Ask how they support and work with their current clients to better understand their philosophy, methodology and use of technology and systems to support the human elements. 

Hopefully this will be enough to help you create a shortlist of consultancies which could help you and your business. So, here are some questions you will want to ask yourself before making your final decision:  

• Do they have franchising experience, or just business experience? Have they got a track record of franchising brands like yours? 

• Aside from consultancy, do they offer other services you could benefit from, such as design, content, marketing & recruitment strategies? 

• Can they help you at every stage of your franchising journey, or do they just specialise in some of the key stops along the way?  

• How do they show they are delivering value for money? Can you tailor your package, or is it an all-or-nothing deal?  

One final piece of advice: focus on the journey, not just the destination.  

It’s all too easy to just look at the bottom-line. Yes, absolutely you want to work with a consultancy that is results-driven and can focus on your end goals, but you should also think carefully about how they are offering to get you there. Is it sustainable and practical, or are they just telling you what you want to hear? Does it work hand-in-hand with your business and help you play to your strengths?  

Success, like franchising, is a journey, and choosing the right consultancy to partner with should first and foremost be about helping your business fulfil its true potential.