For the third year in a row, Franchise Direct has released its annual Top 100 Franchises ranking for the UK. This report is an essential look at the top franchises operating across the United Kingdom in 2021.
Following a detailed analysis of brand data from hundreds of franchises, Franchise Direct has given the top spot to McDonald's for a third consecutive year. As one of the largest and most recognisable franchise brands in the world, it is no surprise that the fast-food chain has taken the number one spot once again. As it stands, McDonalds has 1,100 franchised restaurants across the UK and employs 120,000 people.
Just ranking below McDonald’s, at No.2 and No.3, respectively were Autosmart and Domino’s Pizza.
The Top 20 UK Franchises:
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View the full rankings here
Overview & Trends
The make-up of the Top 20 franchises indicate that food & drink franchises still dominate the sector, with nearly half of the first 20 franchises made up of fast-food franchises and coffee franchises (20% of the Top 100 rankings). Brand name recognition is still a big factor in industry success with big names such Domino’s, KFC, Subway, Starbucks, Pizza Hut and Burger King ranking highly on the list. This proves that a strong customer base and an established business identity are some of the key factors that lead to success and longevity in the market. Outside the Top 20, franchises like Costa Coffee, Papa John’s, and Baskin Robbin’s also feature.
Following on from last year’s trend, cleaning franchises continue to be represented in the Top 100 ranking, with 10 cleaning businesses appear across the list – both Molly Maid and Jan-Pro feature in the Top 10 franchises.
While six children’s franchises were ranked in the Top 100, this is a 50% decrease in comparison to the 2020 ranking, where 12 children’s franchises appeared. Puddle Ducks was the highest-ranking franchise in 2021.
Other Notable Statistics:
Franchise with most worldwide units | Subway – 42,000 outlets |
Most UK units | Costa Coffee – 2,467 units |
Most Featured Countries in the Top 100:
UK Franchises | 54 |
US Franchises | 32 |
AU Franchises | 8 |
*Other countries to appear on the list include: Japan, Canada, Denmark, Sweden
Methodology
To compile this report, Franchise Direct extensively analyses data and research that is collected by company submitted information, third-party resources and published industry sources, along with deploying the company’s own ranking methodology that was devised in 2009 to first determine the rankings for US franchises.
Learn more about the Methodology here
Objectivity is key for franchise ranking reports as numerous factors are examined to determine ranking placement such as financial assistance offered to franchisees, or policies like social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Background
Franchises Direct has been publishing rankings for more than 10 years. This UK report was a new addition to the site in 2019, along with the launch of the French Top 100 Franchises. Both reports take inspiration from the US Top 100 ranking, which is regularly cited by industry professionals in North America. The purpose of these rankings is to provide those in the industry an opportunity to compare the franchise market and system.
*Please Note:
The Franchise Top 100 List ranking is not intended to endorse, advertise, or recommend any particular franchise system, nor is it a definitive list.