Understand the franchise before you commit
Buying a franchise is a significant business decision. The brand and the sales presentation are only part of the picture. You also need to understand the day-to-day work, the costs, the support and whether the business is suitable for you.
Having owned and operated a franchise myself, as well as worked with franchise networks for many years, I can help you examine the opportunity and identify questions that need answering before you proceed.
What we can examine together
- 01
Your aims and circumstances
We look at your experience, interests, available resources and what you want from the business. This helps establish what a suitable opportunity would need to offer.
- 02
The business and the franchise network
We examine how the business operates, the franchisor’s background, its support arrangements and what is expected of franchisees.
- 03
The financial picture
I help you work through the initial investment, ongoing fees, working capital and assumptions behind the projections. We consider what would happen if sales were slower or costs higher than expected.
- 04
Questions for the franchisor and franchisees
We identify the information you need and the questions to ask existing franchisees. Their experience can help you understand the practical realities behind the presentation.
- 05
The decision and specialist checks
We bring together the findings, unresolved questions and next steps. Specialist legal and accounting advice should be obtained where needed before you sign an agreement or commit funds.
Clear scope before we start
The work may involve reviewing an opportunity you have already found or helping you assess what kind of franchise would suit you. We agree the scope and fees before further work begins. The decision to proceed remains yours.
Can you help me assess a franchise I am thinking of buying?
Yes. We can examine the business model, costs, financial assumptions, support and practical demands, and identify questions for the franchisor and existing franchisees. Legal and accounting specialists should advise on matters requiring their expertise.
What happens in the first consultation?
The initial consultation is free and usually lasts around an hour. We discuss your situation, what you want to achieve and the questions or difficulties you are facing. If further work would be useful, we can discuss the scope and next steps. There is no obligation to continue.
Do I need a franchise solicitor?
Specialist legal advice is important when preparing or reviewing a franchise agreement. My role covers the business and commercial work; a suitably qualified solicitor may be required should more specific advice be needed on legal rights, obligations and documentation.
Let’s talk
Talk through the opportunity you are considering
Tell me which franchise you are looking at, how far the discussions have progressed and what you are unsure about. We can discuss whether I can help in a free initial consultation.
- A free initial conversation of around an hour
- No obligation
- Speak directly with Clive
Request a free consultation
Tell me a little about your situation and when you are available. I’ll be in touch to arrange a free initial consultation of around an hour.