Elite Franchise Magazine

Buoyed by success

Water Babies’ MD James Brookes, outlines how rising demand for early-years swimming lessons, strong parental trust, and a tech-driven franchise model continue to drive momentum across the UK and beyond

Q&A: How Home Instead thinks global and acts local

Home Instead’s UK MD Ruth Brown talks leadership, franchising, resilience, and why building a values-led business starts with people…

And the 2026 EWiF Award winners are

Nine women were recognised at the annual EWiF Awards ceremony in Leicester on Wednesday 20 May, celebrating outstanding achievement across franchising

Maids in the UK

Recurring revenue and systems-led growth are reshaping the cleaning franchise model as Merry Maids UK positions itself for long-term scale. We spoke to Brand Leader Vikki Donnachie, to find out more…

Celebrating the best in franchising

Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) Awards 2026, recognising the businesses and individuals driving excellence across the franchising sector

Franchise built on Purpose, People and a Relentless Drive for Better Care

Rod of the Antarctic

An unlikely Dyno-Rod Plumbing & Drains partnership with a polar explorer shows how franchise networks can connect community impact, brand purpose, and local business leadership to maximise branding opportunities…

Hitting a major milestone

Home Instead’s inspirational boss sees the company hit 20 with the same purpose-led vigour and principles that started it all, but plenty of commercial success to talk about…

Hubs Bakshi: My Story

After scaling from one McDonald’s restaurant to five, with a sixth on the way, Hubs Bakshi explains how people, culture, innovation and community engagement have shaped his rapid expansion

Stagecoach CEO Lisa Stead explains how she turned her student experience there into franchise leadership, inspiring students across the performing arts network

The personnel touch

More Than Loft Ladders has an exhaustive process to introduce newcomers to the business and set them up for success both initially and on an ongoing basis

Worldwide wings

Making an impact in the popular and competitive QSR sector isn’t easy, but Chicken Cottage COO, Tom Corcoran believes the brand’s mix of classic offerings, flavour experimentation and tech-lead service standards gives it the edge over the competition. We spoke to him to find out more…

Who cares for Carers?

A homecare company putting care at the centre of its culture seems like a no-brainer, but in a sector beset by high staff turnover, carer care is a strategy that has been central to its successful expansion in the UK and Europe. We spoke to CEO Dan Archer, to find out more…

Snapping into shape

Part of the successful Lift Brands fitness portfolio, Snap Fitness’ popular gym memberships offer 24-7 access alongside digital and online wellbeing content. We spoke to CEO Kevin Yates to find out more about the franchise and what it offers.

Wish you were here?

For those that love travel, having a business that offers the chance to be your own boss while also exploring different destinations sounds like an unattainable dream. But taking on a Travel Franchise business - ranked in the top-20 in this year’s EF100 - is exactly that. We spoke to one franchise owner about their personal journey

Franchising’s fresh frontier

The debut of Elite Franchise Live webinar opened with a thought-provoking session titled “Next Gen Z.” While the title hinted at a forward-thinking discussion, what followed was both a conversation and a compelling call to action, urging the franchising community to reimagine itself for a younger, more purpose-driven generation

Maid to measure business

Molly Maid franchisee, Gabi Boi, describes her journey from office manager to franchise owner and how it has brought flexibility to her role as a young parent and business leader…

Make your mark in the care sector

In a sector defined by the need for business acumen and compassionate care delivery, Caremark – a top-10 finisher in this year’s EF100 - aims to be the benchmark of innovation, quality, and purpose

Franchising’s finest take centre stage

Elite Franchise was proud to host the Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) 2025 celebration last night, bringing together the UK’s most exceptional franchises at the prestigious Leonardo Royal St. Paul’s in London

Building a drama school out of a crisis

Stagecoach Performing Arts and Drama Kids thriving under the stewardship of CEO Andy Knights

Swimming toward success

CEO Howard Harrison talks passion and purpose behind Water Babies.

Blazing a trail

Snap-on – this year’s EF100 winner - is a multi-award-winning franchise brand, occupying a distinct position in both the franchising and automotive landscapes

Doing the right thing

Home care provider Right at Home is going from strength to strength with an offering that boasts targeted digital marketing

European kitchen improvement brand Raison Home is making inroads into the UK market with a growing number of successful franchise owners. We talked to one to find out just what’s cooking…

Doing it by the book

Just before he walked off into the sunset of a well-earned retirement, franchise finance and business planning expert Chris Roberts wrote a book that offers a complete guide to finance and more. Here he tells us all about it…

SPONSORED FEATURE

How to write a strong franchise award entry

Andy Swales

Jun 16 '26

The EF100 UK Awards open on 6 July. A judge-led virtual masterclass on 1 July will help franchisors understand what makes a strong submission, before entries officially open

Franchisees are different

Mark Scott

Jul 2 '26

Mark Scott, partner at PartnerWise Franchise, explains why understanding individual differences is one of the most important skills a franchisor can develop

Why children’s franchise brands are out-positioned, not outspent

Dijana Radisevic

Jul 2 '26

Across the children’s activity sector, the same language appears in almost every brand, and few franchisors know where the problem actually starts

Why your franchise recruitment website is losing you leads

Paul Clegg

Jul 2 '26

Most franchise recruitment websites are designed to look impressive rather than generate enquiries, leaving valuable leads behind before they ever get in touch

BFA confirms finalists for BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards

Martin Morris

Jul 1 '26

2026 edition sees 58 finalists in 14 categories, including the newly instituted Advisor and Supplier Award, recognising the efforts of a company or individual who has done the most to support the franchising industry

The power of the partnership: inside franchising’s collaboration culture

Pip Wilkins

Jul 1 '26

From football sessions for toddlers to creative cafes tackling loneliness in the elderly, BFA members are discovering that collaboration between franchise brands can deliver real social and commercial value

Golf Envy launches UK franchise programme with 24-hour simulator model

Andy Swales

Jul 1 '26

California-based indoor golf brand Golf Envy has brought its membership-based franchise model to the UK, targeting premium simulator venues with lean operations and no food and beverage

Snap Fitness Redditch breaks UK presale record on opening

Andy Swales

Jun 26 '26

The Worcestershire gym has launched with more members than any other Snap Fitness UK location, surpassing the previous record set by its Winton branch

Franchisee vs. independent business owner: which path is right for you?

Paul Clegg

Jun 25 '26

Whether you’re drawn to the freedom of starting from scratch or the structure of a franchise, the right path depends on knowing yourself. Paul Clegg, MD of Coconut Creative, breaks down the key differences

FPG Foods to double its KFC UK and Ireland restaurant estate by 2030

Andy Swales

Jun 23 '26

KFC franchise partner FPG Foods has announced plans to acquire 17 new restaurants across London and the South of England, targeting a 50-restaurant estate in the UK by 2030

Franchise due diligence UK: what franchisors look for in franchisees

Kevin Yates

Jun 22 '26

Franchise due diligence UK is evolving as prospects demand transparency, data and realistic forecasts for franchise investment UK 2026

Franchising: connections breed success

Nigel Toplis

Jun 22 '26

More than any other business model, franchising rewards the sharing of best practice across its network