If you’re considering moving into HR consultancy and have started exploring franchise options, you’ve probably noticed that there’s more than one path available. In our recent article, we looked at the pros and cons of joining an HR franchise versus setting up solo. If you’ve decided that franchising feels like the right route for you, the next step is choosing the right one – and that can come with its own set of questions – not all franchises are created equal.
It’s easy to focus on the obvious things like cost or branding, but choosing the right franchise is about so much more. Here are some of the key factors senior HR professionals should weigh up when comparing HR franchises, to make sure you find one that genuinely supports your goals and suits the way you want to work.
Reputation and track record
When you’re making a career shift, especially into self-employment, it’s natural to want to partner with a franchise that has a solid track record. Look at how long the franchise has been operating, how many consultants are part of the network, and whether it has a good reputation in the HR industry.
Ask yourself:
- Does the franchise have proven success stories from people with similar backgrounds to mine?
- How long have their consultants typically stayed with them?
- What do clients say about the service?
A franchise with a strong, positive reputation is more likely to offer a model that works, and to attract high-quality consultants and clients.
Values and culture fit
This is a big one. When you’re joining a franchise, you’re not just buying a business model – you’re becoming part of a wider network. So it’s important that the franchise’s values align with your own.
We had a lovely call recently with a senior HR professional who had clearly done her research. She’d been looking into franchise options for a while, and told us what really drew her to face2faceHR was the sense of community and the ‘family-feel’ she picked up from our content and conversations. She said the idea of setting up on her own didn’t appeal at all, but being part of something supportive and connected really did.
That feeling of connection – the network, the social aspect, the backup when things feel tough – is so important when you’re launching a business, especially if you’ve been used to working in a team. If the franchise you’re looking at doesn’t give you a strong sense of shared purpose or community, that might be a red flag.
Support and training
One of the main reasons people choose a franchise over going it alone is the support on offer. But support can vary widely from one franchise to another.
Things to consider when comparing HR franchises:
- Is there structured training before you launch?
- Do they offer ongoing mentoring or coaching?
- How accessible is the head office team?
- Is there peer-to-peer support from other consultants?
Also look at what happens when things don’t go to plan. Starting a business always comes with ups and downs – knowing there’s someone at the end of the phone who genuinely cares, and who has the experience to help, makes a huge difference.
Tools, templates and resources
Another key benefit of franchising is getting access to ready-made tools and templates that save you hours of time. But the quality and relevance of these can really vary.
You want to know:
- Are the resources up to date and regularly reviewed?
- Are they practical and suitable for small business clients?
- Can you customise them for your own style and client needs?
Having a strong bank of resources can help you hit the ground running and feel more confident taking on client work from day one.
Marketing and brand visibility
Some HR franchises offer strong marketing support, while others expect you to handle all of that on your own. Think about how much help you’ll get in being visible to potential clients.
Look for:
- A recognisable and professional brand that clients will trust.
- Centralised marketing materials and support.
- Help with lead generation, SEO, or social media visibility.
- A well-designed website with consultant profiles.
Branding might not be your top priority, but it can absolutely help you stand out – especially if you’re new to consultancy and still building your reputation.
Flexibility and independence
One of the joys of consultancy is working in a way that suits your lifestyle. So it’s worth understanding how much freedom you’ll actually have under the franchise model when comparing HR franchises.
Ask:
- Can you choose your own clients and set your own fees?
- Are there restrictions on how or where you can work?
- How much control do you have over your own diary?
The best franchises offer the structure and support you need, without boxing you in or limiting your choices.
Cost and what you get for your investment
Of course, cost is a consideration. But it’s not just about the number – it’s about what you’re getting in return.
When comparing fees, make sure you understand:
- What’s included in the upfront and ongoing costs.
- Whether marketing, resources, and training are covered.
- If there are any additional charges for events, systems, or materials.
- What level of client leads (if any) are included.
A slightly higher fee may be well worth it if the support and tools are top-quality and will genuinely help you grow your business faster.
Gut instinct and personal connection
Finally, don’t underestimate your gut instinct. After you’ve spoken to a few franchisors, had some calls, and done your research, think about which one left you feeling excited, supported, and confident about the future.
That personal connection matters. You’re going to be working with this team for the long term, so it’s worth choosing people who really ‘get’ you, who share your values, and who you feel you can trust.
Final thoughts
Choosing an HR franchise is a big decision, and it’s worth taking the time to do it properly. Look beyond the branding and the numbers and focus on the things that will really affect your day-to-day experience – the support, the people, the culture, and the practical help you’ll get when you need it most.
If you’d like to find out more about what we offer at face2faceHR – including our support network, resources and community – download our prospectus or get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.