Looking for a fresh way to grow your network and boost your wellbeing? activ Marketing is launching something a little different, and we’re inviting you to be part of it.
On Monday 14 July 2025 at 12.30pm, we’ll be hosting the very first activ Connections: a new monthly running group for professionals in Cardiff who want to connect outside of boardrooms, sales pitches and social feeds, and do it in a way that prioritises energy, mindset and authentic conversation.
Starting from our Cardiff HQ on Womanby Street, we’ll head off on a relaxed, group-paced run through the stunning Bute Park. It’s informal, it’s free, and it’s open to everyone. No suits, no speeches. Just trainers, fresh air and a new way to network.
What Is activ Connections?
We know from experience that meaningful business growth starts with meaningful connection. As the UK’s BFA-accredited marketing agency franchise, we’ve seen first-hand how strong relationships power franchisee success, local business growth, and sustainable momentum.
So we’re building something that brings that belief to life, a franchise-led initiative that encourages connection across our territories, starting here in Cardiff.
activ Connections is where business meets wellbeing. It’s a space for freelancers, agency owners, founders, and marketing professionals to:
- Take a break from screen time and reset
- Meet like-minded people from across the Cardiff and South Wales business community
- Swap stories, ideas and challenges in a relaxed, pressure-free setting
- Create genuine relationships that can grow beyond the run
Why It Matters
Whether you’re building your own marketing agency or supporting clients through a local franchise model, you can’t do it all alone. Collaboration, energy and a strong mindset are key to long-term success, and we believe movement can help unlock all three.
Just ask Tom Marley, our Head of Tech and the brains behind activ Connections. A former elite athlete, Tom knows how transformational running can be for mental clarity and energy. “Running gives you space, physically and mentally. You can talk freely, get creative, and come back to your day feeling sharper.”
Our CEO Katie Bullon agrees. Diagnosed with ADHD in 2024, Katie’s personal and professional journey has taught her how vital movement is for focus and wellbeing. “activ Connections isn’t just about running,” she says. “It’s about marketing with purpose. Supporting your business growth by supporting you.”
Special Guest: Lloyd Martin
We’re proud to be joined on launch day by Lloyd Martin, a Guinness World Record holder and incredible athlete. At just 19, Lloyd became the youngest person with Down’s syndrome to complete the London Marathon. He’s since taken on the New York Marathon, Cardiff Half, Great North Run and more, inspiring thousands along the way.
With strong family ties to Cardiff, Lloyd’s presence is a powerful reminder that resilience, joy and determination are the foundation of success in any journey, in life and in business.
Supported by Run Wales
activ Connections is proud to be supported by Run Wales, the Welsh Athletics social running programme. Their mission to get more people moving for health, happiness and connection aligns perfectly with our own.
We’re not just building a community, we’re building momentum. One run, one conversation, one connection at a time.
Why Join?
This is more than a run. It’s a new way to grow your business, and take care of yourself in the process.
- 87% of business owners say mental wellbeing impacts their work (Mental Health UK, 2023)
- Just 30 minutes of running can boost mood and productivity (NHS, 2023)
- 40,000+ SMEs operate in Cardiff alone, most led by solo entrepreneurs or small teams
- Networking is still one of the most powerful ways to grow a business (Forbes, 2023)
Get Involved
Date: Monday 14 July 2025
Time: 12.30pm
Meeting Point: activ HQ, Womanby Street, Cardiff
Bring: Trainers, an open mind, and a willingness to connect
This initiative is open to everyone, whether you’re a marketing freelancer, running your own business, working in a team, or exploring franchising as a growth route. (And while we often shine a light on women in franchising, this opportunity is open to all, especially businesses that welcome and support diversity.)
The Bigger Picture
activ Connections is part of our wider commitment to building healthy franchise communities that support growth on every level, mental, physical, and commercial. And as this Cardiff group grows, we’ll be rolling it out to activ territories across the UK, led by our incredible franchise partners.
This is your chance to experience the culture of activ Marketing up close, and maybe even take the first step toward building your own agency with us.
➡️ Sign up now to join us for the first run!
Let’s run, chat, and build something better, together.
