Over the last twenty years, Franchising has become increasingly accepted as a separate area of the law requiring expert and experienced advice.

Only a handful of solicitors firms in UK are able to offer the depth of expertise and experience, both domestically and internationally as David Bigmore in association with Goodman Derrick LLP.

We will settle the form of your Franchise Agreement, either for your new venture or where an update is required. If you are an overseas Franchisor coming to the UK we will advise on your Master Franchise, Development Agreement or Joint Venture Agreement. If you are a UK Franchisor we can advise you and provide an all-round service to take you overseas.

We also have long experience in Franchising disputes. Our responsibility in such situations is to achieve our clients' objectives by the most cost-effective and least time-consuming route available. That may require the use of alternative remedies when appropriate – negotiation, arbitration or mediation.

If you wish to sell your business or your company or buy a Franchising business, we are able to provide a speedy, personalised and cost-effective service.

For Franchisees we are able to advise on the terms of the Franchise Agreement for the Franchise which you are considering taking. This may be in a meeting or by written report.

Key services

• Establishing New Franchises
  We will prepare your Franchise Agreement and preliminary Confidentiality Agreement.
• Master Licensing in UK
  We have long experience in setting up Master Franchises in UK for US, Australian and Canadian Franchisors and can outline the advantages and pitfalls involved in establishing your Franchise in UK.
• International Franchising
  We also have long experience of setting up Franchises abroad and have a network of local Franchise Lawyers around the world who will advise on any local requirements.
• Purchases and Sales of Franchise Companies and Businesses
  We act for both Franchisors and Franchisees on the sale or purchase of their businesses or companies and have handled transactions ranging from hundreds of thousands of pounds to tens of millions of pounds.
• All Aspects of Intellectual Property
  We advise on trade mark and copyright issues and other relevant intellectual property matters.
• Advice on EU and UK Competition Law
  We have long experience of advising on both EU and UK Competition Law including Article 81, both block exemptions and the Competition Act 1998.
• Software Licensing
  We are able to provide expert advice on Software Licensing through our association with Goodman Derrick LLP.
• Franchisor/Franchisee Dispute Resolution
  We have acted on many Franchisor/Franchisee disputes over the last seventeen years and have long and detailed experience of all of the practical and legal issues involved in these disputes.
• Commercial Property Advice
  We are able to provide expert assistance on commercial property matters through our association with Goodman Derrick LLP.

Franchising Team

• David Bigmore - Consultant - For further information, please see www.dbigmore.co.uk
• Mark Kendrick - Partner
• Tanya Shillingford - Partner
• Deborah Rider - Solicitor
• Charlotte Heppllewhite - Solicitor
• Matthew Wanford - Solicitor