5 Advantages of Running a Takeaway Franchise

Takeaways are one of the UK’s most beloved sectors. Pandemic or not, us Brits love ordering a takeaway, making many people wonder whether running a takeaway franchise could be a good opportunity for them. In this article, we’re going to cover 5 advantages of running a takeaway franchise – so if you’re considering this sector, this is the article for you.

The UK takeaway sector is worth millions. After a difficult few months for businesses, the takeaway sector is one of the few that has been able to continue operating somewhere close to normal throughout. Because of this, more and more people are looking to make a career change with a takeaway franchise.

In this busy and thriving sector, almost all of the biggest businesses are franchises, and it’s easy to see why. With only one percent of closing franchises citing commercial failure as the reason for closing [British Franchise Association], franchising is one of the most profitable and safest ways to get the most out of this industry. 

Advantages of starting a takeaway franchise

1. Profits

As well as providing a healthy serving of employment opportunities, the takeaway sector makes a vital contribution to the UK economy, accounting for a 12% slice of the food services industry pie, which includes restaurants, cafés, pubs, bars and events.
- Retail Economics

Over the last few years, the UK takeaway sector has grown at almost double the rate of the rest of the economy [Retail Economy]. Even during the pandemic, spending on takeaways continued to accelerate at an astonishing rate, making this clearly one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

And where there’s growth, there’s profits to be made. For the right franchisee, this is a sector full of opportunities. With the support of your franchisor, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of running an exciting business, while reducing many of the most common risks. 

2. Equipment

With the help of your franchisor, you’ll be in and around some of the industry’s most cutting edge equipment. When it comes to running your own takeaway franchise, your franchisor won’t spare any expense on your behalf.

When you join a franchise, you’ll often be joining a leading, national business. This means your franchisor will be looking to give you the best possible advantages over the competition. As part of your franchise agreement, you’ll likely be given extensive guidance and advice on how to use, install, and design your new takeaway business. Rather than investing heavily just to get your business off the ground, much of the heavy work will be done for you.

3. Finances

Running a franchise may be one of the safer routes to take when it comes to starting your own business, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be expensive. Bearing in mind that you’ll need to make a total investment, and potentially pay franchising fees along the way, starting your own business can be an expensive process.

Fortunately, there’s some good news. As franchises are seen as safe investments, many banks are willing to lend up to 70% of your start-up costs, depending on your credit history. As with all businesses though, it’s important to do your due diligence and ensure that the franchise you want to work with is worth the investment.

4. Diversity

More takeaways are catering to diverse needs than ever before. From vegan franchises to gluten-free franchises, there are dozens of diverse takeaway businesses catering to every dietary or religious need. 

These are growing sub-sectors of the takeaway industry, so the right franchisee might just find these trends worth tapping into. There is plenty of room for specialism when it comes to takeaways, and the industry is always looking for new ways to tap into these markets. Every day is different, so don’t be afraid to let your creativity and ambition for diverse food go to waste.

5. You’ll be your own boss

Ultimately, you’ll be running your own business. You’ll be deciding what working practices you want to adhere to and what decisions need to be made. You’ll have the responsibility of managing your team, recruiting new team members, coordinating their roles and making sure the business is as good as it can be. It’s a rewarding role, and one that the right franchisee can absolutely thrive in.

Professionals around the country are starting to realize that they want to escape the 9-5, generate wealth and finally live life on their own terms. Many are realizing that franchise business ownership could be the opportunity they have been looking for to reinvent their careers and take back control of their destiny.
-Faizun Kamal, Forbes

The state of the takeaway sector

Quite simply, business is booming for takeaway restaurants. Even in the difficult months of the pandemic, many takeaway businesses were seeing demand they had never seen before. One of the leading delivery platforms in the UK, Uber Eats, saw its orders double throughout 2020 [The Guardian], while other estimates have put the total amount of takeaways ordered in the third quarter of 2020 at an incredible 50 million [ITV].

And franchises have been at the heart of it all. It’s no surprise that ambitious entrepreneurs are looking to take the next steps of their careers with takeaway franchises. If you’re among them, you’re in good company.

Start a takeaway franchise today

Takeaway franchises are profitable, popular and busy like never before. There are countless advantages to joining a takeaway franchise, so if you think this could be the ideal opportunity for you, don’t let your ambition go to waste. 

But if you’re looking to make a career change with a restaurant franchise instead, there are still plenty of advantages to look forward to. If none of these appeal to you though, you may be better off consulting the UK franchise directory. You’ll be able to filter through the sectors and opportunities that suit you best in order to find the perfect franchising opportunity for you.