The Disruptive Franchise Podcast

Think you have to wait two years before you can franchise? Think again!

It’s the question every business owner asks when they look into franchising.

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey argues both sides of the “when should I franchise?” debate, shares what she’s seen first-hand working with business owners who’ve done it both ways, and reveals her own opinion too.

Whether you’ve been trading for five weeks or five years, this one could change when you start planning your next move.

Key topics<...

What does it really feel like to launch a franchise brand from scratch?

Hannah Foster, founder of Little Classroom, is one of the freshest franchisors ever to guest on the Disruptive Franchise Podcast.

A former assistant head turned education entrepreneur, she talks Stacey through the fear she had to push past before pressing the button, why she became obsessed with the detail, and how a year of hard graft behind the scenes is now paying off.

Two franchisees in, the results are already beating expectations.

Key topics<...

Most brands are posting consistently and still being scrolled straight past, because nobody can tell what they’re actually selling. Stacey shares the exact messaging framework she uses to fix that, and to turn a blank content calendar into a full month of posts.

It works for any business, not just franchising. 

She explains why the algorithm needs time to learn what you post about, why repeating yourself is a good thing, and how to stop your content becoming wallpaper.

Key topics

Franchising is NOT passive income (but there can be more money in it than you think)!

Fresh from years on both sides of the table, Stacey talks through how money is really made in franchising, as a franchisor and as a franchisee.

She shares where many franchisors are missing out, why she believes profit isn't a dirty word, and the one thing she never thought she'd say out loud about recruitment.

Whether you're thinking about franchising, or you've already franchised and suspect there are gaps in your income, this one is...

Ever wondered where the world's biggest stars really put their money? 

In this week's episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey reveals 3 huge celebrities that are investing in franchising in a big way - and why they aren’t the only ones.

From American sporting legends to a UK global icon, this episode explains why franchising is such a smart move for people with money to invest and no desire to run the day-to-day.

Stacey also challenges franchisors to use celebrity role models to build trust with the people considering a franchise. Which cel...

Thinking about franchising? Here's the one thing most business owners get wrong before they even start.

In this week’s episode, Stacey breaks down the practical, unglamorous groundwork that has to happen before anyone franchises a business. Drawn straight from the questions she gets asked on every discovery call and every event she attends. She discusses why so many people think franchising "isn't for them", and how getting the fundamentals right early will save months of pain down the line.

Key topics:

These 5 industries are absolutely no brainers for franchising right now! 

In this week’s episode, fresh from two days at Ideas Fest and having met hundreds of business owners, Stacey talks through why each of these sectors is leaving money on the table, and how you can leverage what you're already doing to grow without hitting the ceiling you're at right now. 

Key topics

In this episode, Stacey explains the key differences between franchising and licensing, helping entrepreneurs decide which model is best suited for their business goals and future growth.

Key topics

About Stacey

Stacey Cann is the UK's leading franchise strategist and founder of Impact Franchising - The Agency. If you are thinking about franchising your business and wondering if it's...

In this episode, Katy Robinson discusses her journey from dancer to franchise owner, the importance of following your passion, overcoming fears, and building a joyful business.

She shares how with resilience, authenticity, and purpose you can transform your life and career.

Key topics

About Stacey<...

In this episode, Stacey shares insights on building a financially successful franchise by emphasising the importance of commercial soundness, long-term planning, and strategic decision-making to ensure sustainability and future saleability.

Key Topics

About Stacey

Stacey Cann is the UK's leading franchise strategist and founder of Impact Franchising - The Agency. If you are thinking about franchising your...

In this episode, Becky Hoare, founder of Pop Up Play Village, shares her journey from a teacher to a successful franchisor, highlighting innovative strategies, revenue streams, and the importance of adaptability in business.

Key topics

Contact Becky:

About Stacey:

Stacey is founder of Impact Franchising...

This episode explores the intricacies of pricing in franchising, emphasising the importance of strategic pricing, understanding costs, and maintaining transparency to build trust and ensure business sustainability.

Key Topics:

Keywords:

franchising, pricing strategy, franchise fees, profit margins, franchise support, marketing levy, pilot franchises, crisis management, franchise costs

In this episode, Evie from Little Voices Suffolk shares her journey into franchising, the importance of building confidence in young people through performing arts, and practical insights on starting and growing a franchise business.

Evie won the Next Gen Franchising Champion award at the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards. She shares why she is an advocate for young people going into franchising and how it helped her.

Key Topics

In this episode, Stacey Cann discusses the hidden costs of manual processes in your business and how upgrading your systems can save time and money. 

She emphasises the importance of automation, outsourcing, and mindset shifts to grow your business efficiently.

Key Topics:

In this episode, Laura Robson, founder of Back Pocket Office, shares insights on how small businesses can leverage technology and automation to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and gain a competitive edge. 

Discover practical tips on choosing the right tools, integrating systems, and maintaining the human touch in a tech-driven world.

Key Topics:

In this episode, Stacey shares why podcasts are one of the most underused visibility tools available to franchisors and franchisees, and how a single episode can keep generating leads for years after it's recorded. 

She reveals the real story behind a podcast appearance that's still bringing in franchise applicants years later and why relatability beats fame when it comes to guesting

Stacey also reveals exactly how she turns just 15 minutes of recording into an entire content engine each week - and how you can do this too!

This episode also busts the myth t...

There is absolute GOLD in this episode!

Stacey sits down with sales expert, Anna Green, from The Salesmakers to talk about the sales call habit that's quietly killing franchise conversions: talking too much.

Anna makes the case that most sales calls fail long before they start - because the prospect was never properly qualified, never built enough trust, and shows up not ready to buy. The fix isn't a better pitch. It's a better journey.

Stacey and Anna dig into why "speed to phone" backfires, what a sales call should sound like when...

The 3 Things Every Franchisor Needs to Build a Predictable Pipeline

"Franchise is hard right now." Stace hears it constantly. It's not true, and this episode proves it.

This is the full recording of Stacey's live masterclass, Predictable Pipelines which is packed with insight and valuable information every franchisor needs right now.

Stacey shares her full experience in this episode. Not just what she sees with her clients, but also what she lived as Managing Director of a national brand. 

Deep dive in on the costs of not having a p...

At the Disruptive Franchise Awards this year, Stacey asked a room full of franchisors one question: do you need more leads, or do you need to convert the ones you already have? Almost every hand said conversion. The expert panel agreed too.

Stacey didn't entirely agree.

In this episode, Stacey unpicks why "just focus on converting your existing leads" is only half the story, and why chasing that advice too hard can quietly kill your pipeline. She shares:

What should AI implementation actually look like in a franchise if you strip back the hype?

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey sits down with Matt Harmsworth, founder of AI or Die and Loki, to talk about the pitfalls and where people are going wrong and the dangers that franchisors feel with franchisees using AI badly.

The discussion also looks at we should be using AI as a digital employee and what Franchisors should be installing to help their franchisees succeed.

Stacey gives real franchise world examples of where this...

Most franchisors think they have a recruitment problem, but Stacey argues it's actually a predictability problem. 

In this episode she breaks down how to tell the difference.

If you can't forecast your leads and conversions three to six months out, this episode is for you as Stacey breaks down how to tell the difference and why it matters - in ways that you don't realise. 

Stacey unpacks what "predictable" really means, talks about evergreen consistent systems and makes the case for self-qualifying lead funnels over always-on personal hustle. 

She also digs int...

Over 80% of search users are already relying on AI-generated summaries. If your franchise isn't showing up in them, you're invisible. 

In this episode, Stacey breaks down why the old playbook of paid Google ads and keyword-stuffed websites can no longer cut it, and what franchisors need to do right now to get found in this new era of generative engine optimisation (GEO).

You'll learn why YouTube has become non-negotiable for franchise marketing, how citation across trusted platforms directly impacts both your organic and paid results, and the one simple thing you can do today to f...

You had a great discovery call. The vibe was good, they were excited, and you thought — yeah, this is the one.

And then nothing.

If you've ever followed up twice, three times, more - and still heard crickets - this episode is for you.

The truth is, a quiet prospect is not a dead prospect. And the reason they've gone quiet probably isn't what you think.

In this episode Stacey unpicks the real reasons franchise prospects disappear after the discovery call, why most franchisors are unknowingly making it worse, and exactly wh...

In this episode, Stacey gets refreshingly honest about one of the biggest mistakes she's seeing franchisors make right now - reaching for AI-generated scripts to power their video content and recruitment marketing.

We're living in a trust recession right now. Potential franchisees aren't just buying a business model - they're buying you. Your story, your energy, your imperfections. And when your video sounds like it was written by a robot (because it was), they feel it. 

That icky, off feeling? That's inauthenticity, and it's costing you candidates before they ever get on a call with y...

Your pipeline isn't inconsistent because of one thing. It's many. Stacey breaks down what's really going on - and how to fix it.

If your franchise recruitment feels like a constant cycle of feast and famine, you're not alone - but you might be looking for the problem in the wrong place.

In this solo episode, Stacey gets honest about the real reasons so many franchisors struggle to keep a consistent lead pipeline. It's not just one thing. It's the busyness, the lack of data, the inconsistent output, and the habit of talking to everyone...

In this episode of The Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey sits down with Fay Cartlidge, finalist for Franchisee of the Year at the 2025 Disruptive Franchise Awards.

Faye shares her journey from secondary school teacher and estate agency manager to becoming the owner of four Daisy First Aid territories. Together, they explore the emotional impact of teaching parents life-saving skills, the realities of running a franchise around family life, and how social media authenticity has helped Faye build trust and community online.

The conversation also dives into overcoming fear, building confidence without a medical background, the power...

In this episode, host Stacey talks to Christina Taylor-Chisholm from Popolo Ceramico. Christina was a judge for our 2025 Disruptive Franchise Awards. On the podcast, she shares her entrepreneurial journey, growth strategies, and insights into franchising, branding, and innovation. 

Discover how Christina built a successful ceramics franchise, diversified into different revenue streams to add value to the business and expand her brand.

Key Topics

Contact Christina:

In this episode of The Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Franchisor and Strategist, Faye shares her journey from corporate life to creating a disruptive, values-driven franchise that emphasises creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity. 

Discover how Faye's strategic thinking and authentic values fuel innovation and growth, not only in her franchise, Nature Makers, but also in her other business ventures too. Listen as Stacey and Faye discuss the importance of strategy and how joyful business can be when it's built on the right foundations.

Key topics:

In this episode of The Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Anna from Caterpillar Music Newark shares her journey from primary school teacher to successful franchisee with Stacey, highlighting the challenges and rewards of running a community-focused business. 

Listen to Anna's insights on franchising, community engagement, and maintaining passion over 12 years in this fantastic episode as Anna talks about the transition from teaching to becoming a franchisee, building community through her business and overcoming her fear of failure as a business owner.

Key Takeaways

In this episode of The Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey interviews Mairi Curle, a finalist in the 2025 Disruptive Franchise Awards and franchisee of Boogie Beat Music and Movement. 

Mairi shares her journey from teaching to franchising, the importance of community support, and the impact of intergenerational programs. She discusses the challenges of being a franchisee, the significance of awards for reflection and marketing, and her aspirations for the future.

Key Takeaways

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey discusses the critical role of personal branding for franchisors and why authenticity and trust are key in a market where potential investors are increasingly skeptical. 

Stacey explores how mapping out a strategic content plan, franchisors can effectively communicate their values and build relationships with potential franchisees. The episode highlights the importance of being visible and building emotional connection as the franchisor, as well as the necessity of integrating content into the sales process to foster trust and understanding.

Key Takeaways

* Get your early bird tickets for the Disruptive Franchise Awards now: https://disruptivefranchiseawards.com/tickets*

On this week's episode, Stacey talks to our biggest awards winner from 2025 and judge for the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards, Katie Bullon.

Katie is franchisor of Activ Marketing Group and a shining light in the franchise world. She champions franchising from Excel London to the muddy fields of Ideas Fest whilst running one of the top 100 franchises in the UK.

Listen to her story and how she made the change from franchisee to franchisor after a complicated exit from...

In this episode, Stacey chats to Sarah Horton, the franchisee at Little Movers Warrington. Sarah shares her journey of becoming a franchisee during the pandemic, the challenges she faced, and how she built a community space that supports families. 

Sarah discusses the importance of innovation in franchising, the impact of her business on her personal life, and offers advice for aspiring franchisees. The conversation highlights the significance of love and passion in business, the value of community support, and the lessons learned from failure.

Key Takeaways

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey talks to Jack Curtis from Pebble about the importance of engaging with customers to identify their needs and solve problems effectively. 

They discuss Pebble's ethos and how listening to customer feedback, businesses can develop solutions that truly address their challenges, leading to better decision-making and marketing strategies.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey talks about how AI is eroding trust in the market and how that impacts franchise sales. She also talks about how franchisors can navigate this to continue to sell franchises.

key topics

Contact Stacey:

keywords

trust re...

* ANNOUNCEMENT *: You can enter the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards right now - head to www.disruptivefranchiseawards.com/awards

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, Stacey Cann interviews Sarah Aires, a photographer specialising in remote headshots. 

Sarah discusses the innovative technology behind her work, the psychological impact of photography on individuals, and the importance of authenticity in presenting oneself. 

The conversations emphasises the need for self-acceptance and the value of celebrating individuality within the business community, particularly in the franchise sector. The episode also touches on the role of AI in photography and th...

* ANNOUNCEMENT *: You can enter the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards right now - head to www.disruptivefranchiseawards.com/awards

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, host Stacey Cann interviews Charlotte, the founder of Baby Band. Baby Band were winners at the 2025 Disruptive Franchise Awards - taking home Lifestyle Franchise Of The Year! 

Listen as Stacey & Charlotte discuss the journey of Baby Band from its inception to becoming a successful franchise, the challenges faced in franchising, the joy of winning a lifestyle franchise award, and the importance of involving family in the business.

Charlotte s...

* ANNOUNCEMENT *: You can enter the 2026 Disruptive Franchise Awards right now - head to www.disruptivefranchiseawards.com/awards

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise podcast, host Stacey Cann welcomes Helen Wilson, a dynamic franchisee and the owner of Gootopia, the UK's leading slime entertainment venue. 

Helen shares her journey in franchising, highlighting her transition from running holiday clubs to embracing the world of slime. She emphasises the importance of having a supportive network in franchising, discussing how collaboration and shared experiences can lead to success. 

Stacey & Helen also delve into the concept of di...

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, we sit down with Sarah, the inspiring founder of The Baby Cloud. 

Discover how Sarah's journey from corporate life to creating a thriving franchise has empowered countless mothers and their babies. Sarah shares her insights on franchising, the importance of supporting franchisees, and her vision for expanding The Baby Cloud's impact. Tune in to hear how Sarah's passion and dedication are making a difference in the lives of families everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise podcast, host, Stacey, welcomes Julie Barber from Techy Tots. 

They discuss Julie's journey from franchisee to franchisor, the challenges and rewards of running a tech-focused franchise for children, and the launch of a new sister company, Techy Steam Explorers. Julie shares insights on the importance of innovation, collaboration, and the impact of franchising on personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways: