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In this Q&A, Chris Black, Managing Director of NIC Local, reflects on the biggest priorities set at the end of 2024 and how the business worked to deliver them throughout 2025. Chris also shares why NIC Local’s Top 25 ranking as the highest new entry in the HSBC Elite Franchise Top 100 for 2026 is such an important milestone, and what the network’s focus will be for 2026.
We are proud to announce NIC Local has been officially ranked in the Top 25 of the HSBC Elite Franchise TOP 100 (EF100) for 2026 – the UK’s definitive list recognising the very best in British franchising. The EF100 celebrates brands that demonstrate outstanding performance across eight core judging criteria, including network size, growth, franchisee support, financial performance, innovation, and contribution to the franchise community and wider society.
In 2025, Home Instead marked a major milestone: 20 years of delivering outstanding home care across the UK. To honour this achievement, earlier this month they brought together their national office team, franchisees from across the network and their valued key players from every corner of the country for a truly special anniversary celebration at the iconic Grosvenor House London.
After much anticipation, Jamaica Blue has confirmed that its new Sutton café will officially open its doors on Thursday 26th March. Located in the heart of Sutton town centre, the new 1,800 sq ft café will bring the Australian-born brand’s signature speciality coffee and vibrant, brunch-style dining experience to South London, creating 20 new local jobs.
Sides, the fastest-growing UK hot-chicken brand, has doubled its footprint in Singapore with a second store now open, marking a major milestone in the brand’s international expansion strategy. The new location, open at Universal Studios in Sentosa, Singapore builds on the brand’s successful market entry following the launch of its first Singapore store in April 2025.
Muffin Break Workington is set to reopen on Saturday 28th February following a £50,000 refurbishment, bringing a fresh new look to the popular café. Located in Washington Square Shopping Centre, the store temporarily closed to undergo the refurbishment, part of Muffin Break’s continued investment across its UK estate. The upgrade coincides with the start of the café’s second 10 year term, reinforcing the brand’s long term commitment to the Workington community.
heart of Notting Hill, marking the brand’s fifth location in the capital. Located at 57 Pembridge Road, W11 3HG, the franchised bakery café - owned and operated by franchisee Darius Mafi - has quickly become a local favourite, welcoming hundreds of guests each week for freshly made sandwiches, artisan pastries, celebration cakes and premium coffee.
According to a new survey by the BFA (British Franchise Association), flexibility and work life balance are the main reasons women choose to buy a franchise. In February 2026, ahead of their EWIB (Empowering Women in Business) event[1], the BFA asked their members[2] what they thought the number one motivation was for women pursuing a career in franchising. 62% said ‘Flexibility and Work Life Balance’, 10.8% said ‘Training and Ongoing Support’, 21.6% said ‘Low Risk Route To Business Ownership’ and 5.4% said ‘Community Support and Peer Networking’.
IRO Sushi, one of the fastest growing sushi brands in the UK, has partnered with a leading high street bank to finance joint-venture franchised stores as it looks to accelerate its UK expansion strategy. Founded in 2014 by trained sushi chef Chhong Sherpa, IRO Sushi serves fresh, made-to-order, restaurant quality sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes at affordable prices. Across its 30+ quick-service restaurants across the UK, the brand serves more than 1.1m customers.
TaxAssist launches new advertising campaign highlighting 'We can do more for you'. The new national video campaign will run on YouTube and selected social media channels, reinforcing that it can do more for clients through its extensive network of local offices across the UK.
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