Audit the way your growth model operates before franchise issues harden

This audit is commonly used by businesses expanding through licensing, branded partnerships, concession models, reseller arrangements, management deals or other structures where another party trades using your brand or systems. It is especially useful where the risk may sit across several moving parts rather than one contract alone. For example, recurring fees, operating manuals, supplier controls and training requirements may look manageable individually but more significant when viewed together. If you are scaling a model or already working with multiple operators, a broader audit can be more useful than a short call.

The main concern is often the overall pattern of control and commercial dependency, rather than the title of the agreement. Issues can include mandatory branding, detailed operating standards, approval rights over suppliers or locations, ongoing fees, training requirements, performance monitoring and restrictions on how the other party runs the business. We also look at how support is delivered in practice, because informal processes can matter as much as written terms. The audit is intended to identify where those features combine in a way that may create franchise-style risk.

You receive a review of the relevant agreements and background materials, an assessment of the wider business structure and operating controls, a written report identifying the main accidental franchising risk areas, and a 30-minute consultation to discuss the findings. The report is aimed at helping you decide whether changes are needed to documents, fee structures, brand controls or operational processes. If you later want us to rewrite agreements or assist with implementation, that would be quoted separately rather than included automatically within this service.

The consult is better for an early sense check or a focused discussion about a proposed arrangement. This audit goes further by looking across the broader setup and producing a written report you can use internally when deciding what to change next. It is often the better fit where the risk may be spread across several agreements, policies or day-to-day practices. If your model is already operating with multiple counterparties, or you want a more structured review before expanding further, the audit usually gives a clearer picture than a one-off conversation alone.

If the audit identifies pressure points, we set out the main areas driving that risk and the practical options for addressing them. Depending on the setup, that may involve changing fee mechanics, loosening operational controls, revising brand-use terms, updating agreements or rethinking how support and oversight are delivered. The audit helps you understand where the exposure sits and what follow-up work may be worth prioritising, but it does not promise a particular regulatory outcome. If further redrafting or restructuring is needed, we can scope that as a separate piece of work.

Working with us is simple. Start by submitting an enquiry through our website using the form at the top of this page or on our Get Started page. A legal project manager will review your enquiry within 1 business day and reach out to understand your needs.

They'll send you a fixed fee quote outlining costs, scope, and timing. If you're happy, you can accept and sign our engagement letter online. Once that's done, we'll connect you with an expert lawyer who will complete your project via email, phone, or video chat, with the timing confirmed in your quote.

If you're not looking for help with a specific matter, explore our platform, which offers free templates, tools to get your business set up, and even a free tier to get started. Whether you need legal support or just want to browse resources, we've got you covered.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from £100 to £1,500 depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Sprintlaw UK operates fully virtually, with the team working online across the UK to provide support to startups and small businesses nationwide. Many of our team are based in London and often meet at co-working offices, but our operations remain fully digital, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for both our clients and team.