AN advice service that helps people become their own business bosses has opened in Lightwater.

The new branch of Mr Franchise in the town will serve the Thames Valley and West Surrey area.

The new office, the company's first in the South East, is part of ambitious plans to create 5,000 new business owners over the next five years.

The network aims to grow to 50 offices nationwide by the end of the decade.

Manager Mike Doherty is committed to helping people decide if business ownership is for them, having experienced the ups and downs of franchising firsthand.

He said: "I’m looking forward to helping clients on their journey to becoming successful business owners.

"The people who come to us for advice are interested in becoming small business owners and may have access to funding to invest in a business, but they don’t necessarily have a clear view of what type of business they want to operate. That’s where we come in."

He sees this as the perfect opportunity to run a really customer-focused business, after nearly 30 years in the corporate world.

"We work with clients to identify the right opportunity, looking at their skills and experience, what interests and what excites them. It is a service very much based on their needs," he added.

"We are independent of any franchise business and we work solely for our clients and in their interest. Our big selling point is that we deliver individually tailored business opportunities."

Mr Doherty explained more and more people were choosing franchising when it comes to starting their own business because of the support they get from day one, the tried and tested business model a franchise delivers, brand recognition and the opportunity it gives them to grow.

Iain Martin, co-founder of Mr Franchise, said he was really pleased to welcome the new Lightwater manager.

He added: "Mike's experience and his enthusiasm are exactly what we are looking for as we roll out our business concept across the UK.

 “Our client base is growing, the franchise sector in the UK is in good health and we believe there’s a good opportunity for Mr Franchise operations to succeed in all parts of the country."

Business opportunities for Mr Franchise customers exist in a wide range of sectors, from food and drink to pet care and travel.

For more details about Mr Franchise and its services please visit www.mrfranchise.co.uk