This policy sets out the approach of UK Franchise Consultants Ltd, trading as The Franchise Consultant, to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. As a professional services consultancy operating on a remote-working model, our footprint is modest compared to businesses with physical premises and supply chains, but we take our responsibilities seriously and aim to operate with integrity across all three dimensions.
Environmental
The Franchise Consultant operates as a fully remote business. Our team of seven regional consultants work from home across the UK, which eliminates the environmental impact of a central office — including energy consumption, daily commuting, and the associated emissions. Client meetings are conducted via video call wherever possible, with in-person visits reserved for circumstances where they genuinely add value.
Where travel is necessary for client work or industry events, we encourage the use of public transport and take a considered approach to whether a journey is genuinely required. We use cloud-based systems for document management, communication, and client work, avoiding paper-based processes wherever possible.
We recognise that as a small consultancy our direct environmental impact is limited, but we are conscious of the businesses we help to scale through franchising. We encourage clients to consider sustainability as they develop their franchise models, and we include consideration of replicable sustainable practices in our franchise development work where relevant.
Social
Franchising is, at its core, a vehicle for people to build businesses and create employment. The work TFC does directly contributes to business growth and job creation across the UK. We take that responsibility seriously — we do not take on clients whose businesses are not genuinely ready to franchise, because a franchise that fails causes real harm to the franchisees who have invested in it.
Our team reflects a genuine diversity of professional backgrounds, geographic locations, and experience. We are committed to treating all clients, candidates, and partners with fairness and respect, regardless of background.
As a bfa Advisor Member, we operate in accordance with the British Franchise Association’s code of ethical conduct, which sets standards for how franchise consultants engage with franchisors, franchisees, and the wider public. We believe that honest advice — including the advice not to proceed when franchising is not the right route — is the foundation of a trustworthy professional relationship.
We support flexible working as a matter of course. All of our consultants work remotely, managing their own time and client relationships. We believe this model supports wellbeing and work-life balance, and we apply the same principles when engaging with contractors and partners.
Governance
The Franchise Consultant is incorporated as UK Franchise Consultants Ltd (Company No. 14295331), registered in England and Wales. The business is led by Managing Director Steve Lee, who is accountable for the conduct of the business and the quality of its advice.
We are a bfa Advisor Member, independently assessed against the British Franchise Association’s standards for professional practice and ethical conduct. We take the obligations of that membership seriously and hold ourselves to those standards in all client and industry relationships.
We handle client and candidate data in accordance with UK data protection law and our Privacy Policy. We do not share personal data without consent, and we take appropriate measures to protect the confidentiality of client information.
We do not engage in or facilitate any form of bribery, corruption, or anti-competitive behaviour. We operate transparently with clients on the scope and cost of our services, and we maintain clear boundaries around conflicts of interest.
Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Managing Director. We will update it as the business grows and as our understanding of our ESG responsibilities develops. Questions about this policy can be directed to hello@thefranchiseconsultant.co.uk.
Last reviewed: April 2026. UK Franchise Consultants Ltd, Company No. 14295331, registered in England and Wales.