You know me… I love talking about anything and everything to do with International Franchising, and why wouldn’t I? It’s an incredibly dynamic, fast-moving sector, and I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of amazing people in markets around the world.

For brands like yours, international franchising isn’t just a strategy, it’s a passport to global growth and fresh opportunity.

However, I’d like to hand the mic over to our very good friend and client, Paul Thompson, to talk about his experience with Water Babies. You might have seen these videos all over our social media already, but this really is a story you do not want to miss – and I don’t just say that because I was involved!

Water Babies is the best example of a brand founded on a great idea conceived around a kitchen table can grow into a global success story. What makes it so remarkable is not that it’s a “text book” journey of unimpeded success, but that’s its one full of obstacles and challenges that needed to be overcome, and a few hard lesion learnt along the way.

For me, it really is the truest and most authentic example of what it’s like to franchise overseas.

Check out the videos here:

Water Babies: In the Spotlight – Episode 1
Water Babies: In the Spotlight – Episode 2
Water Babies: In the Spotlight – Episode 3
Water Babies: In the Spotlight – Episode 4

I promise they are well worth your time!

When “no” is as powerful as “yes”

What makes Paul’s story so compelling isn’t just the global success, it’s how that success was built. There were plenty of hurdles, hard lessons, and even a few moments of doubt – including one very firm “no” from me early on.

Yes, really. When Paul first came to me with international ambitions, I told him flat-out: You’re not ready.

That might sound harsh, but here’s the truth: international franchising isn’t about saying “yes” to everything. It’s about being prepared – financially, strategically, and emotionally – to take on a whole new world of complexity and opportunity.

Thankfully, Paul took that “no” as motivation. He did the work, made the investments, and transformed Water Babies into an international brand he eventually sold for a very handsome return.

So, how can you be sure your brand is ready to go international?

There is plenty of info out there to help you, but perhaps the best thing I can do to help is to arrange a chat?

I’m not saying give me a call so I can tell you “no” and give you a list of reasons why you can’t do something. I’m saying if you want some absolute honest advice about whether or not you can make this happen, and how, then we could have a great conversation ahead of us.

So, how about it? Just click the button below to schedule a call.