For entrepreneurs in Harlow, the big question is whether to take the bold approach and open something brand new, or take a tried and tested brand and copy and paste it somewhere else. 

The latter is an attractive option, as there are many benefits that come with opening a franchise. Harlow’s population has been expanding steadily, meaning that there’s an increasing number of people in search of recognisable brands in the area. The business model could be viable, but it requires careful consideration about where to set up shop and which franchise to open. 

The Benefits of Opening a Franchise 

One of the reasons why the franchise model has been so successful in British business for decades is thanks to the familiarity it offers. The biggest brands in the country have reached that status through years of consistency, gradually developing strong reputations. The greatest high street brands like Greggs and Costa Coffee have built trust over time, and customers know what they are getting when they walk into them. 

The franchise model has grown bigger in recent years online as well, with the entertainment industry discovering it to be a good way to market content in the same series. It’s most commonly seen in film and television, with Marvel and Star Wars showing how powerful it can be. It has also shown up in the online casino market, where some of the top games have been made into various sequels. For instance, players looking for a jackpot machine game will find that there are 15 Age of the Gods games to choose from. These come with slightly different themes, but all serve to reinforce the brand. 

Location Is Hugely Important in and Around Harlow 

Opening a franchise is an attractive option for many, as it allows new business owners to leverage the power of an already successful brand. However, using a big name like Starbucks or KFC doesn’t always translate into success. There are various other factors to consider as well, such as location. In Harlow, this could make or break a franchise’s success. 

The town centre is one of the best places to set up, with the area benefiting from local footfall and its commuter links to London. The problem is, though, that rental costs are much higher and free spaces may be harder to find. Opting for a site slightly outside of town could be an option, as long as it’s on a busy road with other shops around it. 

The other important thing to think about is which franchise would be best to open in Harlow. To get to the bottom of this, the best approach would be to conduct detailed market research. The food and beverage sector accounts for around 29 per cent of all UK franchises, and a brand in this sector may be the most viable in Harlow. These businesses experience lower failure rates, and owners benefit from training and a proven business model. 

Opening a franchise in Harlow is still a viable option in 2026, and may be the best path for business owners to consider. It’s easier for franchises to get funding than it is for independent businesses, meaning that the barrier to entry is lower.