[marky_markus_mark]

and so was basically self employed, arranging my own tax & NI, would there be any way for my employer to know if i had a part time job on the side? I mean as I have to pay my own tax it wouldn't show up that I pay tax through another company?

[Moebious]

Do NOT start up a franchise - the whole industry is set up to prey on the unwise and the unwary. If you want to be your own boss get your own idea and follow that - don't pay a penny to someone else for the chance to follow their dream - it will be your nightmare: it'll be a costly and painful mistake.

Leave well alone.