When it comes to increasing the number of women in business, franchising has a strong part to play.
Some 30% of the UK's 40,000 franchise businesses are owned and run by women, according to the bfa NatWest Franchise Survey. That's higher than the rate of female SME ownership across the UK - 18%, according to the Department for Business,
Innovation & Skills - but there is still more to do to make sure that franchising is seen as a great
option for women who want to start their own business. Read more about women in franchising
Exclusive interview with Sue Warburton, Belvoir franchisee, Leamington Spa
My husband and I purchased our Belvoir franchise in August 2012, to say we had sleepless nights was an understatement! Once we realised the immense support our franchisors gave/give us, we chose not to think about the ‘fear factor’ and focus only on the positives of ‘making it work.
Exclusive franchisor interview with Karen Kelly, Cleanhome
Karen Kelly is founder and Managing Director of Cleanhome, a cleaning franchise with 16 franchises across the UK. Cleanhome franchisees provides clients with fully trained cleaners who undertake a range of services from ironing, to weekly and fortnightly cleaning. To get an insight into this thriving franchise business...Read more…
The British Franchise Association are celebrating after the success of their 'Women in Franchising' conference. The event was attended by over a hundred women;
all with an interest in franchising, from franchisor to franchisee, service provider or women wanting to know more about an industry that sees 30% of its businesses owned or run by women, compared to 15% of its non-franchised counterparts.
Hear from successful women in franchising, both franchisees and franchisors, talking about their journey into franchising, why they love franchising, and what their role as a franchisee/franchisor entails.
Rush Hair franchisee interview with Natalia Valenza
Franchising is a popular choice for women looking to get back into work after having children. Franchising offers them the flexibility to fit a career around their family life; something that many would struggle with in a 9-5 job.
Read more about the benefits of franchising for women
Exclusive interview with Jane Adams, Lichfield, Oscar Pet Foods
Jane Adams has worked most of her working life in corporate sales. Though she wanted to step out on her own, Jane was reluctant to give up her salary and take the leap into the unknown. However, after much consideration and knowing that she wanted to do something different with her life that would allow her to spend more time with her children, Jane started to look at the option available. Liking the safety net of franchising, Jane soon came across Oscars and fell in love with the brand. After 30 years in full time employment working hard for someone else’s dream, Jane is now working hard for herself and her kids.
Though your own personal banker may seem the obvious approach when looking for funding for a franchise, most will tend to have little knowledge of the UK franchise market. Banks with franchise expertise such as Lloyds Bank are a great source of impartial advice. They may offer you preferential terms as they are likely to have knowledge of the brand you are looking to invest in and may have already supported several existing franchisees so have a track record to work on.
Find out more about how Lloyds Bank can help you
Ask The Expert
Vicki Mitman QFP - Birketts
Vicki is an Associate Solicitor in the Franchising Team at Birketts and specialises in advising franchisors on a broad range of legal matters from drafting franchise agreements and franchise resale agreements to brand protection, network management and assisting with dispute resolution. Vicki also advises franchisees on the terms of their franchise agreement and assists franchisees looking to buy or sell a franchised business. Birketts is a full service law firm which advises on a range of commercial and corporate services together with employment, commercial property and dispute resolution.
Ask Vicki a question
If you are a woman looking to get into franchising, whether it be buying a franchise or developing your own business into a franchise, there is an array of business events taking place that will help you to understand the franchising process. Or maybe you are a woman already in franchising, an existing franchisee or franchisor, and want to know more about developing your business, then there are also events suited to you.
Find out more about the EWIF annual awards, including past winners, nominees for this year's awards and the latest keynote speakers.
Though your own personal banker may seem the obvious approach when looking for funding for a franchise, most will tend to have little knowledge of the UK franchise market. Banks with franchise expertise such as Lloyds Bank are a great source of impartial advice. They may offer you preferential terms as they are likely to have knowledge of the brand you are looking to invest in and may have already supported several existing franchisees so have a track record to work on.
Vicki is an Associate Solicitor in the Franchising Team at Birketts and specialises in advising franchisors on a broad range of legal matters from drafting franchise agreements and franchise resale agreements to brand protection, network management and assisting with dispute resolution. Vicki also advises franchisees on the terms of their franchise agreement and assists franchisees looking to buy or sell a franchised business. Birketts is a full service law firm which advises on a range of commercial and corporate services together with employment, commercial property and dispute resolution.
