Running a business in one country presents its own challenges but bringing your franchise to another country is a different ball game. Of course, there are many renowned franchises in the United States that have recognition all over the world. There are McDonald’s restaurants everywhere but what if you own a smaller franchise? It’s certainly not impossible to leave your mark in the United Kingdom as many smaller businesses have done so. What has made these franchises successful when expanding to the UK? There are a number of factors that go into a smooth expansion. Here are five tips for bringing your U.S. franchise to the UK.
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Know The Culture
It can be quite ignorant to think that you can make your mark on another country without first understanding the culture. You will need to adapt to the UK market if you expect your franchise expansion to become a success. There are many top UK franchises for sale through Franchise Direct, and residents in the UK would be none too pleased with new ownership that doesn’t respect their culture. Study the culture and local market to get a feel for how you want to promote your franchise once you get to the UK.
Different Rules & Regulations
When you have a franchise in the United States, you’re used to adhering to the rules and regulations of each state. These rules are different when you expand to another country. The good news here is that the UK isn’t known for the strict set of rules that the U.S. has on franchises. While you’re likely to be well prepared, it’s good to double-check the rules and regulations out in the UK.
Pay Attention To The Franchise Agreement
There are differences when it comes to the franchise agreements in the United States and the UK. Be sure that you link up with a lawyer to go over the language. You should also have a UK solicitor review the franchise agreement and put it in terms that you will better understand. This way, you won’t run into any issues with your agreement.
Disclosure
Being open in the franchise disclosure process may give you an edge over the competition in the UK. It can serve as a solid recruitment strategy. The more information people know, the more confident they are to trust in you. It helps that most American franchisees already believe in this process.
Choosing The Right Location
Now that you’ve got all the legal stuff out of the way, it’s time to think about which location will give you the best chance at succeeding. A shopping center or a high street might increase your chance of making it in the UK as more people are bound to be in those areas. The approval process shouldn’t be an issue if you choose a location that makes sense.
With these tips in mind, you should be ready to expand your U.S. franchise to the UK.
