We are over the moon to share some big news. activ Marketing has scooped not one but two national titles at the 2025 Disruptive Franchise Awards: Trailblazer of the Year and Franchise Industry Champion.
And that is not all. We were also shortlisted for Franchisor of the Year for our CEO, Katie Bullon, and Support Manager of the Year for our very own James Beeson.
For us, this is about much more than trophies. It is recognition that franchising in marketing is no longer niche. It is becoming a real movement. A movement that is helping ambitious marketers achieve their self employed dreams, while giving them the structure and support they need to grow with confidence.
Why this is such a big deal
Let us be honest. When most people think about franchising, they think about burgers, gyms or coffee shops. Very few imagine marketing. These awards are proof that times are changing and that marketing deserves its place on the main stage.
At activ, we know how tough it can be to figure out how to start a marketing agency or how to run a marketing agency at scale. Katie has been there herself. As a former franchisee, she scaled her activ territory over 6 years into a six figure business before taking over the entire franchise in 2021. Since then, she has shaped activ into exactly the kind of model she knows marketers need: a marketing business in a box that takes away the overwhelm and gives people the confidence to grow.
You get everything from a full agency team and tech stack to national credibility and a supportive community. It means you can be in business for yourself, but never by yourself.
Real results from real people
Our franchisees are living proof that this works. Take Lou Eddy, who launched her activ Basingstoke agency in 2024. Within just four weeks she saw a 300% uplift in leads. That is the kind of growth you simply do not get when you are trying to juggle everything on your own.
Across the whole network, our 97% client retention rate speaks volumes. Our franchise partners get to focus on doing what they love, while we provide the structure, support and systems that would otherwise take years to build.
Why now is the time
This recognition could not come at a better time. When Katie spoke at Ideas Fest earlier this month as part of the Elite Franchise panel, the response was incredible. So many people came up to say how much they resonated with what we are building. It showed us once again just how many brilliant marketers are out there looking for freedom and growth, and a way to have both.
With three new activ agencies opening this autumn across England and Wales, the appetite is stronger than ever. And we are so proud to be helping more people turn their dream of running their own marketing business into a reality.
Come and see for yourself
Want to know what all the buzz is about? Join us for our next Discovery Day on Thursday 2nd October. You can join live or catch up afterwards if the timing does not suit. It is the perfect chance to explore how franchising could be the path you have been looking for.
