Over the past few months, I’ve seen a major shift happening – more and more UK franchisors are looking beyond our borders and exploring international growth. Of course, international franchising has always been a major goal for franchises when they reach a certain level of maturity in their home market, have a brand which is particularly suited to international markets, or start to receive interest from overseas investors.

However, there has been a very noticeable uptick in recent months, and I think there are 2 very clear reasons why:

Rising costs at home

Operating costs in the UK – especially labour – have gone up significantly. That squeeze affects not just your bottom line, but also your customers’ spending power. Some of our clients are already seeing the ripple effect, with fewer people deciding to eat out regularly, or reducing the frequency of their purchases.

Tapping into new markets isn’t just about growth for these kind of businesses, it’s about diversifying and managing the risks.

Nearly a decade of uncertainty

It all started with Brexit referendum in 2016. Whatever your opinion on it, it is still the biggest economic change in more than a generation, and we’re still coming to terms with the effects. That was followed by instability in government and, of course, the arrival of COVID. Just as we were coming out of that, the war in Ukraine started, followed by skyrocketing inflation and the cost of living crisis.

Looking at all that, it’s no wonder people are more cautious with their money! For businesses, that’s meant rising costs and lower revenues. For franchises, that’s meant slower recruitment and growth.

Enough waiting – there’s a clear feeling in the market that doing nothing is no longer an option

In this kind of climate, sitting on your hands and hoping for the best isn’t cutting it any more for many businesses. Standing still and letting what comes roll over you is as bad as moving backwards.

Which is why things have got to change – and they are. The smart money is on taking charge of your businesses future, instead of continuing to react to events.

In the last few months alone, we’ve helped sign three Master Franchisees for two of our clients, with several more deals in the pipeline. That kind of momentum is rare, and it’s a strong sign that international appetite for UK brands is heating up.

So, is now the time to go global? Is it time to take your brand overseas?

Done right, international franchising isn’t just a growth strategy, it’s a game-changer. So, why don’t we talk about if, and how, it might work for you?

Just click the button below for a friendly chat about the possibilities open to you and your business in 2025 and beyond.

I look forward to hearing from you.