Table of Contents
Manchester’s Growing Franchise Market
Manchester has emerged as one of the UK’s most dynamic cities for franchise businesses, with its diverse population of 548,000 residents and strong economic foundation. The city’s strategic location in the North West makes it an ideal hub for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in business with the support of proven franchise models.
With approximately 276,800 economically active people in the community, Manchester offers a robust customer base for various franchise concepts. The average gross salary in Manchester (£25,609) is slightly lower than the UK average (£30,500), making affordable business opportunities particularly attractive to local entrepreneurs.
Low-cost franchise opportunities are especially appealing in this market, as they provide a structured path to business ownership without requiring substantial capital. These franchises typically offer comprehensive training, established business models, and ongoing support—essential elements for success in Manchester’s competitive business environment.
Top 10 Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities in Manchester
1. Access4Lofts
Industry: Home Improvement
Initial Investment: £10,000
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): £210,000
Franchise Support: Comprehensive training program, marketing materials, technical support, and ongoing business development assistance.
Unique Selling Point: Creates space and profit by providing quick, easy, and affordable loft access and storage solutions. With over 100 franchises across the UK, this proven business model helps homeowners utilize wasted space.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s diverse housing stock, including many older properties with unused loft spaces, creates perfect market conditions. The relatively affordable housing in the area means more homeowners are looking to maximize existing space rather than move.
2. The Travel Franchise
Industry: Travel & Tourism
Initial Investment: £2,995
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): £150,000
Franchise Support: 5-day virtual training, ongoing support from a personal business development manager, ticketing services, and access to 450+ travel suppliers.
Unique Selling Point: Start a travel business from home with no prior experience required. Flexible working hours allow for part-time or full-time operation with industry-leading commission rates.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s international airport creates natural demand for travel services. The flexible business model suits Manchester’s diverse workforce, allowing operation from home with minimal overhead costs.
3. Local Eats
Industry: Food Delivery
Initial Investment: £6,000
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): £150,000
Franchise Support: Proprietary ordering technology, marketing support, business development training, and operational guidance.
Unique Selling Point: Run your own Just Eat style food ordering service with proven technology and business model. Creates a local alternative to major delivery platforms.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s thriving food scene and dense urban population create perfect conditions for food delivery services. The city’s strong local identity makes a locally-branded delivery service particularly appealing.
4. Key Sounds Music
Industry: Music Education
Initial Investment: £4,000
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): £120,000
Franchise Support: Comprehensive teaching materials, business management systems, marketing support, and instructor training.
Unique Selling Point: Home-based piano franchise designed especially for parents and career-switchers seeking work-life balance. The business model drove 180% growth from 2022 to 2023.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s rich musical heritage creates natural demand for music education. The city’s family-friendly suburbs provide an ideal customer base for this service.
5. Metro Plumb
Industry: Plumbing Services
Initial Investment: £8,000
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): Not specified, but established brand with proven track record
Franchise Support: Business development assistance, marketing support, administrative help, and technical training if needed.
Unique Selling Point: Ideal for skilled plumbers looking to leverage their technical expertise with proven business systems. Offers a fast-track to establishing a plumbing business with brand recognition.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s mix of older properties and new developments creates consistent demand for plumbing services. The city’s growth ensures a steady stream of commercial and residential clients.
6. Milagro CBD
Industry: Health & Wellness
Initial Investment: £2,000
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): Not specified, but growing market
Franchise Support: Product knowledge training, marketing materials, supplier connections, and business development guidance.
Unique Selling Point: Full spectrum, distilled CBD oil created from organically grown hemp in Europe. Low entry cost with products that tap into the growing wellness market.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s health-conscious urban population creates strong demand for wellness products. The city’s retail spaces and markets offer multiple venue options for this product-based franchise.
7. Activ Net Marketing
Industry: Digital Marketing
Initial Investment: £9,995
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): Not specified, but established for over 11 years
Franchise Support: Technical training, marketing systems, client acquisition strategies, and ongoing business coaching.
Unique Selling Point: One of the first digital marketing franchises in the UK with over 11 years of experience. Allows entrepreneurs to build an online business with comprehensive support.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s thriving digital and creative sector makes it an ideal location for digital marketing services. The city’s diverse business community provides a broad client base.
8. APS Legal & Associates
Industry: Legal Services
Initial Investment: £2,900
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): Not specified, but established trusted brand
Franchise Support: Legal training, document systems, marketing support, and professional development.
Unique Selling Point: Professional, time-flexible legal services business specializing in will writing, probate solutions, and estate planning. Can be operated from home or office with minimal startup costs.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s aging population creates natural demand for estate planning services. The flexible business model suits Manchester’s diverse workforce and living situations.
9. Accountants247
Industry: Financial Services
Initial Investment: £10,000
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): £200,000
Franchise Support: Accounting systems, client acquisition strategies, business development coaching, and technical training.
Unique Selling Point: No accountancy experience necessary to run this home-based accountancy management franchise. Offers escape from traditional employment with huge earning potential.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s diverse business community creates strong demand for accounting services. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit means many new businesses need financial support.
10. 121 K9
Industry: Pet Services
Initial Investment: £9,994
Expected Revenue (after 2 years): Not specified, but described as “extraordinary”
Franchise Support: Dog training methodologies, business systems, marketing support, and territory development.
Unique Selling Point: Mobile 1-2-1 dog training service described as “probably the most extraordinary pet franchise to emerge in decades.” Combines passion for dogs with business opportunity.
Why it Suits Manchester: Manchester’s high rate of dog ownership and urban living creates demand for professional training services. The mobile business model minimizes overhead costs.
Franchise Comparison: At a Glance
Use this quick comparison table to evaluate these low-cost franchise opportunities in Manchester based on key factors:
| Franchise Name | Industry | Initial Investment | Expected 2-Year Revenue | Home-Based Option | Experience Required |
| Access4Lofts | Home Improvement | £10,000 | £210,000 | Yes | No |
| The Travel Franchise | Travel & Tourism | £2,995 | £150,000 | Yes | No |
| Local Eats | Food Delivery | £6,000 | £150,000 | Yes | No |
| Key Sounds Music | Music Education | £4,000 | £120,000 | Yes | Music background |
| Metro Plumb | Plumbing Services | £8,000 | Not specified | Yes | Plumbing skills |
| Milagro CBD | Health & Wellness | £2,000 | Not specified | Yes | No |
| Activ Net Marketing | Digital Marketing | £9,995 | Not specified | Yes | No |
| APS Legal & Associates | Legal Services | £2,900 | Not specified | Yes | No |
| Accountants247 | Financial Services | £10,000 | £200,000 | Yes | No |
| 121 K9 | Pet Services | £9,994 | Not specified | Yes | Dog handling |
Tips for Evaluating Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities
Financial Considerations
- Look beyond the initial investment to understand total startup costs, including equipment, inventory, and working capital
- Research the franchise fee and what it includes (training, territory rights, initial marketing)
- Understand ongoing fees, including royalties and marketing contributions
- Request disclosure of average franchisee earnings and time to break even
- Consider financing options, as many franchisors offer assistance or partnerships with lenders
Operational Assessment
- Evaluate the training and support systems provided by the franchisor
- Speak with existing franchisees about their experiences and satisfaction
- Assess the territory rights and protection offered in the Manchester area
- Research the brand’s reputation and recognition in the local market
- Consider how well the business model aligns with Manchester’s economic conditions
Need Help Choosing the Right Franchise?
Our franchise experts can provide personalized guidance based on your budget, skills, and goals in the Manchester area.
Why Manchester is Ideal for Low-Cost Franchises
Strong Local Economy
Manchester’s diverse economy provides stability for new businesses. The city’s growth in digital, creative, and professional services creates opportunities across multiple sectors.
Supportive Business Community
The city offers numerous networking groups, business support services, and entrepreneurial hubs that can help new franchise owners establish connections and grow their customer base.
Strategic Location
Manchester’s central position in the North West provides access to a large customer base beyond the city limits, allowing for expansion opportunities as your franchise grows.
Start Your Franchise Journey in Manchester Today
Manchester offers a wealth of low-cost franchise opportunities across diverse industries, making business ownership accessible even with limited initial capital. The city’s economic strength, strategic location, and supportive business environment create ideal conditions for franchise success.
Whether you’re drawn to home services, digital marketing, food delivery, or education, there’s a franchise model that can align with your interests, skills, and financial goals. The structured support and proven business models provided by these franchisors significantly reduce the risks typically associated with starting a business from scratch.
Now is an excellent time to explore these opportunities and take the first step toward business ownership in one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. With initial investments starting as low as £2,000, the barrier to entry has never been lower for aspiring entrepreneurs in Manchester.
Ready to Explore Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities in Manchester?
Fill out the form below to receive detailed information about any of the franchises featured in this article.
