Activ Marketing is marking International Women’s Day 2026 by celebrating new and established franchise partners in a live webinar sharing real experiences of women building sustainable marketing businesses with the right support around them.
Taking place on International Women’s Day on Tuesday 3rd March, 11am to 12pm, “Give to Gain: Women Building Marketing Businesses Together” will be hosted by CEO Katie Bullon and will bring together women from across the Activ community at different stages of their journey, from newly launched to established businesses.
The session is designed to provide practical insight into supported self employment in marketing, showcasing the real decisions, challenges and turning points that shape sustainable business growth.
Katie Bullon said:
“International Women’s Day is a natural moment to highlight the women building businesses inside our network. Not just those who have been with us for years, but those who have joined recently and are shaping the next chapter.
Seeing those journeys side by side helps people understand what is possible.”
New Franchise Partners Step Into Business Ownership
The webinar will introduce two of Activ’s newest franchise partners, reflecting a growing trend of experienced marketers choosing structured business ownership over traditional freelancing.
Laura Helme launched her business within the past month after recognising she needed broader services to offer existing clients and a clearer framework for growth. With the Activ model behind her, she is positioned to scale from day one.
Sian Price joined Activ to expand her established freelance business after reaching capacity while balancing family life. With additional delivery support and resources now in place, she is focused on growing without increasing pressure on her time.
Their stories highlight a common profile emerging across the freelance marketing industry: skilled marketers seeking independence alongside stability, systems and community.
Learning From Those Further Along the Journey
Alongside new partners, the session will feature Lou Eddy, now two years into running her Activ Marketing business after leaving corporate life. Lou chose a supported model that allowed her to work independently without building every element of an agency from scratch, and today supports businesses across the Basingstoke area, and globally, with strategic marketing delivery.
Perspective from the Activ head office team will also demonstrate how support evolves from launch through to long term scale.
A Real Look at Supported Self Employment
The webinar is a must watch for freelance marketers, in house marketing professionals considering self employment and those at the start of their freelance journey.
Attendees will gain insight into:
- How belief from others unlocked new opportunities
- The turning points that changed careers and confidence
- What they would tell their younger selves starting out
- How being supported helps them show up better for their clients
The event aligns with the message of International Women’s Day, highlighting collective progress and visible role models across business.
Katie added:
“These women represent the future of marketing business ownership. Experienced, commercially minded and looking for smarter ways to grow.
By sharing their journeys, we hope more marketers see that there is a better way to build and they don’t have to do it alone.”
Event Details
Give to Gain: Women Building Marketing Businesses Together
- Tuesday 3 March 2026
- 11am to 12pm GMT
- Online
- Free to attend
