When you hear the word “franchising,” what comes to mind? Maybe fast food chains or the Marvel movies?
That’s what most people think of, but franchising is so much more than burgers and movie tickets. It’s also a fantastic way to run your own business, especially if you’re passionate about services like education or skill-building in your local community.
So, what does franchising really mean—especially for a small, children's education business like us at Inventors & Makers? Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is a Franchise?
At its core, a franchise is a partnership between two parties:
The franchisor is the person or company that owns the brand, the systems, and the business model - at Inventors & Makers that's us!
The franchisee (that’s you!) is someone who runs their own business using the franchisor’s brand, systems, and support.
You can think of it like this: the franchisor provides the recipe, and you bring the ingredients and energy to make it a success in your local area.
How Does a Children's Educational Franchise Work?
Here’s a quick look at what happens when you join a service-based franchise like Inventors & Makers:
You Invest in the Brand
First, you’ll pay an initial franchise fee to the franchisor. This fee gives you access to their business model, training, marketing tools, and ongoing support and is payable in full up front.
You Deliver Services Locally
You’ll bring the service and content directly to your local community—whether that’s in schools, in nurseries, or in other local community venues. You’re the face of the brand in your area.
You Get Help Along the Way
The franchisor doesn’t just set you up and disappear. They’ll provide training, marketing materials, and operational support to help you succeed on an ongoing basis.
You Share the Success
In return for their support, you’ll pay ongoing royalties (a small percentage of your revenue) to the franchisor. This partnership keeps the business running smoothly for everyone involved.
Why is a Franchise a Great Business Model?
Franchising is a great way to start your own business without having to reinvent the wheel. As well as franchising being a consistently successful business model across the UK, here’s why children's educational franchises, like Inventors & Makers, can be such a great way to go into business doing what you love:
Hit the Ground Running
Starting a business is hard work! A franchisor has likely spent years testing and refining a business and systems that work effectively and learning from their mistakes. You get to jump straight to the top of the learning curve meaning customers and profits come sooner and more reliably.
Give Yourself Flexibility
Franchises often allow you to work on your own schedule. You can tailor your business commitments around your personal schedule, working part time and taking holidays when you need them, while still having a real impact.
Get Full Support
Running a business on your own can be lonely - no one to celebrate your success with or talk over big decisions. While a franchise is your own business, you're never on your own. A franchisor will provide support throughout your business journey as is needed.
Benefit From Low Start Up Costs
With a service-based franchise like Inventors & Makers, you don’t need to rent a premises or worry about big equipment purchases. Most of your focus will be on delivering the best service possible to your local schools and community.
Have a Community Impact
Educational franchises let you make a difference where it matters most—helping children and young people in your area learn new skills and reach their potential.
If you'd like to know more about franchising with Inventors & Makers, you can download our franchising brochure.
Commentaires