Starting your own business may seem like an overwhelming challenge, especially in the current climate.

Franchising can help bridge many of the perceived barriers by offering a tried and tested model partnering with an established brand and giving you access to their systems, support and resources.

McDonald’s is an iconic, global brand which has been franchising in the UK for over 35 years. Our core values – Serve, Inclusion, Integrity, Community and Family – define who we are and how we engage with our stakeholders, including our Franchisees.

Our Franchisees have a real sense of purpose and pride in what they do. It is not just about burgers and fries; they are on a long-term journey dedicating their full-time best efforts to bring our brand to life in their communities.

You do not need prior retail or hospitality experience. Our Franchisees have an array of backgrounds including IT, dentistry, armed forces and even aviation. What they all have in common is an entrepreneurial spirit and the transferable skills to develop their teams and delight their customers within the McDonald’s framework.

Our Franchisees have access to top quality support, including a business consultant who will give them advice and support throughout to help them succeed. Put simply – they are in the business for themselves, but not by themselves.

Read on to hear first-hand from our Franchisees about their journey with McDonald’s.

Anisha Sharma

“My parents came to the UK with very little. Watching them dedicate themselves to running their business and using it to give back has always motivated me to work hard, be successful and appreciate the value of community. Being a McDonald’s Franchisee would allow me an opportunity to do just that so after 14 years in finance, I made the decision to apply.

The process was rigorous but it set me up for success, and each stage only further fuelled my desire to become a McDonald’s Franchisee. They lived up to their promise; they demonstrated true partnership and continually supported me through the process. I took over my first restaurant, in West London, in June. I absolutely love being able to have a direct and positive impact on my local community and my people. No two days are the same and there is no looking back. I have never felt as excited about my journey as I do now.”

Ian Stephenson

“I have been part of the McDonald’s system for over 25 years. My formative years were spent working in my local restaurant in South London, then I enjoyed a fantastic opportunity working in Jamaica for a Franchisee who is still an inspiration for me. I returned and enjoyed a successful corporate career before becoming a McDonald’s Franchisee in 2018.

Partnering with a global brand has afforded me a real sense of personal satisfaction, whilst being able to dream big. Over the last four years, my organisation has grown to 11 restaurants in South London, employing over 1100 people locally.

Every day I am able to make a difference no matter how big or small by empowering my incredibly diverse team, and creating and providing them with opportunities whilst giving back to my local South London communities. I am a supporter of many grassroots community projects and have also had the pleasure of being a founding patron for one of South London’s youth clubs, Legacy.”

Tony Sealey OBE

“Being able to treat people fairly, with honesty, integrity, respect and transparency, and expect the same in return is important to me. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than being able to afford an equitable opportunity to a diverse workforce and help them grow beyond their expectations. My partnership of over 27 years with McDonald’s has just been exceptional and more.

McDonald’s encourages its Franchisees to contribute to the communities we operate in. In 2007 I was awarded with an OBE to recognise my contributions to communities across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. This is emblematic of the great work that Franchisees, with the support of McDonald’s, can achieve.

Partnering with a globally recognised brand made it easier to break down barriers and scale up my aspirations even more, and our aligned values helped me to achieve my professional and personal goals.
McDonald’s is constantly innovating. It is an exceptional business opportunity for the right individual who has the willingness to understand, embrace and support McDonald’s core values, and can fully commit their full time and best efforts to a long-term relationship.”

We are actively seeking aspiring entrepreneurs who are passionate about operating a multi-site business. To hear more about the investment, the franchise model and how it could complement your aspirations, please scan the QR code below or click HERE to visit our website where you can find out more about the selection process and our recruitment events.