EWIF announce winners of the 2014 NatWest EWIF Awards

The 2014 NatWest EWIF Awards (Encouraging Women into Franchising) took place at 250 Bishopsgate (RBS House) London recently, in front of an audience of guests from across the UK franchise industry.

Co-chairs of the organisation Louise Harris (Wilkins Chimney Sweep) and Louise Bruce (Big Red Box PR) who announced their retirement at the event, hosted the awards, the theme of which was ‘Encouragement’.

Over 100 guests from across the franchising industry attended including sponsors Bartercard, Coconut Creatives, McDonalds Restaurants Ltd, Merry Maids, NatWest, NomasVello and The Franchise Show. A short film, featuring videos from EWIF members making pledges of what they will be doing to encourage more women into franchising, was shown.

The award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to franchising’ was awarded to Jane Masih, head of franchising at Owen White Solicitors. Jane was chosen for her tireless commitment to franchising, not only as a member of EWIF but also as a board member of the bfa (British Franchise Association).

EWIF is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to encourage women to buy a franchise business, to franchise their existing business or to help existing franchise operations to attract more female franchisees. EWIF runs regular meetings across the UK with website www.ewif.org providing up-to-date information to members and the general public.

Commenting on the day Louise Bruce said, ‘As ever, a wonderful day, positive in both theme and spirit. Every year our judges struggle to choose between the worthy entrants who make it through to the finals and this year was no different. Despite our departure we know we are leaving EWIF in great shape with a strong and committed core of members and we’re looking forward to see where our successors take the organisation.’

Louise Harris concurred, ‘It’s great to know we have honoured some of the best in the industry, both upcoming and established women in franchising. We hope it will inspire women everywhere to take a closer look at franchising an as option, either buying into one of the many women friendly businesses available or franchising their own business.’

Graeme Jones, Head of Franchising at NatWest said, ‘Franchising has proven itself once again to be a great way to get into business. EWIF provide a tremendous source of support and we are delighted to celebrate these awards.’

The finalists and winners were:

Woman Franchisee of the Year - Sponsored by Bartercard

The finalists:

• Clair Slingo – Wagging Tails – Guildford/GU
• Nicky Morris – Merry Maids – Blackpool, Fylde & Preston
• Shweta Jhajharia – ActionCOACH

The winner - Clair Slingo – Wagging Tails – Guildford/GU

New Woman Franchisee of the Year - Sponsored by NomasVello

The finalists:

• Tara McGregor – Tatty Bumpkin – Edinburgh West
• Sarah Evans – Wagging Tails – Banbury
• Hayley Simpson – Tatty Bumpkin - Bedford

The winner - Hayley Simpson – Tatty Bumpkin - Bedford

Woman Franchisor of the Year - Sponsored by Coconut Creatives

The finalists:

• Lisa Suswain – Wagging Tails
• Lisa Curteis – Rosemary Bookkeeping
• Susanne Cook Paw Pals (UK) Ltd

The winner - Lisa Suswain – Wagging Tails

New Woman Franchisor of the Year - Sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd

The finalists:

• Jenny Williams – The Detective Project
• Jo Tomlinson – We Love Pets
• Vicky Matthews & Caroline Gowing – Pink Spaghetti

The winner - Vicky Matthews & Caroline Gowing – Pink Spaghetti

Woman Franchisor Employee of the Year - Sponsored by The Franchise Show

The finalists:

• Rebecca Duschl – Diddi Dance
• Louise Pen-Collings – Extra Help
• Hannah Banfield - ServiceMaster

The winner - Hannah Banfield - ServiceMaster

Woman Service Provider of the Year - Sponsored by Merry Maids

• Kate Matthews – Boddy Matthews Solicitors
• Sally Anne Butters – Coconut Media
• Ailie Waite – Dennis & Turnbull

The winner - Sally Anne Butters – Coconut Media

Outstanding Contribution - Sponsored by NatWest

The winner - Jane Masih, Owen White Solicitors