Read the original SME Today article here: Britons turn their backs on traditional corporate careers as unemployment hits five-year high
SME Today recently featured BusinessesForSale.com in an article exploring why more Britons are moving away from traditional corporate careers and towards business ownership.
The piece highlighted growing demand for franchise and resale opportunities as workers seek greater security and control in an uncertain economy. Using BusinessesForSale.com data, SME Today reported that franchise and resale enquiries increased by more than 40% between 2021 and 2026, reflecting rising interest in established, revenue-generating businesses.
BusinessesForSale.com CEO and Co-Founder Andrew Markou said buyers are increasingly favouring proven operations over starting businesses from scratch. He also noted that the profile of business buyers is changing, with growing interest from younger graduates struggling in the jobs market, alongside experienced professionals looking for a second act after corporate careers.
The article featured entrepreneur Aaron Johal, who chose to open a Black Sheep Coffee franchise instead of pursuing a conventional City career after university. SME Today also profiled former finance professional John Preston, who built a nationwide Mathnasium franchise network after leaving the corporate world.
The piece positioned franchising as an increasingly attractive middle ground between employment and startup entrepreneurship, offering buyers the support of established systems while still giving them ownership and independence.