Franchising in England is massive. The industry has 48,000+ franchise businesses across 900 systems, 700,000 employees, and a 92% profitability rate. Pretty impressive, especially as it brings £17 billion to the UK economy every year. So it’s a pretty good opportunity for business owners.
But how do you unlock that? Franchisor support and training. You see, a successful franchise isn’t just about a brand; it’s about having the tools and knowledge to run a business.
This guide will give you the information you need to understand the support and training landscape in England for 2024. We’ll look at each stage of the franchise journey, from onboarding to ongoing development and what to expect from the top franchisors. Let’s get started.
Understanding the franchisee journey
Becoming a franchisee isn’t an impulsive decision; it’s a considered journey with stages. The first stage involves a lot of research and self-assessment to see if franchising fits your goals and skills.
Once you’ve found a franchise that interests you, you’ll dig deeper, talking to the franchisor and existing franchisees to get the inside scoop.
Then comes the Franchise Agreement – a legal document outlining the terms and conditions of your partnership with the franchisor. Think of it as your business blueprint, covering everything from operational procedures to marketing strategies. Get a legal professional to review this document before you sign to make sure you know your rights and responsibilities.
Once signed, the real work starts. The franchisor will guide you through the pre-opening phase, helping with site selection, lease negotiations and build-out. This stage involves intensive training to get you ready for opening and beyond.
The franchise journey doesn’t end at the opening. The franchisor will continue to be involved, providing ongoing support and guidance to help you through challenges, opportunities and long-term success.
Initial Training and Onboarding
Setting You Up for Success from Day One
Once you’ve signed the Franchise Agreement, your franchisor should roll out the red carpet with a comprehensive training and onboarding programme. This isn’t just an induction; it’s an investment in your future.
I couldn’t find any stats to back this up, but it’s obvious that franchisees who undergo thorough initial training and ongoing support will do better. Imagine you start your own Starbucks, and you just get the starter pack, and you’re left to get on with it.
You’ll have no idea what you’re doing, how to run a team, what the work systems are for ordering food and drinks, and so on, who to turn to for advertising, promotional and marketing materials, and so on.
Instead, you and Starbucks win because you help and support each other.
So what does the training involve?
The content will vary between franchises, but some common themes emerge:
- Brand and operations training: This is where you’ll get immersed in the brand’s DNA, learning everything from its history and values to its operational procedures. You’ll get into the nitty-gritty of daily operations to ensure you can replicate the brand’s standards at your location.
- Marketing and sales training: Attracting customers and driving sales is key to any business. This training will give you the marketing and sales tactics that work for the franchise and enable you to generate leads and convert them into customers.
- Financial management training: Keeping an eye on the numbers is crucial for profitability. This training will cover budgeting, financial reporting and strategies for getting the best return on investment.
- Technology and systems training: Technology plays a big part in franchise operations. You’ll learn how to use the franchise’s proprietary software and systems for everything from inventory management to customer relationship management.
Another real-world example is McDonald’s – a global franchise giant that offers a comprehensive training programme that takes several weeks.
When you sign up, you’ll do 12-18 months of part-time training, 20 hours a week through seminars, conferences, one-on-one training sessions and operator training classes to learn roles in the restaurant from crew member to manager.
You’ll have a consultant guide and support franchisees throughout the training, and once you’ve completed training and been offered the rights to buy a restaurant, you’ll get the keys and day-to-day running of the restaurant. You’ll also have a Franchisee Consultant to support you from then on.
Ongoing Support and Development
The Heart of Your Franchise Journey
The initial training is the foundation, but the true power of a franchise lies in the ongoing support and development of the franchisor. Think of it as a long-term partnership where the franchisor is invested in your success every step of the way.
Ongoing support is a multi-faceted approach to help you through the ups and downs of running a business. Here are some of the types of support you can expect:
- Field visits and consultations: Franchisors often have field representatives who visit your location to offer guidance, identify areas for improvement and ensure you’re meeting brand standards. These consultations are invaluable personal feedback.
- Regional and national meetings: These events are a chance to network with other franchisees, share best practices and learn from industry experts. They also keep you up to date with new product launches, marketing campaigns and other initiatives from the franchisor.
- Online resources and training portals: Many franchisors have online libraries of training materials, operational manuals and marketing resources. These digital assets are available 24/7.
- Peer-to-peer networking opportunities: Connecting with other franchisees can be a powerful source of support and inspiration. Franchisors often facilitate communication channels or forums where you can exchange ideas and advice with your fellow franchisees.
Papa John’s is a good example of this, as they have dedicated coaches for each franchisee who give guidance on everything from marketing and sales to operational efficiency to help franchisees achieve their best.
Summary
As you can see, the support and guidance that franchisors offer their UK franchisees are quite extensive. Without it, neither party can succeed and uphold the hundreds of great brands that UK consumers love to shop with.
From the onboarding process to the ongoing support from the franchisor, it’s clear this is the heart of a successful franchise.
Remember, choosing the right franchise isn’t just about the brand or the product – it’s about finding a franchisor who invests in you.
Before you sign any agreement, ask about their training programmes, ongoing support and resources for the English market.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey, then don’t wait – explore the many franchise opportunities in England. With the right support and training, your dream of owning a successful business could become a reality in 2024 and beyond.
