Starting a business anywhere takes passion, commitment and a lot of hard work. Starting one overseas adds to the complexity. Although the rewards can be considerable, and the Thomas Green's team will help you every step of the way, any potential franchisee should be in no doubt about the challenges ahead....

As a brief check list, consider the following:

• Do you have a reasonable feel for business? Are you entrepreneurial? Do you continuously look for better ways of doing things?
• No plans are perfect. Do you have the resolve to see through the difficult times?
• Do you know when to ask for advice?
• Do you have the full support of your partner and family? Will they buy in to your dream?
• Do you have the money to support the start up years?
• Can you fit in to new cultures, learn languages and adjust to different ways of doing things?

Many of these issues would apply to any kind of franchise. If you have not already done so, why not attend one of the many franchise seminars organised by the British Franchise Organisation:

• Franchise Seminars
• Case studies

• There are many more questions you should ask specific to working overseas:
• Do you have a strong business instinct on your planned location or do you simply like the place?
• Who are your customers? Expats or locals? Can you reach them? Can you meet their needs?

Clearly, the Thomas Green's team will provide every support during the start up phase and beyond, but a pre-condition has to be a sense of mutual trust, determination and a shared sense of purpose.