Ace Places is a purpose-driven franchise that celebrates the very best of Britain’s towns and cities through beautifully illustrated playing cards that double as local guides.

Each pack features 54 carefully selected businesses, charities, landmarks and hidden gems, encouraging people to discover more of the places they love while supporting independent businesses and strengthening local communities. Every pack sold also donates 25p to a grassroots local charity, ensuring each town benefits in more ways than one.

Founded by Emma Sweet in Henley-on-Thames, Ace Places has grown from a single deck into a proven business model, with more than 16,000 packs sold and successful launches in Henley and Marlow and soon in St Albans, Berkhamsted and Harpsden. The business is now expanding through franchising, giving passionate local entrepreneurs the opportunity to build a rewarding business in their own community while benefiting from an established brand, systems and ongoing support.

What makes Ace Places different is that it creates value for everyone involved. Local businesses gain year-round visibility and become part of a curated collection of the town’s best places. Retailers benefit from a distinctive, locally relevant product that sparks conversation and makes a fantastic gift. Residents and visitors discover new favourites and experience their town in a fresh way. Franchise partners build a sustainable business with recurring income from sponsorship renewals, retail sales and community events.

Emma is passionate about creating businesses that have a positive impact. She believes commercial success and community benefit should go hand in hand, and that entrepreneurship can be a powerful force for bringing people together. Through Ace Places, she is building a national network of local franchise partners who share that vision and want to champion the places they call home.

As an EWiF member, Emma is looking forward to connecting with fellow franchisors, franchisees and industry experts, sharing experiences, learning from others and supporting more women to build successful businesses through franchising.