Posted:29-October-2026
From Exhibition Visitors to Award-Winning Business Owners
When Kieran and Lyndsay arrived at The National Franchise Exhibition in 2024, they knew they wanted to build a business together. What they hadn't yet decided was which franchise would help them turn that ambition into reality.
With professional backgrounds rooted in building relationships, earning trust and delivering exceptional customer service, the couple were looking for an opportunity that reflected their values and could grow alongside their existing careers.
Franchising offered an attractive route into business ownership, combining the independence of running their own enterprise with the reassurance of an established brand and support network.
“The support you receive when you invest in a franchise was hugely important to us,” they explain. “There’s so much work that happens in the background when you run your own business, so knowing that there’s an established network of franchisees to learn from, and the backing of the head office team, is invaluable.”
An unexpected standout at the exhibition
Although the couple had already researched the franchise market extensively, they knew that meeting franchisors in person would be an essential part of their decision.
“We’d done quite a bit of research online, but it was important to us to meet these brands face-to-face, shake their hands and really get to know the people we’d be working alongside.”
Travel was firmly on their radar, with three or four businesses on their shortlist. But they were determined not to rule out other opportunities.
“We went to the exhibition with a travel franchise in mind. We’d already filtered the market down to a shortlist and there were three or four travel businesses we specifically wanted to speak to, but we still joke that we could have come away with a pizza van or a coffee franchise if we’d met the right person.”
As it turned out, the conversation that made the biggest impression came right at the end of the day.
Meeting Colin Martin-Weekes, Head of Franchise at GoCruise & Travel, proved to be the turning point.
“It was just the right vibe,” they recall. “Our conversation really focussed on whether we were the right fit for them, and if they were the right fit for us.”
Rather than feeling like a sales pitch, the discussion was about shared values, expectations and the potential for a successful long-term partnership.
“We both walked away feeling like it was the right choice for us.”
Getting a real feel for the franchise
Their positive first impression was reinforced when GoCruise & Travel invited them to attend an internal event, bringing together franchisees, suppliers and the head office team.
It gave Kieran and Lyndsay something that no brochure or website could offer: an authentic insight into life within the franchise network.
“We literally sat there and absorbed it all,” they say. “There were franchisees there who’d been up and running for 6 months right through to 20 years, so we got a real insight into how the brand operates.”
What impressed them most was the openness and willingness of everyone to share their experiences.
“It felt like the door was open: ‘This is who we are, come and see if it’s for you.’ There was a real family atmosphere from day one, with everyone genuinely invested in each other’s success.”
By November 2024, they had signed their franchise agreement. Just two months later, in January 2025, they officially began trading.
Based in Bourne, Lincolnshire, their GoCruise & Travel business now helps customers locally, across the UK and internationally.
Turning ambition into an award-winning business
Launching a business brought plenty of new experiences and challenges.
From developing marketing campaigns and building local awareness to managing suppliers and navigating the practicalities of business ownership, Kieran and Lyndsay quickly discovered just how much there was to learn.
But they were never navigating those challenges alone.
“We’re passionate about building this business, and the practical and emotional support we’ve received from the network has been priceless.”
They also discovered that success doesn't happen overnight. Building a reputation, establishing relationships and creating a steady pipeline of enquiries takes patience and determination.
“One of the biggest lessons we’ve learnt is the value of consistency and resilience. It took time to build up local awareness and a pipeline, but our persistence is paying off, recognised by us winning a prestigious local ‘Best Young Business’ award. We had a far more successful first year than we ever imagined, and year two is looking even better!”
Winning the local Best Young Business award has been a particularly proud milestone, recognising the progress they've made in such a short space of time.
With their first year exceeding expectations and momentum continuing to build, the couple are excited about what lies ahead.
Their advice? Look beyond the numbers
Having made the journey from exhibition visitors to successful franchise owners, Kieran and Lyndsay have some valuable advice for anyone considering taking the same step.
Their biggest message is to take your time, do your research and remember that choosing a franchise is as much about the people as it is about the business opportunity.
“There are lots of franchise opportunities out there, regardless of the sector that you are interested in,” they say. “Do your due diligence. Don’t be bamboozled by big numbers and rush into an investment. Instead, focus on meeting the people behind the brand and finding a company that aligns with you.”
They also encourage prospective franchisees to think beyond the excitement of launching and consider what their business will need in the years ahead.
“This is a medium- to long-term investment, so don’t forget to ask franchisors what support they offer beyond your launch to support your ongoing growth!”
For Kieran and Lyndsay, what began as a day exploring opportunities at The National Franchise Exhibition has become a rewarding new business venture.
And while their success has already exceeded their expectations, they believe they're only just getting started.
Interested and want to know more about GoCruise and Travel?
The GoCruise and Travel profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
