British start-up Isembard has launched a first-of-its-kind manufacturing franchise model designed to revitalise the UK’s industrial base and strengthen secure supply chains across critical sectors including aerospace, energy, and defence.
Richard Foord (left), MP for Honiton and Sidmouth, at Isembard’s Exeter factory, the company’s first franchised site, with 22 year old franchisee, Shaun Rowcliffe.
The model empowers operators to own and run their own precision-parts factories with unprecedented support. Franchisees gain access to a ready-made order pipeline, financing through banking partnerships, and Isembard’s AI-native MasonOS — an integrated operating system that manages quoting, supply chain, scheduling, manufacturing, and quality control.
They also receive an accelerated route to industry accreditations, opening the door to high-value contracts in regulated industries. Entrepreneurs can launch new sites or convert existing workshops into Isembard franchises.
The company currently operates four factories across the UK and the U.S., and plans to reach 25 in these territories before further expanding into Europe.
£7m seed funding
Isembard recently secured £7m in a seed funding round led by Notion Capital, with support from 201 Ventures, Never Lift Ventures, NP-Hard Ventures, and Material Ventures.
Founder and chief executive Alexander Fitzgerald, a former military officer, created Isembard through frustration by the slow process to get vital replacement machine parts critical to operations.
He recognised that thousands of small machining workshops — which make up 95 per cent of precision manufacturing capacity — remain underutilised with many lacking modern software, struggle to hire and face succession issues as experienced owners retire.
The company adds the erosion of manufacturing capacity coincides with surging demand from critical industries, as British companies plan to invest $650bn over the next three years to re-shore production.
‘Second industrial revolution’
Fitzgerald said Isembard’s approach could trigger a ‘second industrial revolution’ by opening factory ownership to a new generation of entrepreneurs.
“People choose a franchise for two reasons: meaningful work and a strong return — and now they can achieve both in manufacturing,” added Fitzgerald. “By opening the doors to advanced manufacturing we can strengthen our national security and boost our economy.”
Posted: 8th October, 2025
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