B2B Enterprise: Create a Franchise

B2B or business-to-business enterprises sell products or services to other business owners and companies to help them run smoothly and efficiently. As such, B2B franchises tend to become a trusted expert for their clients, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses.

The good news is that if you’re considering investing in a B2B enterprise franchise, they are increasingly in demand. SMEs want to focus on developing and growing and are prepared to outsource certain services to do so. It may also be more cost effective to outsource a service rather than hiring skilled employees to do the job.

>> Read more:

• How To Help Other Franchises With A B2B Franchise
• What is B2B Marketing?
• What Does B2B Mean?
• B2B E-commerce: How Can You Do It Yourself?

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur with experience in business and skills that can translate into owning a B2B enterprise franchise, this could be a lucrative opportunity. You don’t need to have run your own business before, as you’ll receive all the training and support you need when you become a franchisee.

>> Read more:

• Top B2B Franchises in the UK
• B2B - What is it?
• B2B Enterprise: Create a Franchise
• B2B Examples: Franchising?
• B2B Sales: Start Your Own Business

There are many different types of B2B franchises, so there's bound to be one that suits your interests, skills and budget. Here are just some of the opportunities available for investment.

B2B services franchises

ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is a B2B franchise that offers an ongoing coaching service to SMEs up and down the country. There are around 180 franchises around the UK helping small business owners to increase their profits, build strong teams and create robust business systems.

There are three bolt-on business opportunities which can be purchased to provide your franchise with additional income streams. These are ProfitPlus, Engage & Grow and Luv4 Marketing. Visit the ActionCOACH client page for more details.

You don't need to have any experience as a coach, but an established background in business is essential. The skills that you will have gained from owning or managing a company can help you as an ActionCOACH franchisee. You’ll have a good grasp of the fundamental principles of business, a robust entrepreneurial spirit, a positive attitude and be self-motivated. Add to this passion and a drive to help others, and you are the ideal candidate for starting a franchise with ActionCOACH.

Interested applicants will need to make a minimum investment of £69,000.

Aspray

This award-winning franchise has set out to make starting a new business as easy as possible for its clients. Founded in 2005, Aspray is a leader in the property claims management sector. The brand helps its clients claim residential and property insurance, and makes sure their insurance companies provide a fair settlement.

If you want to be part of a business that is making life easier for a vast number of businesses and individuals around the country, why not become a Aspray franchisee?

Aspray is looking for entrepreneurs who are organised, hard-working and are interested in the restoration of homes and businesses. They should be passionate about helping customers through difficult times, therefore be compassionate and a people person. If you think this sounds like you, a total investment of £37,500 is needed to be accepted as a franchisee.

In return for your investment, you will be provided with a tried and tested training programme that has proved successful with previous franchisees. This includes support with getting a great team of staff on board and holding events. Keen to further your development as a successful Aspray franchise business owner, the brand will hold regional meetings and conferences which franchisees up and down the UK can attend.

For more details, head to the Aspray client page. You can also register your interest.

B2B marketing franchises

Activ Net Marketing

Activ Net Marketing is a digital marketing franchise with over a decade of experience in the industry providing SMEs with website development. This market is still surprisingly large, with 37 percent of all SMEs yet to develop a web presence.

This is one of the most affordable B2B franchises and gives you the chance to work from the comfort of your own home. As a franchisee, you’ll become part of a reputable online franchise which has built thousands of websites for a wide range of businesses.

As well as small businesses, organisations such as charities, sports clubs and local governments are queuing up to get help to develop or improve their online presence. This means that wherever you choose to set up your business, you’ll easily generate demand for prospective clients wanting to benefit from your services.

You don’t need to be a digital whizz to start an Activ Net Marketing either. The software you'll use can be operated with limited computer skills, and you’ll receive all the technical training you need to become a success. The sales model is straightforward too. Your clients pay a set-up cost for each website you design, so the more clients you have, the more money you make.

To become a franchisee, it’s necessary to raise a minimum investment of £9,995. The franchise operates a tiered pricing structure in which franchisees can invest more or less depending on the range of services they want to access. Activ Net marketing does not require franchisees to have any technical IT skills, as everything is taught on the introductory training course.

Included in the training package is a three-day course covering strategies, software and products. Even if you only have basic IT skills, you will still be able to easily operate the company software. After the training, you’ll soon be a whizz in SEO and website design. However, if you still would prefer to take more of a client-focused role and avoid the more techy side of the franchise, Activ Net’s in-house website design team can manage this.

Even once you’re up and running, you’ll still be supported by the franchise. You’ll have the support of an existing Activ Net franchisee, who will mentor you for three months. This will accompany training courses catered to your individual needs. These can be completed either online or in person and whenever you need them.

B2B sales franchises

FASTSIGNS

FASTSIGNS designs, produces and installs signs and banners for businesses to advertise. There are now 20 franchises in the UK with more being added at a rapid rate. FASTSIGNS has a vast global presence too, with over 675 franchises across 10 countries.

To become a FASTSIGNS franchisee, a minimum investment of £25,000 is required. However, further investment and substantial working capital will also be necessary to ensure the success of the business. In return for your investment, you’ll be granted the rights to operate under the FASTSIGNS name and utilise its brand image and trademarks. No previous experience in a printing business is necessary, as you’ll receive sufficient training to see you through the initial set-up period. But what exactly can you expect when you become a franchisee?

You will participate in an excellent training programme that has been instrumental in the success of many FASTSIGNS franchisees and helped fuel its national and international expansion. Help will also be provided when finding the perfect location for your shop. You will have access to marketing campaigns for launch day so you can get word of your new business out in the local area and bring in plenty of custom from the very beginning.

FASTSIGNS is looking for individuals with excellent communication skills, the ability to manage a team and a firm understanding of business fundamentals. If this sounds like you, then this could be the right franchise for your investment.

How to find the right B2B franchise for you

There are so many B2B franchise opportunities to choose from, so it can be difficult to know where to start. A great way to narrow down your options is to give some thought to what you would enjoy doing and then identify franchises that would allow you to do this every day.

Of course, it's vital that your chosen franchise has a good reputation too. To find out if this is the case, check out the British Franchise Association (BFA) website. Here you’ll find a directory of all BFA-accredited franchises. Membership of the BFA indicates that the franchisor has had to meet strict criteria. This includes having a proven franchise concept, a prosperous trading history and operates an ethical business.

It’s also crucial you do your due diligence before investing in a franchise. Not only should you meet with the franchisor, but you should also speak to existing franchisees from within the network. This will give you an idea of what it's like to be part of the franchise and alert you to any issues that there may be.

Investing in a B2B franchise can give you the opportunity to be your own boss while helping other small businesses to improve and grow.