Paul UK seeks franchise partners for nationwide expansion

Artisan bakery chain Paul UK is seeking franchise partners to open sites under its brand nationwide.

The group was founded in Croix, France, in 1889 and opened in London in 2000. Paul now trades from 37 bakeries in the capital and one at the Oxford Westgate shopping centre.

It is looking for franchisees to run sites in services stations, transport hubs, towns, city centres and suburban villages under three store models: a 1,500 sq ft main café concept, a 500-800 sq ft express model for high footfall areas, and 500 sq ft kiosk.

Mark Hilton, chief executive of Paul UK, said: "As we enter the franchise market, we will be looking for like-minded, experienced investors and operators who are just as passionate about baking and quality as we are.

"While we continue to grow the brand in London, we have also identified numerous national opportunities outside of the capital, which will be enabled predominantly, although not exclusively, by working with franchise partners.

"We are currently determining priority cities, but if approached by the right investors outside of these areas, we are open to having dialogue with them".

Paul said it will support partners through the set-up process, with help on recruitment, marketing and PR.

Interested parties should contact Franchise@paul-uk.com