Meet the original franchising gurus
Our story. Our vision. Our team.
Maria
HeatherHow our consultancy was born
Franchising Guru was born from a simple yet powerful vision: to make franchising accessible, transparent, and successful for everyone involved. Founded by industry veterans who had witnessed both the incredible potential and the common pitfalls of franchising, we set out to create a consultancy that would truly serve the needs of both franchisors and franchisees.
Our mission was to revolutionise modern franchising industry
01Through our innovative, result-driven approach, we've helped countless franchisors and franchisees achieve unprecedented success. We believe that with the right guidance, support, and modern strategies, any franchise can thrive in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
We were driven by big passion for franchise industry
02Our team of experts is driven by a shared commitment to help our clients achieve their goals and build thriving, sustainable businesses. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including cutting-edge marketing, legal advice, financial planning, and operational support, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Digital age brings complexity, yet abundant opportunities
03In the digital age, things became more complex, yet filled with new opportunities. That's when we realised the importance of a consultancy that delivers results in today's fast-paced environment. Hence, we stepped in to offer fresh, practical solutions to make the journeys of both franchisors and franchisees smoother.
We bring wealth of experience
With over 40 years of combined experience in franchising, our team has helped hundreds of businesses successfully navigate the complex world of franchising. From small family-owned businesses to large international brands, we have the expertise and proven track record to help you achieve your franchising goals.
Ai tech
state-of-the-art matching algorithm
40+
years of experience building successful franchises
800+
franchises sold domestically & internationally
£200M
total revenue generated
85+
businesses franchised around the globe
Our mission
Our mission is to help aspiring entrepreneurs succeed in franchising with expert guidance and personalized solutions.
We achieve this by using AI and our deep industry knowledge to connect entrepreneurs and investors with the best opportunities tailored to their goals.
Our founders
Heather Sandberg
A solutions-oriented business development professional, Heather has over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, commercial growth, and stakeholder management across industries including retail, property, media, and franchising.
With a proven track record of launching and managing high-impact projects, she has successfully driven business revenue growth, streamlined operational processes, and expanded market presence for major national and global accounts. Heather has also managed multi-million-pound budgets, overseeing forecasting, P&L ownership, and commercial negotiations to deliver sustainable financial outcomes.
A natural leader, Heather thrives in high-pressure environments, excelling in executive-level stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and business acquisitions. Passionate about creating scalable, future-proof business models, she continues to drive innovation through Franchising Genius and her broader business consultancy expertise.
Maria Misyurina
Maria is a skilled professional with 15 years of experience in both legal and franchising industries. She is a strategic thinker with exceptional problem-solving skills and a proven track record of delivering results. Throughout her career, Maria has gained a deep understanding of franchising, including the complexities of franchise law, contract negotiations, and franchisee relations.
She has also sharpened her legal skills, including contract drafting and negotiations, litigation, and intellectual property law. Maria is passionate about helping businesses grow through franchising and has played a key role in the successful expansion of many franchise brands. She is a detail-oriented professional with a strong work ethic and is committed to delivering exceptional results for her clients.
The future of
franchising is here
Our team
James Cotton
James is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in franchising and leisure industries. He has a strong back-ground in business development, strategic planning, and operations management, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. James has a deep understanding of the franchising industry, including franchise operations, marketing, and brand development.
He has also gained extensive experience in the leisure industry, including event management, sales, and customer service. Throughout his career, James has worked with a variety of franchise brands, helping them to grow and succeed through effective business strategies and operational excellence. He is a passionate leader with a focus on delivering results and driving growth.