What-Franchise-Issue-20.1

n 2014, seasoned marketing professional, Katie Bullon, decided to become a franchisee with activ Marketing. By 2021, she’d bought the entire UK network, with ambitions to take the reins and grow the franchise. Now, the CEO and GBEA ‘Creative Entrepreneur of the Year’ finalist shares what her leadership has brought to the table and what’s in store for future franchisees. What makes activ Marketing unique under your leadership? Katie: One of the key differentiators is our comprehensive support system for franchise partners. We provide growth opportunities via internal support such as the activ Accelerator Programme. This initiative is designed to help franchise partners establish and grow their marketing agencies through strategic training and mentorship. We focus on empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their goals with no gimmicks - just real results. The business has faced significant challenges in the past. How have you turned it around? When I acquired the business, it was on the brink of liquidation. Through strategic insights and innovative approaches, I stabilised and grew the company. We’ve placed activ Marketing on platforms with esteemed business professionals, and we’re rapidly expanding our network. It’s been remarkable. Can you tell us about some of the accolades you’ve received during this journey? I’ve been fortunate to receive several awards. In 2022, I was named Best Leader in Marketing at the Global Women in Marketing Awards. That same year, I was listed on The Telegraph ’s Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch, earning an invitation to the House of Commons. These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. What’s next for activ Marketing? We’re in the process of appointing a non-executive advisory board, and our team has doubled in size this year. We’re being bold with our brand building, and we’re giving our franchise partners more support. We’re focused on expanding our network of passionate franchise partners. We’ve also launched our new online marketing agency franchise. What’s your message to entrepreneurs looking to join activ Marketing? If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur with a passion for marketing and a drive to succeed, activ Marketing offers a unique opportunity. We provide the support, training, and mentorship you need to build a successful business. Join us, and let’s achieve great things together. Katie Bullon hello@activmarketinggroup.com +44 7967 508366 I Established: 2008 Number of outlets: 15 Total Investment: £10,000+ FRANCH I SE OVERV I EW Minimum required capital: £10,000+ What’s On In MD Dani Smith Whythe ‘No bull’ approachworks B U S I N E S S & C O MM U N I C A T I O N S Katie Bullon explains how her unapologetic leadership has created the lucrative brand franchisees have been looking for “We’re being bold with our brand building, and we’re giving our franchise partners more support. There is more to come” 70 WHAT FRANCHISE Issue 20.1 Behind the Brand | PARTNER CONTENT ACTIV DIGITAL MARKETING