Barnoldswick Office
Craven House, Newtown, Barnoldswick, BB18 5UQ
Franchise Lawyers
If you’re a brand owner or a franchisee looking to set up a franchise, Walker Foster’s experienced team is here to guide you in achieving your ambitions with clarity and confidence.
We understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the franchise sector and provide practical, tailored advice to guide you through every stage of the process.
For franchisees, we provide strategic legal support – whether you are launching a new franchise venture or planning the sale of an established business. Our team helps you understand your legal responsibilities and navigate complex documentation, safeguarding your interests throughout the process.
For franchisors, we offer tailored advice on structuring and growing your franchise model. From drafting robust franchise agreements and disclosure documents to protecting intellectual property and building a resilient franchise network, we lay the legal foundations for long-term success.
Whatever your goals, you can rely on Walker Foster’s specialist franchising lawyers for clear, approachable guidance and professional support that enables you to move forward with confidence.
At Walker Foster, our specialist team of franchising agreement solicitors offer comprehensive guidance to both franchisors and franchisees, protecting your interests and building strong, successful franchise relationships. We can assist you with:
Whatever stage you are at on your franchising journey, you can rely on Walker Foster for personal, professional and trusted legal support every step of the way.
A franchise system is a business model where one party, the franchisor, grants another party, the franchisee, the right to operate a business using the franchisor’s established brand, systems and intellectual property. In essence, it allows a franchisee to rent a proven business's structure and trade under an existing brand name while benefiting from the franchisor’s experience, reputation and support.
Typically, the franchisee is permitted to use trademarks, logos, operational processes, products and know-how developed by the franchisor. In return, the franchisee usually pays an initial fee to enter the franchise and ongoing royalties or licensing fees, often calculated as a percentage of revenue.
Franchising can be an attractive option for entrepreneurs who want to run their own business with the backing of a recognised brand and a tested formula for success. It also allows franchisors to expand their business more quickly by leveraging the investment and commitment of franchisees.
If you are considering entering into a franchise arrangement – whether as a franchisor or a franchisee – it is vital to understand both the legal and commercial implications involved. Franchising can offer exciting opportunities, but it also carries risks that should be carefully managed from the outset. Walker Foster’s specialist franchising solicitors are here to help you navigate this process with specialist legal advice, supporting you in reaching your goals with confidence.
At Walker Foster, we understand that franchising can be a powerful way to grow a business or start your own enterprise under a trusted brand. Our approach is personal, thorough and focused on achieving your goals with complete confidence.
One of the main benefits is that your business can expand quickly without requiring large amounts of your own capital, as each franchisee invests their own funds into launching and operating their franchise. This approach enables faster growth and a wider market presence while reducing the financial risks compared to opening centrally-owned outlets. Franchising also allows you to build a motivated network of business owners who are committed to the success of your brand.
Franchising provides a relatively low barrier to entry for running your own business. You can trade under a recognised brand with a proven track record, making it easier to attract customers and establish credibility from day one. In addition, you benefit from the franchisor’s experience, training, operational systems and ongoing support, giving you the tools and guidance you need to build a successful business with confidence.
Whether you are a franchisor looking to expand or a franchisee exploring new opportunities, Walker Foster's franchise solicitors can help you understand the legal and commercial considerations and support you at every stage of your franchising journey.
If you’re setting up a franchise, there are several typical costs to consider. Usually, there will be an initial franchise fee, which grants you the right to use the brand and business model. After that, you will pay regular royalties, often calculated as a percentage of your turnover, as well as contributions towards national or regional marketing campaigns. In addition, you should factor in the cost of purchasing initial inventory, equipment and any training or set-up expenses required to launch your franchise successfully. Walker Foster can advise you on these expected costs and franchise solicitors’ fees, depending on your circumstances.
Franchise agreements are legally binding contracts that set out both your rights and responsibilities as a franchisee. Exiting an agreement can feel daunting, but with the right guidance, it is possible to find a solution that works for you.
Many franchise agreements include clauses detailing how and when termination may occur. These typically cover fixed terms, notice periods and circumstances under which early exit is allowed. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a mutual termination with the franchisor. Another potential option is to sell your franchise to a new owner, depending on the terms of your agreement.
At Walker Foster, we guide clients on their rights and obligations when it comes to ending a franchise agreement - whether through termination, sale, or franchise re-sales. Our friendly and professional team provides clear, practical advice tailored to your situation. We are committed to delivering peace of mind and helping you take the next step with confidence.
Although there are no specific franchising laws in the UK, that does not mean franchising operates in a legal vacuum. Franchising arrangements are primarily governed by the general principles of contract law, making the franchise agreement itself the central legal instrument in defining the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee.
The franchise agreement is a comprehensive and legally binding document that sets out the framework for how the franchise will operate. It details the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including how the franchisee is permitted to use the franchisor’s intellectual property, branding, systems and business model. It will also typically address key operational aspects such as quality control, geographical territory, initial fees and ongoing royalties, training and ongoing support and the conditions under which the agreement can be renewed, terminated or transferred.
A well-drafted franchise agreement not only provides legal clarity but also enables a healthy and sustainable business relationship built on trust and mutual understanding.
Whether you’re looking to set up a new franchise, or are an existing franchisee looking to expand an existing network or sell a franchise business, Walker Foster is here to help you every step of the way. Our solicitors have extensive experience of the franchise industry and understand the practical and legal considerations involved in making your plans a success.
Our knowledgeable legal team assist with everything from assessing the feasibility of your franchise model and drafting robust agreements, to advising on recruitment, protecting your brand and managing day-to-day operations. For those looking to enter the franchise sector or strengthen their presence, our expert franchise lawyers offer clear, practical commercial advice tailored to your goals and circumstances.
Whatever your ambitions, you can rely on a professional, supportive legal service from Walker Foster’s franchise lawyers to provide trusted legal support and specialist advice and allow you to move forward with confidence. Fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch at your convenience.
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