Business Doctors

About Business Doctors

When Rod Davies and Matt Levington launched Business Doctors in Merseyside in 2004, they promised to make management consultancy accessible, affordable and relevant to owners of small- and medium-sized companies. The pair found that small businesses were crying out for their style of no-nonsense help including sales planning, new market development, recruitment, fundraising, succession planning and team building.

Refining their SME growth support package over four years to deliver maximum bang for the buck, in 2008 they launched their first UK franchise. Today, Business Doctors helps SMEs to grow in 12 countries, including India, South Africa, Irish Republic, Belgium, Cyprus and Malta.

“Our clients may be striving to achieve the next level of growth in turnover and profitability, working hard without seeing results, facing staffing issues or planning to built the value of their business for financial security,” they say.

Business Doctors is a member of the British Franchise Association and an associate member of the Irish Franchise Association. It was named Business and Industry Today Company of the Year 2014 and is a regular finalist in various categories at the Franchise Marketing Awards.

What Business Doctors offers is unique in the sector. This is not just coaching or training, and it is not consultancy as you might know it. It is the only homegrown franchised network that can offer a tried-and-tested method of hands-on, holistic support to SMEs.

How does the Business Doctors franchise work?

Business Doctors provide SMEs with a range of proprietary programmes designed to help them develop effective strategic plans, improve their organisational efficiency, involve their staff in organisational change, master their supply chain and more.

As a member of the Business Doctors franchising network, the role of the franchisee is to deliver packaged business advise and support services to SMEs in your area. The franchisee works in concert with the national franchise support team as part of a growing national brand providing advisory services to businesses.

Business Doctors combines the skills and experience of the franchisee with a proven system. It is not, the company says, a traditional consultancy: “Our approach is different, and involves getting into the nuts and bolts of businesses providing practical advice every step of the way. We are looking for business-savvy individuals who can follow our franchise system and will maintain our top level of service.”

What attributes does Business Doctors look for in its franchisees?

If you’re the kind of person who finds themselves interrogating everyone from your window cleaner to your dentist about their business model, this could be the franchise for you. Business Doctors are listeners, solution-finders and implementers; they are captivated by what makes organisations tick.

Where the business’ approach differs from traditional management consultancy is that Business Doctors roll up their sleeves and work alongside small businesses as part of their team. This franchise suits people who want to build lasting relationships with companies of all kinds, from established family businesses to young start-ups.

How many hours you work a week is entirely up to you. You’re in charge and make your own decision about whether you’re looking for better work-life balance or to drive your franchise on full-steam ahead.

Business Doctors franchisees generally have around 20 years’ senior management experience. Most have been managing directors or have held other board level positions; some have previously run their own businesses. But whatever your level of expertise, all franchisees benefit from an extended training programme and ongoing support.

What support and training does Business Doctors offer?

Franchisees are highly experienced business people, but for most, this will be the first taste of self-employment. Buying a Business Doctors franchise provides the reassurance that you are launching an established and successful business model and will be fully supported along the way.

Did you know?

Business Doctors is eligible for funding support!

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When you buy a Business Doctors franchise, you will receive:
• An exclusive territory, covering around 10,000 SMEs
• Seven full days of face-to-face training, covering delivery, sales and marketing
• Unlimited mentoring throughout your launch phase (six months)
• Six full days of co-pilot business support from an experienced Business Doctor
• The ongoing support and collaboration of the rest of the Business Doctors network
• Continuing online product training modules
• High-quality business stationery and promotional materials
• Ongoing social media marketing support, including LinkedIn Sales Navigator training
• Your own branded website and online marketing tools
• An exhibition kit, including branded display board, projector and speaker
• First year’s professional indemnity and business insurance included.

Cardiff franchisee and former Chamber of Commerce director Graham L Morgan, says: “With a background in supporting SMEs, I could see just how relevant and saleable the Business Doctors’ proposition was. The fact that Business Doctors is already established across the UK also played a big part in my decision to buy a franchise”.

What locations or territories is Business Doctors looking to operate in?

The global span of Business Doctors means it has businesses in Belgium, Cyprus, India, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, and the UAE.

In the UK there are only 130 exclusive territories available, each covering around 10,000 SMEs, so all new enquiries are assessed to ensure that the franchise owner’s preferred location is available and suitable.

What routes are available for funding the franchise?

The minimum investment to launch a Business Doctors franchise is £44,500-plus VAT. Franchising is available through third parties.

Business Doctors states: “The price you see is the price you pay. There are no hidden extras”. When signed up to be part of the Business Doctors network, the franchisee has immediate access to all they will need to start your own enterprise, including marketing collateral and your own website page.

Is this a good time to get into the business?

The need for these services is self-evident. The Management Consultancies Association (MCA) identified three of the largest and fastest-growing markets within management consulting to be operational improvement, financial management and project management.

It’s no coincidence that this magic trio is at the heart of the Business Doctors offer.

There are 5.9 million SMEs in the UK (2019) and no other national network is set up to target this kind of support to them.

Though the pandemic has seen many Business Doctors take a temporary step back from the physical boardroom and shop floor, it’s been a very busy period for franchisees, who have all become dab hands with Zoom.

“The fallout of COVID-19 has seen small business owners having to rapidly implement change, develop new business models and ways of working, bring in unfamiliar technologies and learn new management strategies,” says Business Doctors franchisee Kevin Cook. “And the Business Doctors, with their years of experience, steady hands and agile, unflappable minds, have been there to help them all the way. It’s what we do.”

What are Business Doctors’ terms of agreement and renewal?

The franchise is an Evergreen Rolling Contract and initially for five years, renewable after that period for a small fee to cover legal costs.

How can I get started on setting up my own Business Doctors consulting business?

You will be invited to an exploratory meeting and provided with financial projections that will enable the franchisee to draw up a business plan for their chosen location. To find out more, or to request further information on franchising with Business Doctors, click the ‘Request free information’ button now.