Why Franchisors Supporting Franchisors is Key to the Future of Franchising in the UK
Our Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Chambers (pictured above), recently sat down with The BFA to give his insight into Qualified Franchise Professional Franchising. It’s more than a business model – it’s a thriving ecosystem of ambition, local commitment, and structured opportunity. Across the UK, over 48,000 franchised units contribute £17.2 billion to the economy and support more than 710,000 jobs. From drainpipes to lattes, and home maintenance to education, franchising is the backbone of Britain’s enterprise economy. But what if we could do more — not by growing outward, but by growing together? Read his interview to find out how.
Q: What Inspires You Most About Franchising?
“Franchising gives people the chance to build their own business with the credibility and support of an established brand. That’s incredibly empowering, especially for younger entrepreneurs who might otherwise struggle to break through. What excites me most is the opportunity we have, as an industry, to collaborate and contribute even more to the UK economy.”
Q: What Do You Think Is Missing In The UK Franchise Sector?
“A stronger sense of shared purpose. Franchisees are often seen as part of big national brands, but really, they’re local businesses — independent, proud, and community-focused. If we encouraged more collaboration between them across different networks, especially in local areas, we could drive loyalty, boost the local economy, and show the public just how interconnected franchising really is.”
The Vision: A Network Within A Network
The idea is simple. Imagine a world where franchisors and franchisees actively supported one another — not just in spirit, but in practice.
We’re calling on the British Franchise Association community to build a “network within a network.” That means buying from each other’s businesses, referring customers, and offering real, practical support across brands. Whether it’s a drainage engineer grabbing a coffee from a fellow franchisee, or a childcare business recommending a home cleaning service – every transaction keeps money flowing within the franchising ecosystem.
This is already happening on a small scale. Our franchisees are booking services with each other, sharing recommendations, and supporting each other in ways that go beyond brand boundaries. What we need now is momentum.
Let’s Lead By Example
At Metro Rod and Metro Plumb, we’ve launched an initiative to support our fellow BFA members and their employees. We encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss how we can support each other’s business in its growth. Contact sales. [email protected] and quote BFA.
This campaign isn’t just about discounts. It’s about building a community. We’re encouraging franchisors across the UK to ask:
- Where do we buy our uniforms?
- Who services our vehicles?
- Which local business do we recommend to customers?
If the answer isn’t another franchise — especially one within the BFA community — maybe it could be.
“'Franchise First' is a collective opportunity for the BFA community to shape a stronger, more connected future for franchising in the UK.”
Q: What’s Your Advice To Other Franchisors?
“Communicate. Get to know your franchisees — understand their challenges and celebrate their successes. Strong networks are built on relationships, and that’s true across the whole sector, not just within your brand. If we share more, support more, and buy from each other more, we can grow something truly powerful.”
Let’s Build This Together
This initiative isn’t a finished framework — it’s a starting point. “Franchise First” is a collective opportunity for the BFA community to shape a stronger, more connected future for franchising in the UK. A network within a network to enable us all to buy local and build national.
Whether you’re a large network with national reach or a specialist franchise with a local footprint, your role in this matters. It begins with small, deliberate actions:
- Choose a fellow franchise-run business for your next service or supplier.
- Talk to your franchisees about who they use and who they recommend.
- Offer support — a referral, a co-branded campaign, a conversation.
The details will evolve. What’s important now is intent. A commitment from franchisors to lead the way — to model collaboration, champion community, and remind everyone in franchising that we are stronger together.
We’re calling on you to help shape what “Franchise First” becomes. Be one of the early contributors. Share your ideas. Offer your voice. Set the tone for a sector that doesn’t just grow, but grows collaboratively.
If we all commit to supporting just one other franchise, the ripple effect could transform our industry.
Join us. Support a fellow franchise. Spark a movement.
Franchise First: Buy Local, Build National
Talk to your local Metro Rod specialist
We are always happy to arrange a free site assessment and no obligation quotations for any work you might need. Alternatively, you can call our emergency hotline number on 0800 66 88 00
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