A Liverpool entrepreneur has headed to Las Vegas to pick up some major business awards.
Paul Harrison’s company, The Travel Franchise, won Best Lifestyle Franchise worldwide and Best European Franchise at the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Global Franchise Awards 2025 – one of the first UK companies to ever win two awards – on Tuesday.
Founded in 2001 alongside business partner Steve Witt, what started as a dream to give people the opportunity to become home-based travel consultants has grown into a multi-million-pound powerhouse with more than 720 UK franchises.
Now, with the IFA’s endorsement, the business is officially recognised as one of the top franchises in the world.
The IFA’s decision was based on numerous factors including the company’s exceptional business model, which empowers individuals to run their own successful travel businesses with maximum flexibility and support.
Paul Harrison (pictured in Vegas) said: “This award is a huge testament to the hard work of our incredible team and the amazing franchisees we’ve supported along the way. We’ve built a business that isn’t just about booking holidays; it’s about changing lives.
“Our franchisees get to work on their own terms — whether that’s full-time, part-time, or just in their spare time. Whether from the comfort of their living room or while working from a beach, they can create the lifestyle they’ve always wanted, and that’s what makes this so special.”
The business model has already helped countless franchisees earn £40,000 part-time and over £100,000 full-time, but the real reward for many is the life-changing flexibility it offers.
The company enables people to travel, taking bookings while they explore the world, and it ensures staff get perks including £500 every year to spend on further development, a day off for their birthday and private health care.