Franchise Solicitors in Glasgow — Acting for Franchisees Across Scotland.
Franchise agreement review, lease, company set-up and personal guarantees — three legal transactions in one instruction, so nothing falls between advisers.
Taking on a franchise is usually three legal transactions at once: the franchise agreement, the lease of your premises, and the company and finance arrangements behind them. Most firms will look at one of these. We handle all three in a single instruction — reviewing the franchise agreement on a fixed fee, negotiating your lease, and dealing with company set-up, personal guarantees and lender requirements — so nothing falls between advisers.
A written plain-English report, on a fixed fee.
Franchise agreements are drafted by the franchisor's solicitors, for the franchisor. Most are presented as non-negotiable — but you still need to understand exactly what you are signing: the fees and how they're calculated, your territory and whether it's exclusive, minimum performance obligations, restrictions during and after the term, renewal and exit terms, and what happens if you want to sell. We provide a written plain-English report flagging anything unusual or onerous, so you commit with your eyes open.
Making the lease work with the franchise.
The lease must work with the franchise: permitted use, fit-out obligations, franchisor consent or step-in rights, and term length matched to the franchise term. We review or negotiate the lease alongside the agreement — see our commercial lease service.
Set-up done properly, from day one.
Many franchisees trade through a new limited company. We advise on the set-up, on the personal guarantees franchisors and landlords typically require, and — where a lender requires it — we can arrange independent legal advice for guarantors and act on the borrowing.
Common questions from franchisees
Do I need a solicitor to review a franchise agreement?
Not legally, but it is a long-term commitment with significant financial and personal exposure. A written report on the agreement flags the clauses that will bite later — fees, territory, minimum performance, restrictions and exit — before you sign.
Can franchise agreements be negotiated?
Most franchisors present the agreement as non-negotiable. Some points (guarantor scope, personal covenants, tail restrictions) can occasionally move. The bigger value is understanding exactly what you are committing to.
Should the franchise be in a company name?
Often yes. Trading through a limited company can limit personal liability and offer tax planning options. Most franchisors will still require personal guarantees from the directors — we advise on the practical impact.
What is a franchisor's consent provision in a lease?
Franchisors typically require step-in or consent rights over the lease so they can take over the premises if the franchise ends. This must be structured so it does not breach the lease or the franchise agreement — we coordinate both.
Commercial leases·ILA for guarantors·Buying or selling a business
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