UK Franchise Opinion
This section highlights the latest opinions and trends in UK franchising. The authors, all experts in franchising, are happy to share their advice and views with you.
Are there any disadvantages to franchising my business?
Article by Bill Hendrie The Franchise Development Centre
It would be rare, if not impossible to find a business structure that had no disadvantages, and franchising is no different. Both the franchisor and the franchisee need to not only understand, but fully adopt the ‘culture’ of a franchised operation. It is one of mutual trust and support.
The international franchisor’s guide to franchising in the UK
Article by David Bigmore David Bigmore & Co
There are no legal requirements in the United Kingdom to disclose any information to prospective Master Franchisees or prospective Franchisees. Franchisors should be wary as to claims made in prospectuses, brochures or similar publications for prospective Master Franchisees or Franchisees, particularly if they relate to earnings.
Pitfalls to look out for when entering into business contracts
Article by David Irving Mundays
Both franchisors and franchisees regularly enter into business contracts as part of their franchise business. For example franchisors may contract with suppliers to provide certain goods for their franchisors and franchisees would regularly contract with clients to provide various goods and services. When entering into any contract with a new business partner and/or client, it is extremely important to be aware of areas where you need to be on your guard.
Why franchisors need the strength of good professional indemnity insurance around them
Article by Maurice Logie Moreland Insurance Brokers
The case for watertight independent professional indemnity (PI) insurance for franchisors is being reinforced with each new legal testing of the relationship between them and their franchisees.
Side letters – friend or foe?
Article by Chris Saunders Mundays LLP
Side letters are used by both Franchisors and Franchisees to clarify, supplement and vary franchise agreements. A recent High Court case has highlighted the importance of drafting these letters correctly to ensure their enforceability. Due to the reliance placed on side letters by both parties it is essential that they are correct and below we highlight the importance of the side letter and provide some tips on their preparation.
Why it makes good business sense to make sure you're ready for winter
Article by Maurice Logie Moreland Insurance Brokers
Scots traditionally are fairly gung-ho about their winters. They know they will be bad, but they also pride themselves on the fact that they can deal with them.
Penny Wise, Pound Foolish!
Article by Mark Abell Field Fisher Waterhouse
Buying a franchise is a big decision. It is difficult enough when it is a green field site. When it is a "used franchise" that has already been operated by a franchisee and is being sold on it is even more complex.
How to franchise a business internationally
Article by Mark Abell Field Fisher Waterhouse
Some companies want to "sprinkle a bit of magic dust" over their business to make it more attractive to potential investors. Franchising offers a number of clear advantages to restaurant operators looking at internationalisation. It removes the need for the brand owner to invest capital and other substantial resource in the venture. The advantages of this are clear and obvious. KFC is a good example.
My franchisees are behaving like children!
Article by Andrew Fraser AMO Consulting
“My franchisees are behaving like children” cries the exasperated franchisor. “That’s normal” replies the consultant, “Here’s why...”
There are 4 stages in the growth of a franchisee: Childhood, Teenage, Maturity and Old age. A Franchisor has the delicate task of managing each stage to get the most out of their franchisee.
6 steps to building trust with prospective franchisees
Article by Steven Frost Smith & Henderson
Recent events have made it difficult to build trust. The forced nationalisation of banks, for example, saw many life-long customers queuing for hours to withdraw their savings. The MPs expenses scandal hardened the public’s widely-held scepticism about politicians and the phone hacking scandal damaged the media’s integrity.
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Authors
Suzie McCafferty
Platinum Wave
Suzie is an active member of the UK and International franchise communities, and having grown her own franchise businesses both UK and Internationally within the retail and professional services industries, she is a regular key note speaker at leading franchising and business events.
Maurice Logie
Moreland Insurance Brokers
Maurice Logie is owner and director of long-established insurance brokers Moreland, now one of Scotland's most successful independent sector specialists.
Gay Turner
Gay Turner PR
Gay Turner, MCIPR, has headed campaigns to promote a diverse range of businesses, charities and other organisations, from small enterprises to multi-national companies. She has wide experience of all aspects of public relations activity from routine media relations to organising and co-ordinating special events. She set up GTPR 18 years ago.
Chris Saunders
Mundays LLP
Chris is a Solicitor at Mundays LLP and specialises in all aspects of corporate and banking work including mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, debt and equity finance, charities advice and general company law advice
Andrew Fraser
AMO Consulting
Andy started his professional career as an earnest but not so serious lawyer. He trained with one of the biggest law firms in the world qualifying as a solicitor in 2010.
David Irving
Mundays
David's work is mainly of a commercial nature and covers a wide range of disciplines including professional partnership advice, joint venture agreements, general commercial agreements, and copyright matters. David has particular experience in the healthcare (particularly pharmaceutical and the acquisition of branded products) and logistics (including aviation) sectors.
David Bigmore
David Bigmore & Co
David Bigmore is the founder of David Bigmore & Co, Solicitors, based in the North West and the City of London. The firm is recognised as one of the leading legal firms in the UK specialising in Franchise Law.
Bill Hendrie
The Franchise Development Centre
Bill has been active in franchising since 1994 working with both franchisors and franchisees. His business background covers a diverse range of sectors from retail to recruitment with his roles encompassing customer service, training, sales and marketing. As Franchise Director of a national recruitment company he has been instrumental in the launch of numerous successful franchisee start- ups.
Steven Frost
Smith & Henderson
Steve is a Partner at Smith & Henderson, which helps reputable franchisors to recruit more suitable franchisees.
Andrew Cutler
Card Connection
Andrew Cutler joined Card Connection in 2008 and is currently sales and franchise director, responsible for franchise sales, retail sales and franchisees
Tom Endean
British Franchise Association (bfa)
Tom heads up the marketing function of the bfa to raise the profile of ethical franchising in the UK.
Iain Martin
The Franchising Centre
Iain has been involved in matching individuals to opportunities for virtually all of his working life. Following university, Iain moved into IT sales with a major international computer manufacturer and subsequently joined IT resourcing company Computer People.
Mark Abell
Field Fisher Waterhouse
Mark Abell deals with franchising and the exploitation of intellectual property rights e.g. sponsorship, merchandising and technology transfer. He is highly rated as a leader in his field by The Legal 500 legal directory and An International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers (Law Business Research). He has been called “the Guru of franchising” in the Chambers legal directory and rated as the UK’s number one franchising lawyer. Mark acts as an expert to the WIPO and WTO on franchising. Mark is Chairman of the European Franchising Network (EfN).
Tony Fitzpatrick
Franchise Your Business.ie
Tony Fitzpatrick is the managing partner with Franchise Your Business.ie, who provide a complete franchise development service for both start up and established franchisors.