_{Sarah Cadwaladr}

The holiday let sector in the UK has grown up. Once a fragmented landscape dominated by individual homeowners juggling guest services, cleaning and business strategy often alongside a full-time job, it is rapidly maturing. Guests now expect the consistency of a hotel stay with the comfort of a home, and property owners need more than just a key safe to keep their investments running smoothly. In response, short-lets now offer high-quality accommodation in all kinds of locations, with their own standards, technology solutions, and regulations putting these businesses at the forefront of tourism growth. 

The franchise model employed by companies like Pass the Keys [1] offers a powerful solution to this dynamic, successfully bridging the gap between local, hands-on management and the rigorous standards of a national brand.

For property owners, the appeal is clear. They get the peace of mind that comes with national marketing reach, sophisticated technology, and legal compliance support. At the same time, they get a local partner who knows the area, understands the community, and is physically nearby if something goes wrong. This balance of local insight and national infrastructure is what allows these businesses to succeed, delivering high occupancy for owners and memorable stays for guests.

Natalia  owner - Pass the Keys Glasgow

In Glasgow, Natalia Soler demonstrates how the franchise model provides the resilience needed to navigate turbulent regulatory landscapes. She launched her Pass the Keys franchise in Glasgow back in 2021. It was a tough time to start anything, but she quickly found her footing. Then, things got even harder when the local council introduced some of the most restrictive short-term letting rules in the country. Suddenly, a large part of her property portfolio became ineligible to operate under the old rules.

Natalia pivoted her strategy, expanding into neighbouring regions and successfully diversifying her portfolio into the mid-term accommodation market. Today, her business is stronger than ever. In 2025, she achieved over £1.2 million in Net Booking Value (86% growth year-over-year) and maintains a portfolio of over 50 properties with an impressive 88% host retention rate.

"A standalone business might have struggled to survive the turmoil we've faced in Glasgow, but the franchise framework gave me the flexibility to adapt. We pivoted to mid-term lets and expanded into new areas, all while leaning on centralised technology and support systems that keep us professional and compliant. The franchise model allows us the data and the systems to build a resilient business that can handle whatever challenges come its way."

Flexibility and franchising for women

Notably, 51% of Pass the Keys' franchises are owned or part-owned by women. This is well above the national average: only 19-20% of business owners in the UK are women, dropping to 14% for SME. 

The franchise model empowers women to found their own businesses with the support and strategy of the national franchisor, replacing the risk of the first steps with a tried-and-tested method. While holiday let management does require round-the-clock attention, tech and teams can take the pressure off, and it is far more flexible than a typical 9-5, something that many franchise owners take advantage of to take care of children or spend more time with family. 

Sarah owner - Pass the Keys Chester and the Wirral

Another successful partner is Sarah Cadwaladr, the owner of Pass the Keys Chester and the Wirral, which launched in April 2026. With a background spanning over a decade in corporate hospitality and management, including big names like Selfridges and Manchester United, Sarah understands the importance of high standards for guests. 

Sarah is no stranger to the franchise model. She previously built up and successfully sold a separate franchise business in the children's swimming sector. When she decided it was time for her next venture, she looked for a scalable model that allowed her to build something meaningful in her own community. She chose property management because it offered the right mix of professional structure and local flexibility.

"The franchise model allows me to offer property owners a service that protects their assets and delivers consistent results without needing to reinvent the wheel. Spending time in high-end hospitality taught me that standards matter, and this business lets me apply those principles while keeping the service personal and locally focused."

With its full-service model, Pass the Keys offers a way for driven professionals to build property businesses without huge initial investment. It empowers people who might not otherwise have founded their own businesses to become successful franchise owners, growing businesses that bring strong returns and long-term opportunities. 

For further information please visit Pass the Keys [2]