Countdown to EWIB is on as the BFA says “Women – Franchising needs YOU!”

With over 350 members, the British Franchise Association (BFA), is a voluntary self-regulating governing body that sets the standards for franchising in the UK.

Why is EWIB important to franchising?

Although women traditionally fare very well in franchising, (according to the 2018 BFA NatWest survey, 30% of all franchisees in the UK are women), the same can't be said for women in business in general, particularly since the pandemic.

Chief Executive of the BFA Pip Wilkins explains: "Startup rates for women dropped by 15% from 2019 to 2020 and women in upper-middle-income countries showed the largest pandemic impact on business exits, with a 74% increase from 2019 to 2021, compared to only 34% for men. As a sector that relies on entrepreneurs, we need to do everything we can to encourage women to start and franchise their own businesses and buy franchise territories."

Here, four female members of the BFA explain what makes women so successful in business and why franchising is such a great sector for women to work in.

Dr Hannah MacKechnie owns Radfield Home Care that provides the highest standards of care to older adults in their own homes. She has 32 franchisees in her network.

What special qualities do women bring to the business table?

"Women have an exceptional ability to build and nurture relationships. They often possess natural communication skills and empathy, allowing them to connect deeply with franchisees and create a supportive and collaborative environment. They also excel in multi-tasking and problem-solving, enabling them to navigate challenges with agility and find innovative solutions."

How do you support women in your network?

"Our National Office support team is comprised of over 50% women and our all-female Business Performance Team brings a wealth of expertise and unique perspectives to the table.  We have established a Diversity Steering Group consisting of over 70% women, actively working towards creating an environment that embraces and celebrates our differences."

"EWIB inspired me"

"EWIB is a great platform for women to come together, learn and share valuable knowledge with each other. When I attended, it inspired me to implement initiatives that empower and support women in my own franchise network and equipped me with the tools and connections to drive positive change and further elevate the role of women in franchising."

Jenna Wilson and Fay Smith own Little Dreams Consulting, helping families get their babies and children to sleep. They franchised in 2021 and have four franchisees.

What is it that makes women so good in business?

Jenna said: "Women are incredible at multi-tasking which we know from experience is crucial when you are trying to manage a network, recruit franchisees and be present for our own children. Women are also open to change and embracing new ideas."

How do you empower women in your network and the industry as a whole?

"We feel strongly about empowering women, especially mums, to run a successful business whilst also being present for their children and their caring responsibilities. We do this by ensuring our franchise is incredibly flexible so that women who own a Little Dreams franchise really can have a balance of work and home." said Fay.

"EWIB motivated us"

Jenna and Fay attended EWIB in 2022 and found the event ‘motivating and inspiring.'

Claire Bannister is the franchisor of House of Colour, which helps clients understand how to dress confidently. Claire has 60 franchisees in her network, some of whom have been with her for 34 years.

What special skills do you think women bring to business?

"I believe women bring compassion and understanding; they also have excellent intuition and a great understanding on how to network with authenticity. Our franchisees are strong determined women, able to juggle many tasks at once. They are task driven and ‘get the job done'. They take owning a franchise very seriously and are hugely committed and loyal."

Why is becoming a franchisee such a great choice for women?

"I strongly believe women are perfect for franchising.  In our sector they are typically mums with children or women in the corporate sector, who want to start a business which is purposeful and rewarding, to deliver the life they want. With a franchise they get a Business in a Box, and all the support they need to build a successful career."

Gemma Hussey is the franchise relationship manager at Tezlom, a healthcare recruitment franchise. They have 16 franchisees in their network.

How do you support and encourage women in your business?

At Tezlom we are deeply committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women both within our franchise network and the industry at large.

We have implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives, which involves setting targets for female representation across various levels of the organisation, regularly reviewing progress and coaching.

I recognise the immense potential and talent that women bring to the table and believe in cultivating strong female leaders. I have worked to identify and nurture women with leadership potential and have organised online conferences exclusively for women, which serve as a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and building supportive relationships among our female franchisees. 

What makes the franchise sector such a special place for women to work?

I love the franchising sector because it provides a platform for female franchisors, franchisees and employees to learn from each other's experiences and gain valuable insights into the industry.

I strive to create a safe and open space for any female and hope I can encourage them to keep stepping forward and never shy away from the centre stage, whether that be in life, the workplace or the home.

EWIB will be held at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading on Wed 27^th Sept 2023. It is open to all women and tickets can be purchased via the BFA website.