8 emerging sectors with proven profit potential

Franchisors have a wide variety of proven businesses for sale in a multitude of industries

Think of franchising and the first businesses that typically spring to mind are fast food chains and coffee shops.

But other sectors are ripe for growth using the franchise model, including:

1. Domiciliary care

There has been significant growth in the number of franchises providing home care for the elderly and vulnerable in recent years.

It works as a business model, as the franchisor can oversee, train and support you with the complex compliance structures needed in this heavily regulated arena.

This gives franchisees the chance to shape their business to the needs of their local communities. If you have a caring spirit, this sector could be for you.

2. Pet-related businesses

Opportunities range from dog walking and boarding to pet food delivery.

Whether you’re a groomer, walker or boarder, trusted customer relationships will need to be developed, while a passion for pets is key.

3. Property sector

There will always be a need to buy and sell houses or to rent them, which means there are many franchised businesses in the sales and/or letting market.

You need to be good at employing and managing people to be a success in this industry.

4. Children’s services

There are a large number of children’s services franchises, ranging from swimming schools, dance classes and theatre arts to football and rugby coaching.

Some can be run flexibly around family commitments, while others are full-time, so it’s about finding the right balance for you.

5. Food and drink

From burgers and pizza to coffee and organic vegetables.

While many of these businesses can be found on the high street, some can be mobile.

6. Health and beauty

More brands with a focus on our well-being are entering this market.

Whether someone wants a haircut, a massage or to have their nails done, providing a great customer experience is essential if you want to prosper in health and beauty.

7. Commercial and residential cleaning

Demand for cleaning services remains strong.

As a cleaning franchisee, you can choose whether you want to have a hands-on role in the business or employ teams to clean on your behalf.

8. Health and fitness

There’s an eclectic mix of brands expanding in the UK market and franchising is allowing them to open far more quickly than if they invested in company-owned outlets.

If fitness is your thing, there’s a choice of opportunities to pick from.

More than 710,000 people are employed in franchising, which demonstrates its importance to the UK economy.

Because franchising encompasses a variety of industries, it’s not dependent on anyone sector, which perhaps goes some way to explaining why it has been so resilient to economic pressures over the years.

The author

Pip Wilkins is CEO of the British Franchise Association.