The ‘Franchising the Next Generation’ programme will highlight the career opportunities franchising offers young, aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their first businesses.

Presented by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, the news-style programme will also examine why international brands look to the UK as an example of how a business should be run, explore how international franchises operate in the UK and highlight the integral role the British Franchise Association plays in setting the best of standards.

It’s scheduled to premiere at the bfa’s annual conference in June 2019.

This latest programme is the second of its kind to be produced by ITN Productions, the commercial arm of ITN, for the bfa.

The first, called ‘The Future is Franchising’, explored the opportunities available for franchisors and franchisees, as well as how the sector is contributing billions of pounds annually to the UK economy.

Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the British Franchise Association (pictured), says: “After the success of our first collaboration with ITN, we knew we wanted to elaborate on these themes further and take a closer look at the franchising sector and how to get involved, spreading the word and showing the benefits of a career in franchising.

“We are delighted to do this again and feel this will further our mission to be the leading educators in franchising both in the UK and further afield, while also highlighting businesses where franchising has been key to their success.

“The franchising sector has never been healthier. Our latest stats show franchising is contributing more to the UK economy than ever before and, very pleasingly, there are now a higher percentage of both under-30 franchisees and female franchisees than we have ever recorded.

“The sector continues to grow and is enabling opportunities the wider business world simply would not.”