Question 1

What is a part time franchise?

Accepted Answer

A part time franchise is a franchise the franchisor states can be run on reduced hours, from launch or at the start before growing. There is no legal definition in the UK. Most are home-based, children's activity or local service businesses where the owner controls the diary.

Question 2

Can you run a franchise part time in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where the franchisor allows it. Some brands state it on their recruitment material, such as The Travel Franchise, which says its business can be run part time or full time. The franchise agreement still sets minimum targets and obligations, whatever the hours.

Question 3

Which franchises can be run part time?

Accepted Answer

In the L'Express Franchise directory in October 2026, SmartPA, The Travel Franchise and Fun Fest Holiday Club stated on their profiles that the business could be run part time or flexibly. Children's clubs, pet care, cleaning and driving instruction are other formats commonly run on reduced hours.

Question 4

Can I keep my job and run a franchise?

Accepted Answer

It is possible where the franchisor allows it. Three sets of rules apply: the employment contract, which can restrict outside work or competing activities; HMRC, through Self Assessment for trading income above £1,000 a year; and the franchise agreement, with its own targets and obligations.

Question 5

Do I need to register with HMRC for a part time franchise?

Accepted Answer

Gov.uk states that gross trading income above the £1,000 trading allowance requires registration for Self Assessment by 5 October following the end of the tax year. A franchise run through a limited company has separate Companies House and Corporation Tax obligations.

Question 6

How many hours does a part time franchise take?

Accepted Answer

Franchisors rarely publish a figure. The working pattern depends on the format: school sessions follow the timetable, home-based services follow client demand and booked services follow the number of slots offered. Minimum targets in the franchise agreement effectively set the floor.

Question 7

Is a part time franchise cheaper?

Accepted Answer

Not to open. The initial fee, training and equipment are usually the same whatever hours are planned. Ongoing costs depend on the fee structure: a percentage of turnover falls with lower activity, while a fixed monthly fee stays the same.

Question 8

Can a part time franchise become full time?

Accepted Answer

Some franchisors build that path into the model. Fun Fest Holiday Club states that franchisees can start part time before expanding into additional sites or complementary childcare services. In other networks, growth comes from adding clients, sessions or staff within the territory.

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