The Disruptive Franchise Podcast

Stacey Cann | The Franchise Strategist

The Disruptive Franchise Podcast takes a peek behind the scenes of the franchise industry with key insight, origin stories and industry innovation centered around those involved in the Disruptive Franchise Awards. It's perfect for anyone in the franchise industry as well as those thinking about franchising their business.

  1. 3D AGO

    The Surprising Aspects of Being a Franchisor - With Charlotte Hill

    * 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 shares insights on the Baby Band festival, advice for aspiring franchisors, and the significance of having a vision and putting in hard work to achieve success. Key Takeaways Baby Band is a music group for babies and their parents that use real instruments.Franchising was initially unfamiliar but became a goal as the business grew.Challenges in franchising often stem from a lack of proper guidance.Winning awards can validate hard work and boost morale.Involving family can enhance the business dynamic.The Baby Band festival is a passion project that reflects the brand's ethos.Aspiring franchisors should take risks and gather knowledge.Consistency and hard work are key to success in franchising and it's crucial to have a long-term visionContact Baby Band: Website: https://www.babyband.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babybandmusic/Keywords: Baby Band, franchising, music for babies, lifestyle franchise, entrepreneurship, family business, music festival, business growth, franchisor challenges, early childhood education ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    30 min
  2. FEB 12

    The Challenges Of Being A Risk-Taker - With Helen Wilson

    * 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 disruption, explaining how it has evolved from a negative connotation to a positive force for innovation and creativity in business.  Helen reflects on her experiences as a judge for franchise awards, stressing the significance of evidence-based entries and the need for franchisees to recognise their own disruptive potential. How To Contact Helen: Website: www.gootopiacheshire.co.ukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gootopiaofficialTakeaways: "You can't do it all on your own.""Disruption shows that you're daring to do outside the box.""Every win is a win.""It's about getting the right people around you.""The pressure of entering awards needs to come off people.""You need to enjoy it.""Everything is dependent on a partnership.""Find the right franchisees, invest in them, and they will grow.""You need to have a purpose, you need to have a point.""Whatever your superpower is, share it out there."Keywords franchising, disruption, entrepreneurship, Gootopia, franchise awards, business growth, support network, innovation, collaboration, franchisee, disruptive franchise awards ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    44 min
  3. FEB 5

    Growth, Self-Reflection & Impact With Sarah Dalton

    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: We talk about the secrets behind The Baby Cloud's success in supporting new parents and their babies.Find out how Sarah turned her passion into a thriving franchise that empowers mothers.We explore the innovative classes that are setting new standards in early childhood development.Learn from Sarah's journey of resilience and growth from corporate life to franchise success.Discover the impact of The Baby Cloud's franchise model on communities and families.Contact Sarah: Email: Sarahdalton@the-baby-cloud.co.ukWebsite: www.the-baby-cloud.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/thebabycloudfranchiseKeywords:  Baby Cloud, franchising, parenting support, emotional intelligence, personal growth, franchisee success, community building, self-discovery, business challenges, emotional connections ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    37 min
  4. JAN 29

    Disrupting Your Own Franchise With Julie Barber

    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: From franchisee to franchisor: Julie Barber's inspiring journey of growth and innovation.Discover how Techy Tots is revolutionising children's education through playful coding.Launching Techy Steam Explorers: Expanding horizons in STEAM education for kids.Collaboration and feedback: The keys to thriving in the franchise industry.Courage and innovation: How franchising transformed Julie Barber's life.Keywords: franchising, lifestyle sector, helping others, Techie Tots, business expansion, supply and demand, warmth in business Contact Julie: Email: julie.barber@techytots.co.ukWebsite: www.techytots.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/techytots ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    30 min
  5. JAN 22

    Franchise Support Eco Systems - with Karen Gibb

    On this week's episode of The Disruptive Franchise Podcast I am joined by Karen Gibb, the founder of the children's well-being organisation Mind Marvels. Join our conversation as we explore the challenges faced by new business owners, particularly the mental barriers that can hinder their progress, and the importance of seeking help and mentorship to navigate these challenges effectively. Key Takeaways: It is easy to get stuck in your own head as a business owner.New business owners often don't know what they need help with.Asking for help is crucial for growth.Access to mentorship can significantly impact career development.Coaching and training are vital for overcoming obstacles.Many entrepreneurs struggle with mental barriers.Support systems are essential for business success.Recognizing the need for help is the first step.Mentorship provides guidance and clarity.Personal development is intertwined with business growth. How to contact Karen: Website: https://www.mindmarvels.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindmarvels Keywords: business, mentorship, coaching, entrepreneurship, personal development, mental barriers, help, training ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    28 min
  6. JAN 15

    Being Authentically Visible - with Amanda Hutchinson

    In this episode of the Disruptive Franchise Podcast, I am joined by Amanda Hutchinson from AKP Branding Stories who discusses her journey in branding and photography, particularly in the context of franchise awards.  Our conversation explores the importance of videography in capturing the essence of events, overcoming camera shyness, and the impact of social media on self-image. If you want to hear about the need for professional imagery and authenticity in business, the evolution of business retreats, and the value of community support in entrepreneurship, listen in now! Key Takeaways: Branding is crucial for franchise awards.Videography captures the true essence of events.Overcoming camera shyness is a common struggle.Social media impacts self-image significantly.Professional imagery is essential for credibility.Authenticity helps build connections in business.Business retreats should focus on implementation.Community support is vital for entrepreneurs.Visibility is not just about self-promotion.Creativity can lead to new business opportunities. How to contact Amanda: Website: https://akpbrandingstories.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/akpbrandingstoriesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKPBrandingStories Keywords: branding, franchise awards, videography, social media, self-image, professional imagery, visibility, authenticity, business retreats, community support ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    47 min
  7. JAN 8

    That Moment In The Room - with Lewis Crompton

    In this week's episode of The Disruptive Franchise Podcast, I am joined by Lewis Crompton, a financial trading expert who believes in the importance of resilience, community, and personal growth.  Lewis shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful trader, highlighting the significance of public speaking and connecting with audiences.  Our conversation also delves into the importance of investing in oneself and the lessons learned from financial losses.  Key Takeaways: Lewis teaches people how to trade financial markets safely.Public speaking allows for connection and breaking barriers.Challenging preconceived ideas is essential for growth.Resilience is built through navigating criticism and hate.Investing in oneself is crucial for personal and professional growth.Financial losses can lead to valuable lessons and growth.A higher purpose can help overcome negativity.Community building is a key aspect of Lewis's work.The journey into trading can be life-changing for many.Pursuing dreams beyond business can lead to fulfillment. How to contact Lewis: Website: https://startradingnow.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/withlewiscromptonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Lewis-Crompton Keywords: financial trading, resilience, public speaking, personal growth, investing in yourself, overcoming criticism, community building, entrepreneurship, mindset, empowerment ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    31 min
  8. JAN 1

    Lessons From A Year Of Launching The Awards

    In this week's episode of The Disruptive Franchise Podcast, I share my journey of launching the Disruptive Franchise Awards, including the challenges and strategies involved in the process.  I focus on the importance of continuous promotion, the need for resilience in business, and the impact-driven approach that led to the awards' success, whilst also reflecting on my own personal growth and the lessons learned throughout the experience, including managing my chronic illness while achieving my goals. Key Takeaways: Launching an event involves continuous promotion and multiple phases.Sponsorship is crucial for funding events and requires strategic outreach.Effective marketing requires repetition to ensure visibility.Panic can set in when entries or ticket sales are low, but persistence pays off.Record entries can be achieved through a concentrated marketing push.Audience engagement is key; many may not see initial announcements.Volume of promotion can lead to success, even if it feels excessive.The purpose behind an event can drive its success beyond financial goals.Managing chronic illness while pursuing business goals is challenging but possible.Planning ahead for future events can maintain momentum and success. How To Contact Stacey: Website: https://www.staceycann.comInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/staceycannfranchisestrategist/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceycann/ Keywords: Disruptive Franchise Awards, launching events, marketing strategies, sponsorship, ticket sales, continuous promotion, business resilience, impact-driven success, chronic illness, event planning ------- A Thank You To Our Sponsors: Our headline sponsor, Bookwhen makes event booking beautifully simple. Bookwhen is a powerful, intuitive booking system that helps businesses grow by taking the hassle out of scheduling. From classes and appointments to workshops and franchise-run events, we support thousands of organisers across the UK and beyond saving time, reducing admin, and delivering a seamless experience for their customers. Whether you're running your first event or scaling a nationwide franchise, Bookwhen gives you everything you need to manage bookings in one place. Our exclusive podcast sponsor, Make Your Mark Podcast Agency are passionate about helping franchise brands and awards bodies alike amplify their visibility, build deeper connections, and stay ahead of the curve—and podcasting is a game-changing tool to do just that. This partnership is about backing a movement we both believe in—and sparking a conversation that franchisors and event organisers can’t afford to ignore. Support The Podcast Don't forget that the best way you can support us is to subscribe to the podcast - not only will you get notified of future episodes as they are released, you will also be helping us get more amazing guests to come and share their secrets in franchising!

    21 min

Trailer

About

The Disruptive Franchise Podcast takes a peek behind the scenes of the franchise industry with key insight, origin stories and industry innovation centered around those involved in the Disruptive Franchise Awards. It's perfect for anyone in the franchise industry as well as those thinking about franchising their business.