Franchising sells other people the right to trade as you, which puts your brand in the hands of operators you do not employ.
The agreement is the only thing that keeps standards consistent, protects the system you have built and stops a departing franchisee taking your customers and running the same business under a new name.
Franchisees, for their part, commit real money on the strength of the document and the disclosure that comes with it, and one-sided or unenforceable terms tend to fall apart at exactly the moment they are needed.
Franchise arrangements license your brand, systems and know-how to an independent operator.
We help with:
- franchise agreements for franchisors building a network;
- reviewing a franchise agreement before you sign as a franchisee;
- operations manuals, brand standards and the licence terms behind them; and
- territory, renewal, resale and termination arrangements.
We cover the licence of trade marks and know-how, territory and exclusivity, initial and ongoing fees, training and support obligations, brand standards and how they are enforced, term, renewal and what happens on transfer or exit, and restrictions after termination that are proportionate enough to hold up.
We do not advise on tax structuring or property matters, and franchise premises usually need a property specialist, whom we can introduce.
Our Approach
Legal advice that makes running and growing your business easier.
We start with your business, not the law.
Before we open a document, we want to understand what you are trying to do commercially. The legal answer is only useful if it serves that.
We get to the point.
You get a clear view of what matters and what does not, in plain English, with the real risks separated from the noise.
We give you an answer.
Not a menu of options and a shrug. We tell you what we would do, why, and where there is a genuine judgment call for you to make.
We stay available.
Whether you work with us on a single project or on a subscription, we are here for the follow-up question. We would always rather you asked.
Ways of working together
Fixed-fee projects
A single, defined piece of work for an agreed fixed fee, communicated before we engage. Reviewing a contract, drafting your terms, handling a negotiation.
No surprises and no hidden fees
Flagship Subscription
Ares Access
Ongoing support on a fixed monthly subscription, for businesses that need commercial legal input regularly rather than as the occasional one-off.
- Dedicated lawyer
- Fixed monthly fees
- Commercial advice on demand
From £500 plus VAT per month
Legal Health Check
Fixed fee of £2,000 plus VAT
Any questions?
Phone: 02382 420035
