5 smart B2B franchises to invest in

If you enjoy building relationships and nurturing your clients, a business-to-business (B2B) franchise could provide the perfect opportunity for you to tender your resignation and embark on a potentially lucrative new venture

The B2B franchise sector is rich in options, from logistics and manufacturing to consultancy and professional services, ensuring the interests of a vast range of potential investors can almost certainly be met. The advantages of running a B2B franchise are many and varied, including the likelihood of greater long-term client loyalty, higher-value products and services and fewer returns and complications compared to business-to-consumer companies.

We’ve selected the following recession-proof franchises to share with you, not only for their great ROI but also to show you what a diverse range there is on offer in the B2B sector. This small selection is by no means an exhaustive list – head over to what-franchise.com/franchise-opportunities for information on hundreds of recommended franchises available.

1. Jackson Fire & Security

“Rapidly growing franchise operator with an expanding customer base”

Jackson Fire & Security provides fire protection and safety equipment and services throughout the UK. Its franchise holders manage their own schedules, aided by Jackson’s proven system and 20-strong office team, and are supported with ongoing training from industry professionals. A Jackson’s franchise offers a potentially excellent return on your initial £39,500 (+VAT) investment – expected revenue is around £250,000 after two years.

The business has expanded over 30 years to include 12 regional franchises across the UK, as well as a head office in Mold, North Wales. Founder Steve Jackson comments: “We’re a national operator who likes to support businesses at a local level.”

Franchisees need no previous industry experience or technical knowledge, but a sales or managerial background would be an advantage. Accredited training, support and expert advice on launching your business is provided. You will need a working capital of £30,000 for salaries and start-up costs.

“I like the flexibility and variety that comes with the work and I like knowing I have the support of a head office team,” says Lee Fowler, Wirral franchisee.

2. InXpress

“Low overheads and high earning potential”

Flexible, home-based work, low overheads and high earning potential makes an InXpress franchise an appealing, scaleable venture for franchisees. An award-winning global shipping logistics business, InXpress keeps overheads to a minimum because the franchise owner works with customers to determine the right service option for them, saving time and money, while having access to partnerships with multiple world-class carriers that handle the storage, pick-up and delivery. Thanks to huge corporate-sized discounts, small business customers are easily attracted and retained, leading to lucrative repeat business and unlimited growth opportunities.

The London Stock Exchange named InXpress as one of its ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ in 2018 and the innovative Rochdale-based firm currently has a 94-strong network of franchisees in the UK alone, many of whom run home-based franchises.

“Our mission is to provide franchise owners with a way to build their businesses while providing best-in-class customer service with a personal touch to all our clients,” says InXpress.

“Our high growth and customer retention shows customers are experiencing real value with our low-cost, high-touch approach.”

An InXpress franchise will cost £35,000, plus you will need working capital of around £15,000. Initial costs depend on a number of factors, including whether you operate a home-based franchise business or work from rented office space.

3. ActionCOACH

“The world’s number one business coaching team”

Do you love learning and helping people to succeed? With an ActionCOACH franchise, you’ll buy into a guaranteed business model with low volume, high margin profits, and the power to make a real difference to hundreds of people in your own exclusive territory.

With more than 3,500 strategies and tactics to draw on, you and your employed Action Coaches can confidently guarantee business clients extra profits within six to 12 months with your proven, expert advice in management, business development, managing finances, sales, marketing and systems.

In return for a £90,000 investment (licence fee, training fee and working capital), you will have the opportunity to build a scaleable business earning £1,000,000+ a year revenue with outstanding profit margins. You’ll need to raise a personal contribution of at least £18,000 (up to 70 per cent of finance is available) and impress the directors with your past successes, desire to help others and appetite for personal development, learning and growth. In return, you and your team will receive training and support from a proven brand that has held a five-star franchisee satisfaction status for nine consecutive years.

4. FASTSIGNS

“Easy business start-up with a choice of franchise packages”

FASTSIGNS is a worldwide business at the forefront of signage. Services include graphic design, content development, project management, site surveying, installation, and shipping and storage – all delivered with exceptional customer service.

Franchisees use the latest digital signage technology and printing techniques identified by FASTSIGNS to fulfil orders for companies working in the manufacturing, retail, sports and leisure, education and healthcare sectors while building a successful business within an exclusive territory in the process.

The cost of a FASTSIGNS sign business franchise depends on the type of franchise opportunity you decide to invest in. However, as a guide, the minimum investment required for a new FASTSIGNS UK centre is £36,000, with banks typically lending up to 70 per cent. FASTSIGNS can help prospective franchisees secure funding, if necessary.

As well as support and training, franchisees get help with selecting a suitable site and negotiating a lease; fit-out drawings and architectural planning; a protected territory containing 5,000 business customers; a pre-opening marketing campaigns plan; access to FASTSIGNS’ online management system, and an invitation to the company’s annual convention and key suppliers showcase.

5. TaxAssist Accountants

“The UK’s largest network of independent business specialist accountants”

If you’re a qualified accountant or senior manager from the banking or financial serves sector who’s looking to leave the corporate life, consider a franchise with award-winning TaxAssist Accountants, a growing firm of shop-based franchises that deal with the accountancy needs of small businesses with a turnover of up to £2,000,000.

Its wide range of advisory services includes technology-led services like accounts production, tax returns, payroll, VAT, bookkeeping and company formation. Franchisees benefit from growing a sizeable, scalable and profitable accountancy franchise, taking a proactive approach to develop client relationships and the accountants’ practice, attracting new clients through marketing and leading a team of staff rather than performing accountancy duties. They are also granted an exclusive territory in which to trade.

If you want to invest in TaxAssist franchise opportunities, the fee is £39,950 and franchisees also require a working capital that depends on the size and location of the premises but is typically in the region of £100,000 to £120,000.

Typically, banks will lend up to 70 per cent of the total investment required, subject to the presentation of a suitable business plan and cash flow projections. The prospects are appealing – you can reach £500,000 turnover per annum with one-third profit, as well as building a future asset (resale values can achieve £1 million).