We’re thrilled to share that Katie Bullon, our CEO, has been shortlisted once again for Creative Entrepreneur of the Year – Wales at the prestigious 2025 Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA).
This marks Katie’s second consecutive year being recognised by GBEA, celebrating not only her personal leadership journey, but also the transformational growth of activ Marketing Franchise over the past 12 months.
What began as a solo freelance career back in 2013 has grown into a UK’s and beyond, BFA-accredited marketing agency franchise, with a thriving client base nationwide and a growing community of self-employed marketing consultants building their own businesses under the activ brand.
A Landmark Year for activ Marketing Franchise
Since her 2024 shortlisting, Katie has led activ through a bold and ambitious phase of evolution – scaling the franchise, launching new systems, and reinforcing the values-driven culture that sits at the heart of our network.
Here’s just a glimpse at what we’ve achieved in the last 12 months:
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- Launched the activ Accelerator Programme – providing franchisees with structured success training, including professionally filmed, high-quality video content
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- Increased franchise recruitment leads by 400%, thanks to smarter strategy, clearer messaging and strong brand positioning
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- Rolled out a brand-new CRM and marketing hub, giving franchisees access to plug-and-play lead generation campaigns and streamlined client communications
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- Secured Katie’s appointment as the BFA’s marketing columnist, where she now shares franchise marketing insights with the wider UK network
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- Launched the first ever EWiF Wales group, championing women in franchising across the region
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- Opened a brand-new head office in Cardiff, giving our growing support team a central base for collaboration and training
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- Recruited an expert head office team across operations, marketing and finance to help the business scale with structure and clarity
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- Prepared to launch ‘activ Connections’, a first-of-its-kind networking and running group for business owners in partnership with Run Wales
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- Significantly grown brand awareness, positioning activ as the go-to option for marketing professionals ready to step into self-employment with structure and support
Recognition from the GBEA
“We’re so proud to reveal this year’s shortlist, a truly remarkable group of founders who are changing lives and transforming industries. The quality of entries gets stronger every year, and it’s clear that the entrepreneurial spirit in the UK is more alive than ever.
Many of our finalists go on to become household names, and we can’t wait to watch what this year’s cohort achieves next.”
— Francesca James, Founder, Great British Entrepreneur Awards
A Word From Katie
“To be shortlisted again is an honour, but what I’m most proud of is the journey we’ve taken since last year’s awards. This recognition isn’t just about me, it’s about every single franchisee and head office team member who brings activ to life every day.
From living our values to delivering for our clients across the UK, it’s their passion, commitment and creativity that make this business what it is. We’ve laid new foundations, built powerful systems, and scaled with purpose.
It’s proof that when you combine creativity with structure, and big ambition with smart delivery, you can build something truly special. And we’re only just getting started.”
Ready to Scale Your Own Marketing Business with activ?
Whether you’re a freelancer ready for structure, an in-house marketer seeking independence, or someone dreaming of building your own marketing agency with real support behind you, activ Marketing is here to help you make it happen.
Download our brochure to discover how you can join the UK’s best marketing franchise and build a business you love, backed by a super team that truly understands what it takes!
