Best Franchise Consulting Services in the UK

United Kingdom Franchise Consultants

Franchising continues to be one of the UK’s most resilient pathways for scaling up, whether you’re a café chain looking to expand beyond your local high street or a boutique service brand ready to open doors nationwide. But franchising well in the UK isn’t just about signing agreements. It’s about strategic planning, FDD compliance, realistic growth roadmaps, and the practical nuts and bolts of turning great ideas into profitable multi-unit operations.

The standout franchise consultancies in this guide don’t offer cookie-cutter templates or one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, they act as trusted growth partners: part coach, part strategist, part compliance pro helping founders expand responsibly, find the right franchisees, and protect their brand at every step.

Below is a curated, research-driven selection of some of the most trusted franchise consultants based in the UK. Each has a clear track record, proven frameworks, and deep local roots.

Methodology: How We Chose These UK-based Franchise Consulting Services

Not every consultancy makes our list. Every company featured here meets three non-negotiable standards:

✅ Research-driven: Documented results, published frameworks, and tangible growth outcomes.

✅ Client-reviewed: Verified by client feedback, case studies, or repeat success stories.

✅ Location-based: Founded and run by UK professionals embedded in the local franchise scene.

🌟 Franchise Consultants in the United Kingdom - Provider Spotlights

🏪 Ashtons Franchise Consulting

What they do:
Ashtons Franchise Consulting is one of the UK’s longest-established franchise consultancies, helping brands design, launch, and grow robust franchise models across multiple sectors.

Who they work with:
They advise retail, hospitality, leisure, and service businesses ready to expand through franchising.

Operating model:
They deliver end-to-end advisory, from feasibility studies and legal frameworks to recruitment and operations support.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🗂️ Decades of experience helping UK businesses expand successfully
  
  
• ⚖️ Practical legal and compliance guidance for FDDs and franchise agreements
  
  
• 🧩 Clear frameworks to support sustainable growth and franchisee satisfaction

Nick Williams, Franchise Consultant of Ashtons Franchise Consulting

Nick Williams has spent years advising UK founders on how to avoid costly franchise pitfalls. He’s respected for a practical, down-to-earth style that demystifies the legal and operational complexity of franchising for ambitious brands.

🏪 Fransquared

What they do:
Fransquared provides franchise development, recruitment, and growth consulting, with a strong focus on emerging brands looking to franchise for the first time.

Who they work with:
They serve independent retailers, boutique fitness studios, and innovative service providers.

Operating model:
They act as a fractional franchise development partner or outsourced franchise sales team.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🧭 Hands-on support for brands taking their first step into franchising
  
  
• 📈 Proven frameworks for finding and vetting quality franchisees
  
  
• 🤝 Practical, founder-friendly approach to protect brand values

Andy Georgiou, Founder & Managing Director of Fransquared

Andy Georgiou is known for his approachable, results-driven consulting style. He’s guided multiple independent UK brands from concept to successful national networks, helping founders stay in control of their growth.

🏪 Plus Franchise Group

What they do:
Plus Franchise Group delivers franchise feasibility, legal structuring, and franchisee recruitment strategies for SMEs across the UK.

Who they work with:
They specialise in supporting small, independent businesses ready to test their model for franchising.

Operating model:
They provide affordable, step-by-step advisory packages and mentoring for new franchisors.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🧩 Transparent feasibility assessments before any paperwork is signed
  
  
• 📜 Practical, legally robust agreements and frameworks
  
  
• 🤝 Personalised founder coaching throughout the journey

Paul Love-Mitchell, Founder & CEO of Plus Franchise Group

Paul Love-Mitchell has become a trusted advisor for small business owners who want to grow smartly and avoid the common mistakes that trip up first-time franchisors.

🏪 Lime Licensing Group

What they do:
Lime Licensing Group offers licensing and franchising advisory, franchise marketing, and franchise resale support.

Who they work with:
They help food & beverage brands, service chains, and B2B companies expand nationally or internationally.

Operating model:
They provide outsourced franchise development directors and marketing teams.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🗂️ Decades of real-world licensing and franchising experience
  
  
• 🎯 Specialist support for franchise resale and broker networks
  
  
• 🌟 Trusted by established brands looking to revitalise their network

Andy Cheetham, Founder & CEO of Lime Licensing Group

Andy Cheetham brings extensive practical knowledge of both licensing and franchising, making him a go-to resource for brands that want to maximise IP and expand strategically.

🏪 The Franchise Company

What they do:
The Franchise Company focuses on franchise feasibility, legal compliance, franchisee recruitment, and franchise network support.

Who they work with:
They support new franchisors as well as established brands looking to refresh their model.

Operating model:
They offer modular packages, from initial feasibility to long-term strategic support.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 📜 Strong emphasis on clear, robust franchise agreements
  
  
• 🧩 Step-by-step launch frameworks for new franchisors
  
  
• 🤝 Ongoing support to keep networks profitable and compliant

Julie Waites, Founder & Director of The Franchise Company

Julie Waites has decades of experience working across sectors, from retail to professional services. She’s trusted for her straightforward approach and deep knowledge of the UK’s franchise landscape.

🏪 Franchise and Grow

What they do:
Franchise and Grow provides franchise development advisory, recruitment support, and franchisee training program design.

Who they work with:
They partner with retail, wellness, and service brands seeking sustainable expansion.

Operating model:
They embed themselves as fractional franchise growth directors and outsourced training partners.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 📈 Clear growth roadmaps tailored to each brand’s needs
  
  
• 🎓 Bespoke franchisee training and onboarding systems
  
  
• 🧩 Trusted support for scaling without losing brand identity

Melanie Fitzpatrick, Founder of Franchise and Grow

Melanie Fitzpatrick is respected for her personal commitment to every client. She’s known for helping brands stay true to their founding principles while expanding through smart franchising.

🏪 Stacey Cann Franchise Strategist

What they do:
Stacey Cann offers one-on-one franchise strategy consulting, feasibility assessments, and practical guidance for founders considering the franchise route.

Who they work with:
She works with solo founders, boutique brands, and social enterprises.

Operating model:
She delivers bespoke advisory packages, including feasibility studies and franchisee recruitment advice.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🧭 In-depth feasibility analysis to validate franchise readiness
  
  
• 📑 Practical, jargon-free franchise roadmaps
  
  
• 🤝 Personal, transparent guidance for founders new to the industry

Stacey Cann, Founder & Franchise Marketing Strategist of Stacey Cann Franchise Strategist

Stacey Cann is known for her no-nonsense approach that gives founders clarity about whether franchising is genuinely the right next step. She has built a reputation for honesty and real-world advice.

🏪 The Franchised

What they do:
The Franchised provides franchise strategy consulting, online resources, and community support for franchisors.

Who they work with:
New and growing franchisors seeking structured support.

Operating model:
Combines consultancy with training programs and digital resources.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🌐 Strong digital-first platform for franchisors.
  
  
• 📚 Emphasis on education and training.
  
  
• 🤝 Community-building approach supporting franchisor networks.

Ed Purnell, Founder, The Franchised

Ed Purnell is a franchise consultant and entrepreneur known for supporting businesses with structured franchise strategies. With a background in franchise operations and development, Purnell emphasizes accessibility and education, empowering business owners to navigate franchising with confidence.

‍🏪 Mr Franchise

What they do:
Mr Franchise offers practical franchise coaching, development, and franchisee recruitment for early-stage UK brands.

Who they work with:
They partner with small businesses, local chains, and independent entrepreneurs.

Operating model:
They deliver affordable advisory sessions and clear action plans.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🧩 Easy-to-follow roadmaps for first-time franchisors
  
  
• 📈 Transparent pricing and founder-friendly support
  
  
• 🗣️ Hands-on coaching to keep brands in control of growth

David Nelson, Founder & Professional Advisor of Mr Franchise

David Nelson is known for making franchising feel achievable for small, independent business owners. He’s valued for his plain-speaking style and practical, results-focused advice.

🏪 Kindling Franchise Consultants

What they do:
Kindling Franchise Consultants help brands design franchise structures, develop training and support systems, and recruit quality franchisees.

Who they work with:
They work with retail, education, and hospitality brands ready to scale sustainably.

Operating model:
They provide end-to-end development or step-in as a fractional franchise director.

💡 Why they stand out:

• 🧩 Strong focus on scalable training and support frameworks
  
  
• 📈 Proven success stories with UK lifestyle and education brands
  
  
• 🗣️ Personalised coaching and strategic growth advice

Andrew Walters, Founder of Kindling Franchise Consultants

Andrew Walters has helped numerous UK lifestyle brands turn small ideas into thriving franchise networks. He’s respected for his supportive, collaborative approach and transparent advice.

Build Your UK Franchise Story, the Smart Way

From local cafés to nationwide service chains, the right franchise consultant can mean the difference between costly missteps and sustainable, profitable growth. These standout UK franchise consultancies prove that with real frameworks, hands-on coaching, and honest advice, scaling can be smart, not stressful. Whether you're launching your first location or expanding across regions, the right support can transform complexity into clarity. It’s not just about growth, it’s about growing with intention, insight, and the right partner by your side.

At Digital Reference, radical authenticity isn’t just a value, it’s a proven leadership advantage. Grounded in transparency, trust, and true alignment, it empowers organizations to scale with clarity, integrity, and lasting impact.

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Whether you're expanding a franchise or fine-tuning growth systems, trusted insights can turn complexity into momentum. Your next strategic decision starts at Digital Reference. ‍