2025 has presented a challenging environment for businesses, from the increasing demands of digital transformation, to inflation and supply chain disruptions.
Additionally, the growing importance of sustainability and ethical business practices has added another layer of responsibility for companies trying to stay competitive. In the presence of so much uncertainty, franchising provides a structured and supportive model that can help entrepreneurs navigate these complexities with greater ease and resilience.
89% of franchisees are profitable.
According to the BFA, there are 50,421 franchised units in the UK and 89% of these are profitable. Unlike starting a business from scratch, a franchise offers the reassurance of an established system, reducing the risks associated with new ventures.
One of the biggest advantages of franchising is that it comes with a proven business model. Instead of navigating the challenges of product development, branding, and marketing from the ground up, franchisees benefit from well-documented operational guidelines and ongoing support.
This means that, from the outset, you have a clear roadmap to success, making it easier to focus on running and growing the business. The BFA has calculated that 1,009 franchise systems currently operate within the UK, across multiple different industries, this is up from 935 in 2018, demonstrating the significant growth that has occurred over the past 6 years.
Franchising also significantly reduces the risks typically associated with new business ventures.
When starting an independent business, building a loyal customer base takes time, effort, and significant marketing investment. Franchises, however, provide immediate access to a well-established customer base and a trusted brand, making it much easier to attract and retain customers.
Funding Your Franchise is Simple
Financing can be a concern for prospective franchisees, however funding assistance is widely available. Many banks and financial institutions prefer lending to franchise businesses because of their proven track record and additionally, different franchises have varying levels of flexible financing options, start-up costs and royalties.
Interested individuals should always seek legal advice before investing in a franchise, complex franchise agreements can feature binding terms and conditions including information about any ongoing fees required by the franchisor. Legal clarity is always required to protect your investment from unforeseen complications.
Franchising isn’t just about stability; it’s also about scalability. If your goal is to expand and grow beyond a single business location, franchising offers an excellent platform. Many franchise models provide opportunities for multi-unit ownership, allowing business owners to scale their operations at a faster pace.
This flexibility makes franchising an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to build a sustainable and profitable business.
2025 Franchise Opportunities We Consider to Stand Out in Their Respective Industries.
To provide you with comprehensive support in your decision-making process, our team has meticulously curated a list of UK franchises that we believe represent worthwhile investment opportunities. This selection has been carefully based on a thorough assessment of key factors, including:
- Investment Levels: We have taken into account the initial and ongoing costs associated with each franchise, ensuring that our recommendations cater to a range of budgets and investment capacities.
- ROI Turnaround: Our analysis has focused on franchises that demonstrate the potential for a reasonable return on investment within a realistic timeframe. We understand the importance of timely returns for investors, and our recommendations reflect this priority.
In addition to these primary considerations, we have also evaluated other relevant factors, such as:
- Market Demand: We have assessed the current and projected demand for the products or services offered by each franchise, ensuring that our recommendations align with market trends and consumer needs.
- Brand Reputation: We have considered the reputation and track record of each franchise brand, prioritising those with established reputations and positive customer feedback.
- Support and Training: We have examined the level of support and training provided by each franchisor, recognising the importance of ongoing guidance and development for franchisees.
By taking a holistic approach to our evaluation, we aim to provide you with a well-rounded and informed perspective on the UK franchise landscape. Our goal is to empower you to make confident and informed investment decisions that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Franchise Brand – Urban Baristas
Franchise Opportunity – Urban Baristas is a London-based coffee chain inspired by Australian café culture. The brand focuses on serving specialty coffee, meticulously sourced from global farms and roasted in their East London roastery.
Established – 2016
Investment – Minimum £85,000 required
Industry – Food & Beverage
Number of Locations – 16 stores
Ideal Franchisee – Urban Baristas are seeking passionate entrepreneurs to join their franchise network. If you dream of owning your own coffee shop, are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and are driven to maximise sales and profits then Urban Baristas may be the franchise for you.
Franchise Brand – Ben & Jerry’s
Franchise Opportunity – Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops are designed to deliver the ultimate, immersive Ben & Jerry’s experience to fans and first-timers alike. They’re whimsical, welcoming places where families and friends can enjoy their favorite treats and fans can deepen their connections with the brand.
Established – 1978
Investment – Minimum £100,000 required plus £400,000 in digestible assets
Industry – QSR
Number of Locations – 600+ Scoop Shops globally
Ideal Franchisee – Ben & Jerry’s is seeking passionate business owners or experienced franchisees in the food & beverage industry looking to expand their portfolio who are socially conscious and actively engaged in their communities.
Franchise Brand – Kare Plus
Franchise Opportunity – Kare Plus is more than just a home care franchise; they are a trusted leader in multi-service healthcare. Initially providing scrub nurses to hospitals, they have since evolved into a dynamic franchise offering diverse revenue streams. From specialist and non-specialist nursing supply to supported living, home care, critical care, and beyond.
Established – 1989
Investment – Minimum £120,000 required
Industry – Care
Number of Locations – 30
Ideal Franchisee – Kare Plus seeks franchisees who are passionate about healthcare, are community-driven and committed to excellence.
Franchise Brand – Anytime Fitness
Franchise Opportunity – Anytime Fitness is The UK’s largest and fastest growing fitness franchise, boasting over 200 premium gym locations across the UK and Ireland. Members enjoy convenience and flexibility with facilities open around the clock seven days a week. Operating in more than 35 countries worldwide, Anytime Fitness serves a community of over 4 million members, offering top-quality fitness experiences across a global network of gyms.
Established – 2002
Investment – Minimum £170,000 required
Industry – Fitness
Number of Locations – 5000+ globally
Ideal Franchisee – Anytime Fitness is looking for potential franchisees who are passionate about improving the health of the nation and making a difference in people’s lives. Fitness experience isn’t required and many of their franchisees hire experienced club managers to handle daily operations. With joint venture opportunities and funding support from major banks owning a health club could be closer than you think.
Franchise Brand – SportsCool
Franchise Opportunity – SportsCool is a primary school children’s sports activity coaching
Company. The SportsCool franchise is unique in the way they incorporate fun, innovative, and educational approaches to teaching sports activities in local communities. They use new technology and equipment to teach physical activities, making the experience more enjoyable.
Established – 2008
Investment – Minimum £15,995 required
Industry – Children Services
Number of Locations – 28
Ideal Franchisee – SportsCool looks for individuals with a passion for making a difference, combined with a strong work ethic. They understand that each potential franchisee brings a unique set of skills and experiences. That’s why their tailored training program is crucial. While skills can be learned, passion is something you can’t teach.
Franchise Brand – Tutor Doctor
Franchise Opportunity – Tutor Doctor is the UK’s fastest-growing tutoring franchise, they have assisted hundreds of thousands of students worldwide in unlocking their potential.
Established – 2000
Investment – Minimum £50,000 required
Industry – Education
Number of Locations – 600+ globally
Ideal Franchisee – At Tutor Doctor, we seek franchisees passionate about education, innovation and community impact eager to build a successful business. While our franchisees come from diverse backgrounds the most successful share key traits, values and a commitment to making a difference.
Franchise Brand – Mooeys
Franchise Opportunity – Mooeys is a unique and exciting beauty salon franchise offering high quality treatments in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Each salon provides a comfortable, safe space where clients can relax and enjoy consistent, exceptional service at great value.
Established – 2019
Investment – Minimum £60,000 required
Industry – Health & Beauty
Number of Locations – 7 salons
Ideal Franchisee – Mooeys franchisees don’t need prior experience in the beauty industry, they are open to candidates from various backgrounds. The key qualities they’re looking for are a personable nature, a proactive and positive attitude, are a team player and possess a friendly demeanour. Most importantly, the candidate should be passionate about building a successful business and embody kindness in their approach.
Franchise Brand – Shell
Franchise Opportunity – Shell is offering an exciting multi-site business opportunity to partner with one of the world’s leading brands. You can become a Shell retailer, managing a network of up to six local Shell service stations.
Established – 1907
Investment – Minimum £130,000 required
Industry – Retail
Number of Locations – 1100 + garages in the UK
Ideal Franchisee -The most successful retailers are exceptional leaders, balancing competitiveness with compassion. They are committed to excellence and take pride in being part of the Shell family. By offering rewarding job opportunities in their communities, they not only train and support their teams but also foster career growth and progression.
Franchise Brand – More Than Loft Ladders
Franchise Opportunity – More Than Loft Ladders is the UK’s longest-established loft access franchise, offering flexible business models from a solo van operation to a multi-vehicle enterprise. Franchisees benefit from a trusted brand, full autonomy and comprehensive training covering setup, management and ongoing support for long-term success.
Established – 2008
Investment – Minimum £20,000 required
Industry – Property Maintenance
Number of Locations – 10
Ideal Franchisee – Finding the perfect franchisee starts with you. If you’re self-driven and want to be your own boss with the backing of a successful brand, More Than Loft Ladders is for you. When you’re ready to grow, they’ll guide you every step of the way from business plans to hiring and managing employees.
Franchise Brand – The Travel Franchise
Franchise Opportunity – The Travel Franchise is a leading force in UK travel franchising, empowering people like you to build your own business and work from anywhere in the world. This is your chance to turn your passion for travel into a thriving business and break free from the 9-5.
Established – 2010
Investment – Minimum £2995 required
Industry – Travel
Number of Locations – 650+
Ideal Franchisee -The Travel Franchise welcomes people from all walks of life, young entrepreneurs, career changers and those not ready to retire. No industry experience, No problem. All you need is a passion for travel and the drive to succeed.
Franchise Brand – LSL Estate Agency
Franchise Opportunity – LSL Estate Agency offers entrepreneurs and independent agents the opportunity to join a proven network including strong brands like Reeds Rains and Your Move. Franchisees gain industry leading marketing, support and resources to launch or expand their business successfully in the competitive property market.
Established – 2004
Investment – Minimum £100,000 required
Industry – Property
Number of Locations – 350+
Ideal Franchisee – LSL franchisees typically come from an estate agency background often with experience as managers or area directors and possess local knowledge of their areas. They also welcome applicants with strong business acumen from outside the sector as long as they focus on hiring an experienced estate agent to ensure compliance and business success.
Franchise Brand – Schmidt
Franchise Opportunity – Schmidt, a global leader in kitchens and interior design is offering you the opportunity to invest in your very own showroom leveraging the brand’s reputation and proven business model. As a franchise owner you’ll lead a dynamic team, engage with customers and oversee the daily operations of your kitchen and interiors showroom. Schmidt provides the expertise and support to help you create an unforgettable showroom experience by blending cutting-edge interior design trends, smart storage solutions and immersive virtual reality technology.
Established – 1959
Investment – Minimum £70,000 required
Industry – Home Interiors
Number of Locations – 900+
Ideal Franchisee – Schmidt are looking for ambitious, entrepreneurial individuals who are passionate about interior design and eager to succeed. No prior experience is necessary, they will provide all the tools, training and support you need to thrive.
Franchise Brand – ERA Group
Franchise Opportunity – ERA Group, a global leader in cost management offers ambitious professionals the opportunity to become Cost Reduction Consultants. As a franchisee, you’ll leverage local market expertise to help businesses enhance financial flexibility, drive savings and gain a competitive edge all by delivering value through insight.
Established – 1992
Investment – Minimum £49,950 required
Industry – Business
Number of Locations – 750+ globally
Ideal Franchisee – The ideal ERA Group franchisee is ambitious, proactive and driven to succeed. They come from diverse professional backgrounds but share a desire for control, financial growth and leveraging their experience. Strong relationship building skills are also key to unlocking business potential with the ERA Group.
Franchising is Continuing to Grow in 2025
Investing in a franchise in 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs at all levels. Whether you’re a first-time business owner or an experienced entrepreneur looking to expand, franchising provides the support, structure, and brand strength needed to succeed.
With the franchise sector continuing to grow, now is the perfect time to explore your options and take the next step towards becoming a franchisee.