Supported by 
It was a great night for the logistics sector and the recruitment firms that serve it, at the 37th BFA (British Franchise Association) HSBC UK British Franchise Awards last night. Gold and Silver in the Franchisor of the Year - Established category went to Speedy Freight and Driver Hire, one a freight transport company and the other a commercial driver recruitment firm; a testament to their professionalism and success in sectors that have seen their fair share of financial pressures in recent years. Children’s swimming lesson provider Swimtime UK Ltd took home the Bronze award.
Twenty years after founding Just Shutters, Chris Rocker reflects on the journey from a local Dorset business to one of the UK’s leading retail shutter specialists, sharing the values and philosophy that have shaped the business over the past two decades. “When I started Just Shutters twenty years ago, I simply wanted to build a business that did things properly. I believed there was room for a company that genuinely cared about quality, craftsmanship and customer service, rather than just selling shutters."
Picture a room full of friends who also happen to run their own businesses, swapping ideas, supporting each other and laughing together. That was the Just Shutters Conference 2026. On 21st and 22nd October, franchisees from across the country joined the Business Support Team at the Highcliff Marriott Hotel in Bournemouth for two days of learning, sharing and celebrating. The theme that ran through everything was getting just 1% better, again and again.
From humble beginnings in Cornwall to a nationwide franchise network, Clear Brew marks two decades of helping pubs, bars and hospitality venues improve beer quality, reduce waste and save money. Clear Brew Ltd, one of the UK's leading independent professional beer line cleaning companies, is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of business growth, innovation and dedicated support for the UK hospitality sector.
Clear Brew is continuing its expansion across the UK, welcoming Simon Finch as its newest franchisee, bringing the company's professional beer line cleaning services to pubs, bars and hospitality venues throughout the Black Country. Covering Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley, the new franchise marks another exciting milestone for Clear Brew as the company continues to grow its nationwide network and celebrates 20 years in business.
At Clear Brew, we take steps to help ensure that our franchise network have everything they need to operate a successful business. Our Franchise Coordinator, Ashley, is one of the people behind the scenes helping to ensure our nationwide team of franchisees are supported on their journey.
Immersive Gamebox, the global pioneer in interactive group gaming, is entering its next phase of growth, supported by significant additional investment from Harlan Capital Partners. The investment reflects continued confidence in the business and will help accelerate the rollout of its new Plug & Play model, which debuts at IAAPA Expo, alongside a pipeline of new experiences with leading entertainment partners through 2027.
Duck & Dry, the premium blow-dry and style bar, will open its first City salon at Liverpool Street on Monday 30 November 2026, bringing its signature experience to the heart of London’s business district. The opening will mark the London-founded brand’s first move into the City, as it seeks to capitalise on professional hairstyling becoming an increasingly regular part of consumers’ beauty and self-care routines.
Jamaica Blue will open the doors of its new Barnet café on Thursday 10th December, bringing premium speciality coffee and a vibrant all-day dining experience to the heart of the town. Located next to Barclays bank on the High Street, the café represents a £300,000 investment in Barnet and will create 15 new local jobs, with recruitment already underway via Indeed.
For many people, the idea of being your own boss is appealing but walking away from the security of employment is a big decision. There’s the financial risk to consider, the responsibility of running a business and, of course, the uncertainty of whether it will all pay off. But becoming a business owner doesn’t have to mean figuring everything out on your own. Structured franchise models are offering aspiring entrepreneurs another way in, providing an established framework that can make the leap from employment to ownership feel less daunting.
VAT No:238213031. Company Registration No:03896150 Copyright © whichfranchise.com 2026.
Registered Office
2.19 Nicholls House Homer Close
Tachbrook Park
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire, UK
CV34 6TT