“Start with the end in mind” we tell every franchisee because the only exit from a franchised business that makes sense is through a sale.

Exiting a franchise early can be a complex process. But if you wish to do so Fiona Boswell QFP, Franchise Specialist Partner, Knights, offers tips on how and what to look out for

Franchising can be an exciting pathway to business ownership, offering a mix of independence and support that attracts aspiring entrepreneurs. However, success in franchising is not guaranteed and depends on several critical factors

Bricks and mortar are vital to the success of many franchised businesses but in the UK securing appropriate premises can be time consuming and difficult

Where a party to a contract exercises discretion which has a unilateral impact and a potential for conflict, a duty is implied into the contract to protect against this conflict and potential abuse. Such discretion must be exercised fairly, and not arbitrarily, capriciously, or irrationally

The BBC’s blockbuster drama earlier this year – Mr Bates vs The Post Office – brought mass public awareness of the scandal of the unjustified prosecution of 900 sub-postmasters arising from faults in the Post Office’s Horizon software provided by Fujitsu

Like most employers, both franchisors and franchisees may struggle to fill certain vacancies and may choose to sponsor overseas nationals as part of the solution to labour shortages

Hannah Al-Shaghana, who is a commercial property solicitor, discusses the complexities associated with service charge costs, and how they affect both landlords and tenants.

Tim Carter and Helen Martin combine their legal expertise to offer advice on this topic to both franchisors and franchisees

Solicitor Fiona Boswell advises franchisors to draw-up documentation, and prepare for future problems, ‘just in case things don’t go as planned.’

A brand is far more than just names, logos or slogans. A brand represents a business’ unique identity, values and reputation.

Businesses which are operated within the ambit of a franchise arrangement can be bought and sold, in the same way that any other business can change hands.