What does great franchising look like in practice? In a recent podcast, The Alternative Board’s MD, Ed Reid, and FD, Mags Fuller, joined Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the British Franchise Association (BFA), to explore how franchising really works, from what makes a great franchise partner to how the sector is evolving.
You can watch the full conversation on YouTube to hear the discussion in their own words — including Ed and Mags’ insights on what makes the TAB franchise model unique, and Pip’s perspective on the future of franchising in the UK.
Watch the full conversation below.
The Alternative Board in the UK
The Alternative Board (TAB) exists to improve the lives of SME owners. The business began by bringing business leaders together through peer advisory boards, and has since grown to include one-to-one coaching, leadership team development, management training and a practical online planning platform.
Franchise partners run their own local businesses under the TAB brand, supported by a HQ team in Leeds. Ed explained, “It’s about helping business owners to get what they really want out of life and their business and building a model that lets our franchisees do the same.”
The qualities that matter most
When it comes to who thrives as a TAB franchisee, the fit is key. Franchisees typically have strong business experience and a genuine desire to help others. Many come from senior corporate roles and want to work for themselves but not by themselves. Others have already owned and sold a business and want to give something back — this time with a proven system and community backing.
As Ed put it, “You have to care about helping businesses and you have to bring real business experience.”
A business built around balance
Life as a TAB franchisee is varied and rewarding. Some days are spent running board meetings, where business owners share challenges and ideas with each other, while others are spent coaching members one-on-one, developing business relationships, or attending national events.
The key difference is control. Franchisees plan their own diaries, building a business that works around their lives. As Mags described it, “Their day is up to them to manage, which is something many haven’t had in their previous corporate lives.”
The wider world of franchising
Franchising is much broader than many people realise. Pip highlighted that the UK franchise sector contributes nearly £20 billion to the economy, covering everything from business coaching to care services and retail. Yet awareness still lags behind reality.
“People think of McDonald’s or Costa when they hear franchising,” Pip said. “But it goes far beyond that. It’s an accessible model that lets people run a business they care about with the backing of a brand and support network.”
The power of community
Community runs through every level of franchising and through TAB itself. Franchisees are part of a network that shares best practices, ideas, and challenges. Experienced partners mentor newer ones, while fresh perspectives from newer franchisees keep the whole system evolving.
It’s a two-way learning culture that mirrors what TAB delivers to business owners. As Mags explained, “It’s not just support from us — it’s support from each other. That’s what keeps our network strong.”
Looking ahead
Both TAB and the wider franchising community are focused on growth, evolution and connection. The model continues to prove its value because it offers something increasingly rare — independence with support, flexibility with structure, and a genuine sense of belonging.
As Ed summarised, “We’ll keep evolving to meet the needs of SMEs and our franchise partners. The opportunity keeps growing, and so do we.”
Interested in joining TAB as a franchise partner?
If you’re an experienced leader who wants to build a business with purpose, flexibility and impact, we’d love to hear from you.
