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: "Women are actively encouraged in business by InXpress"
Although Rebecca Robyns enjoyed the freedom of being freelance so that she could manage her work/life balance while looking after two children, she was exhausted. After discovering InXpress and working for another franchisee, she decided to take the plunge herself and fully benefit from the tried-and-tested business model. She hasn’t looked back since.
Read more…
MOLLY MAID is one of the world’s largest professional domestic cleaning services carrying out 1.8 million home cleans every year worldwide. Initially founded in Canada in 1979, MOLLY MAID currently trades in Canada USA, Japan, Portugal and in the UK. Pam Bader’s successful business career originated from “humble” rather than “high-flying” beginnings - as a nursery school teacher and a boutique owner - before becoming Chief Executive, pioneer and inspiration behind Molly Maid UK - Britain's largest professional maid service company. Under Pam's guidance Molly Maid has grown from a standing start in 1984 to 70 Franchise owners nationwide and a current turnover of over £16 million in 2013.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
Why franchising and Riverford Organic Farmers appealed to this busy Mum
As well as being a busy Mum to two boys, Lynn Allen is the franchisee for Riverford Organic Farmers in Cornwall. After being made redundant whilst on maternity leave, Lynn got involved with direct sales on a part-time, self-employed basis. Liking the freedom it gave her to juggle family life with work, Lynn decided that she wanted to run her own business. Having been a customer of Riverford for over 8 years, Lynn started to look at the Riverford franchise model. Identifying it was the business for them, Lynn and her husband Steve, took a leap of faith and relocated from the Midlands to Cornwall to buy an existing Riverford franchise that was for sale. Read why Lynn and Steve chose franchising and Riverford Organic Farmers.
Read more…
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.
