How Much Does an Apollo Care Franchise Cost?

By UKFO Editorial · 25 September 2026

Explore the investment required to open an Apollo Care franchise in the UK. This guide breaks down the initial fees, operating costs, and funding options available to prospective franchisees.

Understanding the Financial Commitment of an Apollo Care Franchise

Embarking on a franchise journey, particularly in the resilient and rewarding home care sector, requires a clear-eyed assessment of the financial investment. Apollo Care, a prominent name in UK domiciliary care, offers a compelling proposition for entrepreneurs passionate about making a difference. But what is the true cost of entry? This comprehensive analysis breaks down the investment required, from the initial franchise fee to the ongoing operational costs, providing a transparent guide for prospective UK franchisees.

Understanding these figures is not merely a box-ticking exercise; it is the foundation of a robust business plan and the first step towards building a sustainable and profitable care business. We will explore the headline figures, delve into the crucial but often overlooked working capital, and discuss the ongoing financial commitments that are part of the franchise model.

The Initial Franchise Fee: Your Gateway to the Brand

The most direct and widely publicised cost is the initial franchise fee. For an Apollo Care franchise, this figure currently stands at £25,000 (plus VAT). It is essential to understand that this fee is not just for the name; it is an investment in a comprehensive business launch package designed to accelerate your path to operation and profitability.

So, what does this upfront investment typically secure for you?

Territory Licence: You are granted an exclusive, protected territory. This means the franchisor will not place another Apollo Care franchisee within your designated area, giving you a clear market to develop.
Initial Training Programme: A comprehensive training schedule covering all aspects of the business. This includes care delivery standards, operational procedures, financial management, marketing strategies, and using the brand’s bespoke software systems.
Brand & Intellectual Property: The right to use the Apollo Care name, logo, and established brand identity, which carries immediate credibility and trust in the marketplace.
Launch Support: Hands-on assistance from the head office team to get your business off the ground. This often includes support with marketing your launch, initial recruitment drives, and navigating the registration process.
Operations Manuals: The franchise ‘bible’. This is a detailed set of documents outlining the proven systems and processes for running every aspect of the business, ensuring you meet quality and compliance standards from day one.

While £25,000 is a significant sum, when compared to the broader UK care franchise market, it is competitively positioned. It reflects a serious, well-supported business model without being prohibitively expensive for many aspiring business owners.

Total Investment: A Realistic Look Beyond the Fee

Thinking that the franchise fee is the only major outlay is a common pitfall for first-time franchisees. In reality, you must budget for a total investment figure, which includes the franchise fee plus all other necessary startup costs and a vital safety net of working capital. Apollo Care suggests a total investment in the region of £35,000 to £45,000. This indicates that you should budget for an additional £10,000 to £20,000 on top of the franchise fee.

Let's break down where this additional capital goes.

Working Capital: The Lifeblood of Your New Business

Working capital is the money you need to keep the business running before it starts generating enough revenue to support itself. In a service industry like domiciliary care, where you must pay staff before you receive payment from clients or local authorities, a healthy working capital fund is non-negotiable. It is the fuel that powers your business through its initial months.

Your working capital will need to cover:

Staff Costs: Primarily the wages for your first carers. You need to recruit and pay them before your client base is fully built.
Marketing & Advertising: Localised marketing to attract your first private clients and build relationships with referral sources like hospitals and GP surgeries.
Insurance Premiums: Essential cover such as public liability and employer’s liability insurance is a day-one requirement.
Office Costs: While you may start from a home office, you might need a small, professional office space as you grow to meet with staff and clients. This includes rent, rates, and utilities.
Contingency Fund: An allocation for unexpected costs. This financial buffer can be the difference between success and failure in the early stages.

Other Essential Setup Costs

Beyond working capital, there are several other one-off costs to factor into your total investment budget.

Professional Fees: It is imperative to have a solicitor with franchising experience review the franchise agreement. You will also need an accountant to advise on your company structure and financial projections. Budget at least £1,500 - £3,000 for these professional services.
Regulatory Registration: In England, you must register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). There are equivalent regulatory bodies in Scotland (Care Inspectorate), Wales (Care Inspectorate Wales), and Northern Ireland (RQIA). The registration process involves fees and is a critical legal requirement before you can begin trading.
IT & Communications: This includes business laptops, printers, dedicated business phone lines, and any specialist software licences not covered by the initial fee.
Business Stationery & Uniforms: Professional branded materials and uniforms for your care staff are essential for building a trustworthy and cohesive brand image.

Ongoing Fees: Fuelling Continuous Growth and Support

Once your business is operational, your financial relationship with the franchisor continues through ongoing fees. These are not simply a drain on profits; they fund the continuous support, brand development, and system innovations that help you stay competitive.

Management Service Fee (Royalty)

This is the primary ongoing fee, typically calculated as a percentage of your monthly turnover. Apollo Care operates an attractive tiered system, which starts at 6% of turnover and reduces as your business grows. This structure is highly beneficial for the franchisee, as it means the franchisor is directly invested in your success. As you earn more, their percentage take decreases, allowing you to retain a larger portion of your profits. This fee pays for the ongoing business support, mentoring, field visits, and access to the franchisor's expertise.

National Marketing Levy

Many franchise systems, including those in the care sector, charge a marketing levy. This is usually a much smaller percentage of turnover, often around 1-2%. This money is pooled into a central brand fund used for national-level advertising, digital marketing campaigns, and public relations efforts. It ensures the Apollo Care brand remains visible and respected across the UK, which benefits every franchisee by strengthening the name on their door.

Financing Your Apollo Care Franchise

Securing funding for a total investment of up to £45,000 is a significant step. Fortunately, franchising is a well-regarded model by UK lenders, especially for established and ethical brands. Apollo Care's membership of the Quality Franchise Association (QFA) adds a layer of credibility that banks appreciate.

Your primary funding avenues include:

Personal Savings: Most lenders will expect you to contribute a portion of your own capital, typically between 30% and 50% of the total investment. This demonstrates your personal commitment to the venture.
High Street Bank Loans: Major UK banks like NatWest, HSBC, and Lloyds have dedicated franchise finance teams. They understand the model and are more likely to lend to a franchisee with a solid business plan backed by a proven brand than to an independent startup.
The Start Up Loans Scheme: A government-backed scheme that can provide personal loans of up to £25,000 for business purposes. This can be an excellent way to bridge a funding gap.

Crucially, Apollo Care will provide you with a template and support to create a detailed business plan. This document, complete with financial projections, is the cornerstone of any funding application and is significantly easier to produce with the franchisor's guidance.

The Final Verdict: A Worthwhile Investment?

The cost of an Apollo Care franchise is more than a single fee; it's a multi-layered investment in a proven business system. The total outlay of £35,000-£45,000 provides you with a brand, a territory, comprehensive training, and a roadmap to follow in a sector with immense and growing demand due to the UK's ageing population.

While the investment is substantial, it must be weighed against the considerable risks, steep learning curve, and high failure rate associated with starting a regulated care business from scratch. With a franchise, you are buying experience, support, and a faster route to market. The tiered royalty fee is a particularly compelling feature, aligning the franchisor's interests directly with your own growth and profitability.

Ultimately, the decision rests on thorough due diligence. Scrutinise the franchise disclosure pack, speak at length with the head office team, and, most importantly, talk to existing Apollo Care franchisees. Their firsthand experience is the most valuable insight you can get. With careful planning and a clear understanding of the costs involved, an Apollo Care franchise represents a significant opportunity to build a valuable business that delivers both financial returns and immense personal satisfaction.