Starting a business through franchising is one of the most reliable ways to enter self-employment with guidance and a proven structure. Many people assume that franchises require vast sums of capital, but in the UK there are a number of opportunities available for less than £10,000. These options usually involve home-based businesses, service-based models, or online operations that do not require expensive premises. Below we look at seven franchises that fall within or close to this budget range, explaining what each involves and the type of entrepreneur it may suit.
- MTC Travel Franchise
The MTC Travel franchise gives aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to run their own travel agency from home. It is designed for people who want the flexibility of working part time or full time while benefitting from the support of an established company. The franchise provides a booking website, access to suppliers, training and ongoing back-office support so that franchisees can focus on customer service and sales. The entry packages are low, with one starting at under £500, which makes this one of the most affordable travel franchises in the UK. It is particularly appealing to those who already have a passion for travel and enjoy helping others plan holidays without the overheads of a high street shop.
- What’s On In Online Franchise
What’s On In is an online advertising and directory franchise that offers exclusive postcode territories to its franchisees. The concept is straightforward: you manage a local website that showcases businesses, tradespeople, events and attractions within your chosen area. Your income is generated from selling advertising packages, directory listings and promotional space to local businesses. Because the model is home-based, overheads remain low and the time commitment is flexible. The initial investment can be well under £1,000 depending on the size of territory, making it accessible to those with limited start-up funds. What’s On In is best suited to franchisees who enjoy networking and have the drive to build strong relationships with business owners in their local community.
- Puncturesafe Franchise
Puncturesafe is a tyre safety and maintenance franchise that allows franchisees to distribute and install a specialist tyre sealant designed to prevent punctures. The product is applied directly into vehicle tyres and provides long-lasting protection, which makes it attractive to both individual motorists and fleet operators. Franchisees often run mobile operations, visiting garages or fleet depots to apply the product. Packages begin at around £1,499, and higher-level stock packages remain comfortably under £10,000. With no ongoing management fees in some options, Puncturesafe is a strong proposition for those who prefer a practical, hands-on business model in the automotive sector.
- Haus Maids Franchise
Haus Maids is a domestic cleaning management franchise aimed at the higher-end home services market. Unlike smaller cleaning licences, this model encourages franchisees to build a professional team of cleaners and manage the business rather than perform the cleaning themselves. The brand is positioned as premium, with a focus on quality service, staff management and environmental responsibility. The franchise fee is £9,995 plus VAT, which puts it right on the £10,000 threshold. However, franchisees should also budget for working capital to cover recruitment and initial marketing. Haus Maids is ideal for people with organisational and leadership skills who want to build a scalable service business in a growing sector.
- SeedL Franchise
SeedL is a training and education franchise focused on delivering live, interactive learning for businesses and individuals. Its courses cover a wide range of topics including compliance, professional development and technical skills. The franchise allows partners to market and sell access to these programmes, with the support of SeedL’s established platform and content. The franchise fee is typically above £10,000, often quoted around £13,000, which makes it slightly outside the strict limit. However, for those willing to stretch their budget, SeedL offers an opportunity to enter the corporate training industry with a strong digital foundation and the backing of an established provider.
- Tutor In a Box Franchise
Tutor In a Box is an education franchise designed for people who want to deliver private tutoring services in subjects such as maths and English. It provides franchisees with resources, curriculum materials, branded lesson plans and business support, making it easier to attract and retain students. The investment is usually around £2,500, which keeps it firmly within the £10,000 budget. The franchise is flexible because tuition can be delivered online or in person, and franchisees can decide whether to operate full-time or part-time. It is a good match for those with teaching experience or a passion for education who want to make a difference while running their own business.
- Kumon Franchise
Kumon is one of the most recognised names in education, operating globally with thousands of centres. The Kumon franchise requires an initial licence fee of about £3,000 plus VAT, which appears low. However, the total cost of setting up a centre is significantly higher once premises, furniture and marketing are considered, often exceeding £20,000. While this makes it more capital intensive than the other options listed here, the brand strength, training and global recognition make Kumon an attractive long-term choice for those who can raise the additional capital. For individuals strictly limiting themselves to £10,000 or less, Kumon may not be viable, but the low entry licence fee still highlights its accessibility compared to other large education brands.
Final Thoughts
The UK franchise landscape has many opportunities for under £10,000, particularly in home-based and service industries. MTC Travel, What’s On In, Puncturesafe and Tutor In a Box are all firmly within this range and provide flexible, affordable entry points into franchising. Haus Maids and SeedL are higher cost options that push or exceed the budget but may appeal to those with more capital to deploy. Kumon offers a modest licence fee but generally requires greater overall investment due to premises. The right choice will depend on your budget, skillset and lifestyle goals, but the common factor is that each franchise provides a structured pathway into entrepreneurship without the need for six-figure sums.