Stories of growth, grit and gratitude from elite franchise live
At Elite Franchise Live’s “Franchising Your Freedom” session, five remarkable voices shared how franchising helped them turn independence into opportunity, proving it’s not a fallback plan, but a framework for growth.
The sun was shining down on the Ideas Festival when Elite Franchise Live took to the stage, fitting for a conversation all about bright futures…
“Franchising isn’t a fallback choice,” opened Jodie Marsh, Commercial Director for Elite Franchise and host for the session. “It’s a framework for growth, a way to build something that’s yours, with the support to scale faster and smarter than you could do alone.”
With that, the discussion, “Franchising Your Freedom”, got underway. What followed was a lively and heartfelt conversation between a panel of business owners and experts who’ve each discovered the power of franchising in very different ways.
From corporate marketing to empowering others
For Katie Bullen, Managing Director of Active Marketing, franchising was the bridge between two worlds: the structured environment of corporate life and the freedom of entrepreneurship.
“I’d built a great career in marketing, travelling the world and managing big budgets,” she explained. “But when I went freelance, I found working alone after years in a large organisation really tough.”
That’s when Katie came across Active Marketing, a franchise that allowed her to run her own marketing business with the backing of an experienced team.
“I invested in a franchise and ran my South Wales territory for six years,” she said. “When the opportunity came up to buy the business in 2021, I jumped at it.”
Today, she’s leading the brand as franchisor, helping others achieve the same freedom she once sought. “The best part,” she smiled, “is knowing I can now give that same support and opportunity to others. You really are stronger together in franchising.”
A mother’s solution becomes a scalable success
For Sarah Charles, founder of FunFest Franchising and Canopy Nurseries, her journey began with a simple problem: childcare.
“I was a busy working mum with a nursery business,” she recalled. “But when my children grew too old for nursery, I realised there was nothing for them during the holidays.”
So she launched FunFest, a children’s holiday club that quickly sold out. It was a lightbulb moment; Solihull couldn’t be the only place struggling with this challenge. “I knew it was scalable and transferable,” she said. “But I couldn’t do it alone without compromising quality. Franchising was the answer.”
Through franchising, Sarah found a way to replicate her success sustainably, empowering others to run their own thriving businesses while keeping her brand values intact.
“The biggest lesson,” she added, “was learning to say no. It’s tempting to say yes to everyone who wants to buy into your brand, but there has to be alignment. They need to share your values and passion.”
A golden arches perspective
When you think of franchising, few names come to mind faster than McDonald’s. But as Hubs, a franchisee operating multiple McDonald’s restaurants, explained, even global giants face challenges.
“People think McDonald’s is a safe bet,” he said. “It’s a strong brand, yes, but it still comes with challenges. We face the same economic pressures as any business. The difference is, you have an incredible support network behind you.”
That “system”, as he described it, is built on three pillars: the corporate team, the supply chain, and the franchisees themselves. “When things get tough, from geopolitical issues to the cost-of-living crisis, we pull together. That collaboration is the real strength of franchising.”
His biggest lesson in scaling? “People,” he said simply. “Don’t be afraid to invest in good talent early on. You can’t be everywhere at once. Surround yourself with the right people, and you’ll go far.”
Health, wellbeing and a new beginning
Naseem Khan’s entry into franchising came after he sold his previous business just before COVID-19. “I wanted to take a little time off,” he said, “and it became clear that awareness of health and wellbeing had never been higher.”
Despite having no background in fitness, he was drawn to the Anytime Fitness model. “It was the right concept at the right time,” he explained. “I liked that franchising gave me the tools, the playbook and the flexibility to make it my own.”
Today, Naseem runs multiple gyms and has no regrets. “Franchising gives you autonomy,” he said. “You’re still running a business; success depends on the effort you put in, but you also have structure and community. For me, it’s freedom with a safety net.”
A champion for the industry
Rounding out the panel was Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association (BFA), the voice of franchising in the UK.
“Franchising is one of the most inclusive business models out there,” she told the audience. “There are over a thousand franchise systems in the UK, from gyms and nurseries to marketing, cleaning, and even drain-unblocking. Because it’s so diverse, it attracts a diverse group of people.”
You don’t need to have experience in the sector, she emphasised. “The franchisor teaches you everything, finances, marketing, operations. You can choose something you’re passionate about, and the franchisor helps you succeed.”
The key to success, she said, is mindset. “The ones who thrive are those who lean into the support systems, collaborate with others in the network, and have that drive to build something bigger.”
Lessons from the ground up
As the discussion deepened, the panel reflected on what franchising had truly given them.
When asked for one word that captured their journey, the answers came quickly:
Love. Excitement. Liberation. Family. Gratitude.
Their experiences showed that franchising is more than just a business model; it’s a community built on shared ambition and mutual support.
And for those wondering whether any business can be franchised, Pip’s answer was reassuringly optimistic: “Nine times out of ten, yes, if you’ve got strong systems, a profitable model, and the right foundations. It’s about teaching others to replicate your success while keeping your brand values consistent.”
Taking the leap
The audience questions came thick and fast: how to start, how to maintain quality, how property works, and whether to license first or franchise outright. The responses were candid and practical, echoing one clear message: get the right advice and start strong.
“Don’t try to turn a licence into a franchise later,” Pip advised one participant. “If you’re going to franchise, do it properly from the outset. And don’t go it alone, come to us at the BFA for guidance and accredited consultants.”
For others, like Sarah and Katie, it was about preparation. “Make sure your business is truly ready to be franchised,” Katie said. “Your systems, processes, profitability and delivery all need to be solid before you replicate it.”
Freedom, not a fallback
As the session drew to a close, Jodie Marsh summed it up perfectly:
“If you take one thing away from today, let it be this: franchising is not a fallback; it’s a framework for growth. It’s about building something that’s yours, but with the support to grow faster and smarter than you could do alone.”
It was a message that resonated across the festival field, one of optimism, empowerment and possibility. Whether you’re an established business owner ready to scale or an aspiring entrepreneur looking for your next chapter, franchising offers a bridge between independence and community.
Ready to be inspired?
Elite Franchise Live continues to bring together voices from across the sector, from first-time franchisees to established leaders, offering real stories, practical advice and inspiration for anyone curious about the franchise journey.
Whether you tune in online or join in person, it’s an event that showcases the best of British business, bold ideas, resilient people and the power of collaboration.
Find out more and watch upcoming sessions at elitefranchiselive.co.uk
Your journey to franchising your freedom could start today.
