Franchising Leading Lights is here to celebrate the individuals and brands achieving outstanding success through franchising across the UK. We are showcasing the participants who are making a real impact in the sector franchisees building thriving businesses, franchisors supporting strong networks, and leaders pushing the boundaries of what franchising can achieve.
Through their stories, we highlight the dedication, ambition and innovation that sit at the heart of successful franchising. Each participant featured demonstrates how the franchise model empowers people to grow businesses, create opportunities and make a positive difference within their communities.
Whether you are exploring franchising for the first time or are already part of the sector, these stories provide a powerful insight into what success in franchising looks like.
Real Stories from the UK franchising community
Franchising Leading Lights shines a spotlight on the people behind successful franchise businesses. Through the stories shared by our participating brands, we celebrate the wide variety of opportunities franchising can offer and the different paths people take to achieve success.
Franchising continues to play a powerful role in the UK economy, contributing £19.1 billion each year and supporting over 770,000 jobs across the country. With an average unit turnover of around £400,000, the sector offers strong potential for entrepreneurs looking to build successful businesses within a proven model.
But behind these numbers are real people. From experienced franchisors leading established national networks to franchisees building thriving businesses within their local communities, these journeys demonstrate the strength of the franchise model and the value of the support systems behind it. In fact, 82% of franchisees say they are satisfied with their franchisor, and 60% report that franchising has met their expectations. A reflection of the collaborative relationships that help businesses grow.
As the home of ethical franchising in the UK, the BFA is proud to celebrate the individuals and brands helping to shape the future of the sector. Explore the stories below to discover the achievements, insights, and inspiration behind our Franchising Leading Lights campaign.
Franchising is more than just a business model,
it’s a life-changing opportunity.
Franchising is a business relationship between two parties. This comprises of the franchisor, who owns the brand and business system, and the franchisee, who via a franchise agreement is able to trade under the brand.