Special Feature


without borders Business


Investing in an international franchise could be your ticket to success, writes Jack Sadler


F


ranchising is a truly global phenomenon. Many international franchises are well-known companies that come with a proven business model and a wealth of success stories. As franchising continues to grow, there are more and more opportunities and territories readily available for new franchisees both at home and overseas. Plus, big-name brands give first-time investors an established customer base, so it is possible to forecast what kind of return to expect on your investment. Cathryn Hayes, franchise director at Revive! Auto Innovations and former head of business support at the British Franchise Association (bfa), says: “If the brand is new to the UK, there is the


64 | BusinessFranchise.com | April 2018


opportunity to get in early and help to build it as a franchise, but the risks can be higher. Even though the franchise may have a successful record in its home market, the brand should still have been piloted here in the UK to check that the business model works and to iron out any challenges. “For example, property-based franchises can expand very quickly in places like the US, but in the UK, there are more restrictions in terms of planning permission and leases, and rates can add to the costs considerably, as well as taking longer to organise. “Before making the leap, you should do your due diligence and make sure that the brand is successful in the UK market, as well as overseas, and that the


franchisor has the ability to offer you the right support. Is there an infrastructure in the UK to support franchisees or is the overseas franchisor supporting from afar? “The bfa’s advice is not to sign any contract before you have sought the advice of an experienced franchise lawyer to check the small print.” Nevertheless, it’s a very attractive


prospect – the UK has always welcomed foreign trends and concepts with open arms, as anyone who has tried to bring Danish phenomenon hygge or the Japanese ‘Kondo’ style of minimalist organisation to their home can tell you. After all, some of the biggest brands in the country started life overseas. Here are several experiences of franchising on a global scale…


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