A franchise is a business in which the owner (known as the franchisor) grants a license to another person or organisation (known as the franchisee) to trade as their own business.
This business will be under the brand of the franchisor and situated within a particular territory or location, for which the franchisor has given their prior approval. The business will also be run to a proven business model. The franchisee will receive the necessary support from the franchisor to set up the business and run it.
Franchising is a great way for individuals to own and operate their own business as it allows them to be in business for themselves, but not by themselves. A franchise business is already following a proven formula with products, services and business operations which are already well established. With a successful business model in place there is a much higher likelihood of the franchise continuing to prosper compared to staring a new business from scratch.
In the United Kingdom, there are currently no specific rules governing franchising. However, franchises are subject to the same laws that govern other businesses and franchise agreements are produced under regular contract law that does not have to conform to any further legislation or guidelines.
In this section, we provide information on the following:
- Advantages of franchising
- Disadvantages of franchising
- Investing in a franchise
- Is franchising right for you?
- Franchising agreements
- Franchising disputes
If you require more information, or if you are a Franchisee with a franchising query, please click here to get in touch with our franchising legal team.
