Fiona Boswell
Fiona is Head of the Franchising and Commercial Services Team at Knights plc and has over 17 years’ experience in advising businesses on commercial contracts of all kinds and in particular on setting up, managing, growing and exiting franchise networks. This includes the preparation of pilot, master, development, management and standard franchise contracts, assisting with franchise roll out, advising on regulatory compliance, the management and removal of underperforming franchisees, terminating franchise contracts, enforcing restrictive covenants, charging deposits, franchisee associations, franchise resales and data protection compliance. Fiona’s experience has been gained both in private practice and working in house for brands that franchise in the UK and overseas. Her clients span the full spectrum of sectors from hospitality to domiciliary care.
Fiona also advises franchisees that operate multiple units or multiple brands, advising on the acquisition of and operation of master franchises, mediating disputes, advice on the enforceability of restrictive covenants, exit strategy and franchise portfolio acquisitions and disposals and franchise renewals.
She is a BFA Qualified Franchise Professional and has a postgraduate diploma with distinction in Commercial Intellectual Property Law. She is also a Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer. Fiona is passionate about supporting women in business and is the Regional Chair of EWIF Midlands (Encouraging Women into Franchising), a member of the Association of Franchise Attorneys, a member of the External Relations Committee of the British Franchise Association, a regular speaker at Bfa, Chamber of Commerce and industry events and contributor to business press, franchise blogs and media.