Could this mark the start of a renaissance for franchising as the perfect business model for wealth creation in modern Britain? 

As the economy continues to adapt after a long period of economic uncertainty, franchising is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business. For business owners looking to expand, or for those aspiring to go into business for themselves, there’s no doubt it has a great deal to offer, and many agree that the UK is on the cusp of a major franchising boom. 

Excellent news for franchise development and recruitment experts such as The Franchising Centre (TFC) who’s nearly three decades of experience and expertise is set to put them front and centre of this next chapter. However, in an unprecedented move this summer, TFC stepped out from behind the scenes and into the spotlight when they decided to buy out one of their most successful clients, Access4Lofts.

Growing from a small business run out of a spare bedroom in Plymouth into a nationwide success story, Access4Lofts is very much the poster child of how much can be achieved when franchising is done right. 

Access4Lofts first partnered with TFC in early 2020, and their strategy and support helped Access4Lofts grow rapidly into a thriving franchise network which now covers nearly 100 locations. With an annual network turnover of nearly £15 million and growing all the time, and with 72% of U.K. territories already sold, planning for expansion into Europe and beyond is underway.

When the owners, Tim & Lindsay Brown and Graham Ormesher announced in early 2024 that they were considering retirement, they were pleasantly surprised when The Franchising Centre team themselves expressed an interest in buying the business. They successfully purchased the franchise in early Summer, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the firm as they took on the role of franchisors themselves.

While this was certainly a bold move which surprised many in the franchising world, it was anything but a leap into the unknown for TFC. Having worked so closely with Access4Lofts at every level of their franchise operations, their in-depth knowledge of the business and its growth potential made this an unmissable opportunity.

TFC’s lead Franchise Consultant for Access4Lofts, Steve Felmingham, told us: “This is about so much more than just acquiring a highly profitable business. It’s about taking the helm of a living breathing example of the power of franchising. How can we be so confident? We helped to build it!”

This is not just theory, or a hand-picked example, this is us putting our money where our mouth is and proving just how much can be achieved through franchising.”

With plans in place to start expanding abroad, you can expect to hear a lot more about Access4Lofts, and The Franchising Centre, in the near future!