Franchising expert and Northumbria graduate visits campus to share insights with Business School staff and students

Jonathan Holden, alumnus and Chief Operating Officer at Molly Maid UK, supported Northumbria University students on the Entrepreneurship and Innovation foundation year module, as well as International Business Management students, with a day visit to city campus on Friday 29 April 2022.

Jonathan, who graduated from Northumbria University in 1991 with a BTEC HND in Business Studies and Finance, has since enjoyed a successful career in the business franchise industry, supporting print, fitness and now the cleaning services sector with Molly Maid, a £20 million turnover UK business. Keen to give back, he shared his experience, insights and the opportunities available within the franchise sector.

Jonathan participated in a fireside chat to the business students alongside fellow alumnus Nick Gianfreda, CEO & Founder of Wriggle Marketing, and associate of the University Justin Turner, Founder and Director of accountancy firm Orange Umbrella. This was part of the Entrepreneurs Forum event organised by Business School academics Steve Ball (Senior Lecturer), Sam Clegg (Associate Lecturer) and Rose Quan (Associate Professor).

During the panel discussion Jonathan spoke about his background and vast experience in franchising and all three speakers shared their insights and opinions on what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, agreeing that having a real passion for what you do is one of the most important factors to bear in mind before starting a business. At the end of the session Jonathan presented awards to students for the winner and runner-up of Entrepreneurial Team of the Year for their work in 2020/21.

Jonathan then went on to meet with colleagues at the Incubator and The Business Clinic to learn about the work of the support service and hub for student and graduate start-ups and the business consultancy service which offers free advice to external business clients from the fresh minds of current students.

Commenting on his visit, Jonathan said: “I had such an invigorating day meeting so many talented students. I can't remember a day outside of my regular professional schedule when I've felt more stimulated - I mean that sincerely. Northumbria University has incredible facilities and offers superb opportunities and I look forward to being able to support them with my franchising experience in the years ahead”.

Jonathan has kindly volunteered his future time and committed to join our Alumni Mentoring Programme to provide one-to-one mentoring and support to students with his vital insights into business and industry, in particular to those considering the options and opportunities to franchise their start-up business and to understand how they may go about that based on his broad sector experience.

We look forward to welcoming him on campus and at further events again in future!

If you are interested to find out more about how you can get involved with alumni mentoring or volunteering, please get in touch with us.