But the Communication Workers Union (CWU) said the franchising system had cost "thousands" of post office jobs since it began five years ago.

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And following recent announcements by the government on the future of the rail franchising system, they'll be hearing from the Minister for Rail, Simon Burns.

BBC: Week ahead in committees

Franchising is a system of marketing that enables firms to increase their turnover without increasing their assets.

ECONOMIST: Idea

As they get more familiar with the hotel industry, more owners are opting for franchising, a system in which they pay for a chain's name, reservation network and marketing, but manage and control the hotels themselves.

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Veterans are happy with franchising because it is a system that is so close to what they already know.

FORBES: The Truth About Franchising for Veterans: Lots of Risk, Not Much Reward