How To Own Your Own Subway Franchise

Become a Subway franchisee and enjoy a flexible career with a socially responsible brand

Franchising in the UK is booming, contributing £15.1 billion to the economy and providing employment for over 621,000 people.

Spearheading this growth is the Subway brand, which now has over 2,500 stores open across the UK and Ireland and ambitious plans to grow this number to 3,000 by 2020.

Test of time

Franchising is an attractive business model, offering a safer route to business ownership, with the added security of joining a proven, replicable business model that has stood the test of time.

Subway franchisees work for themselves within their local communities, but within a tried and tested framework. World class training and support is provided by the brand to help ensure each franchisee maximises the success of their store.

The Subway brand is socially responsible, with clear objectives for nutrition, reducing its environmental footprint and making a positive contribution within the communities in which it operates.

Franchisees are ambassadors for the brand, providing support for local good causes, as well as employment for over 19,000 people across the UK and Ireland.

A Subway franchise is hugely rewarding. That’s why over 70 per cent of new stores established are by existing franchisees.

Ambitious brothers

Twin brothers Kurtis and Daniel Berry, aged 21, are two of the newest franchisees to join the Subway brand’s global franchise network.

Based in Kent, the pair run their own store in Maidstone, as well as three additional stores in Sandwich, Broadstairs and Gillingham on behalf of another franchisee.

Daniel says: “Both my brother and I are passionate about food and we love the pace the quick service restaurant sector brings - it keeps your working day fresh and lively, which in turn keeps you motivated and inspired.

“We’re very ambitious and our goal was always to operate our own business, which is when we started researching opportunities and discovered franchising with the Subway brand.

“Franchising with the right partner was of paramount importance, so we carried out a lot of research to find out about the benefits of each one. Reading case studies of existing Subway franchisees was hugely helpful and allowed us to see ourselves in that role.

“We also love the product, so in the end it was an easy decision and we couldn’t wait to apply.”

It’s not all been plain sailing, however, and the brothers have faced challenges along the way.

Kurtis explains: “It can be tricky at times to manage a team at such a young age and where we don’t have as many years’ experience as other franchisees, we rely on instinct a lot of the time.

“When we need help though we always ask for it and we’ve found the Subway franchise to have a hugely supportive network, which you can rely on for advice and guidance at any time.

“There’s always an element of risk when starting out on your own, but this makes success all the more rewarding. The benefit of joining a reputable franchise like the Subway brand is that you’re working within a tried and tested business model and have a support system in place, which makes it easier to take the big leap.”