Elite Franchise

Elite Franchise January 2026

Ronnie Dungan: Hubs Bakshi — My Story
Hubs Bakshi shares how he scaled his McDonald’s franchise portfolio from one site to five (with a sixth soon to open), driven not by personal effort but by the people, culture and community engagement he prioritises. From recruiting strong leaders to maintaining consistency across locations, Hubs explains how trust, innovation and local relationships have shaped his success and growth strategy. Read Hubs’s story here.

Kevin Yates: What Will Change in UK Franchising in 2026
As the franchise sector continues its strong contribution to the UK economy, Kevin Yates outlines the key trends that will define franchising in 2026. From the increasing role of AI and evolving franchisee expectations to the enduring value of the human touch and the rise of predictable revenue models, this analysis highlights what franchisors and potential owners should watch as the market evolves. Explore Kevin’s insights here.

Rebecca Newenham: Courage Is the Key to Franchise Success
Rebecca Newenham reflects on why courage is central to achieving franchise success. Drawing on her experience as a business owner and mentor, she emphasises that while franchising provides a proven framework, it still takes bravery, decision-making and self-belief for franchisees to thrive. She also offers practical steps for building confidence and making 2026 a breakthrough year. Read Rebecca’s feature here.

Lucy Burton: Preparing for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
With Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD-IT) becoming mandatory for many self-employed individuals and franchise owners from April 2026, Lucy Burton breaks down what this change means in practice. The article explains key compliance requirements, who will be affected and how preparing early can help SMEs and franchisees stay compliant while gaining better financial clarity. Get the full guidance here.