Food franchise opportunities in the United Kingdom
The F&B market in the UK is thriving as Brits like to spend money on having a good time with friends and unforgettable experiences rather than for buying things. Thus, they like eating out which encourages franchisors and franchisees open more and more pizza cafes, gourmet burger restaurants, smoothie bars, fast food establishments, little dessert shops, etc.
Despite some minor difficulties which may occur with starting a franchise in UK such as machinery costs and safety requirements, the benefits are much more. For example, opening a franchise in a small town one will save rental costs and the competition is lower there.
Check out the opportunities of Food Franchises in UK and choose the one which will bring you a good profit!
How to choose which food franchises to buy
There are several attributes of a successful brand that is worth looking into. When the company has been operating for over 1-2 years, it shows that the franchisor is not new to the certain market and knows how to keep the business afloat. Best food franchises have wide recognition, and established branding that customers from all over the world are familiar with.
Franchisors that carefully approach the process of attracting and retaining potential franchisees are responsible, they usually properly manage other business aspects as well. A fundamental understanding of the business model is important for the success of a franchise, so it helps if the brand provides instructions and manuals for setting up a franchised unit.
Thus, there are food sectors, like chicken, pizza, Asian, Mexican, and Italian cuisines, that always have high consumer demand. That’s why food franchises in these segments are rather profitable and successful. Food and beverage are thriving industries that have a steady growth rate and offer many opportunities for entrepreneurs.
How to find the best food franchise?
Franchising provides many opportunities to entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. Acquiring and operating a food franchise is easier and less risky than developing an independent restaurant business. The best food franchise would be different for every entrepreneur. There are a lot of franchise options for every taste. The choice depends on the entrepreneur’s own abilities and preferences, financial capabilities, and the demand in the local market. However, there are some common things that unite all good brands. It is an excellent support system that is aimed at assisting franchisees with all business aspects of operating a franchise, comprehensive training both for the franchise owner and its employees if necessary.
A franchise requires a lot of time and effort, so the best choice for you is the one that will bring you joy. It is better to love what you do, so you won’t feel burdened. There are a lot of attractive and lucrative franchise offers in all food segments presented at our catalog.
What are the steps required to start a food franchise in the UK?
The ownership path to a food franchise in the UK is quite similar to any other kind of franchise. Entrepreneurs browse through the offers, and find the one that interests them the most. Then, they contact franchise experts or brand representatives to get a better idea of requirements and next steps. Usually, candidates undergo several interviews and talk to the franchisor in order to determine whether they are a good fit for each other. Then, there is a reviewing of the FDD, signing, and paying up initial franchise fee. All entrepreneurs typically have training, so they can become acquainted with all business processes. After that, franchisees can get down to construction works, necessary purchases, and hiring staff.
Food franchise trends
- The food industry is constantly growing, there are new kinds of products and concepts appearing regularly. A lot of alternative menus develop in the UK.
- Restaurants with a vegan menu take up a big part of the restaurant market, and the demand for vegan food only increases.
- A massive shift towards a healthy lifestyle in recent years has shaped the restaurant industry. Food brands develop special menus for healthy eating, and use only fresh and natural ingredients.
- Fish and seafood segments are gaining momentum. Franchises specializing in Asian cuisines are popping up in the markets.
- Brands changing the approach to service in restaurants. The attitude towards customer service is changing, companies try to offer a personalized and emotional approach to consumers.
- The pastry market continues to grow. People of all ages adore fast, cheap, and tasty food. The high consumer demand for baked goods has led to the increased popularity of coffee and pastry shops.
- The most transformative and global trend in the restaurant industry is delivery. Online delivery has greatly changed the sales, customer expectations, and the service of most companies. Brands that want to maintain a competitive edge need to think about implementing a delivery if they do not have one.
- Food franchise business in the United Kingdom is a billion-dollar industry. A lot of interesting opportunities are available to entrepreneurs from all over the world.
Industry Overview
Revenue of UK restaurant industry, 2016: 34.9 billions GBP
Consumer spending on food/catering services, 2017: 81.6 billions GBP
Number of restaurant employees in the UK, 2016: 871.000
Number of restaurants in the UK, 2016: 83.600
Eating Out Behavior
Consumer spending on restaurants and cafes, 2017: 85 billions GBP
Average weekly spend on eating out in the UK, 2017: 19 GBP
Share of UK consumers eating out at least once a week: 43%
Consumers visiting restaurants at least once a week: 1.7 millions
Casual dining market spending in 2015: 4.7 billions GBP
Most popular restaurant type: Pubs
Restaurant chains
Leading fast food chain in the UK: McDonald's
Most visited restaurant chain in 2016: Nando's
Nando's Group Holdings revenue, 2017: 847.9 millions GBP
Number of Subway outlets in the UK: 2.333
Number of Pizza Express outlets in the UK: 441