Franchising can be an attractive route to business ownership, but one of the first and most critical questions otential franchisees must ask is: how much will it cost?
The costs of opening a franchise vary significantly depending on the industry, brand, and business model. From low-investment home-based franchises to high-end retail or hospitality ventures, franchisees must prepare for a wide range of financial commitments.
To provide clarity, we spoke with Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the British Franchise Association (BFA), and Phil Mowat, Managing Consultant at Ashtons Franchise Consulting, to break down the real costs, financial risks, and funding options when starting a franchise.
Key financial considerations before opening a franchise
According to Pip Wilkins, the first step for any prospective franchisee is to assess their financial position and conduct due diligence on the franchise they are considering.
“The key things that somebody needs to look at are their own background and finances,” says Wilkins. “There are lots of different fees to consider when someone’s looking to invest in a franchise.”
Wilkins explains that franchisees should distinguish between:
• Initial franchise fees – the cost of accessing the brand, often covering training and some equipment.
• Total investment costs – which include property leases, working capital, and additional business setup costs.
“The initial fee is the right to access the brand; it will include an element of training and maybe some equipment, but things like working capital and premises costs often sit outside of that,” she adds.
It’s also important to evaluate the financial health of the franchisor:
“Understanding the financial health of the franchisor is critical,” says Wilkins. “Look at their latest financial assessments and trading history. A strong franchisor should have the funds to commit to developing their franchise system.”
Cost variations by industry
Franchise costs vary dramatically across different industries. “They are massive. They’re huge,” says Wilkins. “If you’re launching a property franchise, there will be considerable investment—upwards of £500,000 (€580,000). In contrast, a children’s movement or music class franchise might cost as little as £6,000-£10,000 (€7,000-€11,600).”
The BFA’s 2024 survey found that:
• 60% of franchisors estimate their total initial investment to be under £50,000 (€58,000).
• The mean total investment is around £85,000 (€99,000).
“It’s really difficult to pinpoint an exact cost because there’s so much variation,” Wilkins explains.
Hidden costs that franchisees often overlook
Beyond the headline costs, new franchisees frequently underestimate the hidden costs
involved in setting up their business.
Wilkins highlights one of the biggest financial mistakes:
“The key thing they overlook is working capital. When you invest in a franchise, you are generally building a business from scratch. You need enough funds to sustain operations before generating a steady income.”
Other often-overlooked expenses include:
• Legal fees for reviewing franchise agreements.
• Loan fees and interest on financing.
• Recruitment and training costs for staff.
• Opening marketing campaigns to attract first customers.
• Initial stock and equipment purchases.
According to Phil Mowat, franchisees should also prepare for:
“Not getting paid by B2B customers straight away. Many new franchisees don’t factor in
delays in payments, which can impact cash flow.”
Financing options for franchisees in the UK
Most new franchisees do not self-fund 100% of their franchise investment. Instead, they rely on bank loans or alternative financing options.
Wilkins notes that four major banks in the UK—HSBC, NatWest, Barclays, and Lloyds Bank—have dedicated franchise lending divisions:
“The banks will lend up to 70% of the total initial investment required, provided that the business plan is solid and the franchise is accredited.”
For low-cost franchises, government-backed start-up loans from the British Business Bank may also be an option.
How the British Franchise Association ensures financial transparency
One of the BFA’s roles is to ensure that franchisors operate with financial transparency and ethical business practices.
“When a brand looks to join the BFA, we examine their finances to ensure they have the funds to support their franchisees,” explains Wilkins. “We check trading history and franchisee accounts to verify that financial projections are realistic.”
The BFA also surveys franchisees to confirm that franchisors are delivering on their financial promises. “Franchisors can’t just say, ‘You can earn £1,000,000 working from home,’ unless they can prove it,” Wilkins adds.
Advice for prospective franchisees
If you are considering investing in a franchise but are concerned about the financial risks, Wilkins offers a straightforward recommendation: do your due diligence.
“Franchising is a much safer model than going it alone because you’ve got the backup and support of an organisation behind you,” she says. “But you must do your research—talk to other franchisees, understand their financial challenges, and make sure the business model fits your lifestyle and financial goals.”
Planning for success
Opening a franchise is a significant financial commitment, and the costs involved vary widely. While some low-cost franchises require as little as £6,000-£10,000 (€7,000-€11,600), others—especially brick-and-mortar operations—can exceed £500,000 (€580,000).
The key to financial success is thorough research, careful financial planning, and securing the right funding options. A strong business plan, clear understanding of financial obligations, and leveraging franchise networks like the BFA can make the difference between a successful investment and costly mistakes.
In the end, franchising is not just about the upfront cost—it’s about ensuring a profitable and sustainable future.
