International Franchise Expansion That Actually Works

You've proven your franchise model works in the UK. Now you want to take it international without the complexity and risk of doing it alone. Or you're an international brand looking to enter the UK market properly.

We'll help you structure and launch international expansion the right way.

Book Your International Expansion Call
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TWO PATHS

Which Direction Are You Going?

UK Franchisors Expanding Internationally

You've built a successful franchise network in the UK and see opportunity in other markets. You want to expand internationally without the cost and complexity of setting up operations in multiple countries yourself.

International Brands Entering the UK

You're a successful franchisor in your home market and want to establish your brand in the UK. You need local expertise to navigate UK regulations, market differences and franchise standards.

Both paths need careful planning, the right structure, and local knowledge. That's where we come in.

THE CHALLENGE

Why International Expansion Is Harder
Than Domestic Growth

You can't just copy your UK model and drop it into Germany, Australia or the US. Each market has:

  1. Different regulations and legal frameworks
    Franchise law varies by country. What works in your UK agreement might not be enforceable elsewhere.
  2. Different market conditions
    Consumer behaviour, competition, pricing expectations and buying patterns change by market.
  3. Different cultural expectations
    How you recruit, train and support franchisees needs adapting for local business culture.
  4. Different operational realities
    Supply chains, property markets, employment law, tax structures – everything changes when you cross borders.
  5. The cost of getting it wrong:
    Rush into international expansion without proper structure and you'll waste money on failed launches, damage your brand reputation, and create legal problems that follow you back home.

THE SOLUTION

Master Franchising – The Lower-Risk Route

Instead of you setting up operations in each country, you appoint a master franchisee for each territory.

How it works:

  • The master franchisee buys the rights to develop your brand in their country or region. They:
  • Recruit and support individual franchisees in their territory
  • Adapt your model for the local market (with your guidance)
  • Handle local legal, regulatory and cultural differences
  • Build the network using their local knowledge and connections

You provide:

  • The proven franchise system and brand
  • Training and support for the master franchisee
  • Quality control and brand standards
  • Ongoing development and innovation

What you get:

An upfront master franchise fee (typically much larger than a single franchise fee) plus ongoing royalties on every franchisee they recruit. They do the heavy lifting in-market. You provide the blueprint and oversight.

The master franchisee takes on:

  • Local market risk
  • Recruitment and support costs
  • Adapting to local conditions

You retain:

  • Brand control
  • Quality standards
  • Strategic direction
Review speech mark icon
Graham and his team discussed the process step by step. I would without hesitation recommend him to any persons looking to set up a Franchise arm to their business.

Richard Smith

Managing Director, Dig It Projects Franchising

HOW WE HELP

Our International Franchise Services

For UK Franchisors Going International:

Market Assessment
We help you identify which markets make sense for your brand and assess whether there's genuine demand.

Master Franchise Structure
We design the master franchise model: fees, territories, responsibilities, performance requirements, quality control mechanisms.

International Agreements
Working with international franchise lawyers, we create master franchise agreements that work across different legal systems.

Master Franchisee Recruitment
We help you profile, find and assess potential master franchisees. Who has the capital, capability and local knowledge to build your brand?

Launch Support
We guide you through setting up your first international territories and mentoring master franchisees as they establish the network.

International Brands Entering the UK

UK Market Entry Assessment
Does your model work in the UK market? What needs adapting? Where's the opportunity?

UK Franchise Structure
We adapt your international model for UK regulations, market conditions and the British Franchise Association's ethical standards.

UK Legal Framework
We work with UK franchise lawyers to create agreements that comply with UK law and protect both you and your franchisees.

UK Franchisee Recruitment
We help you understand the UK franchisee market and create recruitment processes that work here.

UK Launch Support
We guide you through establishing your first UK franchisees or finding the right master franchisee for the UK territory.

THE PROCESS

How International Expansion Works

01

Feasibility Study

Which markets make sense? What's the opportunity? What's the structure? What are the risks?

02

Model Design

Master franchise terms, fee structures, territory definitions, performance requirements, quality controls.

03

Documentation

Master franchise agreements working with international lawyers who understand cross-border franchising.

04

Recruitment Setup

Finding, assessing and appointing master franchisees who can actually deliver.

05

Ongoing Mentoring

Getting the first territories established and operational, then ongoing support as they grow.

Total timeframe: 6-12 months from decision to first master franchisee operational, depending on complexity and target markets.

Book Your Free Feasibility Call

WHO THIS IS FOR

Are You Ready for International Expansion?

UK Franchisors ready to go international if:

  • You've got a proven UK franchise network (typically 10+ franchisees operating successfully)
  • Your domestic model is stable and profitable
  • You've got the capacity to support international partners
  • You're prepared to invest time and money in doing it properly

International brands ready for the UK if:

  • You've got a successful franchise network in your home market
  • You've proven the model works and is profitable
  • You're committed to understanding UK market differences
  • You're willing to work with local expertise

You're probably not ready if:

  • Your domestic franchise is still finding its feet
  • You're looking for a quick fix or easy money
  • You're not prepared to invest properly in setup and support
  • You think international expansion is just "copy and paste"

WHY BEFRANCHISING

International Experience That Matters

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We've Done This

Graham has direct experience setting up international master franchises and working with brands across multiple countries. This isn't theory.
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We Understand Both Sides

We've worked with UK brands going international and international brands coming to the UK. We know what works and what creates problems.
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BFA Standards

Graham's three terms as a British Franchise Association board member mean we understand UK ethical franchising standards and can help international brands meet them.

FAQ

Common Questions

How much does international expansion cost?
Depends on how many markets, what documentation needs creating or adapting, and legal complexity. We'll give you a clear quote based on your specific situation.
Should I use master franchising or direct franchising internationally?
Usually master franchising for most brands, especially for your first international markets. Direct franchising (where you recruit and support individual franchisees yourself) only makes sense if you're prepared to set up operations in that country.
How do I find master franchisees?
Through international franchise exhibitions, networks, recruitment specialists, and often they find you if your brand has visibility. We help you assess whether they're right.
What if the master franchisee fails?
Your agreement should include performance requirements and termination clauses. We help structure these so you can take the territory back if they don't deliver.
Can I do multiple countries at once?
Possible, but risky. Usually better to prove the model works in one international territory before expanding to multiple markets.
Do you have international franchise lawyer contacts?
Yes, we work with specialists who understand cross-border franchising and can draft agreements that work in multiple jurisdictions.
See All FAQs

Explore International
Expansion Properly

Book a consultation to talk through your international plans. We'll give you honest advice on whether your markets make sense, what structure you need, and what's involved in doing it properly.

Whether you're a UK brand looking to expand or an international brand entering the UK, we'll help you avoid expensive mistakes.

Book Your Free Consultation