Marketing Made Flexible. Franchising Made for You.
At activ Marketing, we believe talented entrepreneurs deserve more than freelance struggles or the nine-to-five grind. That’s why we built a franchise model that offers both credibility and freedom, helping people run their own full-service agency with the confidence that comes from being backed by a team that understands what it takes to grow.
activ is a BFA-approved marketing agency franchise, designed to empower professionals wanting to work in the digital marketing space, with everything they need to launch and scale a profitable business. There is no need to navigate the trial and error of going it alone.
Originally founded in 2008 as a web design franchise, activ has been reimagined by award-winning marketing CEO Katie Bullon, to meet the evolving needs of businesses in a digital-first world. Formerly a franchisee herself, Katie acquired the business in 2021 and has since transformed it into a full-service, future-focused franchise model that meets the needs of modern SMEs and supports the ambitions of entrepreneurs.
With around 70% of SMEs (over 90% of UK businesses) outsourcing some of their marketing – and 75% of those seeking a single trusted partner, the demand for comprehensive, relationship-led marketing support has never been stronger. This is where freelancers often struggle. They want flexibility but, without a team, find it difficult to deliver consistently, retain clients and scale.
That’s where activ comes in.
Franchisees run their own business under a nationally trusted brand, supported by a full-service delivery team. For every client, they choose whether to deliver the work themselves or delegate to head office, depending on their time, skills or preference. The result is greater flexibility, better service, and more time to focus on what really matters: building lasting client relationships and growing a profitable business.
We offer a true business in a box, including:
- In-person induction at HQ in Cardiff
- Sales and marketing training tailored to your goals
- Ongoing franchisee support huddles
- Done-for-you marketing campaigns & assets
- CRM and marketing platform set up and ready to go
- Proposal templates and pricing structure – sell from 150 fixed-price items plus bespoke
- Access to a head office team of delivery experts
- Branding, website, email and social assets
- Regular training videos and Q&A sessions
- A powerful, warm peer-to-peer franchisee network
- Ongoing mentoring from experienced marketers
Franchisees can profitably sell a wide range of services, including:
- Website design and development
- SEO and optimisation
- Google Ads and social media ads
- Social media content and management
- Email marketing
- Branding and logo design
- Copywriting and blogging
- CRM and marketing system
- Marketing training courses
- Strategy and planning
- Analytics and reporting
- Printed materials and design
- Monthly retainers and support packages
Katie Bullon is also a columnist for Elite Franchise Magazine and the BFA’s official publication, Chair of EWiF Wales, and a regular judge for UK StartUps and EWiF Awards.
Whether you’re looking for personal freedom, financial growth or a career with purpose, activ helps you build a business that is truly yours, backed by a brand with credibility, community and a clear path forward.
Join us and be part of a marketing franchise that puts people, purpose and profit at the heart of everything.
Testimonials
With your business now 15 years old, how have you found being a franchisee and would you recommend this to others in a similar position?
“We’d recommend joining activ to anyone who is looking to start their own marketing business. In 2021, the franchise rebranded under the new owner and it has really moved things on and up a level. Katie Bullon, our new owner and CEO, was a franchisee herself so she understands the stresses and strains involved in developing a business, but she also has a successful business and marketing background as well as a great drive. We’ve seen vast improvements since she took over and we have faith in her vision for how the business will continue to grow going forward.”
“Transitioning from being a one-person marketing consultant to becoming part of a larger brand while owning my own business has transformed so many things both personally and for my business. Receiving expert advice and mentorship from Katie and the team has been invaluable. In just two months, I’ve seen over a 300% increase in my pipeline of prospects.”
Lou Eddy – Basingstoke (Joined May 2024)
With your business now 15 years old, how have you found being a franchisee and would you recommend this to others in a similar position?
“For me, the franchise opportunity gave me the incentive to start my own business and I have been able to grow my business over the years, seeing both an increase in clients and a wider range of services that I am able to offer with the support of head office. I enjoy being my own boss and having the flexibility to achieve a better work-life balance than I could ever do in my old corporate life.”
Mark Rouvray – Kingston