Costs & Fees

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:

  • The Hartley Group brand and business identity
  • The franchise operating model
  • Initial training
  • Pre-launch support
  • Business planning guidance
  • Policies, procedures, and operational resources
  • Marketing materials
  • Systems and templates
  • Support with preparing for launch
  • Access to the wider franchise network

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
Note: 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:

  • Staff wages
  • Office costs
  • Insurance
  • Utilities
  • Software subscriptions
  • Recruitment expenses
  • Marketing
  • Travel
  • Professional fees
  • Unexpected operational costs

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 operational guidance
  • Business reviews
  • Marketing support
  • Training and development
  • Quality and compliance guidance
  • Franchise network support
  • Updates to systems and procedures
  • Use of approved resources and materials

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:

  • Brand development
  • Digital marketing
  • Website management
  • Campaign creation
  • Promotional materials
  • Social media activity
  • Public relations
  • Lead-generation campaigns

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:

  • Client records
  • Care planning
  • Scheduling and rostering
  • Staff communication
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Payroll and accounting
  • Reporting
  • Secure document management

Technology and system fees: Varies The agreement should specify what systems are required and how costs are calculated.

Other potential costs

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

  • Legal fees for reviewing the franchise agreement
  • Accountancy and bookkeeping
  • Professional registration or regulatory fees
  • DBS or equivalent background checks
  • Staff uniforms and identification
  • Recruitment advertising
  • Office equipment
  • Telephone and internet services
  • Vehicle and travel expenses
  • Additional training
  • Website or digital advertising costs
  • Renewal or transfer fees
  • Interest on business finance

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:

  • Personal savings
  • Business loans
  • Asset finance
  • Commercial finance
  • Investment from business partners
  • Support from family or private investors

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:

  • The total estimated investment
  • Which costs are payable upfront
  • Which fees are ongoing
  • What is included in each fee
  • What costs are paid directly to third parties
  • The expected working-capital requirement
  • Any renewal or exit fees
  • The financial assumptions behind the business plan
  • Whether additional investment may be required as the business grows

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