Energy and utilities for franchisees and franchise networks
In a franchise, the agreement can decide which suppliers and systems a unit uses, and units change hands. We start with what your franchise agreement allows, then look after the contracts that are yours to choose, unit by unit.
- Your franchise agreement checked before anything is switched
- Each unit quoted on its own usage and end dates
- Changes of ownership handled without deemed-rate surprises
How Helios helps franchisees and franchise networks.
Franchise agreements, unit handovers and suppliers set by the network. Helios checks what you can change and keeps every unit on one list.
Your franchise agreement checked first
Some agreements name suppliers or equipment. We check what you can change before we quote.
One contact for every unit
Each unit’s energy, waste, card terminal and insurance renewals on one list, with its own end dates.
When a unit changes hands
Taking over a unit? We get the supplies into your name quickly, so you are not left on deemed rates.
Support across the network
Franchisors can give every unit the same checks and one contact, while each unit keeps its own contracts.
For franchisees: check your franchise agreement first
Franchise agreements often set out which suppliers, systems and equipment a unit must use, which can include EPOS and card terminals. Before switching anything, check what your agreement says, and whether your lease or the agreement decides who holds each utility contract.
Where the choice is yours, we quote electricity and gas separately for your unit, compare card machines on their fees and terms, and set out each contract’s end date.
Microbusiness protections for single units
Ofgem treats a business as a microbusiness if it has fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet of no more than £2 million, or uses no more than 100,000 kWh of electricity or 293,000 kWh of gas a year. Many single franchise units meet this, which limits termination notice on evergreen contracts to 30 days and requires suppliers to give renewal prices before a contract ends.
Source: Ofgem
When a unit changes hands
Ofgem says you are responsible for any energy used before your new contract starts, and that without a contract your supplier could put you on a deemed rate. When a unit is sold, take meter readings on the day, tell every supplier, and agree new contracts promptly.
Source: Ofgem
For franchisors: supporting units across the network
A network can share a standard for how contracts are reviewed without forcing every unit onto the same terms. We keep a schedule of each unit’s meters, end dates and notice windows, check every unit on its own usage, and report back in a format you can share with franchisees.
What franchise units usually need from us
One unit or a network
A single franchisee
We check your agreement, your dates and your bills, and quote only what is yours to change.
A multi-unit franchisee or franchisor
Each unit keeps its own meters and dates. See multi-site groups for how we map them.
Keeping contracts and documents in order
For each unit we record:
- Which contracts the franchise agreement fixes
- Energy end dates and notice windows
- Card machine and EPOS arrangements
- Waste collections and transfer notes
- Meter readings on any change of ownership
What to send us
Send what you have and we will ask for anything else we need.
- Recent electricity and gas bills for each unit
- The supplier section of your franchise agreement, if unsure
- Card machine statements
- The date you took over the unit, if recent
How Helios looks after a franchise.
Here is how a franchise’s contracts look in the Helios portal: every service, every end date and every document in one place.
- One contact for every service and every site
- Every end date and notice window tracked, with reminders
- Rates exactly as printed: electricity and gas always quoted separately
- Contracts, documents and meter readings in your Helios portal
Franchise · 3 unitsIllustration only- ElectricityUnit 131/03/2027Renewal due
- ElectricityUnit 230/09/2027Live
- ElectricityUnit 3 · new ownerDeemed ratesQuote in progress
- Card machinesSet by the franchisorAgreementLive
- WasteAll units31/12/2027Live
What we may find
It depends on your units and agreement. These are the things we check.
- A unit on deemed rates after a change of ownership
- Contracts that are yours to change but were never reviewed
- Units with no food waste collection
Get a quote for your franchise
Tell us about your business and we’ll be in touch. We check your contract end dates and notice windows before we quote.
Prefer to talk? Call 020 4628 5727, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the utility bills in a franchise?
Usually the franchisee for their own unit, but it depends on your franchise agreement and lease. Check both before switching.
Can a franchisor arrange energy for the whole network?
It can set a common approach, but each unit still has its own meter and usage. We check each unit on its own figures.
Does my franchise agreement say which suppliers I must use?
Many agreements name suppliers or systems. We start by checking what yours says.
What happens to energy contracts when a unit is sold?
The new owner is responsible for energy used from the day they take over and may be on deemed rates until a contract is agreed. Take readings on the day and tell the suppliers.
Bring your franchise into one place.
Send us a recent bill and we will start with your contract dates and prices. Add the rest of your services whenever you are ready.
