This Book Won't Sell You a Franchise. That's Exactly the Point

Bought In launches at the International Franchise Show, ExCeL London, 17–18 April 2026 — Stand 722. Essential reading for anyone buying, or considering franchising, a business.

Steve Lee, an experienced independent franchise consultant and Managing Director of The Franchise Consultant (UK Franchise Consultants Ltd), is set to publish his debut book, Bought In: How Franchising Saved My Career, Built My Life, and Why It Might Be the Best Decision You Ever Make.

The hardback and paperback launch at the International Franchise Show, ExCeL London, on 17–18 April 2026, where Steve will be exhibiting at Stand 722. The Kindle eBook is available to pre-order now.

Bought In is an honest, practical account of what franchising really involves, written for two audiences: those considering buying a franchise, and business owners exploring whether franchising is the right model for their growth. Part memoir and part hands-on guide, the book draws on Steve’s experience advising both sides of the franchise relationship, working with hundreds of individuals considering buying a franchise and with businesses across the UK exploring whether franchising is the right route to scale.

What the Book Covers

For prospective franchisees, Bought In addresses the questions most buyers have but rarely get straight answers to: how to evaluate a franchise beyond the brochure, what the agreement actually means, how to assess whether an opportunity is a genuine fit, and what distinguishes franchises that succeed from those that struggle.

For business owners, the book tackles the question of whether franchising is genuinely the right growth model for their business, what it really takes to build a successful franchise network, and the common mistakes that cause otherwise strong businesses to struggle when they move into franchising.

Throughout, the book draws on Steve’s own story, including the decisions that paid off and the lessons learned the hard way.

“Franchising is one of the most powerful business models available, but only when it is the right fit. Whether you are thinking about buying a franchise or building one, the decisions you make at the start will define everything that follows. I wrote this book to give both sides of that conversation an honest, practical foundation to work from.”
Steve Lee, author of Bought In and Managing Director, The Franchise Consultant

About Steve Lee / The Franchise Consultant

Steve Lee is the founder and Managing Director of The Franchise Consultant (UK Franchise Consultants Ltd), a franchise advisory firm operating across the UK. Steve works with two distinct groups: individuals considering buying a franchise, and businesses looking to grow through franchising. The Franchise Consultant currently works with around 40 businesses that franchise their operations, spanning a wide range of sectors.

Steve works across the franchise industry and his advice is driven by one question: is this the right opportunity for this person? He has no interest in placing a client in the wrong franchise.

Steve has helped hundreds of individuals and businesses to evaluate opportunities, conduct due diligence, negotiate agreements and build successful franchise operations. He is a recognised voice in the UK franchising industry.