Help & Resources | The Franchise Magazine

Help & Resources

Advice, useful tips and step by step guidance for everything associated with running your own franchise.

Owning a franchise
Legal
Finance
Research
Consultancy Guidance

Owning a franchise

Help and guidance about what to look for when becoming a new franchise owner

Find the right franchise: Sort the wheat from the chaff

Searching through the hundreds of franchise opportunities available in the UK today can present a serious challenge: how do you sort the wheat from the chaff. There are a number of factors to take into account in identifying the serious business format franchise opportunities from the companies that are destined to become tomorrow's failure statistics

How to find your ideal franchise

We take a look at the first integral step into franchising – research. Research is key when choosing the franchise for you

How to become a successful franchise owner

Franchising offers a great way to become your own boss and own a business, while still retaining an association with a head office organisation that can provide the training, support and national presence solo start-ups have to cope without. Professor Roy Seaman CFE provides 10 tips to make your...

How to… Evaluate a franchisor

You’ve identified your franchise of interest, now its time to quiz the franchisor. Here we reveal what you should consider when evaluating a franchisor.

How to find the RIGHT franchise

With over 1,000 companies offering franchise opportunities in the UK, it is important to ensure that you have a full understanding of the investment you are making

Check before Cheque

Refer to this checklist when researching your franchise opportunities of interest

How to... Research your ideal franchise

We take a look at the first integral step into franchising – research. Research is key when choosing the franchise for you.

How to…Get started

You’ve already identified your franchise of choice; you’ve quizzed the franchisor, you’ve heard all the right answers. Here Jamie Brown reveals what you need to get started.

Planning to Succeed

Inarguably the most important document when applying for finance from a bank is the business plan.

Legal

Help and guidance about what to look for when becoming a new franchise owner

Legal Brief - What are your rights to renew?

Signing your franchise contract can be the first step to an exciting and rewarding future. But what happens when the contract expires? Manzoor Ishani, Senior Consultant Solicitor with Sherrards, reveals the secrets of right to renew

Cross-border issues for both franchisors and franchiees

What do Clarks, Mothercare, Marks & Spencer and The Entertainer have in common? The answer is that all these retailers have successfully capitalised on franchising their stores abroad.

Legal view: Your rights as a franchisee

The Franchise Agreement defines the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee, which could make it the most valuable piece of paper you own. Jonathan Chadd offers his view on the issues you may need to look into when reviewing the contract

Legal Brief: Buying a second hand franchise?

What issues should you take into account when considering whether to launch a new franchise in virgin territory or invest in a re-sale as a going concern? Manzoor Ishani, MA, FCILS, FRSA, FInstCPD, FSALS Solicitor reflects on the differences

The legal issues of buying a franchise

When looking to acquire a franchise it is crucial that you do your homework and carry out all the relevant checks on the franchisor and the concept itself, counsels Nicola Broadhurst

Legal Brief: A Framework For Master Franchising

There are many different elements to consider when negotiating the terms of a Master Franchise Agreement. Solicitors David Bigmore and Matthew Wanford give a brief overview of some of the key points

Legal Brief: With franchising law, experience counts

Franchise agreements are specialised commercial agreements and commonly contain a wide range of provisions which are peculiar to franchising. Mike Barlow of specialist franchise lawyers Leathes Prior explains

A beginners guide to the legal pitfalls of franchising

Fiona Boswell and Philippa Dempster, Senior Associate and Partner of law firm Freeth Cartwright, reveal the legal obstacles you may face when becoming a franchisee and how best to avoid them

The importance of seeking legal advice

Ed Savory, an Associate in Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team, provides prospective franchise owners with some useful guidance to taking legal advice

A recipe for success

Ed Savory, Partner and Head of Franchising at Leathes Prior, provides the legal ingredients for food and drink franchises

Finance

Help and guidance about what to look for when becoming a new franchise owner

What is the real cost of owning a franchise?

In addition to the initial investment there are other costs involved in owning and operating a franchise. Here Derin Clark looks at some of the other expenses potential franchise owners need to take into account before launching their business.

How to...Gain legal advice before taking up a franchise

Ed Savory, an Associate in Leathes Prior’s franchising team, provides some legal advice before taking up a franchise

Discover how banks can support your franchise plans

Head of Franchising at Lloyds TSB, explains why it is essential for anyone considering investing in a franchise to thoroughly research the market and take appropriate professional advice first

Franchise Futures

Richard Holden explains how the right business plan can make the difference between success and failure

Planning to Succeed

Inarguably the most important document when applying for finance from a bank is the business plan.

20 questions to ask a franchisor

Before investing in a franchise, you should be satisfied it is the right one for you. Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising at HSBC, lists some of the questions you should ask before making one of the most important decisions in your life

Marino foods expands Dominos portfolio with HSBC support

A Dominos Pizza franchisee has added three new stores after securing £1.33 million funding package from HSBC.

A Time to Reflect

You can see it on nearly every high street and in a wide range of business sectors. Franchised businesses range from multi-million pound operations employing hundreds of people, to sole traders working part-time from home – and everything in between

Size matters when funding a franchise

Colin Chadwick QFP looks at the challenges faced by prospective franchise owners when they are seeking funding for small and large franchises

The Budget 2014: What it Means for Franchising

When Chancellor George Osborne held at arms length the infamous scarlet briefcase outside Number 11 earlier this year, he marked the occasion by insisting this was for the “makers, doers and savers of this country.”

How to... Secure your franchise funding

Having carried out your due diligence and identified the franchise for you, now is the time to get the ball rolling and secure your business funding

How to get money from your bank

Banks view loan applications for franchise investments favourably, especially banks with specialist Franchise Departments. Lloyds TSB provides its view of franchising and explains how to maximise your chances of getting your hands on that all-important capital

Impress your bank manager

Richard Holden, Head of Franchising at Lloyds TSB Commercial, discusses the importance of your first meeting with your bank manager

Franchise Finance

Here to help you...

The importance of picking the right bank

Choosing which bank to support your plans requires careful consideration, as it could well mean the difference between your ultimate success or failure

So you want to own a franchise?

Mark Scott, Director of Franchise Development at NatWest, explains why banks back franchising

Research

Help and guidance about what to look for when becoming a new franchise owner

How to choose a franchise with a good future

Almost all franchise brands follow the same basic model. So, at the outset, it can sometimes prove quite difficult to assess the potential of an individual franchise that interests you.

How to find your ideal franchise

We take a look at the first integral step into franchising – research. Research is key when choosing the franchise for you

How to... Research your ideal franchise

We take a look at the first integral step into franchising – research. Research is key when choosing the franchise for you.

Franchise Jargon Buster

Does franchising terminology have you all confused? Don’t panic we have you covered. Here is some of the most common franchising jargon explained.

Consultancy Guidance

Help and guidance about what to look for when becoming a new franchise owner

How to make the most of the exhibition experience

A franchise exhibition will be home to hundreds of business opportunities, so knowing what you want to get from your experience is essential.

Is a Master Franchise right for you?

Owning a Master Franchise is very different to being a franchise owner, often requiring a much higher level of dedication but also producing higher results.

Attend a Free seminar by FDS

Our FREE 'How to Franchise' seminar will be delivered by Nick Williams, a bfa affiliated Franchise Consultant

Make your landlord a franchise partner?

Philippa Dempster of Freeth Cartwright, one of the UK’s leading law firms, tells us why teaming up with your landlord gives financial benefit

Frequently Asked Questions

Established individuals from the franchise industry share their knowledge and experience to answer some of the most common franchising questions.

The importance of seeking legal advice

Ed Savory, an Associate in Leathes Prior’s Franchising Team, provides prospective franchise owners with some useful guidance to taking legal advice

A Franchise Lawyer’s twitter perspective @savoryed

When it comes to twitter, there is often an overwhelming temptation to write about what you want to write about, instead of what your target audience would like to read.

International opportunities to light up leading exhibition

With more than 100 companies from the UK, USA and around the world showcasing their brands, along with a comprehensive choice of seminars and experts, The British & International Franchise Exhibition, taking place at \r\nOlympia, London, on March 14 & 15, is the perfect place to find a new career.

The time is now for franchising

According to figures produced by Franchise Development Services (FDS), 2014 is set to be a very good year indeed for both franchisors and franchise owners alike.

Finding the best franchise consultants

In franchising there is no substitute for experience. The FDS London team is one of the country’s most knowledgeable groups, and has dealt with owners of successful businesses from many different categories. Their approach is pragmatic, creative and strategic.

Funding your franchise

Andrew Cutler, Sales and Franchise Director at Card Connection, explains how to fund and manage the cash flow of your dream franchise.

A no-nonsense guide to franchising

Franchising is a ‘business marriage’ between an existing business (the franchisor) and the newcomer to the business ownership (the franchise owner). THE FRANCHISE OWNER buys licensed rights to clone the whole business package from the franchisor in a specific territory for a specific period,...

Frequently Asked Questions

Established individuals from the franchise industry share their knowledge and experience to answer some of the most common franchising questions.

Taking the hassle out of franchise recruitment

The groundbreaking FranMatch service, brought to you by Franchise Development Services, makes the franchise recruitment process more productive than ever.

Smith & Henderson - 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction

Welcome to a new level of transparency in franchising

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the advantages of investing in a franchise over starting a business for yourself?Answered by Pam Bader OBE, CEO of MOLLY MAID (pictured right, top): Franchising is an ideal way for people to enter into business. The facts speak for themselves, more franchise businesses...

Frequently Asked Questions

Buying into an established brand is a good start for potential franchise owners to succeed from. Cash Generator has a growing presence on the UK high streets with 150 stores located nationwide. This, combined with national TV and press advertisements, means our brand is instantly recognised and...

Planning to Succeed

Inarguably the most important document when applying for finance from a bank is the business plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do I need previous experience in business to buy a franchise?\n\nAnswered by Pam Bader (pictured right top) OBE, CEO of MOLLY MAID:\nNo you don’t. For example, MOLLY MAID Franchise Owners come from all walks of life – some run their businesses unaided while others share the management role...

Plan ahead for your franchise success

One of the key documents a new franchise owner needs is a well-written business plan. Derin Clark investigates the impact it can have on a franchise and how to write one.

Frequently asked questions

Franchisors tap into their years of experience to answer some of the most commonly asked questions by people looking at becoming franchise owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts from the finance and banking industry share their knowledge and experience to answer some of the most common questions asked when securing franchise funding.

Frequently asked questions

Franchisors tap into their years of experience to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by people looking at becoming franchise owners

Frequently asked questions

Franchisors tap into their years of experience to answer some of the most commonly asked questions by people looking at becoming franchise owners

Frequently asked questions

Franchisors tap into their years of experience to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by people looking at becoming franchise owners

Frequently asked questions

Finance and banking experts share their industry knowledge and experience to answer some of the most common questions asked when securing franchise funding

Frequently asked questions

Franchisors tap into their years of experience to answer some of the most commonly asked questions by people looking at becoming a franchise owner

How to... Research your ideal franchise

We take a look at the first integral step into franchising – research. Research is key when choosing the franchise for you.

Five tips to researching your perfect franchise opportunity

If you want to own a successful franchise it is vital that you choose the right opportunity for your circumstances and interests. To do this you need to conduct thorough research into the industry and brand before signing a legally binding franchise agreement. Here are five tips to help ensure...

Frequently asked questions

Franchisors tap into their years of experience to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by people looking at becoming franchise owners

Introduction to Franchising

If you're new to franchising, this introduction will give you a basic understanding of the concept, the variety and the requirements of a format for rapidly replicating a proven successful business with the support and branding of a national organisation

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How important is the franchisor’s brand to the franchise owner’s business?

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts from the finance and banking industry share their knowledge and experience to answer some of the most common questions asked when securing franchise funding.

What does that mean?

Are you new to the franchising industry? Here we explain some of the terminology used in the franchising industry

11 essential things you need to know about franchising

A franchise basically provides the franchise owner the rights to replicate the franchisor’s business, including using their branding and business model, within a designated territory

Lead the way in a white collar

Do you dream of running your own business? Have you got the know-how, experience and desirable skills needed to manage a business but no idea where or how to get started? Here Jenna Leeds explains the potential in white-collar franchises

21 benefits of owning a franchise

While the UK’s fragile economy continues to throw a dark shadow over unemployment figures, many people are taking advantage of their situation by securing their future and investing in a franchise

How to… Evaluate a franchisor

You’ve identified your franchise of interest, now its time to quiz the franchisor. Here we reveal what you should consider when evaluating a franchisor.

10 steps to success

10 key activities entrepreneurs should be undertaking in their first year

The franchising concept

So you’ve decided that you would like to run your own business or you’re thinking you’d like to ‘buy’ a business? Well look no further, as franchising could be the career path for you

Prepare Yourself in Advance - Expo Guide

FDS manual writer and experienced exhibition attendee, Richard Chatten, draws on his years of exhibition experience to help you cut through the bureaucracy and get the information you need.

Questions to Ask a Franchisor

We look at the questions you should be asking a franchisor to get the most out of your short window of opportunity with a prospective franchisor.

The Franchisor's Perspective

Four franchisors give their tips on attending a franchise exhibition.

Franchise Jargon Buster

Does franchising terminology have you all confused? Don’t panic we have you covered. Here is some of the most common franchising jargon explained.

Marketing a 21st Century art form

Choosing the best way to get the word out about your franchise is not easy; the continually spiralling multitude of available platforms is enough to daunt even the most analytical.

12 Reasons to franchise your business

We often write a lot of material on guidance to already established franchises, but this article explains to those, who have a business and are looking into expanding, the benefits of the franchise route.

Check before Cheque

Refer to this checklist when researching your franchise opportunities of interest

I want to be my own boss... but am I right for franchising

Here we have laid out a simple questionnaire that have no more than three answers, there are no right or wrong responses. Try and answer the questions as quickly and honestly as you can as this will best help you receive the most natural response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Established individuals from the franchise industry share their knowledge and experience to answer some of the most common franchising questions.

Are you leading me on?

Lead generation is one of the most important factors in the success of a franchise. Over the past few years we have seen a major change to the technique of gaining leads and in this article Jamie Brown will be explaining those changes and how you can improve your chances of gaining an authentic lead.

How to...Gain legal advice before taking up a franchise

Ed Savory, an Associate in Leathes Prior’s franchising team, provides some legal advice before taking up a franchise

Your bfa questions

We ask Paul Stafford, PR Executive of the British Franchise Association to answer your most burning questions in relation to the importance of the bfa