What-Franchise-Issue-20.1

Regular readers with eagle eyes will have noticed there’s been some changes to this issue of What Franchise . Over the summer, the team at Artichoke HQ have been redesigning our pages in the hopes that we can offer something that works even better for those who rely on our reporting. Take it as a renewed pledge from us to disperse best practice franchising guidance. Why? Because we’ve seen first-hand that this is an industry that can allow first time entrepreneurs to build their own livelihood, by taking a franchise concept and running with it. In this issue, I’m particularly proud that we’ve rounded up fifty current franchise opportunities that are lowering the financial barrier to making this possible via funding options such as payment plans and bank loan partnerships (page 15). However, the advantages of not going it alone can come at a price in other ways and, it’s important we also continue to acknowledge the risks. This includes the director’s guarantee – a mainstay of any franchise agreement these days – but one that could see your personal assets taken away should your business fail.We spoke to lawyers about what franchisees need to know about this on page 28. Moving on to lighter topics, Camille Adams – former American Olympic swimmer and now the franchisee of six swim schools – has shared her experiences of success since changing careers from professional athlete to entrepreneur (page 11). In fact, many franchisees have pre-existing careers in totally different sectors before setting up their business. A popular entry point, especially in the food and beverage sector, are kiosk businesses due to their downsized operations and lower investment costs. On page 60, we meet five people who have won big by going small. At the other end of the scale, MSZ Brands are taking fusion to a new level. Having consolidated burger brand Betsy’s with its longstanding Little Dessert Shop. This permanent collaboration, known as ‘the X model’, is different to the norm and we’ve got under the bonnet of how it works on page 34. Yet this magazine is not all features, we’ve recommended a wide selection of books for further reading on page 6. And, of course, we’ve outlined the latest investment opportunities for you to consider on pages 56 and 66. So, whatever guidance you’re looking for, we hope we can support you, We’ve got a new look! NEXT ISSUE ON SALE: Dec 20 2024 The views in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the veracity and integrity of the companies, persons, products and services mentioned in this publication, and the details given are believed to be accurate at the time of going to press. However, no responsibility or liability whatsoever can be accepted for any consequence or repercussion of responding to information or advice given or inferred. Copyright Artichoke Media Ltd. EDITOR Molly Raycraft molly.raycraft@artichokehq.com HEAD OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Rachael Wenham 44 (0) 1323 471291 rachael.wenham@artichokehq.com SENIORACCOUNT MANAGER Matt Gilley 44 (0) 1323 471913 matt.gilley@artichokehq.com ART EDITORS Richard Allen Sarah Barajas ACCOUNTS Artichokemedialtd@integral2.com PUBLISHERS Joe Carter, Sam Reubin, Richard Stebbing PUBLISHED BY Artichoke Media Ltd Molly Raycraft Editor, What Franchise molly.raycraft@artichokehq.com Industry Contribution Winner British Franchise Association Professional Affiliate and Supplier Awards 2019 advisor @whatfranchise 3 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM Edi tor ’ s Letter