Invest in a Subway Franchise and join an industry that’s going from strength to strength
Franchising in the UK is flourishing. According to the latest figures from the British Franchise Association, the industry grew by 10.2 per cent last year, a clear sign that more and more people are recognising the potential of this influential business sector.
SUBWAY is certainly benefiting from the growth in franchising. One of the largest and best known franchise brands, it has over 2,300 stores in the UK and Ireland and more than 44,000 stores in over 110 countries.
Franchising attracts people from diverse backgrounds and cultures - from young, entrepreneurial millennials looking for an alternative career path, to older individuals looking to escape the long hours, stress and commute times of a high flying career. It provides the chance to take control and become your own boss, in charge of your own destiny.
This is certainly true of the SUBWAY brand, which welcomes franchisees from different backgrounds, but who all share an entrepreneurial spirit. Its successful franchise model has enabled thousands of individuals to fulfil their dreams of becoming their own boss.
Franchising in the UK now provides employment for around 621,000 people. In the last two years 20 per cent of franchisees who launched their business were under the age of 30.
The sector can be particularly appealing for young, creative and entrepreneurial individuals who want to be in control of their work-life balance, but with the added reassurance of working for a well known brand within an established business model that has been replicated many times over by like-minded people.
Joining an established franchise system like SUBWAY brings many benefits, including the brand loyalty from a tried and trusted name. Franchisees are required to work in line with the franchisor’s expectations, leaving less room for creativity than an independent start-up. However, they profit from extensive training and support, both from the franchisor and the wider franchisee network.
For some young people looking to start out in business, one of the biggest hurdles can be securing funding, but many are helped with backing from family members.
One such SUBWAY franchisee benefiting from this approach is 25-year-old Luke Kendall, who along with his mum, Sarah, and brother, Ryan, run two successful SUBWAY stores in Southsea and Havant in Hampshire, employing a team of 16.
The enterprising family started looking into franchises and thought the food industry was the obvious way forward, with Sarah having run a family catering business full-time for many years.
Luke says: “When comparing franchises within our price range, the SUBWAY brand stood out from the rest. The brand is huge and rapidly expanding. “One of the reasons we decided on a SUBWAY franchise was the level of support it offered, which was very reassuring for Ryan and I, especially as we’d never worked in the industry before.
“The SUBWAY brand supported us from day one with everything from the shop fit-out plans to sales growth. If we ever had a question or problem, our field consultant was on the other end of the phone to help and if they couldn’t, they’d find someone that could. You always have support when you need it with the SUBWAY brand - it’s like a big family.”
Now seasoned franchisees, Luke and his family have this advice for anyone thinking of going into franchising: “We would encourage anyone thinking of buying their first franchise to do so, but don’t underestimate the challenges that come with it.
“Do your research and make sure you are buying into a well established franchise with proven results and speak to other franchisees before you take the plunge. We are thrilled we decided to take this step as a family. The business suits us well and we all enjoy our work.”