Best franchises in UK: top opportunities to start in 2020

What are the best franchises to own in the UK?

Finding the best franchises in the UK starts right here, with a range of tools to help you narrow the field and make a wise choice. Franchising has grown to be a significant force in the UK economy, worth £15 billion a year. There has been a 70% increase in its workforce in the past decade. High street names and trusted brands have realised the financial and strategic advantages of becoming franchisers. They can still guard their proven business models, at the same time as growing in partnership with passionate entrepreneurs.

Increasing numbers of British people are now attracted to the autonomy and flexibility of being their own boss. As a result, a report produced by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and NatWest showed that last year there were 44,200 franchisee-owned businesses in the UK, employing 621,000 people.

UK overview of the best franchises

Finding the best franchises in this vibrant and growing market comes down to one simple truth - you need the one that suits you. There are many famous names seeking more people willing to supply skills, enthusiasm, capital and effort to underpin their growth. These prolific and successful franchisers are highlighted on this page. However, many smaller companies are also appreciating the value of franchise partnerships. They offer you the chance to be one of the first of many, getting in on the ground floor.

The sector that excites you the most could also dictate what you view as the best franchises. There are packages available in a wide range of business fields – from care providers to car sales, and from food vans to fashion retailers. Not one franchise package is the same as the next. They range from basic licensing agreements to comprehensive business arrangements providing uniform, stock, equipment, training and management support.

The best franchise for you is the one that matches your experience and skill set. The one that interests you the most and excites your passion to be your own boss. It needs to fit your lifestyle too. Do you want a retail outlet open six days a week, or a mobile delivery service operating primarily in the evenings?

That’s not to say you don’t need to do thorough homework though. Sound business judgement goes alongside ambition and drive to find the best franchises.

Navigating your way to the best franchises

This page is designed to help you find the best franchises. Use the Search function to filter down the wealth of options. You can search by alphabetical order or by minimum investment required if budget is a factor in choosing the best franchises. There are category links on the side of the page to guide you too. The profile links on this page are for some of the companies seeking people for immediate discussions.

Select the best franchises for you, add them to your basket and check out to receive support in narrowing your choice down further. Need more food for thought when choosing the best franchises?

These five UK sectors are widely considered to have the most growth potential (in no particular order):

Accounting and finance
Energy related businesses
Construction and engineering
Food and drink
IT and technology

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170 Franchises found

9Round

Knockout return on investment

The ultimate 30-minute, total body, kickboxing circuit training! Low investment: open 3 gyms for the price of [...]

Best franchises in UK: top opportunities to start in 2020

What are the best franchises to own in the UK?

UK overview of the best franchises

Navigating your way to the best franchises

Refine my search

Knockout return on investment

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching franchise

Run a recruitment business with the Applied Executive Selection Limited (AES) team

Property repairs and Insurance claims management

We are so much more than just pretzels

One of the fastest growing private pregnancy ultrasound provider in the UK

20 minutes is all it takes!

The UK's No.1 Commercial Finance Network

Join CAVAVIN, the French leader of franchised wine merchants

The National Accounting Franchise that embodies Quality & Professionalism

A franchise in one of fastest growing sectors in UK...

Live independently at home with Outstanding live-in care

Opening a world of opportunities to children and young people

The UK’s leading children’s computing franchise. Deliver fun AND educational tech classes. Prepare children for the future! Flexible hours and no experience of IT or teaching required!

Insurance Claims Management & Building Repair

The UK’s sign management specialists

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Successful management franchise with low fixed costs

Great coffee helps

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The Global Leader in Complete Fryer Management

Design - Fire - Eat

TAKE ON LEARNING AND WIN

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The Entertainment Franchise

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Affordably Luxurious Desserts

An expert in Homecare Services

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A Major New Investment Opportunity to Franchise With IWG

Secure your future in a business everyone needs

Maths tuition & extra English lessons for children

Make profits from your passion – football franchises from Leisure Leagues

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Welcome To Probably The Best Ever Locksmith Franchise

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An outstanding franchise opportunity, carefully measured for success

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Metro Plumb – The Nations Local Plumber

Drain Care and Repair

The World’s Largest & Top Rated Printing & Marketing Franchise

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The Sweetest Franchise Opportunity In Your Area

Revolutionise a sector that’s primed for modernisation

High income. Work from home. Flexible hours.

The only specialist student letting agency franchise in the UK, with earning potential up to 2.5 times the income of a traditional letting agency

shamelessly good.

Property Inventory Management Franchise

Our vision is to empower individuals to create their own limitless lifestyle through their love of teaching

Achieve Something Great

Specialists in damp proofing, timber preservation and basement waterproofing

Live In Care at Home

Unique Solution in Promoting Your Image

The only design and build renovation franchise in the United Kingdom

Accelerate into business with an award-winning £1m franchise

Quality carpet and upholstery cleaning services from the furniture care specialists

Schmidt Kitchens and Interior Solutions. Unlike anyone else.

Shakeaway is the world’s largest MilkShake Bar company and the original re-inventor of the milkshake, shaking since 1999.

It’s in our bones

Signs Express is firmly established as the largest and leading signs franchise in the UK and Ireland – come and join an award-winning team.

When sales matter we deliver

Creative Courage for Life

Make life what you want

System Hygiene