Our franchise consultants assist in all areas of franchise development.
We offer a one-stop-shop for franchise development, featuring a full range of flexible services. These include relationship partnerships with franchise lawyers, accountants, bankers, territory mapping specialists and intellectual property lawyers, to name but a few.
The full AFC Franchise Development Programme includes the following tasks:
Step One – Initial Assessment
Analysis and Franchise Business Planning
The first step is for AFC franchise consultants to carry out an evaluation of your company, considering all aspects of your business in relation to the envisaged franchise. Having identified the best way to proceed, AFC outlines the work programme and budget requirements. This thorough process will allow you to reach a highly informed decision and identify the most practical and profitable route to franchise your business.
Step Two – Franchise Development
Planning and Development
Our franchise consultants work with you to put in place the necessary infrastructure requirements. These include:
- Developing corporate and brand images
- Securing intellectual property rights
- Briefing franchise lawyers
- Writing operation manuals
- Arranging training programmes
- Defining administrative systems
- Making financial projections
- Attending to all other areas critical to success, before starting the recruitment of the franchise network.
Step Three – Franchise Recruitment
Recruitment
Central to any Franchise Development Programme is the recruitment of suitable franchisees. With years of experience in dealing with both franchisees and franchisors across a wide spectrum, AFC franchise consultants are well-equipped to help identify the most cost-effective strategy.
Publications and Websites
We will recommend all relevant channels through which to generate franchise interest.
Expertise
Our skill and expertise offered are second to none in assisting businesses to grow and prosper through franchising. A professional approach, coupled with a complete range of quality services, has resulted in the successful creation of many new franchise businesses, the significant global expansion of established networks and the introduction of numerous franchisees to profitable and rewarding opportunities. For a business seeking to obtain membership of the British Franchise Association (bfa), the construction of the franchise must be performed with the requirements of its charter in mind.
Franchise FAQS
What is the difference between licensing and franchising?
Licensing grants rights to use a brand or trade name for specific purposes, often with less control over operations, while franchising involves licensing the entire business model, including trade name, technology, and detailed operational procedures. Franchising requires adherence to a comprehensive manual detailing how the business should be run, whereas licensing agreements focus primarily on brand use. Both require fees, but franchising typically involves closer oversight and support from the franchisor.
For a more in-depth answer on the difference between licensing and franchising visit our FAQs page.
Why do I need a franchise legal agreement?
When setting up a franchise network, a robust legal agreement is essential to govern the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee. This agreement outlines key terms such as rights, obligations, renewal conditions, and circumstances for termination, ensuring both parties understand their roles. While the agreement must be fair, it typically imposes more obligations on the franchisee to protect the franchisor’s brand and system, benefiting the entire network.
Click through for more about the importance of Franchise Agreements.
Should I register my trademark when setting up a franchise?
It’s essential for anyone franchising their business to register the trademarks they intend to license to franchisees. While unregistered trademarks offer some protection, registration provides stronger legal rights and makes it easier to address infringement, which becomes more likely as the network grows. During franchise negotiations, potential franchisees and their lawyers will check if the trademarks are registered, and failure to prove ownership could deter them from proceeding.
More information on trademark registration.