Starting UP

Q1 In a few words tell us a bit about your business?

Archer Franklin is a bespoke education consultancy based in Battersea, specialising in guiding students through the complex global university admissions processes, particularly in the US and UK. We focus on empowering young people to discover their best-fit academic paths, nurturing their individuality, and preparing them for lifelong success.

Q2 What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?

Our transformative, student-centric approach. At Archer Franklin, we go beyond grades and acceptance letters; we prioritise the whole student. Too often, students are prepared for academic challenges but not for the realities of life beyond the classroom. At Archer Franklin, I wanted to create a system that not only helps students achieve academic success but also equips them for long-term personal and professional growth.

This philosophy led to the creation of the Four Pillars of Successful Individuals curriculum: personal, professional, community, and financial. Each pillar is designed to develop essential skills that students can build upon throughout their lives.

For example, the Financial Pillar teaches students that education is an investment—not just financially, but also in terms of time and energy. I want students to understand the mechanics of loans, compounding interest, and saving, alongside strategies for managing their finances effectively both now and in the future.

Equally important is the Community Pillar. University is a transformative time, and I encourage students to grow where they are planted—whether building relationships at home, at university, or within professional networks. These connections form the foundation of meaningful opportunities and enduring relationships.

Ultimately, Archer Franklin is about shaping happy, healthy, and successful individuals—not just competitive university applicants..

Q3 What motivated you to set up in business?

I wanted to challenge the transactional, impersonal nature of the admissions process. Too often, education systems prioritise statistics over the individual, losing sight of the people they are meant to serve. At Archer Franklin, we shift the focus back to authenticity, individuality, and passion.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across the global education industry within universities, rankings agencies, EdTech firms, and alongside institutional leadership. Time and again, I noticed students who are both the funders and outcomes of these institutions were rarely part of the conversations which were shaping their futures. I sat in meetings where the focus was on metrics and league tables, and no one asked, “What does this mean for the student?” That stuck with me.

Higher education must be managed as a business, but someone needs to advocate for the individuals navigating it. Archer Franklin fills that gap.

Q4 What do you like most about working as a start-up?

The ability to make a meaningful impact. Being a start-up allows me to live my mission every day: building something from the ground up, collaborating with partners, and supporting families in a way that truly aligns with my values. What I love most is the flexibility to stay nimble, innovative, and deeply personal. We can respond directly to the unique needs of our students and families, ensuring every decision reflects what is best for them.

Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?

Each student represents success. When a young person realises their worth isn’t tied to rankings or prestige but to where they’ll truly thrive—that’s the real achievement.

One particularly meaningful moment happened recently when a student I guided nearly 10 years ago as a university admissions counsellor reached out to Archer Franklin for support with their medical residency applications. To see them return and seek mentorship as they take this next step in their professional journey was incredibly rewarding.

Q6 What has been your lowest moment?

Navigating the early days when perfectionism met the unpredictability of launching a business. Being a staff meeting of one, every task felt critical, and prioritising what truly mattered was overwhelming at times, when you’re a team of one, the lines between ‘to-do’ and ‘done’ blur quickly. But those moments taught me resilience and the value of leaning on trusted networks and partners.

Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years?

Five years can feel like a lifetime (in the best way) when you work with students. I think about the sixth formers we’re currently guiding—where they will be after university, the lives they’ll be building, and the challenges they’ll be navigating. I hope that the support we offer today sets a strong foundation for their future, and that Archer Franklin continues to grow alongside them, evolving to meet their needs as they progress.

Our commitment to quality over quantity will always remain at the heart of what we do. In five years, I hope Archer Franklin will be known not just for guiding students into the right universities, but for equipping them with the tools to achieve success, fulfilment, and impact at every stage of their lives.

Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

Focus on your ‘why.’ Starting a business is deeply personal, and challenges will inevitably arise. Your ‘why’ will guide you through tough decisions, keep you grounded, and fuel your resilience. Stay committed to your values, trust your instincts, and never underestimate the power of authentic relationships. Purpose and connection are the foundation of any successful venture. Most importantly, ask for help. You’ll be amazed at the support and guidance that will arrive when you need it most. Starting a business is about being a builder of ideas, relationships, and routines that sustain you. Dream big, but remember success is built one thoughtful, intentional day at a time.

minutes with ...

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of cancer charity,

Q1 Three words to describe yourself

Tenacious, courageous, creative

Q2 Ideal customer?

Everyone… There isn’t a single person who wouldn’t benefit from taking a walk. I find it incredibly empowering that over half a million people have Walked the Walk since we took our first steps. I love that every day people discover for themselves the physical and mental benefits which regular walking can have.

Q3 Biggest achievement?

My goodness, there are several…on a personal front, conquering breast cancer, and treatment, and having my daughter must come top. Giving birth to Walk the Walk, creating a multi-million-pound charity from a dream and having the King as our Patron for more than 20 years is a very close second!

Q4 Biggest gripe?

Negativity: anyone telling me I can’t do something, or it’s not possible… it just makes me want to go out and do it… there is always a way!

Q5 Your inspiration?

My Mum, she bought me up to believe that you can do absolutely anything, if you put your mind to it. Of course I didn’t always believe her, but as I get older, and see what my small but amazing team achieve, often against the odds, I realise it is so true!

Q6 Philosophy in Business?

Straight talking, honest and fair – treat others as you would want to be treated.

Q7 Sporting Hero?

I love the Olympics, with such an amazing level of sporting achievement, it’s impossible to have just one hero. But, if I really must choose, it would be Simone Biles, regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts and Olympians.

Q8 Biggest tip for success?

Success is rarely a straightforward path, so always be open to taking the opportunities and risks along the way. Be in touch with your instincts, they won’t let you down, so if it feels right go with it. It may not be what you planned, but it could be even better!