activ Marketing announces ‘activ Connections’, a wellness-led running networking group, during BFA National Franchise Week: Wellbeing, Launching from Cardiff HQ in July, the initiative will feature YouTube star Lloyd Martin, the youngest person with Down Syndrome to complete the London Marathon.
activ Marketing is proud to launch activ Connections, a franchise-led initiative that brings together physical wellbeing, mental health, and purposeful business networking.
The first activ Connections run will take place on Monday 14th July 2025 at 12:30pm from the activ HQ in Cardiff. The monthly group run offers a fresh, informal approach to networking, encouraging professionals to connect while moving through nature, away from the traditional boardroom setting.
Announced in support of The BFA National Franchise Week: Wellbeing and aligned with the association’s MOVE campaign in collaboration with Cinder, activ Connections will begin in Cardiff and roll out across the wider activ franchise network in the months ahead.
“As a proud BFA member, we’re always looking for ways to lead by example, and activ Connections is our way of putting the MOVE initiative into action,”
says Katie Bullon, CEO of activ Marketing.
“This started as an employee-led idea and quickly grew into something we knew we could replicate across our franchise territories. It’s about connecting people for business growth, whilst looking after mental health, and offering something that feels and does good.”
From Track to Tech: The Story Behind activ Connections
Born from within the Cardiff HQ, the concept was spearheaded by Tom Marley, activ’s Head of Tech and a former semi-professional 800-metre runner, multiple Welsh champion, and British Universities Champion (2010).
“Running has always been a reset button for me,”
says Tom Marley.
“I wanted to bring that same sense of clarity and community into the workplace, and activ’s franchise model is the perfect way to scale it across the UK.”
Strong Partnerships Fuel Growth and Community Impact
activ Connections has earned the support of Run Wales, the Welsh Athletics-backed social running programme focused on making running accessible to all communities. Together, activ and Run Wales have developed the format for rollout through the franchise partner network.
“We’re excited to support activ Connections as a shining example of how running can promote wellbeing, inclusivity and connection,”
said a spokesperson from Run Wales.
“It’s exactly the kind of grassroots idea that has the potential to make a real impact, not just in Wales, but across the country.”
Franchise-Ready Wellness Innovation
With over 60,000 self-employed marketers in the UK, and a rising focus on wellness in business, activ Marketing continues to innovate what it means to run a people-first franchise.
As part of its franchise support system, activ will offer training, branding assets, and launch guidance for franchise partners who wish to run activ Connections in their local territory. It’s a standout initiative that reflects the franchisor’s commitment to balancing business growth with community impact.
Special Guest Lloyd Martin Inspires Movement and Connection
The launch event will feature Lloyd Martin, the Guinness World Record holder and inspirational athlete. At 20, Lloyd became the youngest participant with Down’s syndrome to complete a marathon, a record he earned at 19. Having run multiple prestigious events, including the London and New York marathons and the Cardiff Half, Lloyd’s participation embodies the spirit of movement and resilience.
Lloyd’s story perfectly aligns with the BFA National Franchise Week: Wellbeing’s focus on wellbeing and inclusion, inspiring franchisees and community members alike to get moving and connect.
Event Details – Launch
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- Location: activ Marketing Head Office, The Cottages, Womanby Street, Cf10 1br
- Date: Monday 14th July 2025
- Time: 12:30pm (1 Hour)
- Free to join – open to all professionals working in Cardiff
Monthly runs will be led by the activ Head Office Cardiff team and, in time, by local franchisees in cities across the UK.
Find out more about activ Connections and book your place: https://www.activdigital.marketing/activ-connections/