Pictured:  Iain Martin, of Wassell Grove Business Centre, launching jobs opportunity, with centre manager Jackie Jessup

A project to rescue people from redundancy and create up to 10,000 jobs is being launched in the Black Country.

Mr Franchise, of Stourbridge, is aiming to support people affected by waves of job cuts - to help themselves to exciting new lives as their own boss.

Director Iain Martin, who has been involved in franchise 'matchmaking' to introduce people to business opportunities for many years, said:  "Many people are facing redundancy, including those in the forces, and want to be their own boss, as part of a franchise, but may be confused about what brand to get involved with.

"The vision is to support people in moving from dependence to independence, and to tell them not to worry if they are on the redundancy list, there could be opportunities for them running their own franchised business."

Nationally the aim is to create 10,000 jobs per year, through the launch of franchises, in all business sectors.

Figures from the Federation of Small Businesses show that more than 500,000 start up their own business each year.  The majority fail, but nine out of ten start-ups in well-structured, ready-made business format franchises are still successful after five years. 

The Mr Franchise service, which will recommend businesses that suit people's background and ambitions, will be delivered through a network of 50 franchise consultants across the UK, creating 1,000 new businesses a year over the next five years, each employing an average of 10 staff.

There is no charge to them - when they are awarded a franchise the franchisor pays a fee to Mr Franchise.

Leading Christian businessman Martin added:  "I am passionate about this, and want to make it work.

"I am actively looking for someone who has a heart to help people, to become one of our first Mr Franchise franchisees, here in the Black Country."

Martin has launched 'Mr Franchise' in the Black Country, based at Wassell Grove Business Centre, a serviced office facility just outside Stourbridge, which takes an 'extra mile' approach, in how it supports its customers. Information is available at mrfranchise.net or by calling Wassell Grove Business Centre at 01562 881002.