Small & medium business

Franchising - an alternative way to set up in business

Buying a franchise can help reduce the risks involved in starting up a new business or working in a new area.

In association with:

Natwest

The benefits of franchising:

  • use the proven business system of the company you've acquired the franchise from - the franchisor
  • use their know-how and trade using the franchise name, selling their products and/or services, to increase your business success
  • receive initial and ongoing support from the franchisor as long as you're trading under their name.

How franchising works: 

  • you pay an initial franchise or licence fee, which mainly covers the franchisor's costs for setting you up in business
  • you make ongoing payments during the period of your franchise agreement. These are either in the form of a management services fee, calculated as a percentage of your turnover, or as a mark-up on the goods/materials that the franchisor sells you
  • Franchise agreements usually last for a minimum of five years.

To find out more about buying a franchise click here to access the NatWest Franchise Library containing a series of factsheets and checklists.

Business format franchising is a popular and successful way for companies to expand and for people to start their own business with less risk. 


You, the franchisor, grant a licence to your franchisees to operate a business under your name and system to market your products and/or services for a specified period, helping your company to expand.

You get:

  • an initial franchise or licence fee for training the franchisee and assisting in the launch of the business
  • a share in the success of the business, normally through a management services fee in the form of a percentage of their turnover, or through a mark-up on the goods you supply

To find out more about franchising your business click here to access the NatWest Franchise Library containing a series of helpful factsheets and checklists.

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