We support franchisee clients across a range of industries, providing advice, guidance and representation to ensure their franchise has a solid legal foundation on which to build a business.
Expert legal advice and representation
Our franchise team has extensive expertise in advising franchisees in respect of their franchise agreement and in related areas such as commercial property and commercial leases, employment issues and franchise disputes.
We have a strong commercial focus and our advice is practical and honest. We will talk through your situation with you and set out clearly the options available. We are always happy to answer questions and we make sure we are available as needed to discuss your business and franchise with you.
As accredited members of the British Franchise Association, we adhere to their high and ethical franchising standards.
Taking on a franchise
Taking on a franchise can be a good way to start a business. With a proven model to follow and often some level of support from your franchisor, it can feel like an easier and lower-risk option than starting an enterprise from scratch.
However, it is essential to understand fully your rights and responsibilities before entering into a franchise agreement. You should also conduct extensive due diligence into the franchise before going ahead. As well as looking at the figures and the market, you should find out why the franchise is for sale and, where possible, talk to other franchisees in the chain.
Legal services for franchisees
Although taking on a franchise may seem relatively simple compared to starting a business, you should be wary of the liabilities you are signing up for. You should always take professional advice before signing up, to ensure that you understand both the financial position and potential of the franchise as well as the legal responsibilities.
At Hutchinson Thomas we can go through the franchise agreement on your behalf, drawing any onerous clauses to your attention. We will also advise you in respect of premises and commercial leases, which can be extremely expensive and have the potential to expose you to large expenditure in the future.
If there are employees, we can go through the relevant employment documentation and discuss with you the responsibilities of taking them on. We will also explain the risks that you are exposed to in the franchise agreement and ensure that there are adequate provisions in place for you to leave the franchise, should you wish to do so, and to resolve disputes.
We can provide practical legal advice to you throughout the term of your franchise business in respect of commercial, employment and operational issues. We also have close contacts in other areas of expertise including accountancy, franchise recruitment, lending and marketing.
Contact us
Hutchinson Thomas is the first law firm in Wales to be awarded the Law Society Mark of Excellence. The firm and many of our lawyers are recognised year on year in the Legal 500 publication as leading individuals in their field.
We have in-depth experience of the franchise industry and as well as leading expertise we provide excellent service to our franchisee clients. We will take the time to understand your business needs and make sure we are always available to speak to you when needed to answer any questions you may have.
If you are considering taking on a franchise or you have any questions about the operation of your business and you would like to speak to one of our expert franchise solicitors ring us us on the following numbers or fill in our contact form.