Six Unique Franchise Concepts to Invest In
Cara Squires, writer
Published at 09/05/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 6 min
The world of franchising is full of variety. It’s a dynamic, ever-changing space, and finding the right franchise concept to invest in is crucial. Here are six unique franchises just waiting for your investment.
Running a franchise well means standing out from the competition, and appealing to customers with your offerings. The most successful businesses know their own strengths, know their unique selling points (USPs), and play to these. If you’re interested in investing in a non-traditional franchise concept, this article is a great place to start.
Understanding the world of franchising
Franchising is often misunderstood to be heavily focused around quick service and fast food restaurants like Auntie Anne’s and Crepe Delicious; excellent in their own right, but limited in scope if this industry doesn’t appeal to you. Though there are plenty of different top franchise ideas for aspiring restaurateurs, there’s a much wider range of opportunities on offer when it comes to franchising in the UK.
Over the years, the industry of franchising has evolved into a space where you can start a business in virtually any sector, and finding a unique franchise concept to invest in is now easier than ever. Here are some of the most inventive franchise concepts out there right now.
Top unique franchises to invest in
1. Wilkins Chimney Sweep
Though it might feel like it belongs in Mary Poppins, chimney sweeping isn’t a skill confined to history. Thanks to the increasing popularity of log burners and open fires in the UK [Glowing Embers], the demand for professional chimney sweeps is actually on the rise in 2021. This unique business continues to grow with time.
First established in 1895 by a man named Tom Wilkins, Wilkins Chimney Sweep has been around for an incredible 120 years, and its industry know-how and business model has been passed down and adapted by generation after generation. If you’re interested in investing in this cleaning franchise with a long and fascinating history, the initial investment cost is £13,100.
For this fee, you’ll be granted:
The rights to an exclusive territory
Comprehensive training for franchisee and employees
All the tools and equipment you’ll need to get started
Ladder Association accreditation
2. DIGI-SPORTS
Established in 2015, DIGI-SPORTS is an events specialist, offering the fun and unique concept of an exclusive interactive wall with a built-in competitive and customisable games. DIGI-SPORTS’ product can promote team building, create competitive spirit, and provide entertainment. Customers of any physical ability can enjoy the wall, as it’s an easy-to-learn, easy-to-play game with customisable options.
The entertainment and events franchise established its first international partnership in 2017, and some of its customers include big sporting names like FIFA and EUFA.
DIGI-SPORTS now has 55 partners worldwide. To franchise with this niche company and invest in its distinctive product, you’ll need to make a minimum investment of £9,000. After this, you’ll receive pre-service training and full support from the franchisor.
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- Franchising 101: The Official Franchise Start Up Checklist (Part 2)
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3. Rooster Shack
Rooster Shack is, in fact, a quick service restaurant, but it’s also an incredibly unique franchise, changing and raising the standard for chicken shops across the country. The fast food franchise is a distinctive independent brand which has won the Good Food Award for Takeaways two years running.
Rooster Shack began as a family business and quickly found success. Imran Mamud and his father opened the first Rooster Shack location in Woking in 2016, and the franchise has only grown since, with plans to keep expanding throughout 2021. The franchise caters to a range of customers, and the menu includes halal, vegetarian and vegan options.
Rooster Shack has a well-deserved reputation for supporting franchisees in getting the best return on their investment. The franchise is also uniquely capable of trading successfully in spaces with a small square footage, reducing rent costs. To get involved, a minimum investment of £75,000 is required. For that amount, new franchisees will be provided with:
Operational support
Detailed training
Access to money-saving deals with approved vendors
Marketing guidance and assistance
4. Business Partnership
Established in 1979, Business Partnership is a leading independent network of UK business brokers. Franchisees come from an array of backgrounds, including finance, accountancy, wholesale and care, and all brokers are fully trained to complete everything required of them to an extremely high standard.
Business Partnership’s model of operations is unique, as franchisees are afforded more flexibility than they usually would be in this sector. With the ongoing support and training of the franchisor, Business Partnership franchisees are free to, “build a business brokerage that plays to [their] strengths.”
Each franchisee will receive exclusivity to a defined territory for five years, as well as training and support from the franchisor. The initial investment cost for the business franchise is £25,000, with ongoing franchise fees of £600 a month, and marketing contributions of £85 a month. No royalties are charged on a percentage of earnings, however, and you’re likely to break even within the first half-year. In fact, by the end of year two, you could be earning over £80,000.
>> Read more:
- 5 Advantages of Franchising for Young People
- 9 Things to Know Before Becoming a Franchisee
- Mythbusters: Common Misconceptions About What Makes a Successful Franchisee
- 5 Great Reasons to Become a Franchisee
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5. Driver Hire
Driver Hire acts as the middle-man between private and public sector companies and drivers. This individual, exciting business provides drivers and logistics staff to businesses in need of them. Founded in 1983, Driver Hire began its franchising journey in 1987, and now has 100 locations.
Over the last 30 years, the business franchise has become one of the most consistently successful franchise brands in the UK, making it the perfect investment choice for potential franchisees searching for financial success and looking to become a part of a thriving business model.
Driver Hire has won the BFA HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award six times, and 53% of Drive Hire’s locations have achieved sales of over £1 million. To become part of this large, successful franchise, you’ll need to make a minimum investment of £32,000. All new franchisees will receive full training and expert support.
6. Techclean
Techclean is the UK’s leading specialist in professional I.T equipment cleaning. Highly-trained employees of the cleaning franchise use their expert skills to safely and deeply clean a range of different tech from small to large scale, including:
Laptops and computers
Printers, photocopiers, fax machines and scanners
Phones
Mixing desks
Electronic point of sale systems and ATMs
Workstations and workspaces
Computer suites, data rooms and communication centres
The cleaning franchise has been around since 1983, and now has 10 locations across the UK. Initial investment in the business costs £19,500, and new franchisees will be provided with a comprehensive business set-up package, including extensive training and support.
What makes Techclean unique? The service is specialist, and the operating costs are extremely low. This business can operate on a mobile basis, meaning you won’t need to rent office space. All you need to run a successful Techclean franchise is enough space for stock and supplies.
Start your franchise journey today
With such a huge breadth of interesting investment opportunities available to potential franchisees, there’s never been a better time to get stuck into the world of franchising. Explore the wide range of franchising opportunities available across the UK via Point Franchise’s directory.
Cara Squires, writer