The Franchise Magazine 2026 is the definitive guide to franchising.

It features industry insights, franchise opportunities, and profiles of top franchise brands.

Our team of consultants are featured on page 28 in an article sharing 7 perspectives on commonly asked questions about franchising a business. (Click on the link to read the full magazine.)

Franchising can be exciting, daunting, and everything in between. Whether you’re brand new or already running a network, there’s always a next step – and it often feels like uncharted territory.

In this article, seven consultants from Ashtons Franchise Consulting share their thoughts on what really makes a franchise work. Each brings a slightly different take, shaped by years of experience in the industry.

First up: know why anyone would want to join your franchise instead of doing it themselves. That means having a clear story – what makes you special, and why that matters. Then, once you’ve nailed your “why,” you need to tell the right people. Smart marketing, good conversations, the right platforms – it all counts.

There’s also the question of how much to reveal, and when. Too much too soon? Risky. Too little? You lose trust. Finding that balance is key. Protecting your brand through trademarks isn’t just legal admin — it’s your safety net.

Several consultants talk about communication – showing up for your franchisees, celebrating wins, and dealing with dips before they turn into bigger problems. Marketing, they say, is a shared job: the franchisor steers the brand, the franchisees know the local ground.

And finally, support. The more you invest in your people, the stronger the network becomes. Simple as that.

It’s a mix of practical tips and lived experience – the kind of advice that sticks.