Franchising
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
About
Provided by Stevens & Bolton LLP
Our experienced team has been involved in providing franchising advice for over 25 years.
The firm is an affiliated and active member of the British Franchise Association. We have particular experience in advising clients on international expansion.
Acting for franchisors, master franchisees and franchisees, our services include:
- Preparing franchise documentation
- Reviewing franchise, master franchise and area development agreements
- Preparing and reviewing all types of commercial arrangements – in particular, distribution, agency and IT contracts
- E-commerce, consumer advice and competition law
- Advising on the sale and purchase of franchised businesses and franchise networks
- Employment advice
- Lease acquisition, renewal and site fit-out
- Brand management advice and enforcement
- Dispute resolution including arbitration and mediation
- International franchise advice and documentation
Chambers Review
Stevens & Bolton is a full-service outfit providing a multidisciplinary commercial service to international franchisees and franchisors. It has strong real estate and IP practices that support notable brands across a wide range of industries. It has particular experience acting for clients in retail and the restaurant trade. The team is well versed in international expansion issues and franchise disputes.
Work Highlights
- Stevens & Bolton advised the Monkey Music franchisor on the resales of its franchisees’ businesses.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Overall, they are just a very good firm. We have stuck with them for good reason."
"Very good professionals with deep knowledge of the industry, offering great service levels and responsiveness."
"Stevens & Bolton's team has good depth and strong knowledge of contract law and how it relates to franchising. All work was completed within the timescales to a high standard."
"Overall, they are just a very good firm. We have stuck with them for good reason."
"Very good professionals with deep knowledge of the industry, offering great service levels and responsiveness."
"Stevens & Bolton's team has good depth and strong knowledge of contract law and how it relates to franchising. All work was completed within the timescales to a high standard."
Notable Practitioners
Nicola Broadhurst regularly provides commercial and data protection advice to high-profile clients in relation to franchise arrangements. She is particularly adept at handling franchise renewals, terminations and resales.
"She is excellent in all areas."
"An experienced franchising lawyer who does a lot of international work and has connections overseas. Clients value her input. She is very good and very sensible."
"Nicola has excellent knowledge of franchise agreements and great experience with contract law as it relates to franchise agreements."