What is Franchising...
really? We took to the streets of Cardiff to find out.
🎥 Watch the video below to hear what everyday people think franchising means – you might be surprised!
Let’s Clear It Up: What Is a Franchise?
Franchising is one of the smartest ways to start your own business – with the backing of a brand that’s already done the hard work.
It’s a partnership. You bring your ambition, drive, and local insight. The Franchisor provides the proven business model, marketing tools, expert support, and a powerful network.
Instead of building from scratch, you’re joining something that already works. In fact, 99.5% of franchisees succeed, compared to just 50% of start-ups (Elite Franchise, 2025).
So, How Does It Work?
You become a franchisee – which means you run your own local branch of a national business like The Marketing Agency Franchise. You’re still your own boss, but never on your own.
- You control your day
- You grow your income
- You make a real impact locally – with national backing behind you
Watch the Explainers:
In these 5 short videos, Katie Bullon – award-winning CEO, Franchisor and former franchisee, breaks down franchising in plain English.
These videos cover:
- What franchising is (and isn’t)
- Why does franchising work?
- The advantages of franchising
- What makes activ one of the best digital marketing franchises in the UK
Why Choose a Marketing Franchise?
Marketing is one of the most in-demand services for businesses, and it’s growing fast. Every company needs more visibility, more leads, and more growth. That’s where you come in.
As a franchise marketing company, we help you tap into a ready market with tools that deliver results.
And when you join activ, you get more than a business, you get a community, a plan, and a path to building something that fits you.
We’re proud to be recognised as one of the most profitable franchises in the UK, thanks to a model that combines structure with freedom.
Franchising Gives You:
- A proven business model
- Full training and ongoing coaching
- Centralised marketing and branding
- Real lead generation tools
- Ongoing development and growth
- A national support system
- A business of your own – with help when you need it
The Numbers Say It All:
- 1,009 franchise systems in the UK (Elite Franchise, 2025)
- £19.1 billion contribution to the UK economy
- Average unit turnover of £400,000
- 89% of franchises are profitable
- 82% of franchisees are happy
- 50% of franchisees work flexibly from home
A Better Way to Build a Business
Whether you’re a solo marketer looking for more, a career-changer ready for freedom, or someone who wants purpose and profit to go hand in hand – franchising could be your next chapter.
At The Marketing Agency Franchise, we’ve helped hundreds of people launch businesses they love. And we’d love to help you do the same.
👉 Download your free brochure here to find out how it all works.
Learn More About Franchising And Other Industry Models Available
Elite Franchise Live
Watch Katie share her franchisor perspective on the industry at Ideas Fest 2025 as part of the Elite Franchise Live programme.
Joined by Jodie Marsh from Elite Franchise, Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, McDonalds franchisee Hubs Bakshi and Anytime Fitness franchisee Nasim Khan, the panel brought together some of the most recognised voices in UK franchising.
Katie was invited to represent the franchisors who are reshaping the industry, offering insight into how she has scaled activ to create a safer and more supported way for people to build a marketing business.
