for Scotland - which is also looking to help create 1000 new franchise units in Scotland - said the franchise concept could help create "lasting jobs" for Scotland.

"For many people the idea of running their own business is attractive but the practicalities of actually doing it combined with the limited success of stand alone small businesses can get in the way," the group said.

"Franchising is therefore an attractive option for an increasing number of individuals who crave the independence of an enterprising route but feel safer under the umbrella of a structured and proven system."

Among the attributes AIM intends to look for in potential candidates are: motivation, management, organisational and customer care skills, and a knowledge of the business they seek a franchise in.

Roger Fisher, partner at The Franchise Doctors, which has been helping franchisors for 25 years, said he was "excited" about working with AIM.