Fifteen Years In: What It Really Means to Be Part of TAB UK

Fifteen years.

It’s a milestone worth marking. Not because we like to dwell in the past, but because when you've spent a decade and a half helping business owners grow, lead, and live better lives, you learn a thing or two.

To celebrate, we brought together some of the original cast members. Julian Smith, now a facilitator in the East Midlands. Tom Morton from Harrogate. Dave McCartney from Leeds North. Suzanne Bell, our Head of Franchise Support. And me.

All of us have been with TAB for 15 years. 

The conversation was honest, full of dry humour, and loaded with insight. But above all, it reminded me why people choose to join TAB. And more importantly, why they stay.

You can watch the full conversation below.

Why We Chose TAB

It’s fair to say many of us didn’t just choose to start a TAB franchise. We were looking for something better.

Some were escaping burnout, long commutes, and corporate chaos. Others were searching for independence, purpose, and the ability to make a real difference.

In reality, it was both.

The common thread? We all wanted to build something of our own. But we didn’t want to do it in isolation. What TAB offered was a proven model, backed by real support, and a set of values that actually meant something.

It’s not easy. But it is worth it.

Let’s be clear. If you think franchising means you buy a business in a box, turn the key and watch it fly, think again.

As Jules put it, “People think franchising’s straightforward. The truth is, you’ll work harder than you’ve ever worked.”

Dave likened it to a speedboat. Getting it up on the plane takes energy, commitment and plenty of fuel. Once you’re moving, the ride gets smoother. But that early graft? It’s real.

The truth is, every franchisee who’s succeeded here has earned it. There’s no shortcut. Just a model that works if you work at it.

You’re not in this alone

The real power of TAB isn’t just the model. It’s the people.

That goes for the business owners we support and the franchisees who run their own TAB businesses.

From the early peer boards to the present-day community, one thing has always been true. We’ve got each other’s backs.

Franchisees meet monthly in their own boards, just like the members do. They share wins, challenges, frustrations and ideas. And when you’re surrounded by people who understand the journey, who aren’t trying to compete with you, who genuinely want you to win, it makes a difference.

We always say our model changes lives. And it does. Not just for the members, but for the people building their businesses with us.

So what makes a great franchisee?

It’s not a job title or a background. Our network includes former accountants, corporate execs, business owners, and even people from public service.

It’s not age either.

What matters is mindset.

We look for business owners, not employees. People who are credible, curious and collaborative. People who care about helping others succeed and who are willing to trust the process.

You don’t need to be loud. You don’t need to be pushy. Quiet confidence goes a long way.

You do need resilience. And a willingness to be part of something bigger than yourself.

What’s changed in 15 years?

A lot has. And some of the most important things haven’t.

The heart of what we do is still peer boards, one-to-ones and proper support. That hasn’t changed.

But the tools and training around that? Lightyears ahead. The Business Builder’s Blueprint, DISC, digital marketing, international best practice, and AI — all of it fully integrated into how we deliver support.

TAB started in the US, came to the UK 15 years ago, and has since grown into a global community. TAB is now well established in the UK, with a stronger brand, deeper support, and a franchisee journey that’s more structured and effective than it’s ever been.

What hasn’t changed is the standard. Or the values.

And the next 15 years?

The world’s not getting any simpler.

Running a business is still tough. It can be lonely. And the stakes feel higher than ever.

Which is exactly why what we do matters. Business owners need support, perspective and community. And they need it from people who have skin in the game.

That’s what our franchisees bring. Real experience. Real empathy. Real impact.

If you're reading this and wondering if a TAB franchise could be your next chapter, here's what I’d say.

It's not easy. It takes effort. But it’s meaningful, rewarding, and it genuinely changes lives — including yours.

And you won’t be doing it on your own.