Can you run a franchise part-time in the UK?

We often see franchising as a route to business ownership that offers flexibility, structure and support. But for many prospective franchisees, especially those balancing family commitments or planning a career transition, the big question is whether it’s possible to run a UK franchise on a part-time basis.

Here, a number of industry experts shed light on the practicalities, challenges and opportunities of part-time franchising in the UK.

Can UK franchises work on a part-time basis?

Alan Wilkinson, head of franchise development at The Franchising Centre, highlights the variety across the sector: “Franchises come in all shapes and sizes. You can find them in most sectors of business. Some concepts require the franchisee to work in the business. Others are structured so that the franchisee works on the business without actually doing any of the operational tasks.”

Many franchises can be designed to run around restricted hours. As Wilkinson explains, “Often, the system of operation is such that a franchisee can run the business on a part-time basis. This may involve, for example, having a business that offers its service only in the morning or evening.”

However, he also cautions against assuming reduced operating hours mean less work overall. “There is more to running a franchise than simply delivering the service the brand offers. There is marketing, sales and administration tasks to consider too. These can often require a significant time input outside of the typical ‘operating hours’ of the business.”

What the franchise agreement requires

A major factor in whether part-time franchising is possible lies in the contract. Shelley Nadler, legal director at Bird & Bird, stresses: “Ask the franchisor if there are any minimum requirements in the franchise agreement or expectations regarding the amount of hours/days that you should work.”

She adds that business format plays a critical role. “Some formats lend themselves to part-time working – for example, franchises that you can run from home, are predominantly computer-based and have flexible hours.”

Vicky Wilkes, head of legal at Aston Villa Football Club, echoes this point about obligations. “Most franchise agreements will include a provision requiring that a franchisee dedicates their full time and attention to the operation of the franchise.”

This means you need to carefully consider whether you can manage family or other commitments alongside contractual duties.

Financial realities of UK part-time franchises

Brian Duckett, former chairman of The Franchising Centre, warns that franchising is a two-way street when it comes to income. “Most franchise agreements stipulate the franchisee must spend the majority of their working week on the business. However, there are an increasing number of opportunities where the business is meant to be a part-time activity.”

However, franchisors need their outlets to generate a certain level of turnover. Duckett explains: “What’s not acceptable is operating part-time in what is intended to be a full-time business. You may say: ‘I can earn all I want to by operating part-time’, but that will not generate the income that the franchisor requires from a typical outlet.”

Shelley Nadler also points out the financial considerations: “There may be financial targets that you need to satisfy. If this is the case, you should check with an accountant if it’s going to be possible to meet those targets working on a part-time basis.”

Wilkinson reminds prospective franchisees that expectations should align: “A franchise that can operate on a part-time basis will usually only provide a part-time income. If this fits with the requirements of the franchisee and franchisor, it can be a win-win for all concerned.”

Sharing responsibilities and flexible options

One possible way to make a part-time franchise viable is by sharing the workload. Nadler suggests: “It may be difficult to build some franchise operations while holding down a full-time job. Therefore, it might be necessary to run it with a family member or business partner in order for you to share responsibilities. This means the franchise can still operate while the other person is working.”

You’ll need to clear this approach with the franchisor, but it can provide a practical balance. Similarly, Vicky Wilkes advises considering support: “Appointing a manager to assist with running the business or a franchise partner to provide additional funding and share managerial responsibility” could make the model work around family life.

For parents, Nadler also highlights specific opportunities: “For parents with young children wishing to work part-time, franchises targeted at young children are a good idea, as they tend to fit in with a family routine and are often structured to allow for family commitments.”

Final thoughts

Part-time franchising is possible in the UK, but only under the right conditions. It depends on the business format, the agreement terms and whether the income meets both franchisee and franchisor expectations.

As Brian Duckett puts it, “One of the most important aspects of franchisee recruitment is matching the income aspirations of both franchisor and franchisee. If there is no match, both parties should be looking for someone else with whom to do business.”

For those willing to do the research, discuss options with franchisors and plan realistically, a part-time franchise can offer a pathway to business ownership that balances ambition with lifestyle needs.

Finding the best part-time franchise opportunities in the UK

For those exploring part-time franchise opportunities, some sectors naturally lend themselves to flexible working hours. Education franchises, such as Footlights Theatre School & Academy and The Seasons Art Class can be viable options.

Home care franchises also often align well with school schedules or family routines.

Cleaning and commercial cleaning franchises can be structured around early mornings, evenings or weekends. Meanwhile web franchises are typically home-based and allow work to be managed around other commitments. Mobile franchises, such as Trophy Pet Foods, can also enable you to work part-time.

If you’re looking for something customer-facing, coffee franchises may offer manageable hours, especially in smaller or mobile formats such as Coffee-Bike. The key is to assess which category not only fits your lifestyle but also has the potential to deliver the income you need.