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.
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.
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):
Restaurant, Coffee Shop & Pub: the best franchises to invest in
Auntie Anne’s is the largest global soft pretzel chain – but we are so much more than just pretzels! The formula [...]
Bagel Corner is a successful French Bagel restaurant concept.
Here at Baguette Express, we offer the tastiest and freshest meals: at an affordable price, in quick serving [...]
We have established ourselves as a leader in the ice cream industry
Our contemporary design, all day Italian menu, and warm & welcoming personality combine to prove a winning [...]
Broccoli Pizza & Pasta offers freshly prepared Italian food and personalized meals for health conscious individuals
Bubbleology specialises in flavoured fruit and milk bubble teas.
Café Rouge is the only established Nationwide French casual dining brand in the UK
Cafe2U is committed to bringing freshly brewed coffee, and a wide-array of snacks directly to our customers [...]
CREAMS is a unique brand in the luxury world of afternoon tea, cakes and patisserie. A brand of high exclusivity, [...]
Crêpeaffaire is a unique and independent quality food brand, serving freshly baked savoury and sweet crêpes made [...]
Dunkin' Donuts offers finest coffee and delicious donuts all over the world.
UK's fastest growing ethical coffee franchise.
We are a new Artisan Pizza Company. We are only 17 months old but already have 3 stores in the London area. [...]
Hooters is more than just a restaurant, we’re a destination. We offer the most richly-flavoured food, along [...]
Food catering business for company events
Home to the flavours of Mexico, Brazil and beyond; Las Iguanas is famous for its authentic and fresh South American [...]
We provide quality flavorful grade-A meat topped off with the freshest ingredients in the market, with the best [...]
Marston's has perfected the art of brewing for more than 180 years and during this time, we have ensured that [...]
Mooboo is one of the latest, hip and upcoming bubble tea stores in the UK
Papa John's is an international pizza franchise with over 5,000 stores worldwide in more than 40 markets.
Rocket's is a fast-casual, better-burger brand with an urban edge, developed by one of Ireland’s leading restaurants [...]
SUBWAY® is the #1 restaurant chain in total restaurant count with more locations than any other chain in the [...]
At Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, we are proud to be the largest self-serve frozen yogurt retailer on the planet. [...]
Veeno Italian wine café is a UK-based deluxe Italian wine bar chain
Wimpy is an iconic American brand and one of the original fast-food takeaways.
THE NUMBER ONE WOK KITCHEN CHAIN IN EUROPE (and soon, in the world)
Wok&Go is a fresh, Asian fusion food chain, blending the best in Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese [...]
WOLF – fast, convenient, healthy and Italian
Wrap It Up! restaurants offer filling wraps, inspired by global street food, made with the best ingredients [...]
Food: the best franchises to invest in
Authentic Italian ice cream made from only natural ingredients
At Angela’s Swim School, we offer swimming lessons for people of all ages and abilities
Auntie Anne’s is the largest global soft pretzel chain – but we are so much more than just pretzels! The formula [...]
Bagel Corner is a successful French Bagel restaurant concept.
Here at Baguette Express, we offer the tastiest and freshest meals: at an affordable price, in quick serving [...]
We have established ourselves as a leader in the ice cream industry
Our contemporary design, all day Italian menu, and warm & welcoming personality combine to prove a winning [...]
Broccoli Pizza & Pasta offers freshly prepared Italian food and personalized meals for health conscious individuals
Café Rouge is the only established Nationwide French casual dining brand in the UK
Cinnabon has established a reputation of serving fresh and fragrant cinnamon rolls topped with rich, sweet, [...]
Cook Stars is a fast growing 'cookery class and party' franchise with opportunities throughout the UK. With [...]
CREAMS is a unique brand in the luxury world of afternoon tea, cakes and patisserie. A brand of high exclusivity, [...]
The Creams story is one of passion, commitment… and big flamboyant desserts
Crêpeaffaire is a unique and independent quality food brand, serving freshly baked savoury and sweet crêpes made [...]
Dunkin' Donuts offers finest coffee and delicious donuts all over the world.
UK's fastest growing ethical coffee franchise.
Hooters is more than just a restaurant, we’re a destination. We offer the most richly-flavoured food, along [...]
Food catering business for company events
A new premium drinks boutique specialising in high end and artisan spirits, ales and coffee
We provide quality flavorful grade-A meat topped off with the freshest ingredients in the market, with the best [...]
Mooboo is one of the latest, hip and upcoming bubble tea stores in the UK
We deliver fast food & restaurant quality food from household names & local independents as well as some national [...]
Papa John's is an international pizza franchise with over 5,000 stores worldwide in more than 40 markets.
Riverford is an organic farm delivering approximately 47,000 boxes of fresh and organic goods weekly
We specialise in vending machines which offers sweets and confectionaries where profits go directly to our partner [...]
SUBWAY® is the #1 restaurant chain in total restaurant count with more locations than any other chain in the [...]
Tubz Brands is the number one tower vending franchise in the UK & Europe, with over 300 franchisees. We are [...]
Veeno Italian wine café is a UK-based deluxe Italian wine bar chain
Wafflemeister sells authentic handmade Belgian waffles using a secret family recipe dating back to the 1950s
Wiltshire Farm Foods is the leading frozen meals delivery service in the United Kingdom.
Wimpy is an iconic American brand and one of the original fast-food takeaways.
Have you ever come across those eye-catching boxes that sell colourful sweets around shopping centres or your [...]
WOLF – fast, convenient, healthy and Italian
Business & B2B Services: the best franchises to invest in
2PS provides a lean, cost-effective alternative to big consulting firms, using the latest technology to provide [...]
Buying a franchise is a great way to reduce risk in business ownership as you will be buying proven systems [...]
Start an online franchise with one of the very first digital marketing franchises in the UK. Build up your own [...]
AireServ is a globally renowned air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration maintenance and repair company
Our mission is to remain as a top service provider of property claims management
Auditel is the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of strategic cost management
Banana Moon is one of the top choices in child service and day care services in the UK
Bartercard has revolutionized the way businesses manage their cash flow. Our world leading exchange system has [...]
The largest and most established retail optical franchise in the UK.
A Unique Opportunity to Launch Your Own Commercial Finance Brokerage
Business Doctors is a company dedicated solely on serving other small and medium-sized businesses by helping [...]
Certax Accounting is a professional accounting and tax advisory practice
Creating a better everyday life for those who require care throughout the UK
CNA International is easily considered one of the world's leading executive search firms with over 50 offices [...]
This is a unique growth opportunity: You can build and manage your own specialist, fast-growth courier and fulfilment [...]
Start a lucrative leaflet distribution management franchise business with the industry leader and offer a full [...]
For an established and successful management franchise with low fixed costs and average earnings in excess of [...]
ERA franchise is a globally competitive business consultancy service, and we pride ourselves in having the highest [...]
Specialised in selling, marketing, producing, or installing visual communications including signs, graphics, [...]
Network of gyms that offers an experience unlike any traditional gym
Inleaf is the go-to provider for corporate interior plant, leaf and living wall solutions.
InXpress is an international shipping and freight consulting firm. InXpress also authorized sales partner for [...]
We provide tailored security systems to suit our customers’premises
Multinational educational institution renowned for using the Kumon Method in their practice
Magicman is one of the leading hard surface repair companies in the UK.
We are proud to say that we are currently one of the world's largest non-food retail franchises.
We're the leaders in UK's drain cleaning and maintenance.
Minster Cleaning Services has a network of 44 branches nationwide, with a group turnover approaching £40 million. [...]
Minuteman Press is a full-service design, print, and marketing centres serving the business community
Molly Maid is a globally recognised brand with over 30 years of experience in cleaning services
Money back guarantee*. Award winning. AFA member. High income. Work from home. Flexible hours. Financing available.
We deliver fast food & restaurant quality food from household names & local independents as well as some national [...]
Out There is a digital and email marketing company that promotes local businesses in the leisure & lifestyle [...]
PetStay is more than just a bunch of dog sitters, we are committed to giving the very best specialised care [...]
At Platinum Business Partners, we have a proven recipe for creating a successful e-commerce business by selling [...]
Platinum Property Partners is an investment franchise based in the UK that allows novice and seasoned property [...]
Post & Packing is a post shop for retail and business that offers a range of services including archiving services, [...]
Specialist 24/7 care at home services from Promedica24 enables you or your loved one to live at home for as [...]
Quokka is a B2B company providing business solutions such as energy, telecoms, chip&pin, water and insurance.
Radfield Home Care is a family-owned healthcare company providing premier home care services in the UK
Rosemary is an outsourcing business which specialises in doing the bookkeeping of small to medium-sized enterprises [...]
Safeclean is a member of the British Franchise Association and we provide professional cleaning and care service, [...]
We are the largest sales and management training service provider with more than 250 offices spread across the [...]
Signarama is the largest and most experienced sign maker company in the UK. We provide a wide array of signs [...]
Signs Express is the leading sign maker company in the UK and in Ireland. We offer custom-made signs and graphic [...]
With over 2,500 delivery vans on the road and a diverse range of delivery options, we’re UK’s leading same day [...]
We’re not just a franchise, we are a group with one aim: to help increase physical activity amongst children.
TaxAssist Accountants is the largest network of accountants in the UK dedicated to serving the financial issues [...]
Exclusive membership-based organization that helps business leaders achieve more profitability, productivity, [...]
The Financial Management Centre is one of the world's leading accounting service provider to SMEs.
One of the leading suppliers and installers of cost-effective, high quality and low-maintenance external doors [...]
World Options is a worldwide courier and delivery services provider. We offer a variety of carriers catering [...]
Cleaning: the best franchises to invest in
Autoglym is a manufacturer and service provider of valeting products as well as car care accessories
Autosmart is more than just another cleaning product; we are among the most trusted brands in the UK that delivers [...]
Bright & Beautiful is an award-winning concept in domestic cleaning services providing eco-friendly cleaning, [...]
We’re called the doctors for a reason, because we can clean and restore anything: from damaged carpets to disaster [...]
Diamond Home Support is a domestic cleaning and home help franchise with a start-up fee of just £2,495+vat.
Dublcheck makes sure to double-check everything it cleans
Dyno-Rod provides a professional service for cleaning, inspection, and refurbishment of drainage, sewer, and [...]
The biggest day care cleaning provider in the UK
The kitchen and air duct hygiene specialist
World’s largest commercial cleaning franchise company
Maid2Clean is the leading provider of domestic and home cleaning and iron services in the UK.
Merry Maids is more than just a cleaning franchise.
We're the leaders in UK's drain cleaning and maintenance.
Minster Cleaning Services has a network of 44 branches nationwide, with a group turnover approaching £40 million. [...]
Molly Maid is a globally recognised brand with over 30 years of experience in cleaning services
My Home is one of the leading provider of premium cleaning services in the UK.
Money back guarantee*. Award winning. AFA member. High income. Work from home. Flexible hours. Financing available.
Oven Wizards is one of the top three oven cleaning business franchises in the UK.
Ovenclean, part of Franchise Brands plc, is the UK's original oven cleaning specialist with a large network [...]
OvenGleamers is a professional oven and Aga cooker cleaning company mainly in domestic properties.
Ovenu is a professional domestic oven cleaning specialists based in the UK and are proud to be the country’s [...]
Safeclean is a member of the British Franchise Association and we provide professional cleaning and care service, [...]
Wilkins Chimney Sweep is one of the leading and oldest provider of chimney sweeping services in the UK.
At Zero Dry Time, we use environmentally safe products to dry clean carpets and upholstery without using water.
Personal & Home Care Services: the best franchises to invest in
The leading retailers in the mobility and home care sector
AireServ is a globally renowned air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration maintenance and repair company
At Angela’s Swim School, we offer swimming lessons for people of all ages and abilities
Banana Moon is one of the top choices in child service and day care services in the UK
Bio-Rite is UK's leading providers of healthcare infection control and decontamination service
Bright & Beautiful is an award-winning concept in domestic cleaning services providing eco-friendly cleaning, [...]
Caremark is a well-established home care franchise
We’re called the doctors for a reason, because we can clean and restore anything: from damaged carpets to disaster [...]
Colourfence is the best general garden fencing product on the market today, and we take pride not only on our [...]
Cook Stars is a fast growing 'cookery class and party' franchise with opportunities throughout the UK. With [...]
Funeral directors covering burials, cremations, repatriations and monumental masons
A rewarding and flexible opportunity where you’re in control of your own time as you inspire and empower little [...]
We at Drain Doctor boast the UK's largest full service combined emergency commercial and domestic plumbing and [...]
Driving Miss Daisy is a driving and companion service aimed to cater to anyone who is unable to drive and is [...]
The kitchen and air duct hygiene specialist
Manufacturer and supplier of energy efficient and sustainable ventilation products
Education Service Provider - Maths and English.
Gymboree Play and Music Centres is one of the leading children learning and development institutions in the [...]
Heritage Healthcare is a family run organisation that provides fantastic home care services, enabling customers [...]
Troubled by the lack of specialised care available to the growing number of senior citizens; we —at Home Instead— [...]
Intellidance® UK is a unique series of creative dance programs created to foster critical development in children [...]
We provide tailored security systems to suit our customers’premises
Kip McGrath has been in the education business for the last 40 years.
Multinational educational institution renowned for using the Kumon Method in their practice
Lawn Science offers a wide range of services such as lawn fertilisation, weed control, lawn treatment, and regular [...]
LawnKeeper is a top quality provider of professional lawn services for residential and commercial establishments [...]
Leaps and Bounds fulfils demands from both pre-school settings and parents for a movement and physical development [...]
Local Appliances Rentals or LAR is the primary choice for domestic appliances lease.
Lockforce is a young company that prides itself as being part of a much larger umbrella organisation - The Forces [...]
LockRite is the largest branded locksmith company in the UK, with a dominant position in the commercial & domestic [...]
Our world would be different without spa massages but it would be a lot disappointing without the Massage Company.
Mathnasium is a learning centre specialising in math and aims to transform a student’s attitude and capabilities [...]
Monkey Music is a pre-school music brand based in the UK
Residential & commercial electricians, installation & repair of electrical equipments.
Mr. Handyman offers full-service home repairs and maintenance.
Money back guarantee*. Award winning. AFA member. High income. Work from home. Flexible hours. Financing available.
Noodle Performance Arts provides quality, fun performing arts training for children, at parent-friendly prices. [...]
Pestforce is the largest and most successful Pest control Franchise in the UK. Taking the plunge to become [...]
Photography for Little People is a franchise that specialises in capturing the beautiful candid moments of newborns, [...]
Pirtek is the number one option for many commercial and industrial needs of emergency hydraulic services.
Premier Sport is more than just franchise - we are an organisation that is committed to seeing that every child [...]
Our business model has been running successfully for the past 12 years and we have spent the last two years [...]
Progressive Sports is one of the primary provider of sport and physical education to children ages 3 to 13 year [...]
Prokill is one of UK's leading and most competitive pest control franchises to date. We offer a wide range of [...]
Specialist 24/7 care at home services from Promedica24 enables you or your loved one to live at home for as [...]
Radfield Home Care is a family-owned healthcare company providing premier home care services in the UK
One of the top providers in theatre education in the UK
We are in the business of matching seniors who need a hand with mature, active women who are passionate for [...]
We are a global company that runs before and after school clubs and holiday activities for primary school-aged [...]
We specialise in vending machines which offers sweets and confectionaries where profits go directly to our partner [...]
We specialise in selling sweets with the profits going to leading charitable institutions in the country.
From a simple film developing store, we have become a one-stop-shop for all your photographic needs.
We’re not just a franchise, we are a group with one aim: to help increase physical activity amongst children.
Being in the in the industry for more than 20 years, StumpBuster is a contender for UK's largest tree stump [...]
SureCare provides fantastic care services for anyone in need, at any time in their life.
Sweaty Mama is a mum and baby exercise class operating classes and franchises throughout the UK.
Tatty Bumpkin offers Yoga-inspired classes for babies and children and help them develop flexibility and creativity.
We are a professional hairdressing brand that combines British precision and Italian flair to deliver a unique [...]
Lawn and garden maintenance isn’t a job to be taken lightly.
We are committed to unlocking the learning potential of each student, because we want to make a difference
Venture Studios is the UK’s leading family portrait photographer.
Wagging Tails is one of the leading dog boarding services providers in the UK.
At Water Babies, our aim is to teaching safe water practice and developing children’s swimming skills from the [...]
Wiltshire Farm Foods is the leading frozen meals delivery service in the United Kingdom.