Key Features
Well-established Mail Boxes Etc franchise trading in Inverness for over 27 years
Prime Church Street city centre location with strong footfall and high visibility
Ground floor leasehold premises extending to approx. 98m²
Well-presented retail unit with glazed frontage, display windows and EPOS system
Diverse service offering including print, mailboxes, shipping & business services
Part of a global franchise network with 1,800+ centres across 40+ countries
Strong operational support, marketing and training from Mail Boxes Etc UK franchisor
Owner-run business with consistent year-on-year profitability and strong local reputation
Excellent turnkey opportunity for new owner/operator
Highlight
Well-established and highly reputable Mail Boxes Etc franchise, successfully trading in Inverness for over 27 years. Situated in a prime Church Street city centre location, the business benefits from strong footfall and excellent visibility.
Description
Mail Boxes Etc is a well-established franchise business that has been successfully operating in Inverness for over 27 years. Ideally positioned on Church Street in the heart of the city centre’s main commercial and business district, the business benefits from excellent visibility and strong footfall in one of Inverness’s most prominent trading locations.
The business occupies the ground floor of a leasehold property and extends to approximately 98m² in total. This includes a well-presented 55m² sales area, complemented by a further 42m² of back-of-house space, along with WC facilities. The layout is both practical and efficient, providing a spacious working environment well suited to the operational needs of the business.
The business operates as part of the globally recognised Mail Boxes Etc network, a trusted international brand that provides immediate credibility and access to a proven and established business model. The franchise is supported by a robust worldwide infrastructure designed to assist franchisees in building and sustaining successful operations.
Trade
The business, trading as Mail Boxes Etc (MBE UK0023 – Inverness), operates Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am to 12:00pm, providing convenient access for both retail and business customers. The mailbox lobby is accessible 24 hours a day via secure coded entry.
It offers a wide range of services including printing, marketing, branded goods, stationery, graphic design, photocopying, and office supplies, alongside specialist auction logistics for high-value and fragile items. Core services also include pack-and-ship solutions with domestic and international delivery, and mailbox services such as physical mailboxes (with 24 hours access) , virtual offices, and registered business addresses.
In addition, it functions as a Business Hub supporting local enterprises. As a franchise, it benefits from structured training, ongoing support, and established operational systems under a recognised brand, enabling consistency and growth. The business has demonstrated steady year-on-year profitability, reflecting a resilient and scalable model.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
A comprehensive training and support package is provided by the Mail Boxes Etc. UK franchisor, ensuring franchisees are fully equipped to operate the business successfully. This includes an initial two-week intensive training programme, with ongoing support throughout the life of the business. Please note that training is subject to an additional cost.
The franchise agreement is offered on a 10-year term, providing long-term security within an established network. Franchisees benefit from strong central support, with a focus on people development and business growth.
Support includes pre-opening assistance, guidance on site selection, and operational support within the designated area. Franchisees also receive pre-launch preparation and ongoing training, including on-site experience at some of the network’s most successful locations.
Extensive national marketing support is provided to enhance brand awareness and customer engagement. In addition, franchisees benefit from regular business planning and sales coaching to support sustained performance and growth.
As part of the wider network, franchisees benefit from the strength of the Mail Boxes Etc. system, including collaborative opportunities and access to multiple revenue streams.
LEASE
The premises are held on a leasehold basis at an annual rent of £20,000. The current lease is due to expire in 2027, and there is no reason to suggest that it will not be renewed or continued, subject to normal landlord agreement.
WEBSITE
Mail Boxes Etc benefits from a dedicated website at https://www.mbe.co.uk/, which supports brand visibility, customer engagement, and access to its full range of services across the UK network.
Location
The business is located in the heart of Inverness city centre, within the main commercial and business district, close to the bustling centre and historic Old Town, often referred to as the Capital of the Highlands. This highly prominent location benefits from strong levels of passing trade, excellent visibility, and consistent footfall throughout the year.
Inverness has a population of over 50,000 and the city continues to grow as a key regional hub for commerce, administration, and tourism in the Highlands.
As a major tourist destination, Inverness attracts thousands of visitors each year, particularly during the holiday season, when the population increases significantly. Visitors are drawn to the surrounding Highland scenery and historic attractions, further enhancing local trading conditions for businesses in the city centre.
The city also offers a wide range of amenities and leisure facilities, including three golf courses, Eden Court Theatre, an indoor swimming complex, two cinemas, ten-pin bowling, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. This strong mix of retail, leisure, and tourism activity contributes to a vibrant and supportive trading environment for businesses located within the city centre.
Accommodation
The Property
The property is located in a pedestrianised area of Inverness Old Town within the Inverness Riverside conservation area, offering an attractive and historic city-centre setting with strong footfall.
The business occupies the ground floor of a substantial three-storey building that spans Church Street and Baron Taylor Street, providing excellent visibility and access from multiple directions.
Its position within a well-established commercial area, alongside complementary businesses, enhances customer flow and contributes to a strong and vibrant trading environment.
Terms
Reason For Sale
The business is offered for sale due to the owner’s retirement, presenting an excellent opportunity for a new operator to take over a long-established and successful franchise.
Rates / Council Tax
The retail unit has a rateable value of £15,400 as of April 2026 (Property Reference: 06/08/147395/9). Eligible applicants may qualify for business rates relief; further details should be obtained from the Highland Council Assessor.
Finance and Legal Services
ASG Commercial Ltd is in touch with a variety of different lenders who can provide specialist finance. We will be delighted to discuss your financing requirements with you and make an appropriate introduction where appropriate. We also have many contacts in the legal profession who can assist in all legal matters arising.