The franchise market in the UK is thriving right now, worth a staggering £17 billion and boasting over 900 diverse franchise systems and employing over 700,000 employees across it all.
It’s good stuff, and if you’ve ever thought about running and managing your own profitable business, but you’re not sure what to get started in, or you feel far more comfortable operated under the banner of a tried-and-tested brand that UK consumers love, franchising is a great option (boasting a 97% profitability rate for businesses operating more than two years).
However, walk around any city, and you’ll already see an overflow of McDonald’s, Starbucks, Prets, and the rest, and surely the country doesn’t need any more of these. So, what franchises are available to you today? Or, more importantly, which sectors have the most profitable franchises that will make you the most money?
We’ve done the research, and we’re laying it out bear and complete. Here are the best franchise opportunities in the UK right now in 2024.
Health and wellness
The health and wellness sector isn’t just a trend, despite what some people might say. It’s more of a lifestyle shift that’s here to stay – an industry currently valued at $223 billion (£169 million), with an expected growth of 9.55% between 2024 and 2029.
Opportunity-wise, we’re talking about the likes of;
- Gyms
- Fitness studios (yoga, pilates)
- Health food stores
- Laser eye clinics
- Wellness and meditation centres
And the sorts. This surge is fueled by factors such as an aging population seeking to maintain their well-being and a growing awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle across all age groups.
Fortunately, this diversity presents a unique advantage, allowing you to cater to a wide range of customer needs and interests. Whether you’re passionate about fitness, nutrition, or holistic well-being, there’s a franchise opportunity that aligns with your expertise or interest.
Some of the best franchise options include:
- Laser Clinics UK
- Anytime Fitness
- Snap Fitness
- The Massage Company
- Orange Theory
Education & training: empowering minds, fueling growth
The need for education and training right now is seemingly insatiable. With new technologies emerging all the time, especially with the explosion of AI tech over the last two years, and both companies and people looking to thrive, learning new skills (both technical and personal) has never been more important.
And then there’s the children’s education arena, which is just massive.
The online education industry is valued at around £4 billion, just to put things into perspective, with an estimated growth of around 12% between 2022 and 2029.
This growth is underpinned by the increasing demand for lifelong learning and skills development, making it a sector ripe with franchise opportunities.
If training and supporting the next generation of minds or those looking to improve and bring extra value to the world sounds like something you can do, some of the opportunities you’d be interested in include:
- Kumon: A management-based franchise that helps children with their English and maths.
- Mother Nature Science: A leading children’s science franchise.
- Theatretrain: A theatre school franchise that believes in the power of the performing arts.
- Train Time: A children’s stay-and-play franchise.
- Eye Level UK: A learning centre franchise that can approve an application and business plan within six weeks.
- Respond Recruitment: A dual-sector healthcare and education recruitment agency.
- Pitman Training: Training courses and qualifications for adults.
Home Services: Meeting the Needs of Busy Lives
Convenience is king. People are busier than ever, juggling work, family, and social commitments, leaving little time for household chores and maintenance. This is where the home services sector steps in, offering a lifeline to time-strapped homeowners.
In the UK, the home services market is currently valued at $7.49 billion in 2024, projected to reach $13.48 billion by 2031. Therefore, it’s a prime target for franchise investment.
Some of the services that might be right for you include:
- More than Loft Ladders
- Refresh Renovations
- GoodOaks HomeCare
- Trulawn Artificial Grass Experts (This is one that’s marketed as being able to earn you six figures in just three years)
Other Sectors with Sky-High Potential
While health, wellness, education, and home services command significant attention, England’s franchise landscape offers a treasure trove of other promising sectors brimming with potential:
- Pet Care: The pet care industry is booming, driven by a surge in pet ownership and a willingness to invest in their well-being. In fact, over half of UK households own a pet, translating to a market value of $7.2 billion back in 2022. From grooming and boarding to pet sitting and dog walking, franchises in this sector cater to the growing demand for pet-related services, offering a fulfilling and profitable venture for animal lovers.
- Food and Beverage: As the culinary scene in England continues to evolve, the food and beverage sector remains a perennial favourite for franchisees. With a market value exceeding £200 billion (over £300 in 2028), there’s no shortage of opportunities to tantalise taste buds. From quick-service restaurants catering to busy lifestyles to specialty coffee shops brewing artisanal delights, this sector offers a diverse menu of franchise options to suit varying tastes and budgets.
- Emerging Sectors: Beyond the established favourites, keep a keen eye on emerging sectors like technology, e-commerce, and sustainable businesses. As consumer behaviours and market trends shift, new opportunities for franchisees will continue to blossom. For example, the demand for tech solutions and online services is skyrocketing, while the growing focus on sustainability is creating a niche for eco-conscious businesses.
