National franchiser, Mortgageforce, has announced it has received the coveted ‘Grant of Permission’ under Part IV of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.It is the first firm of its kind to receive the Grant, the Mortgage Introducer website reports.Nic Lewis, sales & development director, commented: “Whilst firms of our experience and scale had complete confidence in securing FSA authorisation, it is a highly significant moment when the FSA confirmation actually arrives.

We are naturally delighted.”Many industry experts argue that franchising remains the safest way to start and build your own business.Indeed, a recent survey by the British Franchise Association’s annual survey found that over 90 per cent of franchises reach profitability, compared with 3 in every 5 small businesses going bust outside of franchising.