Buying into a franchise lets you work for yourself with the backing of an established brand, a proven way of working and training from people who have done it before. For most people considering it, the first serious question is about money. How much could you realistically earn?
If you are researching an affordable franchise in the UK, the honest answer is that it depends. The useful part is understanding what it depends on, so you can judge any opportunity for yourself.
Turnover is not the same as income
Franchise materials often talk about turnover, and it is easy to read that as take-home pay. It is not. Turnover is the money coming in. What you earn is what is left after paying for materials, fuel, vehicle costs, insurance, marketing, royalties, any staff and tax.
When you look at any earnings figure, check whether it refers to turnover, gross profit or net profit, and over what period.
What you pay to get started
The initial franchise fee is only part of the commitment. You will also need to budget for a vehicle (bought, leased or adapted), tools and equipment, insurance, initial stock and enough working capital to cover your living costs while the business builds up.
A low-cost franchise makes self-employment more accessible, but it is still an investment. Before committing, ask for a full breakdown of what the fee includes and what it does not.
What you pay on an ongoing basis
Most franchises charge ongoing fees, usually a royalty based on turnover and sometimes a marketing contribution. With More Than Loft Ladders, royalties become payable once revenue passes a specified threshold, with the rate and any reductions set out by the company. Make sure you understand exactly how royalties are calculated and when they start, as they affect your profit every month.
Example earnings and how to read them
More Than Loft Ladders publishes example financial projections for different business sizes, from a single-van operation to a larger business running several vehicles. They show how turnover and profit can grow as installation capacity increases.
These examples are based on franchisee results and are not a guarantee of what you will earn. Your results will depend on demand in your territory, your costs, how effectively you win and convert work, and how much time you put in.
Questions to ask before you invest
These are worth asking of any franchise, including ours:
- What assumptions sit behind the published earnings figures?
- How long do new franchisees typically take to break even?
- What are the total ongoing fees, and how are they calculated?
- Can I speak to current franchisees, including ones who are newer to the network?
- What happens if I want to sell the business or leave?
- What does the territory include, and how is it protected?
It is also sensible to have a solicitor review the franchise agreement and an accountant look over the financial projections before you sign. The British Franchise Association has useful guidance for anyone new to franchising.
How growth changes your earnings
Many franchisees start as a one-van operation and expand once demand is steady. Adding vehicles and installers increases how many jobs you can take on, but it also brings wages, extra vehicle costs and more time spent managing rather than installing. Growth works best when it follows real, consistent demand.
The More Than Loft Ladders franchise
More Than Loft Ladders offers an affordable franchise in the home improvement sector, installing loft ladders, boarding and storage. Franchise partners receive residential training, additional on-site guidance, launch marketing, lead management support and access to a customer relationship management system, along with help setting up accounting and liability insurance. Each partner works in an exclusive territory, and no previous installation experience is needed.
If you would like to understand the numbers in more detail, visit our low-cost franchise opportunity page and arrange a discovery call.
