Franchise Development Services (FDS)

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Franchise Development Services - A leading franchise organisation

Established in 1981, Franchise Development Services (FDS) is the UK’s most experienced franchise consultants and publishers. We combine best practice with best value in successful franchise development of national and international franchise networks.

Franchise Development Services

FDS has assisted hundreds of companies with various aspects of their franchise development objectives, and thousands of individuals in achieving their investment ambitions by owning and operating a franchise business.

Our bfa-affiliated franchise consultants provide a full one-stop shop of specialised services available to help you grow and franchise your business. That same experience is available to you if you want to invest in becoming a franchisee. Our complete range of franchise consultancy products and services is uniquely combined with a range of leading franchise publications including The Franchise Magazine, Irish Franchise Magazine and The UK Franchise Directory.

Our expertise in developing publications as information resources and recruitment tools for franchising has led to the development of leading franchise websites, including The Franchise Magazine Online, The UK Franchise Directory Online, Irish Franchise Magazine Online, European Franchising and Franchise International.

Today, FDS is a global brand with offices established in the UK, Australia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Spain and United Arab Emirates. FDS is a Full Member of the British Franchise Association (bfa) and a Member of the International Franchise Association (IFA).

The FDS Team

Discover more about our team of leading franchise industry professionals at FDS and how we can help you franchise your business, help you to own and operate a franchise business and more.

Our Seven Divisions

FDS’ divisional structure reflects its commitment to produce individual services tailored to the specific needs of national and international franchisors and franchise owners.

Our Franchise Success Stories

Since 1981, we have helped many companies successfully franchise their business and turn them into national and international operations. Here you can discover a list of brands that we currently work with in relation to franchise consulting and franchise advertising.

Video Testimonials

FDS is a highly regarded franchise consultancy and publications group in the franchise industry and this is your opportunity to hear from recognised franchise industry professionals and their experiences with FDS.

Join FDS

Franchising is one of the most successful methods of growing a business nationally and internationally. FDS has established itself as the major player on the global stage and is seeking qualified people to join one of the best-known franchise consultancies in the world.

For more information on how we can assist you, call us today on 01603 620301 or email enquiries@fdsltd.com.

Franchise Your Business

Franchise Your Business

Franchising is a proven method of business expansion, giving you increased exposure, brand awareness and greater profitability.

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Own A Franchise

Own a Franchise

We provide you with enough information to gain a detailed understanding of franchising and benefits of investing in a franchise.

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International Franchising

International Franchising

Taking your franchise international is an effective means of expansion and bringing a whole new dimension to your brand.

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Already Franchising?

Already Franchising

Details of FDS products and services designed to help you achieve successful national and international franchise expansion.

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London House International

London House International

“Some time after launching our London House franchise, we commissioned FDS (Southern) to provide consultancy services. It was an extremely beneficial exercise to our company. Our only regret was that we did not do it sooner.”
Godfrey Lancashire, Founder & Managing Director

Bluebird Care

Bluebird Care

“I have worked with FDS over many years on a number of projects. Their knowledge of the franchise sector and what it takes to recruit franchisees is excellent as are their media both published and online. I have constantly recruited high quality franchisees through working with FDS.”
Simon Dalziel, Franchise Director

CeX

CeX

“We have had a continuous relationship, using The Franchise Magazine and FDS websites exclusively to attract franchise candidates with great success. We view FDS as long term partners for advice on all aspects of franchising and can recommend them without hesitation.”
Hugh Man, Franchise Director

etyres

etyres

“Following three years of profitable trading, our business was firmly established and ready to be franchised. Finding the right consultant to help us was crucial. I interviewed several leading consultancy firms before deciding on FDS, who we met at the National Franchise Exhibition. FDS were by far the most superior in terms of knowledge and experience.”
Tony Bowman, Managing Director

LMI

LMI

"Having been in franchising for some time, I commissioned FDS Southern to undertake a consultancy work programme for LMI. The period of working together proved of immense value to strengthening our franchise system. The services provided were very professional and of immense help in enhancing our own franchise growth and development programme."
Ray King, Managing Director

TaxAssist Accountants

TaxAssist Accountants

“FDS are very proactive in the franchise market. Wherever you go to franchise exhibitions or seminars, there’s usually an FDS stand or an FDS representative. They publish The Franchise Magazine, a well sought after magazine for anybody who is considering franchising. That’s extremely useful to us as franchisors that are looking to recruit good quality franchisees.”
Karl Sandall, Chief Executive

Jani-King

Jani-King

“FDS have been particularly helpful in the case of Jani-King – developing its business model in the UK. I first met FDS in 1992 and we have an excellent relationship. They have a wealth of experience from a range of franchise models and a huge amount of industry knowledge. I see them as not a cost but as added value and it is an investment well worth spending.”
Paul Howarth, UK Master Franchisee

Autosheen

Autosheen

“I have used FDS for more than five years over three different brands. Their publications and websites consistently achieve the highest returns and are always number one and two when drawing up my marketing plan for each year. Not only do they generate consistently high numbers but more importantly the prospects are high quality too.”
Paul Fennell, Managing Director

The Filta Group

The Filta Group

“The Filta Group has been using The Franchise Magazine for its hard copy advertising for many years. We find that its distribution and widespread reader audience gives us good returns and quality leads for franchise recruitment.”
Damien Slater, General & Franchise Manager at The Filta Group

The Local Bookkeeper

The Local Bookkeeper

“We have found the FDS media – The UK Franchise Directory and The Franchise Magazine – to be one of our best and most cost effective ways of generating good quality leads.”
Alex King, Managing Director

Mahmoods

Mahmoods

"I had toyed with the idea of franchising the Mahmoods business for quite a while. However, I could not find a company I liked or trusted enough to help me take the next step. I visited the National Franchise Exhibition held at Birmingham NEC and met FDS."
Tariq Mahmood, Managing Director

CleanMy

CleanMy

"When we decided to franchise CleanMy we needed expert advice and guidance to help us through the process. The FDS Consultant quickly identified our requirements and paid particular attention to our need for clarity throughout the consultancy process. As a result, I would strongly recommend FDS services to anybody serious about franchising their business.”
Ben Williams, Managing Director

Puddle Ducks

Puddle Ducks

"Jo and I sought help from FDS North when we decided we wanted to franchise the Puddle Ducks business model. We needed help developing the franchise package so that we could offer prospective franchisees a 'business in a box'."
Tracey Townend, Co-Founder

YogaBugs

YogaBugs

“We decided to franchise our business and we sought advice from FDS because they had an excellent reputation. FDS were incredibly supportive and helpful – identifying areas for improvement and suggesting ways of developing our business model to ensure we could franchise our business effectively and appeal to a much wider audience."
Fenella Lindsell, Co-Founder

Recognition Express

Recognition Express

“The Franchise magazine has been a stalwart of UK franchising for many years and I am a regular user of the magazine to target potential franchisees for all our brands.”
Nigel Toplis, Managing Director

Leathes Prior Solicitors

Leathes Prior Solicitors

“Having the support of a business such as FDS is invaluable. Working with their consultants and being able to identify franchisor clients particular requirements of the business, the particular needs, branding strategy, recruitment plans, expansion, plans, it makes our life a lot more easier.”
Mike Barlow, Franchise Solicitor

NatWest

NatWest

“FDS are one of the key franchise consultants in the industry. They provide good advice to franchisors and we benefit from working with FDS in the advice that they give. We like to work closely together to ensure franchisors move forward and develop their business to the best of their abilities.”
Mark Scott, Head of Franchise Division

The bfa

The British Franchise Association (bfa)

“As franchise consultants, FDS have been around as long as any of them, over 30 years plus. They are a very successful business that has stood the test of time and that’s probably the best measure of their worth to the franchise community.”
Director General, Brian Smart

SnorePro

SnorePro

“We have found all the people at FDS to be courteous, timely and professional. The work that they have carried out for us has been first class and we have been very happy with the service provided. FDS have the experience and knowledge that we need to carry our brand forward.”
Grant Stephen, Director

Granite Transformations

Granite Transformations

“FDS helped us with the strategic implementation of our second tier franchise offering, which opened an array of new recruitment opportunities for Granite Transformations. They also produced the FIM to streamline our franchise recruitment. FDS offers no-nonsense solutions, which get results and we found them a pleasure to work with.”
Danny Hanlon, Chief Operating Officer (Europe) of Granite Transformations

LIPA 4:19

LIPA 4:19

“The decision to franchise was taken by LIPA shortly after we met FDS in 2008. The FDS’ FranMatch recruitment system matches competent and eager applicants to LIPA 4:19, so when I meet with prospective franchisees, both they and I are pleased to find that we are able to communicate easily and effectively as we decide on the best way forward.”
Kerry Watkins, Franchise Manager, LIPA 4:19

All Trades Network

All Trades Network

“FDS repeatedly stressed the importance of long-term thinking, and was committed to developing a business model and franchise offering that would be ‘sustainably’ profitable. Now, our business is thriving, our network is strong and our prospects are very bright indeed. If you are looking to franchise your business, you want FDS developing your system.”
Keith Roberts, Managing Director, All Trades Network

Lloyds TSB

Lloyds TSB

“FDS Southern are experienced in supporting franchised businesses and provide a professional service. It is essential that individuals looking at franchising as a route to expand their own business seek the support of a consultant who understands both the benefits and pitfalls of franchising to give them the greatest possible chance of long-term success.”
Richard Holden, Head of Franchising, Lloyds TSB

A-Star Sports

A-Star Sports

“FDS North's experience and reputation – Tony’s in particular – are peerless. Tony quickly grasped our business, market and objectives and helped us to position A-Star Sports head and shoulders above the competition. I’d recommend FDS North to anyone looking to franchise their business the right way.”
Gary Bassett, Managing Director, A-Star Sports

Sports Xtra

Sports Xtra

“I would recommend FDS without hesitation. FDS will give you a professional and honest initial appraisal and ultimately, you will find their advice is worth every penny. Paul Hague has helped build Sports Xtra into a fantastic management franchise from which we have seen the benefits of the hard work that we continue to both put in.”
Gareth Lippiatt, Managing Director, Sports Xtra

Caremark

Caremark

“For over 12 years we have received consultancy services from FDS. The advice given has been of vital importance to the successful growth and development of our previous franchise business and our current successful Caremark franchise development programme.”
Kevin Lewis, Managing Director, Caremark

Subway

Subway

“Because Subway headquarters has focused on worldwide franchise development, I am especially pleased with our experience with FDS. Our leads for franchisees have been numerous and the quality of those leads has been very good."
Sydney Griffin, Development Communications Specialist, Subway World Headquarters

Jani-King

Jani-King

“Thanks to FDS, we are in Europe. Our relationship goes back 17 years and we still use FDS.”
Jerry L. Crawford, President, Jani-King Franchising Inc.

Stained Glass Overlay

Stained Glass Overlay

“FDS produces results. They know what has to be done and do it very professionally.”
Peter J. Shea, President, Stained Glass Overlay Inc.

CeX

CeX

“We view FDS as our long term partners for advice on all aspects of franchising, currently consulting them for international growth and can recommend them without hesitation.”
Hugh Man, Franchise Director, CeX Complete Entertainment Exchange