More Than Loft Ladders (MTLL) chose The Priest House Hotel in Castle Donnington on the banks of the River Trent for this year’s annual franchise conference. Just like the fast-running water of the river, their agenda was brimming with big-picture thinking and practical insights.
With time spent reflecting on the progress made in 2025, including MTLL’s rapid rise in the Elite Franchise Top 100, the conference also looked firmly ahead to opportunities to come. It gave franchise partners the chance to connect, exchange ideas and head into the rest of 2026 feeling aligned, energised and ready for growth.
For Liam Hobbs, MTLL’s franchise director, the event was an important opportunity for franchise partners to think more strategically about their businesses. “It was an action-packed day with lots of input from our network and external suppliers.
“The theme of the day was ‘Let go to take control’, with the focus on helping our franchise partners transition from working in their business to working on it.”
Sessions throughout the day covered areas including digital development, financial resilience, leadership and operational support, alongside collaborative workshops and peer-led discussions.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognise franchise partners’ performance across the network, including awards for Franchise Partner of the Year, Customer Champion, and MTLL mascot Larry’s very own Rising Star.
Standing out from the crowd was Lewis Perkins, who was attending his second conference. Lewis, who operates across Bedford, Kettering, Milton Keynes & Northampton, took home the Franchise Partner of the Year award.
“I said last year my goal was to win this award at the next conference, so I’m absolutely honoured to be here celebrating this milestone,” said Lewis. “Last year’s conference really helped me on my journey with MTLL, and this year has been no different.
“It’s great to have access to all this valuable knowledge, and it reinforces to me that you’re not in this alone – the network is really strong, and the tools are in place for you to be really successful. My goal now is to retain the title in 2027.”
Steve Salter, franchise partner for Leicestershire & Coventry, was presented with the Customer Champion award after remarkably achieving more than 100 five-star reviews this year. Reflecting on the milestone, Steve credited his customer–first approach. “After close to a decade in the network, I know how important it is to be consistent. We’ve always put the customer first and to receive such incredible feedback is something I’m really proud of.
Taking home Larry’s Rising Star award was MTLL Norfolk franchisee, Ben Aires, who in his first year in the network has a turnover approaching £500k.
Closing the conference, Liam highlighted the importance of recognition and bringing the network together. “Celebrating success is critical. Franchise partners like Steve and Lewis represent exactly what we want to be known for as a brand.
“Events like this are about making sure every one of our franchise partners feels like they belong in our network. Our strength lies in our people. Coming together to share ideas and focus on what’s ahead ensures we’re all on the same page in how we want to grow together.”
More importantly for Liam, the conference was a chance to celebrate the franchise’s recent successes. “It gave everyone a chance to step back from their day-to-day work, recognise how far we’ve come and enjoy being part of something we’re all building together!”
For more information about MTLL and how to become part of its expanding group of ambitious franchise partners, visit https://morethanloftladdersfranchise.co.uk/