Always ask the experts

You’ve found the franchise. The brand feels right. The figures stack up. And the sales pitch? Convincing. But before you sign on the dotted line, ask yourself this: would you buy a house without a survey? Probably not. So why would you commit to a long-term commercial contract – usually five years minimum – without legal and financial advice tailored specifically to franchising?

Here’s why expert advice in this field isn’t just helpful – it can be one of the smartest moves you make.

The Hidden Complexity of Franchising

At first glance, buying a franchise might look like a safer route than starting your own business – and it often is! After all, you are joining an established brand, following a proven model, and benefiting from training and support. But what many prospective franchisees don’t realise is that franchising involves a unique legal structure that supports consistency and brand protection.

Unlike launching your own independent venture, franchising means entering into a legally binding agreement that governs almost every aspect of how you run your business. You are not just buying products or training. You are signing up to a system – and committing to a proven model that’s been designed for success.

This is where a franchise-experienced solicitor comes in. A generic commercial lawyer may understand contract law, but franchising has its own norms, unwritten expectations, and important nuances and best practices that only a specialist will understand.