If you’re an HR professional thinking about making the leap into consultancy, you’re not alone. Whether it’s the appeal of greater flexibility, the opportunity to work more closely with SMEs, or simply the desire to build something of your own, going independent can be hugely rewarding.
But one big decision early on is whether to go it alone or to join an HR franchise. It’s a question we’re asked a lot – and it’s worth weighing up properly. So, in this article, we’re diving into the pros and cons of starting from scratch vs franchising, and why an established HR franchise could be the support system you didn’t know you needed.
Building from the ground up
Starting your own HR consultancy from scratch can be exciting. You have full control over the business – from the name and branding to your service offering, pricing, and client base. You set the pace, the priorities, and the parameters.
But alongside that freedom comes a significant amount of responsibility and, often, trial and error. You’ll be wearing all the hats – HR expert, brand/web designer, accountant, administrator, and more – at least to begin with. And while some people relish the idea of building every aspect of their business independently, others find the amount of work involved (especially early on) a bit of a drain on energy and confidence.
Some of the key challenges people face when starting alone include:
- Establishing a brand that stands out in a competitive market
- Developing templates, tools and processes that meet client expectations
- Keeping up with compliance, legal responsibilities, and admin
- Feeling isolated, especially after years in a busy HR team or senior corporate role
None of these are insurmountable, but they can slow you down – and when your income depends on getting up and running quickly, that matters.
What an HR franchise brings to the table
Franchising offers a middle ground – the independence of running your own consultancy, but with the backing of an experienced support team, a trusted brand, and a proven business model. It’s your business, but you’re not doing it all by yourself.
Here are just a few of the advantages that come with joining an established HR franchise:
A recognisable brand and reputation
When you join a franchise like face2faceHR, you’re not starting from zero. You get to trade under a known brand with a good reputation in the market – and that helps potential clients feel more confident in choosing you. You also benefit from national marketing activities and word-of-mouth across the wider network.
Tools, templates, and systems ready to go
Developing high-quality resources from scratch takes time, especially when you’re juggling business development and client delivery. As a franchisee, you get access to everything you need right away – from HR templates and processes to contracts and pricing guides. That means you can hit the ground running and focus on building relationships rather than reinventing the wheel.
Ongoing training and support
Franchisees often mention the value of continued learning – and the reassurance of knowing that expert advice is just a phone call away. Whether it’s legal updates, tricky client scenarios, or business coaching, an established franchise gives you structured training and a support network to lean on when you need it most.
Faster growth, with less trial and error
Because the franchise model has already been tested, you don’t have to spend months figuring out what works and what doesn’t. The early learning curve is much smoother, and you benefit from tried-and-tested marketing approaches, lead generation ideas, and a clear roadmap for growth.
Community and collaboration
One of the biggest differences between franchising and going solo is the sense of community. Instead of being out there on your own, you’re part of a network of like-minded consultants who are happy to share ideas, celebrate wins and help you navigate the tough days. It makes a real difference, especially if you’ve come from a busy HR team and are adjusting to working solo.
But what about independence?
It’s natural to wonder whether joining a franchise limits your freedom to shape your business. The good news is that a good franchise will still give you plenty of flexibility. You’re still your own boss, choosing your hours, your clients, and the way you work – but with a structure and support system behind you.
You’ll need to follow some brand standards and use certain processes, but these are usually there to make your life easier, not to micromanage how you run your consultancy.
When franchising isn’t the right fit
Of course, franchising isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who thrives on building things entirely from scratch, wants complete freedom to design every part of your business, or is already confident in marketing and business development, then an independent route might suit you better.
It’s also important to choose the right franchise – one that aligns with your values, your way of working, and your long-term goals. (We’ll be covering that in more detail later in this series.)
So, which route is right for you?
Ultimately, the decision between franchising and starting from scratch comes down to your personality, your goals, and how you want to work.
If you’re excited by the idea of being part of a community, want to get started quickly with minimal trial-and-error, and like the idea of running your own business with built-in support, a franchise could be a brilliant option.
If you’re keen to have complete creative control and are happy to take a slower path while you figure things out, starting from scratch might be a better fit.
Either way, it’s worth taking the time to explore both options fully before you commit.
Thinking about taking the next step in your HR career?
If you’re weighing up the options between starting from scratch or joining a franchise and want to explore what being part of an established HR consultancy could look like, we’d love to help. You can download our prospectus to find out more, or get in touch for a friendly chat.