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How to open a cleaning business in the UK in 2026
16/09/2026No licence is required to start a cleaning business in the UK. That makes it one of the cheapest trades to enter and one of the easiest to get wrong, because the rules that bite are employment rules rather than…
What Is a Franchise? A UK Guide to How Franchising Works
04/09/2026The British Franchise Association's 2024 National Franchise Survey put the sector's contribution to the UK economy at £19.1 billion across 1,009 systems and 50,421 units. Unlike France or the United States, the UK has no franchise-specific statute. This guide sets…
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 set up a gym in the UK: costs, business models and franchising
14/02/2026Think you’re business-fit enough to run your own gym? You’re not alone. The UK fitness sector is worth more than £5 billion, with around 10.7 million people currently paying for gym membership which is 16 per cent of the British…
How to Open a Pub in the UK? A 2026 Checklist
12/02/2026“Fancy a pint?” “Just popping to my local” and even the soap cliché “Get out of my pub” are all familiar expressions from British pub culture and for good reason. The UK has one of the highest concentrations of public…
10 Key terms every UK franchisee should know
12/09/2025When entering the world of franchising, you're not just starting a business — you’re joining a system governed by specific terms, roles, and responsibilities. To navigate this world confidently, it's essential to understand its unique language. Here are the key…
What is the operating manual?
12/03/2025Franchising relies on consistency to succeed. With over 1,000 franchise systems operating in the UK, an operations manual serves as the backbone of a standardised customer experience. It ensures that every unit upholds the same high standards, protecting both the …
How to choose wisely your franchisor
06/02/2025Choosing the right franchisor is one of the most critical decisions a prospective franchisee will make. It’s a partnership that can shape the trajectory of your business and, ultimately, your financial success. The United Kingdom franchising sector remains one of…
The franchise contract: Key clauses every franchisee must know
07/01/2025A franchise contract is the backbone of any franchising relationship, defining the terms, rights, and obligations of both the franchisor and the franchisee. For aspiring franchisees, understanding this document is essential to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership and to safeguard…
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…
