Ace Places, which began as a single pack of illustrated playing cards celebrating Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, has grown into an award-winning community business with an ambition of reaching 50 towns across the UK and, one day, selling one million packs of cards.
Founded by Emma Sweet in 2023, Ace Places has sold more than 16,000 packs, raised over £5,000 for local charities, and helped independent businesses increase their visibility through an innovative sponsorship model.
Ace Places explained the decks are funded through sponsorship from featured businesses, sold through local retailers and community events, and donates 25 pence from every pack sold to a nominated local charity.
The franchise model
Now, following the appointment of its first franchisees in St Albans, Hertfordshire, Ace Places is inviting entrepreneurs across the UK to bring the concept to their own towns, creating locally owned businesses that celebrate independent shops, charities, landmarks and hidden gems while strengthening community pride.
Sweet said: “When I created Ace Places, I wasn’t setting out to build a franchise. I simply wanted to celebrate everything that makes our towns so special while giving something meaningful back to the communities we live in.”
• To read the full news story, view Franchise World Autumn 2026 issue, page 23.