Franchising

Franchising

The NatWest bfa 2020 annual survey reported that here are more than 900 franchisor brands operating in the UK, with just over 44,000 franchisee outlets between them. The sector provides jobs for 621,000 people, and it turns over £15bn per year. In short, franchises are an important part of the UK economy.

Although a franchise arrangement is not usually a legal “partnership”, it does involve many of the hallmarks of a partnership, such as collaboration and trust. However, as with all collaborations, things can go wrong, misunderstandings can occur, and relationships can breakdown. 

We are well-versed in all aspects of franchising and advise on a broad range of issues including:

• Franchise agreements
• Selling and buying franchises
• Employment law advice
• Partnership, shareholders’ and LLP agreements
• GDPR and privacy
• Commercial property
• Disputes between franchisors and franchisees

For franchisees, it is essential to consider the legal issues that will apply during the franchise period as well as what might happen if your business strategy changes, including what your legal rights are.

For franchisors, there are key issues to consider when thinking about turning your business into a franchise.

Our unique selling point is that we understand what clients want from their lawyers. We will manage your transaction proactively, with careful attention to detail while never losing sight of the bigger picture.

While working with us you will have access to our strong network of other professionals such as accountants, brokers, independent financial advisers and bankers.

We offer a range of pricing options and will be happy to discuss these with you. As a client-centred law firm, we will be transparent with you about our pricing and actively manage this throughout your matter.

Recent franchising work

• We have recently advised on a wide range of franchise agreements in different sectors.

• We advised on the proposed sale of a nanny agency franchise.