Cardiff Welcomes New Kind of Networking with activ Connections – Launched by World Record Superstar Lloyd Martin
Cardiff, 14 July 2025
This lunchtime, Cardiff city centre saw the launch of something refreshingly different: activ Connections – a new kind of networking event that swaps suits for trainers and small talk for real conversation.
Hosted by activ Marketing Agency, a British Franchise Association accredited marketing agency franchise, the event brought together professionals from all walks of life. Attendees from marketing, charity, accountancy, and event management joined for a relaxed group run through Bute Park, beginning with an energising warm-up dance from none other than Guinness World Record holder Lloyd Martin.
Reflecting on the event, activ CEO Katie Bullon shared:
“We were thrilled to welcome Lloyd Martin to help launch activ Connections. His energy was infectious and set exactly the tone we wanted – fun, inclusive, and uplifting. Lloyd comes from a family of runners and is passionate about getting people moving. He’s just been selected for a challenge on this year’s BBC Children in Need, featuring on The One Show, so having him with us at launch was a real honour. We hope this is just the start, and that he’ll join us again at one of our future events as we roll out activ Connections nationwide.”
With activ’s head office now based in a row of heritage cottages in the heart of Cardiff, this was the perfect opportunity for the team to step outside, connect, and welcome the wider business community.
Katie continued:
“We all know that some of the best conversations happen when we’re not stuck in a boardroom. With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health challenges each year*, workplaces need to make space for connection, movement and meaning. activ Connections is a small but powerful step in that direction.”
Katie, who is also neurodivergent and open about her ADHD, added:
“Movement gives me clarity and energy. activ Connections is marketing with purpose and business with balance. We’re proud to be building a nationwide marketing franchise – and a culture – that supports people to thrive both mentally and professionally.”
The event was proudly created with the backing of Run Wales, whose mission is to support and encourage more people to enjoy the benefits of running and community participation. Their support ensures that activ Connections is inclusive, impactful, and part of a growing wellbeing movement across Wales.
Unlike traditional networking events, activ Connections is designed to encourage genuine human interaction in a relaxed, informal setting. The group – most of whom had never met before – left energised, inspired, and already making plans to reconnect.
There are surprisingly few run-based networking groups in the UK, and activ is proudly leading the way. As a people-led franchise brand, the company is committed to doing business differently – building long-term relationships, not just contacts – and supporting its growing network of franchisees (known as activ branch managers) with a full-service team behind them.
The next Cardiff event is already booked for Wednesday 3 September, with activ Connections set to roll out in more locations through the wider activ franchise network in the coming months.
