activ Marketing named in Elite Franchise 100, establishing brand as top 10% UK franchise
activ Marketing has been named in the Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) for the first time, securing #96, a placement that officially puts the brand within the top 10% of franchises across the UK.
The announcement follows a major year of evolution for the Cardiff-based franchise, including international expansion, strengthened infrastructure and new product developments designed to offer self-employed marketers a secure, scalable route to building their own business.
Founded in 2008 and acquired by CEO Katie Bullon in 2021, activ has since undergone a complete strategic transformation. It is now a BFA-accredited expanding marketing franchise and positioned to help solo marketers build a profitable business with the support, structure and community usually associated with a much larger organisation.
activ fills the sweet spot in the marketing industry; the spot that businesses need and want - not an expensive agency, and not a stretched freelancer. The franchise enables franchise partners, in many cases, to serve hundreds of clients without employing anyone.
A milestone moment for a growing franchise
The EF100 recognises excellence in growth, innovation, training, culture and franchisee support. For activ, debuting in the rankings, marks a breakthrough moment for the network.
“Being named in the EF100 for the first time is an incredibly proud moment for all of us,” says CEO Katie Bullon.
“We’ve built something new in the franchise world - we fill a gap that businesses have been searching for: better outcomes than a solo marketer can deliver alone, and more personal and embedded than a large agency. This ranking tells us the industry sees the value in what we’ve created, and we are thrilled to be leading the way in ensuring solo marketers have a better way to be self employed, whilst giving businesses solutions they struggle to resource."
Strategic expansion at home and overseas
The EF100 announcement forms part of a landmark week of developments for activ, which has unveiled a series of new initiatives to support its next phase of growth.
They include:
International expansion
In January 2026, activ will open up its international franchise programme, reflecting the scalability of its online franchise model on a global scale.
New London office
To support both UK and international partners, activ will open a London office in Q1 2026.
This base will sit alongside its Cardiff headquarters and will be used for induction days, partner training, and international onboarding.
New tools and products designed for scale
activ’s 2025–26 evolution includes several innovations built around scalability, recurring income and operational clarity for franchise partners.
activ Thrive
Recently launched, activ Thrive is a subscription-based website and marketing support product designed to help partners build stable recurring income while giving small businesses an affordable, high-quality online presence that grows with them.
Solo Power
activ has formally named its core philosophy: SoloPower™.
SoloPower™ is the basis on which activ has been built, stemming from the belief that structure creates freedom - and that a solo marketer can build a scalable business when supported with the right systems, training and community.
Kora - AI-assisted support
In early 2026, activ will introduce Kora, its AI ‘employee’ - the only employee a franchisee will ever need. Kora is trained on activ’s systems, the SoloPower™ philosophy and insights from hundreds of client relationships. Kora will support partners across marketing, onboarding, workflow and scalable delivery.
Defined cohort recruitment for new partners
To maintain quality of support and community, activ will welcome new franchise partners through defined recruitment cohorts starting in 2026. The first cohort opens in February, limited to five spaces, ensuring each new partner begins with a structured group experience and the full support of the network.
“The industry is shifting - and so are we”
CEO, Katie Bullon, believes these developments reflect a wider shift across both the marketing and franchise sectors.
“Businesses are rethinking how they buy marketing. They want flexibility, consistency and a relationship-led approach - without the cost and disconnection of a large agency,” she says.
“activ was built for that middle ground. And this EF100 ranking confirms that our model is meeting the needs of today’s businesses and tomorrow’s marketers.”