Cricket Franchise Opportunities in the UK

Cricket has been around for centuries - since the 1500s, in fact. It is incredibly popular across the globe, with 104 nations as official members of the International Cricket Council.

The Cricket Industry at a Glance

The industry consists of cricket accessories manufacturers, broadcasters, sponsors and major tournaments like the World Cup and ICC Trophy. What was once played as an amateur game has transformed into a billion-pound worldwide industry. The countries where this industry thrives most are the UK, Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the sport is becoming more prominent in Canada, Bangladesh, Kenya, the Netherlands and Zimbabwe.

The main accessory manufacturers are Slazenger, Gunn & Moore and Puma. Associated accessories include bats, batsman’s gloves, batting pads, wicket-keeping pads and gloves, ball, helmets, thigh guards and stumps.

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The Cricket World Cup was introduced back in 1975 in England. The ICC Cricket World Cup was held in 2007 in the West Indies and 16 nations took part. A staggering $550 million in revenue was generated from television rights and sponsorship.

It is also thought that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has an annual turnover of over £100 million and the Indian Premier League has a value of roughly $2.99 billion (Brand Finance). Despite being invented in England, the sport is soaring in India. Needless to say, the cricket industry in the UK is booming and there is plenty of scope to start a lucrative business in the sector - whether that be accessories, sports coaching or sports facilities.

Cricket Franchise or Independent Start-up

Starting a business is a big decision which should be approached with caution. The sports industry is exciting but, at the same time, challenging and constantly evolving. Therefore, opting to choose the franchise route could be a less risky and more cost-effective option. A franchise has the benefit of a tried and tested business model and a recognisable brand name, which results in there being an existing customer base. Also, being a franchisee, you will have access to business management expertise, industry contacts and discounted supply chains.

Cricket Franchise Cost

It has been estimated that cricket franchises start at approximately £11,500, however it’s difficult to provide a definite amount due to there being such a large variety of different types and sizes of cricket-related franchises. To get an idea, take a look below at three cricket franchises to see if you want to put bat to ball in starting your own.

Cricket Franchise for Sale

Mini Crickets

This franchise specialises in bespoke cricket coaching programmes for children between the ages of three and eight. Homing in on skills and drills are made fun and simple with the brand’s creation, ‘crickety’ the cricket playing cricket.

For the previous three years in a row, the franchise has been nominated for the ‘Outstanding Services to Cricket Coaching Award’ by the NatWest OSCA’S at Surrey County Cricket Club. Impressively, the company has been responsible for eight of its clients successfully making the Surrey County Cricket performance squads.

Founded in 2009, Mini Crickets has adopted the franchise model to achieve its aim of UK expansion. The ideal franchisee is someone who is passionate, motivated and enjoys working with children. It will supply a comprehensive franchise package that will cover everything from coaching manuals to kits, to intensive training and ongoing support.

For more information, email info@minicrickets.com.

Cricket Tots

This children’s sport franchise strives to ‘bring out the best in children with the power of cricket.’ It was founded in 2016 and has received impressive support and recognition from the industry ever since. The main aim is to see children grow and enjoy interacting with others through the medium of cricket. Classes are run for two and a half to five-year-olds in a supportive environment that nurtures their development.

Cricket Tots is a member of ukactive Kids and has earned Gold accreditation status by the Children’s Activities Association.

The franchise package has been carefully constructed so franchisees are equipped with all the essential knowledge to run a profitable Cricket Tots franchise. The brand, systems and processes are proven to work well in the industry so franchisees can replicate the same success. How much you earn depends on what you put in. There is a variety of territories in which you can operate and you can incorporate more as you expand. Equipment is easily transported to different locations and the company will support finding an inexpensive location to hold the classes; whether that be community halls, town halls, school halls, studios or gyms, there is plenty to choose from. And, if that location doesn’t work for you, just move! You will also benefit from national marketing initiatives, a dedicated account manager for your territory, financial advice and a quick start up.

In order to invest, a start-up cost of £5,000 is required.

If you are interested in teaching young children, are passionate about cricket, have dreamed of opening your own business and therefore wish to become a franchisee, email enquiries@crickettots.co.uk

Last Man Stands

Last Man Stands was founded in 2005 in London. The franchise provides a fun, two-hour global format for time-restricted cricketers. It is the widest-reaching amateur cricket league across the globe which connects cricketers from different countries, races and religions to enjoy this interesting format of cricket. Each player and their team have access to cricket statistics and world rankings online and they can compare their performances to other Last Man Stands teams thousands of miles away. The interactive website provides the amateur cricketer detailed stats usually reserved for the pros.

Franchisees will receive help with set-up; including the operations manual, setting up web pages, Last Man Stands league management software, on-site logistics training and ongoing support with marketing and operational issues.

Head to its website now to fill out the application form and find out more.