With new territories coming onto the market and sustained interest from prospective franchisees, the business has appointed John Marshall as its new Franchise Sales Manager.
John joined the team earlier this year and has already immersed himself in the brand and its network. “I’ve been in the role for just over a month now and it’s been fast-paced, but really enjoyable,” said John. “I’ve spent a lot of time getting under the skin of the business, speaking with franchisees across the network and supporting people who are at the early stages of looking at the opportunity.”
His background spans several decades in franchising, beginning with roles in retail and field management before moving into senior leadership positions. A relocation to Australia in his early thirties marked a turning point in his career. “That’s where my franchising journey really took off,” he said. “Over the next 18 years, I worked across four different franchise groups in senior national roles, covering both franchise recruitment and operations across a range of sectors.”
John’s experience has given him a clear understanding of the importance of aligning franchise recruitment with long-term support. “If you brought someone into the network, you were also responsible for supporting them operationally,” John explained. “It really reinforces how important it is to recruit the right people from the outset.”
That insight was further strengthened when John stepped into the role of franchisee himself. In 2020, he launched a martial arts franchise in Australia, growing the business from the ground up to nine locations and almost 600 students before selling it several years later. “Being a franchisee gave me a completely different perspective,” he said. “I know what it feels like to make that decision and what support really matters once you’re up and running.”
After relocating back to the UK, John was drawn to Greensleeves by the strength of its proposition and its reputation within the franchising sector. “Greensleeves operates in a strong market and has excellent systems in place,” he said. “There’s also a very supportive culture across the network, which really stood out to me.”
The newly created Franchise Sales Manager role underlines Greensleeves’ commitment to expanding in a measured and sustainable way, while ensuring new franchisees are set up for long-term success. “I often describe franchising as a partnership,” John said. “Both sides need to be clear on expectations and aligned from the start. For me, it’s about helping people decide whether franchising – and Greensleeves in particular – is the right fit for them.”
With a number of high-potential regions identified, John is keen to help extend the brand’s reach. “There are some fantastic opportunities in areas such as Wales, Devon and Essex,” he said. “I’m looking forward to helping the business build a strong presence in those locations.”
Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director Cheryl Harper said: “John brings a depth of experience that is incredibly valuable to Greensleeves. Having worked in senior franchisor roles and as a successful franchisee, he understands the realities of franchising from every angle. His appointment supports our ambition to continue growing the network while ensuring new franchisees feel supported from day one.”
