Franchising vs expansion –
Expansion – which we’ll cover in more detail in part two – involves taking on additional premises or facilities yourself, instead of licensing the operations to a franchisee. Although you are responsible for the running of multiple sites (and the cost associated with that), you stay in complete control.
So which business strategy is right for you? The answer depends on a number of factors. The first one is if what you offer is tied to a particular location e.g. facility / training ground, or people e.g. coaches / tutors. If that’s the case, it might be harder to franchise.
A franchise model works for Pulse Academy because it’s an educational programme, rather than a traditional football club. Theoretically, the programme could be delivered anywhere by anyone with the right training.
There are similar franchised programmes in the world of vietnam rcs data gymnastics, particularly in the US. These often offer training in specialist skills, such as ninja programmes (you can read more about these in our article – Running a ninja programme at your gymnastics club).
For certain sports and clubs, however, franchising might not be the best option.
“Franchising is something that hasn’t ever been used in swimming clubs in the UK,” says Clive Marquis, LoveSwimming Community Ambassador.
“Here, clubs are mainly run as non-for-profit organisations, which Swim England really wants swim teams to adhere to. Franchising a swimming organisation could bring around governance issues, unless your intentions are made clear to the national governing body.”
However, it’s a slightly different situation for swim schools. As Clive explains; “In the swim school market, franchising is a great way to increase revenue.