Investing in a Hartley Group franchise involves several costs. These costs help establish your business, provide access to the franchise model, and support you as you launch and grow.
The total investment will depend on factors such as your location, premises, staffing requirements, marketing activity, and the scale at which you plan to operate.

Initial franchise fee

The initial franchise fee gives you the right to operate under the Hartley Group brand and access the agreed franchise system.

This may include access to:

Initial franchise fee: £0
The exact inclusions should be confirmed in the franchise agreement and full franchise information pack.

Estimated start-up investment

In addition to the initial franchise fee, you will need sufficient funds to establish and operate the business during its early stages.
Your estimated start-up investment may include:

Cost area
What it may cover
Franchise fee
Access to the Hartley Group franchise model and brand
Premises
Office rent, deposit, utilities, furnishings, and setup
Professional fees
Legal, accounting, registration, and business advice
Recruitment
Advertising, interviews, checks, on-boarding, and induction
Training
Required training and staff development
Insurance
Business, employer’s liability, public liability, and other relevant cover
Technology
Computers, phones, software, care-management systems, and connectivity
Marketing
Website, printed materials, local advertising, networking, and launch campaigns
Staffing
Management and administrative costs before income becomes established
Working capital
Funds to cover ongoing expenses during the early trading period
Travel and transport
Local travel, mileage, parking, and business vehicle requirements
Contingency fund
A reserve for unexpected costs or slower-than-anticipated growth

Estimated total investment: £20,000 – £60,000
This figure should be presented as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Every franchisee should prepare a detailed financial plan based on their own circumstances and local market.

Working capital

Working capital is the money available to cover regular business expenses before the franchise reaches consistent revenue.
This is particularly important in the early stages, when you may need to pay for staff, premises, insurance, marketing, software, and administration before receiving sufficient client income.
Your working-capital allowance may need to cover:

We recommend that prospective franchisees discuss working-capital requirements with an independent accountant or financial adviser.

Ongoing management or royalty fee

Franchisees may pay an ongoing management, royalty, or support fee in return for continued access to the Hartley Group franchise system and support services.
This fee may contribute towards:

Ongoing fee: 8%
The agreement should clearly explain how this fee is calculated, when it is payable, and what services are included.

Marketing contribution

Depending on the franchise structure, franchisees may contribute towards national or network-wide marketing activity.
This could support:

Marketing contribution: 1%
Any local marketing costs should also be considered within your business plan.

Technology and system fees

Operating a modern home care business may require access to approved technology and software systems.
These could include tools for:

Other potential costs

Additional costs may apply depending on how you operate your franchise.
These could include:

Not all costs will apply to every franchisee, so it is important to request a complete and personalised breakdown.

Funding your franchise

Some franchisees use a combination of personal capital and business finance to fund their investment.
Possible sources may include:

Any borrowing should be carefully assessed. Your financial plan should include expected income, operating costs, loan repayments, personal drawings, and a contingency reserve.

What to consider before investing

Before making a decision, you should understand:

We encourage all prospective franchisees to obtain independent legal, financial, and professional advice before entering into a franchise agreement.