What Are “Verified Franchise” Badges on Franchise Express & How To Get (And Keep) One
As an extensive directory of UK franchise opportunities, Franchise Express connects aspiring entrepreneurs with leading brands and viable businesses for sale. Unlike many international markets, franchising in the UK operates without specific government regulation, creating an accessible environment with minimal barriers to entry.
- Self-Regulation Standard: The industry relies heavily on self-regulation, largely guided by the British Franchise Association (bfa). Established networks voluntarily align with its strict ethical code of conduct.
- Streamlined Launch Process: Without mandatory statutory disclosure laws before sale, franchisors can launch and expand networks with far greater speed and agility.
- Low Initial Friction: The process of franchising a business and becoming a franchisee operates tightly on a franchisor franchisee relationship and trust plays an important part. There are fewer legal bottlenecks to getting started.
With franchising offering a diverse range of opportunities, over 990 in fact, as of the 2024 BFA Study, and with many more new businesses establishing as franchises, indicators such as the British Franchise Association membership are a fantastic way to identify the best – and trusted – franchise opportunities.
What is a Franchise Express Verified Status Franchise?
While Franchise Express indicates on directory profiles whether a franchise is part of a franchise association (such as the BFA), it also hints at franchise trustworthiness using a verified badge.
The blue badge is shown next to franchises on the directory, and means that the franchise or business opportunity has met the Franchise Express criteria for displaying the verified badge.
What is the Criteria for Verified Franchise status?
To be shown a verified badge on Franchise Express, the franchise needs to meet at least 2 of the following criteria:
| Criteria | Reason for Requirement |
|---|---|
| (Required) Listing Updated Within 6 Months | Ensures figures and information remain up to date and not misleading. |
| At least 3 franchisees operating | Reflects a successful, sustainable and scalable franchise model. |
| A franchise association membership | Shows authenticity of the franchised brand. |
| Works with a franchise consultant 3rd party | Consultant’s success relies heavily on the success of their clients. Consultants oversee the correct setup of the franchise system, right from feasibility through to first franchise launch and beyond. |
| Has been trading successfully for at least 5 years prior to franchising | While not based on franchise analytics, any business that has been operating successfully for at least 5 years shows clear market demand and offers promise for expansion. |
Franchise Express does not charge ongoing fees for listing franchises on the directory. As a result, listings remain live indefinitely, but only franchise profiles updated at least once every six months retain their verified status. Furthermore, verified franchises are prioritised first in directory search results.
How To Get a Verified Franchise Badge on Franchise Express
Simply by listing your franchise on the Franchise Express directory gets you half way to having the badge shown on your listing. By having 3 or more franchisees or partners, a third-party consultant helping you franchise your business, you’re eligible for a verified franchise badge on Franchise Express.
So whether you’re a new, established or low cost franchise investment opportunity looking to grow, find out how a Verified Franchise badge on your listing can help you stand out.
“Verified” Badge Disclaimer
Information on Franchise Express is provided for guidance only. While we aim to list ethical networks, we do not warrant the accuracy of any listing, whether marked with a “Verified” badge or not. A “Verified” badge reflects solely our internal assessment at the time of review. In the absence of statutory UK franchise regulation, investors bear sole responsibility for conducting full due diligence and verifying all claims before committing capital.