Reflections on 2025 and Ambitions for 2026: An Interview with Chris Black, Managing Director of NIC Local
As the year comes to a close, Chris Black, Managing Director of NIC Local, takes a moment to reflect on the company’s priorities and achievements in 2025. With a focus on empowering the NIC Local team, supporting network growth, and ensuring a strong pipeline of incoming franchisees, the business has made significant strides. In this Q&A, Chris shares his thoughts on the past year and looks ahead to the opportunities and challenges of 2026.
Going into 2025, Chris had three main goals: to empower the NIC Local team, continue supporting the network in growing their revenue, and ensure a good pipeline of incoming franchisees throughout the year and beyond. The team has performed remarkably well, with a focus on improving skill sets and supporting each other on challenges and opportunities. The results speak for themselves, with double-digit growth in franchise sales across the network year-on-year, and some franchisees even doubling their revenue.
Franchise Recruitment and Growth
Franchise recruitment has been a challenge in the current economic climate, but Chris is confident that the pipeline is robust going into the new year. The company has seen new franchisees join, and existing ones continue to grow their businesses. The focus on quality tenders and empowering Business Development Managers (BDMs) to support the network has paid off, with franchisees winning tenders they may not have been comfortable with 18 months ago.
The NIC Local team has worked hard to improve their skill sets, and the results are evident in the company’s growth. Chris is proud of the progress made across the network, with both established and new franchisees achieving significant growth. The company’s ranking in the top 25 of the HSBC Elite Franchise TOP 100 for 2026 is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication.
Challenges and Opportunities in 2026
As the company looks ahead to 2026, Chris identifies recruitment, maintaining momentum, and investing in people and marketing campaigns as key focus areas. The challenge of recruitment will continue, but the company is well-placed to attract quality franchisees. The goal is to support franchisees in scaling their businesses and achieving double-digit growth.
Chris is excited about the opportunities that 2026 will bring and is confident that the NIC Local team will continue to deliver exceptional results. With a strong pipeline of incoming franchisees and a focus on supporting the network, the company is well-positioned for success.
If you’re interested in learning more about the NIC Local opportunity, read the full interview here to discover how you can build a scalable management franchise with hands-on support. Contact us today to request our franchise prospectus, book a Discovery Day, and take the first step towards joining NIC Local.
