Developing a franchise can be challenging – and it’s important to have practical guidance from an experienced franchise consultancy. At Ashtons Franchise, we help you every step of the way. Our process is straight forward, structured, and designed to give you the best chance of success.

We’ve simplified franchising into a clear, proven 3-step process designed to help you grow with confidence.

Our 3-Step Franchise Support Process

Step 1: Feasibility Study

We begin by assessing whether your business is ready to franchise. This includes a detailed review of your systems, brand, and market potential. The feasibility study gives you a clear roadmap and identifies any areas that need strengthening before moving forward, helping you avoid costly mistakes down the line.

A Franchise Feasibility Study typically begins with an initial business assessment carried out by an experienced franchise consultant, providing an objective view of your suitability for franchising. It includes a detailed franchise strategy, exploring how your current model could translate into a scalable franchise. Financial planning is a core element, covering both your position as franchisor and the potential returns for future franchisees, supported by a realistic five-year financial forecast grounded in real-world performance.

The study also incorporates a SWOT analysis to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, alongside a review of your competitive positioning to understand demand and differentiation. It will outline a proposed fee structure, including initial and ongoing fees, and explore what your franchise model could look like in practice. In addition, there is a review of your internal resources and capacity to franchise effectively. Finally, you’ll receive clear, actionable recommendations and a detailed written report, setting out key findings, insights and next steps.

Step 2: Franchise Development

Next, we guide you through building a complete franchise package. Our team helps create operations manuals, training programs, and legal frameworks, ensuring your business is structured for franchise growth. With Ashtons Franchise Consulting by your side, your franchise systems are robust, scalable, and ready for franchisees.

The development stage is all about getting your business ready to franchise. Our consultants work with you to put the right systems and processes in place, from developing your brand and securing intellectual property, to writing operations manuals and setting up training programmes. They help you plan your finances, create a Franchise Information Memorandum (FIM) that clearly explains the opportunity, and map out territories. They also help design your franchise recruitment and onboarding plans and set up support systems to help franchisees succeed. Every part of your business is reviewed and organised so that when you start recruiting franchisees, you have a solid foundation for a network that’s consistent, sustainable, and set up to grow.

Step 3: Marketing & Recruitment

Finally, we help you attract and recruit the right franchisees. From targeted marketing strategies to candidate selection, we make sure your franchise network is set up for long-term growth and success. This step ensures you have the right people to represent your brand and expand your business effectively.

Where to start

Starting with a feasibility study removes guesswork, reduces risk, and gives you a clear, informed roadmap for franchising your business.

In the video below, our consultant Rob Hall walks through the feasibility study and how it protects your business before you move forward.

Why Ashtons Franchise Consulting?

As Advisor Members of the British Franchise Association (BFA), we bring years of practical franchise experience to every client. Our tailored franchise development programmes have helped businesses of all sizes establish thriving franchise networks across the UK and worldwide.

We provide advice and hands-on assistance at every stage – from initial conception, through development, to successful implementation. Whether you are just starting or need guidance on growing an existing franchise network, AFC is here to help. We provide franchise consultancy that you can trust.

AFC Testimonials

We have worked with many clients over the years and received some great feedback. Have a look at our client testimonials and also our client portfolio to see the brands that we have worked with.

Looking to dig a little deeper? Try our case studies page for an in-depth look and a journey ‘behind the scenes’ of franchising a business.

Talk to us about Franchising Your Business

We are always happy to offer initial free advice about franchising a business. Give us a call on 0330 016 0028, or put your contact information into the enquiry box at the top of this page.