Building your own business, with support.

Teachers often ask us about running a business and in a short survey we conducted many teachers wanted to know more about franchising and if this was a good fit for teachers.

For teachers seeking alternative career paths or supplementary income streams, the prospect of franchising may hold particular appeal. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of franchising, exploring what it entails, what makes a good franchise, whether teachers make good franchisees, the types of franchises suitable for teachers, how to find the right franchise, financial considerations, support systems for franchisees, success stories, and the age-old question: should you give up teaching to embark on a franchising journey?

What Is A Franchise?

Probably the most iconic franchise is McDonald’s, the motto on their franchising page is ‘I didn’t start up. I built up.’ and with 40,275 restaurants worldwide in 2022, they certainly have proved that model.

So, in a nutshell, a franchise is a business model where an individual (the franchisee) purchases the rights to operate a business using the branding, processes, and support of an established company (the franchisor). 

In exchange for fees and royalties, the franchisor provides the franchisee with a proven business concept, training, marketing support, and ongoing assistance.

What Makes A Good Franchise?

Several factors contribute to the success of a franchise.

• robust business model
• established brand recognition
• comprehensive training programmes
• ongoing support
• proven track record of success
• lucrative market 

These are all key indicators of a good franchise opportunity. Additionally, a franchisor-franchisee relationship built on trust, communication, and mutual respect is vital for long-term success.

After considering these points you should also think about what makes a good franchise for you, what locations/terrority do you wish to own and is the demographic there suitable to your ideal franchise?

Do Teachers Make Good Franchisees?

Teachers possess numerous qualities that align well with the demands of franchise ownership. Their strong communication skills, ability to manage diverse groups of people, organisational prowess, adaptability, and dedication to continuous learning are valuable assets in the franchising world. Moreover, educators often excel in following established processes and procedures, a fundamental aspect of many franchise operations.

“Yes absolutely! In fact, now over 85% of my team are ex-teachers that swapped the classroom for nature! 

They are incredibly passionate about teaching children about our precious planet and do it in a fun and engaging way. 

They understand the children and how they learn and are given the freedom to develop their skills in their own way rather than following a rigid curriculum or performing for Ofsted.

They are incredibly organised and look for solutions to problems. They support others too and work really well within the team supporting the other Franchisees to also reach their full potential which is wonderful to see.” Faye Smith – Nature Makers

Read more in our blog Do Teachers Make Good Franchisees? where we hear from reputable sources that teachers do indeed make great franchisees.

What Kind Of Franchises Are Best For Teachers?

The best franchises for teachers are those that leverage your skills, interests, and expertise. Educational franchises, tutoring services, children’s enrichment programs, language schools, and STEM education centres are all lucrative options that capitalise on a teacher’s knowledge base. 

We are really proud to work with many franchises that have teaching, learning and community at their heart, see our Franchise Opportunity Page for more details. Some of the franchises we work with have been started by former teachers. 

Alternatively, teachers may explore franchises in industries that they have a strong alignment with, perhaps a keen hobby or interest; such as healthcare, fitness, or retail, depending on your preferences and goals.

How To Find A Franchise?

Finding the right franchise involves thorough research and due diligence. Online directories, franchise expos, consulting firms, and industry publications are valuable resources for identifying potential opportunities. It’s essential to assess factors such as the franchisor’s reputation, financial stability, franchisee satisfaction, and growth potential before making a decision.

We continue to have an open dialogue with our franchisors and their employees, this way we can learn more about their offering, see how well their current teacher franchisees are getting on and find out about how they inspire the children, young people and adults that are their clients.

With this in mind, we recently caught up with some of our franchisors to find out what their top tips are for you if you are considering a franchise. You can read more here: Top Tips On Choosing A Franchise

How To Tell If A Franchise Is Right For You?

Determining whether a franchise is the right fit requires careful consideration of personal goals, strengths, and limitations. Conduct a self-assessment to evaluate your skills, financial resources, lifestyle preferences, and long-term objectives. 

Additionally, seek input from existing franchisees, consult with legal and financial professionals, and review the franchise disclosure document (FDD) to gain insights into the franchise system.

You might want to speak to family members as the change from teaching could effect your homelife. We have known teachers who’ve opened a franchise with a friend or relative and teachers whose franchise proved so successful that their partner joined them in the business.

Did Teach has started a Franchise Spolight Conversations webinar, this is where our Co-Founder Katie Stickley talks directly to franchisors to find out about their ethos and brand. These videos are worth watching to gain insight into franchises that actively employee teachers and have the community at their heart.

How Much Money Can You Make As A Franchisee?

Earnings potential varies significantly depending on factors such as industry, location, market demand, and individual performance.

While some franchisees achieve substantial financial success, others may experience more modest returns or face challenges along the way. Conduct thorough financial projections, factor in initial investment costs, ongoing expenses, and revenue forecasts to gauge potential profitability.

Many teachers we have spoken with have started their franchise whilst teaching and reduced their hours as their business grew.

“The financial success of our teachers is incredible, with some earning over £1000 per week, highlighting the lucrative potential of our franchise model.” Magic Link Handwriting

Why Is There A Fee For Taking On A Franchise?

By charging an upfront fee, franchisors can help ensure that potential franchisees are serious about the business and have the financial capacity to invest. Please read our blog for more details: Financial Advice For Investing In A Franchise.

How Much Support Do You Get As A Franchisee?

One of the primary advantages of franchising is the support provided by the franchisor. From initial training and site selection to marketing assistance and operational guidance, franchisors offer comprehensive support to help franchisees succeed. Regular communication, access to resources, ongoing training programs, and peer networking opportunities foster a supportive environment conducive to growth and development.

If you do well, they will also benefit and they have their brand’s reputation to look after. Therefore the training and support packages are very comprehensive.

We spoke to some of our franchisors about their Top Marketing Tips For Franchisees, most of the marketing material is created by the head office and distributed to franchisees, however, there are marketing tricks you can do to engage your potential audience. Learning from their tried and tested approach is a win-win.

What Are Some Franchise Success Stories?

Countless franchise success stories serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. From household names like McDonald’s and Subway to emerging brands in various industries, there are numerous examples of franchisees who have achieved remarkable success. These stories underscore the potential for growth, innovation, and prosperity within the franchising landscape.

We have collected case studies from teachers who have become franchisees, you can read about their journeys from teaching to franchising on our Inspiring Stories Blog, all of them would be happy to have a conversation with you, so do reach out. 

“Parents appreciate the dedication and expertise that teachers bring to the table, emphasising the positive impact on their children’s academic performance and self-esteem. The consistent flow of success stories as well as excellent financial income achieved by our teachers further solidify our brand’s reputation as a reliable and effective solution for handwriting improvement.” – Magic Link Handwriting

Should You Give Up Teaching To Start A Franchise?

The decision to transition from teaching to franchise ownership is highly personal and dependent on your individual circumstances. While some teachers may thrive in the entrepreneurial realm, many educational businesses have been started by former teachers, other teachers may prefer to maintain a balance between teaching and franchising. 

Careful consideration of career goals, financial stability, lifestyle preferences, and risk tolerance is essential when weighing such a significant decision. Refer to reputable sources such as the British Franchise Association (BFA) and government resources for more specific information about franchise regulations and best practices in the UK.

In Conclusion

Franchising offers a compelling pathway for teachers seeking to explore new career opportunities, leverage their skills, and achieve financial independence. By conducting thorough research, assessing personal suitability, and aligning with reputable franchisors, educators can embark on a rewarding entrepreneurial journey while making a positive impact on their communities. Whether as full-time franchisees or part-time entrepreneurs, teachers have the potential to excel in the dynamic world of franchising, unlocking their entrepreneurial spirit while continuing to inspire and educate future generations.