At Ashtons Franchise Consulting, we provide everything a business needs to franchise successfully. We work alongside both new and experienced franchisors, offering practical guidance, hands-on support, and expert insight to help build strong, sustainable franchise networks.
We offer a flexible, great-value service built on long-term relationships, and our clients value our clear, joined-up approach. As a true one-stop shop, we bring together everything needed to franchise successfully, working closely with trusted legal advisers and media specialists where required.
Our friendly team combines decades of real-world experience, having worked as franchisors, franchise directors, and franchisees, with a deep understanding of best practice across sectors.
Our services for businesses new to franchising include:
Free initial exploratory meeting (phone, Zoom or in-person) to discuss your business and options
Feasibility assessments and franchise development programmes, from concept to launch
Franchise manuals and legal documentation (including Agreements, Prospectuses, and Manuals)
Franchisee recruitment and onboarding
Ongoing mentoring and support
For established franchisors, we provide:
Network development and infrastructure improvement
Manual updates and alignment with legal best practice
Franchise system refresh or reboot
Franchise prospectus design and production
Recruitment of new franchisees and franchise resales
Guidance on franchisee retention, training, engagement, and network management
We believe in giving our clients as much knowledge as possible, so they feel confident and in control throughout the franchising process. We stay alongside our clients for the full journey and continue to support them long after launch. As long-standing associates of the British Franchise Association, we are known for working ethically, at your pace and to your budget - never with a “one size fits all” solution.
We operate nationwide and offer a one-stop approach: if it’s not something we do best ourselves, we’ll recommend trusted partners. Our ethos is simple: honest, ethical, and practical support to help your franchise thrive.
Client Testimonials
“I have worked with Ashtons Franchise Consulting since December 2022 when I instructed them to help with the franchising my business. I had and continue to have, great support from Phil who has been with me since day one of my franchising journey, even if I just want to rant. He has assisted with every aspect of preparing my business for franchising where I feel comfortable to fly solo. I don't think I would be seeing the levels of success I have been with Ashtons input and support so for that, I am incredibly grateful.”
Karen Neil (Cardea Healthcare)
“Charlie has integrity. He has significant franchise experience having spent the majority of his working life in the industry, so offered me invaluable insights, advice & support to assist develop our franchise programme in detail, including all necessary franchising documentation. As Charlie works with Ashtons Franchise Consulting, I had the added-value benefit of access to Ashtons Legal services to prepare the Franchise Agreement and other legal requirements. In summary, I can’t rate Charlie highly enough and would recommend him to anyone who is looking to develop a franchise business or indeed already operating in franchising, as I am confident that he will add invaluable knowledge and expertise to any business..”
Stephen Hopper (Plan Burrito)
"Since my initial meeting with Phil and the team, my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. Rob, my franchise consultant, has been outstanding, and I couldn’t be happier with the support, advice, and honest customer service I've received. They’ve expertly balanced showing respect for both me, my business, and my lack of experience in franchising, while providing clear, professional guidance. Rob has gone above and beyond, consistently making me feel like they genuinely care about my business and its success. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
James Wilson (Soccer Shooters)
Ashtons Franchise Consulting has recently welcomed a new consultant to their team, Edinburgh based, extending Ashtons full service franchise support to clients in Scotland and beyond.
Charlie Dickson, BA; MBA, has an extensive career in franchising, both as a franchisee in his early career with Esso Petroleum and then from working for a variety of franchisors in senior management positions across a number of retail, technology, automotive and E-commerce organisations.
Charlie has significant...
