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How to open a pizzeria in the UK in 2026
15/09/2026In the UK a pizzeria with tables and a pizza takeaway are not the same thing in planning law. One sits inside Use Class E, the other is sui generis and needs permission in its own right. That distinction shapes…
How to open a bakery in the UK in 2026: costs, licences and VAT
14/09/2026Bakery product retailing in the UK is estimated at £4.0 billion across 4,310 businesses, and British Baker's Bakery Market Report 2026 recorded out-of-home bakery turnover up 4.1% over the year. Opening a bakery turns on four things: the site, the…
How to open a coffee shop in the UK in 2026: steps, licences and costs
11/09/2026The UK's branded coffee shop market is estimated at £6.8 billion across 12,313 outlets on the most recent annual industry survey, a fifth consecutive year of growth. Behind that headline, opening a coffee shop turns on four things: the site,…
Franchise agreements in the UK: what you need to know
01/04/2026A franchise agreement contract is a legally binding contract between a brand owner, or the franchisor, and the operator, or the franchisee. This allows the franchisee to operate a business using the franchisor’s brand, intellectual property and business model. Understanding…
How to Open a Restaurant in the UK – 8 Essential Steps to Success in 2026
23/02/2026From business lunches to celebratory dinners, eating out is firmly embedded in UK life. And, with more than 30,000 restaurants operating nationwide, the sector forms a significant part of the hospitality industry.While the market may be vibrant and varied, it…
How do you Open a Nando’s Franchise ? Is it Possible in the UK in 2026?
23/02/2026Since first breaking onto British shores in the early 90s, Nando's has gone on to achieve a level of cult status on the UK high street that most restaurant chains can only dream of. The peri-peri chicken giant is now…
Am I the Right Candidate to Open a Franchise?
26/12/2024The BFA's 2024 National Franchise Survey put UK franchising at £19.1 billion across 1,009 systems and 50,421 units, with 89% of units reported profitable. What brands screen for before any of that reaches a new franchisee varies enormously: some UK…
Beyond the ordinary: 5 innovative franchise opportunities in England
26/09/2024Feeling a bit meh about the usual franchise suspects? Yearning for a business venture that's a bit more, well, you? You're not alone. If you're going to start a business, you might as well opt for something you're passionate about, as…
Franchising in England: 5 franchises to join
11/08/2024In the dynamic landscape of the British economy, franchising stands out as a robust pillar driving both growth and innovation. As England continues to nurture a fertile environment for entrepreneurs, franchising offers a pathway laden with opportunities for both seasoned…
Pret à Manger: a success story made in the United Kingdom
06/08/2024Pret à Manger, often simply known as "Pret," is a renowned international sandwich shop chain that has captivated the hearts of millions worldwide. Born in the bustling streets of London, Pret has grown from a single store into a global…
