At More Than Loft Ladders, we don’t just talk about disrupting the status quo—we live it. That’s why we were proud to sponsor and participate in the recent Elite Franchise Live webinar, focused on a topic close to our hearts: getting Gen-Z into franchising.
The webinar, now available to watch here, brought together some of the UK’s top voices in franchising, including:
- Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association (BFA)
- Fiona Boswell, Franchise Lawyer at Knights plc
- Emma Bentley, a young franchisee with Stagecoach
- Brendon Ackerman, franchisee with ChipsAway
- …and our very own Liam Hobbs, Franchisor at More Than Loft Ladders
A Generation Worth Investing In
The session dived into why Gen-Z—those born from the mid-90s to early 2010s—are perfectly poised to thrive in franchising. Tech-savvy, entrepreneurial, and purpose-driven, they bring a fresh outlook to an industry that thrives on energy and innovation.
Liam shared how at MTLL, we’re already thinking ahead. From mentoring school leavers and engaging with football academies, to crafting a brand culture that resonates with younger audiences (Larry the mascot included!), we’re laying foundations that the next generation can build on.
“It’s not just about age—it’s about attitude,” Liam said during the webinar. “Franchising gives young people the structure to succeed but also the freedom to make it their own.”
Learning from the Trailblazers
Emma and Brendon’s stories were particularly inspiring. Both made the leap into franchising early in their careers and are already running successful businesses with support from well-established brands. Their message? Age is no barrier when you’ve got the right model and mindset.
Fiona Boswell gave practical advice on legal readiness for bringing in younger franchisees, while Pip Wilkins highlighted how the BFA is working to educate and inform the next generation about franchising as a legitimate—and exciting—career path.
What’s Next?
At MTLL, we believe the future of franchising depends on bold thinking, shared values, and a whole lot of Yorkshire Tea. We’re excited to be part of a wider movement that’s helping Gen-Z see franchising not just as a fallback, but as a first-choice future.
If you missed the session, we highly recommend giving it a watch:
👉 Watch the webinar replay
And if you’re a young person (or know one!) looking for an opportunity to own your future with a business that offers real support, real purpose, and a good laugh along the way—come have a chat with us.
Let’s Loft It Like Larry,
Liam and The More Than Loft Ladders Franchise Team
