About activ
We’re an award-winning national marketing agency delivering comprehensive digital marketing solutions locally through our unique franchise model, The Marketing Agency Franchise™.
Welcome to activ Marketing
We’re the award-winning Marketing Agency Franchise, the longest-running digital marketing franchise in the UK.
With a proven track record of success, we know what works, and we’re here to help you build a thriving marketing business. Whether you're looking to create a strong, locally rooted agency or want the flexibility of running an online marketing business from anywhere in the world, our proven model and experienced team can make that happen.
Katie’s Story
At activ, we have an inspiring story. Our current CEO & Franchisor, Katie Bullon, began her journey with us as an activ franchise partner in 2014. Through her vision and dedication, she orchestrated a UK-wide buy-out of the business, assuming full leadership of the activ franchise in 2021. This acquisition stands as a testament to her unwavering belief in our network.
Katie is an award-winning marketing professional, renowned for her expertise in growth, strategy, and rebranding of large organisations. Her extensive experience made her the ideal leader to propel activ forward. She is a verified franchising expert and a qualified marketer.
In 2021, Katie spearheaded a comprehensive rebranding of activ, coupled with a thorough talent and service review and significant franchise model improvements. Her relentless efforts ensure that the activ brand continues to grow and remains a the premier marketing franchise opportunity in the UK.
Among her numerous accolades, Katie was honoured as the Best Leader in Marketing (agency side) at the prestigious Global Women in Marketing Awards 2022. In the same year she was marked in The Telegraph's Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs to watch list gaining an invite to The House of Commons. Most recently, her dedication to the franchise has been recognised as she became a finalist in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, with the results to be announced in November 2024.
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Our Values
Heart – We lead with empathy, honesty and real passion for what we do.
Creativity – Bold ideas meet smart strategies to deliver real results.
Connection – We’re a supportive community, built on strong relationships.
Ambition – We back big goals and empower bold action.
Purpose – We care deeply about meaningful work and lasting impact.
Location Franchise Partner - LPF
Perfect for: Professionals leaving employment who may not have marketing experience but do have transferable skills and a hunger to start their own business.
Who have: Drive and determination to build something meaningful
- People skills, business acumen, or project management experience
- A desire to work locally with flexibility and purpose
With activ they get: Complete training and onboarding from day one
- A business model that teaches you how to run a successful local marketing business
- Ongoing support training and access to a full-service delivery team
Their future…
A respected local marketing agency owner, equipped for success and backed by a trusted brand.
Our Vision for our LFPs
To unlock the potential of driven professionals ready for a new chapter – turning transferable skills into thriving marketing businesses and enabling a more fulfilling lifestyle on their terms.
Because it’s never too late to leave the rat race and build something of your own.
Consultant Franchise Partner – CFP
Perfect for: Experienced marketers, freelancers, or consultants—including those currently in employed marketing roles—who want to grow their income, client base, and reputation without going it alone.
Who have:
- A background in marketing, communications, or digital
- Clients, a network, or untapped potential—but need a framework to scale
- A desire to focus on strategy and client relationships—not delivery
With activ they get:
- The credibility of an established brand and proven model
- Access to a full-service delivery team, freeing up their time
- Sales and marketing tools, training, and resources to grow faster
Their future…
A thriving consultancy business that looks and feels like an agency, supported by a team and tools to help them scale without burnout.
Our Vision for our CFPs
To empower skilled marketers to step into their next-level business—serving bigger clients, charging more, and delivering more—while staying lean and in control.
Because it’s time for experienced marketers to stop playing small and start building a business that works for them.
Online Marketing Agency Franchise – OMAF
Perfect for: Ambitious entrepreneurs who already have an exciting freelance marketing business and want to continue growing it—under their own brand—with the structure and support of an award-winning model.
Who have:
- A passion for marketing, business growth, or agency ownership
- The drive to grow a remote team and manage multiple clients
- A long-term vision to build a brand beyond themselves
With activ they get:
- Full agency systems, training, and delivery infrastructure
- A scalable model with support for recruitment and growth
- Branding, positioning, and marketing assets to hit the ground running
Their future…
A national or even global agency run on their terms—backed by the systems, support, and team they need to grow with confidence.
Our Vision for our OMAF Partners
To enable existing marketing entrepreneurs to skip the chaos of scaling alone—bringing structure to their success and helping them build a future-proof agency with their name on the door.
Because with the right foundations, there’s no limit to how far your agency can go.
