This post is the start of a new weekly series where we round up the latest news from the UK franchise industry.
Franchise brands are starting out strong all across the United Kingdom for 2018. This week has brought news of expansion and growth throughout the country, with both domestic and international franchises looking to grow their footprint in the hot UK market. Catch up on the latest franchise developments in this Friday Franchising News:
Fitness Space Studios Open Prime UK Locations
Fitness Space has started 2018 with the opening of studio locations in a number of prime territories across the United Kingdom, including: Wimbledon, Kilburn Park, Lisburn Road, Belfast, and the flagship London studio in St James. This brings the number of UK Fitness Space boutique fitness studios up to 22, with many more scheduled for opening throughout the year. Fitness Space is also hosting the franchise’s first Discovery Day of 2018 on 8th February at Technogym in Bracknell, which prospective franchisees are encouraged to attend.
Auntie Anne’s to Open First Store in the North West
Auntie Anne’s, the global pretzel and snack food franchise, has revealed expansion plans for 2018. The franchise plans to open 11 total sites in the North West of England later this year, adding to their current portfolio of 34 stores across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Throughout the year, many of the franchise’s older sites will be updated to the new Auntie Anne’s style. The brand is also adding a new ‘twist’ to its franchise model with the launch of food-to-go vans.
Iconic Australian Hairdressing Franchise Launches in the UK
Australian hairdressing franchise Just Cuts recently celebrated its expansion into the United Kingdom, with the grand opening of a kiosk salon in Lakeside shopping centre in Grays. The standalone compact kiosk is expected to flourish in its new market, just as the Just Cuts brand has in Australia and New Zealand for the past 27 years. Just Cuts is the largest franchise brand in the Southern Hemisphere, with 205 salons and an over 3,000-member stylist network.
DOR-2-DOR Launches 3 New Franchisees
DOR-2-DOR leaflet distribution and printing just launched three new franchise owners in Walsall, Coventry and Harlow. Franchisees Steve and Andrew Porter, a father-son team operating in Walsall, have turned used this opportunity to convert their existing business into a DOR-2-DOR franchise. Lorraine Perry has taken over the DOR-2-DOR franchise in Harlow. Lucy Woolhouse and Darren Raper have taken on the Coventry franchise. These newest additions increase the brand’s network to 70 franchisees across the UK.
Crêpeaffaire to Expand With Help From a £2M Investment
As one of the UK’s leading creperie franchises, Crêpeaffaire is poised for significant expansion, thanks to a £2 million investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF). This tremendous investment is set to triple Crêpeaffaire’s portfolio. Andrew Guy has been tasked with expanding the franchise’s footprint in the UK and worldwide. BGF will be a long-term minority investor in the franchise, which already has 15 outlets throughout the UK and a growing presence in the Middle East, as it accelerates its global growth.