News

Losing your job towards the end of your career can be terrifying, but for some it’s a huge opportunity. We meet the workers who changed tack and never looked back. When Sally Wilse was made redundant from the software company she had helped to set up a decade earlier, it came as a huge shock. Overnight she went from earning just under £100,000 a year to being without a job. She was 50.“It hurt and it was very scary, and it took a long time to come to terms with,” said Wilse, now 63, from Canter...

If you’ve been exploring franchising as a way to become your own boss, start a business, or escape the traditional 9–5, the chances are you’ve come across the term “owner-operator franchise.”But what does an owner-operator franchise actually mean? And more importantly, is starting one going to be the right fit for you?Whether you’re considering a career change, or looking to step into business ownership for the first time, this guide will help you understand if an owner-operator franchise is rig...

The My Property Pros (MPP) network is making serious moves in the world of franchising and exterior cleaning – and it’s not going unnoticed. Case in point: Diogo Pinheiro, franchisee for South Holland in Lincolnshire, who launched his business in March and has wasted no time making his mark. In just his second week, he secured over £2,000 worth of jobs. While Diogo’s off to a flying start, the rest of the network has been putting in a winning performance too. MPP has been crowned Outstanding C...

When Zerorez first landed in the UK in 2023, our mission was clear: to revolutionise the cleaning industry through innovation and a franchise model designed for long-term success.But before launching nationally, we needed to prove our concept worked just as well as it has done on the other side of the Atlantic, where it has grown to become America’s most-loved carpet cleaning company. And that’s exactly what we did with Zerorez Watford, our first ever UK franchise, proudly established and opera...

In June 2025, the ActionCOACH community joined together to take on the Cleveland Way Walk in North Yorkshire, in memory of franchise partner Kent Rhodes. The annual event, now in its seventh year, raises vital funds for Children with Cancer UK and honours the life and legacy of a beloved colleague and friend.Kent passed away in December 2018 after a brave fight against cancer. He was deeply respected within the ActionCOACH network for his wisdom, generosity and unwavering commitment to others. S...

Lynne Kerrison, franchisee for Tutor Doctor Cambridge, is celebrating a remarkable milestone after being crowned Woman Franchisee of the Year at the prestigious NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) Awards 2025. Now in its 13th year, the EWiF Awards recognise the innovation, dedication and leadership of women across the franchising industry. Lynne’s recognition is a proud moment not only for her, but also for the entire Tutor Doctor network and the community she continues to serve...

We are incredibly proud to announce that Caroline Spiller, one of our outstanding franchisees, has been named a Finalist in the HSBC UK Multi-Unit category at the prestigious 2025 BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards.Caroline operates Betterclean Services across Plymouth, Cornwall, Torbay, Exeter and Taunton, and her dedication, leadership, and business growth have earned her a spot among the top performers in UK franchising.The British Franchise Association (BFA) Awards are considered the highest...

Woodlands Home & Garden Group is proud to announce the opening of a brand new Tiger garden building show site in Carlisle, bringing its award-winning range of premium timber buildings to consumers in Cumbria for the very first time.Now open at Houghton Hall Garden Centre, the site is operated in partnership with Houghton Hall Garden Buildings and offers visitors the chance to explore a stunning collection of high-quality sheds, summerhouses, log cabins, garden rooms, and more—all handcraft...

Two UK women have each just had £14,995 refunded after launching travel businesses — all thanks to an unusual challenge by The Travel Franchise.The franchise, known for helping people switch careers into travel, offers to refund the entire fee for anyone who hits their first-year commission target. Amy and Lori-Ann, both new to the industry, just did exactly that — proving that you don’t need experience to make it work.Amy was on a cruise when she decided to leave her career in finan...

fit20, a leading innovator in the fitness industry, is proud to announce that it is now part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, reinforcing its commitment to making fitness more accessible for individuals with non-visible disabilities.fit20, recognises that traditional gym environments may not suit everyone. Its fit20 studios are designed with personal attention, privacy, and a calm atmosphere, free from distractions like loud music and mirrors, making them a welcoming space for all.T...

ChipsAway, the UK’s leading car repair specialist, known for delivering outstanding service and value to car owners, is delighted to announce a new partnership with racing driver Aaron Morgan of Team BRIT—the world’s only all-disabled competitive race team. The collaboration celebrates not just shared passion for performance, but a powerful alignment of purpose, values, and community impact.Aaron Morgan, who became paraplegic after a motocross accident at age 15, has since become a symbol...

Green Machine, the fast-growing eco-friendly commercial cleaning franchise, is delighted to announce a major milestone. The successful sale of two new franchise territories in a single week! This double franchise sale marks a significant step forward for the brand as it continues to expand its footprint across the UK. The new franchise areas cover Wakefield, Halifax, and Huddersfield – now operated by Awais – and the city of Leeds, led by new franchise owner Hasan. Both Awais and Hasan brin...