Q&A: Does Jasper's Franchise in the UK?

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 12/01/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

Q&A: Does Jasper's Franchise in the UK? — Photo © jaspers-franchise-information.jpg

If you’re interested in starting a catering services franchise, you may have researched the Jasper’s business model. The company provides food for meetings, corporate functions and other events - but are there any Jasper’s franchise opportunities?

Jasper’s delivers fresh, locally sourced food through for a range of corporate events. Organisers can order a selection of dishes from a wide-ranging menu of sandwiches and hot buffet options. Since its launch in 2003, the company has won a number of business awards and proven itself to be a successful player in the catering services sector.

Does Jasper’s franchise?

Yes, it offers investors the chance to set up their very own food service franchise business under its branding. If you join the company, you’ll have the chance to be part of a national catering firm with an existing portfolio of loyal customers.

Keep reading to find out more about how you can get involved in the franchise.

History of Jasper’s

Jasper's was founded by Birmingham-based entrepreneurs Nathan Siekierski and Paul McMahon in 2003. Realising the demand for their services was on the rise and knowing the business had a proven model, they set up the first Jasper's franchise unit in Northampton in 2007.

The company’s headquarters is in the West Midlands suburb of Sutton Coldfield, about eight miles northeast of Birmingham city centre.

Since 2007, Jasper’s has established more than 20 additional units across the UK, as motivated business owners have taken advantage of one of the corporate hospitality sector’s best franchise opportunities.

As you might imagine, the market for food services is significant. The sandwich industry is worth nearly £3 billion alone, but corporate functions make up the biggest proportion of the UK's catering industry, accounting for just under half of its revenue (IBISWorld).

On average, customers spend £64 with every Jasper’s order, and achieving just 50 sales per week can generate around £250,000 in yearly revenue. As a result, Jasper’s offers a valuable opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs hoping to break into the food services sector.

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Starting a Jasper’s franchise unit

Franchisees within the Jasper’s network can avoid paying high overheads, thanks to the brand’s business model. If you invest in the company, you won’t have to rent an expensive property in a high-profile location and pay all the expenses to go along with it.

By the end of your first year in business, you can expect to have gained between 70 and 100 clients, which should allow you to enjoy a comfortable income.

Becoming a Jasper’s franchisee:

Once you've joined Jasper's, you'll be granted an exclusive franchise territory, so you can be sure the franchisor will never open other local franchises and put you at a disadvantage.

As a franchisee, you'll be responsible for managing the day-to-day business processes and procedures, from meeting with customers to working with your team.

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How much you need to invest:

The Jasper’s franchise team suggests the total cost of launching a business with its branding should come in at just over £140,000. You’ll need to make a minimum personal investment of £42,500 and have at least £25,000 saved as working capital to keep your business afloat in the initial stages.

After the first six months, you'll pay an ongoing management service fee of 10 percent if your turnover is below £5,000 per week. If you earn more, the franchise will reduce the management fee percentage.

We also recommend you have enough money to cover the costs associated with getting financial and legal advice as you set up your Jasper’s franchise business.

If you need to borrow funds, you may be able to secure a finance agreement with a bank. Jasper’s has established a relationship with NatWest, Lloyds TSB and HSBC. If possible, you should aim to discuss your situation with financial advisors who have experience in the franchise industry. Staff at your local branch may not be familiar with the specific requirements of the model.

What you get for your investment:

Anyone who invests in the Jasper’s franchise system will get the chance to enrol onto a 16-week pre-launch training programme. The company takes franchisee onboarding very seriously, and is dedicated to providing investors with the knowledge and tools they need to make their business a success.

The initial training scheme will cover all the major aspects of running a franchise business under the Jasper’s brand, including sales and production.

Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be given access to ongoing training. The franchise team provides support in areas like sales conversion, customer retention and the business management system. Additional opportunities are also on offer for established investors, and you can continue learning for as long as you like.

During the set-up phase, Jasper’s will help you find the perfect location for your commercial kitchen and negotiate a great deal with the landlord. The team will also be on hand to support you as you design your professional kitchen and prepare a chilled delivery vehicle.

Plus, you’ll be able to access guidance in the form of business manuals covering everything from sales to HR.

What’s more, Jasper's also offers a unique customer identification process and isolates £1 million worth of business leads, which you can use in your first year. The team will also help you establish a positive working relationship with nearby clients from the get-go.

Learn more about joining the food service industry

The catering industry can be incredibly lucrative, but it also provides the chance to get out and about, meet with customers and help people create high-quality corporate events. If you’d like to be part of this exciting sector, you might like to find out more about becoming a franchisee.

Browse the current franchise opportunities in the food industry or take a look at our articles.