There are so many benefits to running your own franchise. The added flexibility, autonomy and control means you can push yourself further to achieve more than you ever have before. Operating a franchise puts you in the driver’s seat, but how do you choose the right vehicle?

There are over 80 franchisees in the Premier Education network, from a variety of backgrounds, including schoolteachers, business professionals and sports coaches. We asked them about the choices they made that led them to joining us. From their advice, we put together this practical guide on finding your perfect franchise within the health, fitness and education industries.

1. Work in an industry you love

Every business comes up against difficulties– that’s one of the reasons it’s so useful to have the support and safety of a franchise behind you – but having a genuine passion for what you do will give you the drive to overcome every obstacle.

Every single one of our franchisees wants to work in an industry where they can help children in their local towns grow, develop and learn. Now that they’re part of the Premier Education family, they’re helping improve the health and fitness for the 240,000 children we work with across the UK.

2. Look for BFA membership

The British Franchising Association is the national body for ethical franchising. Established in 1977, their purpose is to protect the reputation of franchising and help potential franchisees trust that their investments are well placed.

The BFA defines the UK’s only recognised code of practice for ethical franchising, based on the European Code of Ethical Franchising. All full BFA members have demonstrated that they adhere to this code, which makes full membership a crucial stamp of recognition. Investing in franchise with full BFA membership ensures you’re investing in a safe, trusted business.

You can find a list of full BFA members here

3. Choose a franchise with a proven model

There’s never been a more exciting time for franchising, with both opportunities and profit expanding every year. Remember, though, that not every new franchise is built to last; on your search, prioritise long-established franchises. After all, one of the biggest appeals of franchising is the extra security attached to the investment – and that doesn’t appear overnight.
Remember to look at how long the franchise has been trading and, more importantly, check how many investors have experienced long-term success. Make sure that the franchise you’re investing in can put you in contact with established, profitable franchisees (we call ours Best in Class). If they can’t, be sure to ask why!

4. Consider investment and profitability

There’s never been a more exciting time for franchising, with both opportunities and profit expanding every year. Remember, though, that not every new franchise is built to last; on your search, prioritise long-established franchises. After all, one of the biggest appeals of franchising is the extra security attached to the investment – and that doesn’t appear overnight.

Remember to look at how long the franchise has been trading and, more importantly, check how many investors have experienced long-term success. Make sure that the franchise you’re investing in can put you in contact with established, profitable franchisees (we call ours Best in Class). If they can’t, be sure to ask why!

About Premier Education:

Established in 1999, Premier Education is the UK’s number 1 franchisor for delivering sports, arts and wellbeing programmes to primary schools. We work with 250,000 children a year across nearly 3,000 venues.

As a full member of the BFA, we have a proven track record of building successful franchises in more than 160 territories.

Your investment includes exclusive access to your own territory and 14 months of comprehensive training to get you up, running and profitable. For more information on becoming a Premier Education franchisee, download our brochure today.