Fran Ash

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT JOB? Our bathroom business has been running for over 15 years, and I joined it full-time in 2023 as business development manager. I officially launched Fran Ash Mentoring at the start of 2026 as I wanted to share my experience in business with others.

HOW IS YOUR JOB IMPACTED BY FLUCTUATIONS IN THE ECONOMY? When the economy feels uncertain, business owners tend to feel the pressure first. My role often becomes helping people stay calm, focus on what really matters and keep moving forward, while also reminding them, they’re not facing it alone.

WHAT’S YOUR VIEW ON HYBRID AND FLEXIBLE WORKING? I think flexibility is here to stay. Every business is different, so it’s about finding what works best for your team rather than forcing everyone into the same mould.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON YOUR BUSINESS? AI can be a useful tool for things like admin or content support, but I’m a firm believer that people still buy from people. Technology can support a business, but it can’t replace genuine relationships.

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU? Kind, approachable and someone who genuinely wants to see other people succeed. I also like to bring a bit of humour into things – if people feel relaxed and comfortable, the conversations tend to be much more real.

YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH IN THE WORKPLACE? A genuine desire to support people and help them move forward. Whether that’s through mentoring, encouragement or simply listening, I care deeply about making sure people don’t feel like they’re navigating business on their own.

BIGGEST CURRENT CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOB? Balancing growth with sustainability. There are lots of exciting opportunities on the horizon at the moment, but it’s important to build things properly and not rush ahead too quickly or spin too many plates and end up overwhelmed.

YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTS? Launching Bathing in Business and watching it grow into a supportive community has been incredibly special. Networking genuinely changed my own journey in business, which is why creating a space where others can experience that same support means so much to me. Having the courage to turn my mentoring into a business was a huge personal achievement for me, as was becoming a networking ambassador for the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce.

PET HATES? Clutter. I like things organised and in their place.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Everything is going to be OK, even when it really doesn’t feel like it at the time. Trust your instincts and remember that the difficult chapters often end up shaping the path you’re meant to be on.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? Long walks with our dog Megan, time in the garden and anything that gets me outside away from a screen.

FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHROPSHIRE? The beauty of the county and the sense of community. There are so many hidden gems to explore, and the business community here genuinely feels like a business family.

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM OF CHOICE? LinkedIn is definitely my go-to.

FAVOURITE MOVIE AND/OR TV SHOW? I’m a sucker for a good historical drama or a rom-com… although EastEnders is a guilty pleasure of mine.

EARLY BIRD, OR NIGHT OWL? 100% early bird – sometimes a little too early!

DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE? Sir David Attenborough because I’m a huge animal lover, Freddie Mercury so I could ask him what it felt like walking out on stage at Live Aid in 1985, and someone like Stephen Fry or Queen Elizabeth II – anyone with incredible stories and historical insight.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY WOULDN’T KNOW. I’m a big rock music fan. People don’t always expect it, but Guns N’ Roses, Metallica and Black Sabbath are regulars on my playlist.

AND FINALLY . . . WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HAS IN STORE FOR YOU, PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY? Professionally, more growth, more collaboration and there are some really exciting projects in the pipeline with fellow Shropshire business owners. Personally, hopefully finding the right balance so I can enjoy the journey along the way.