NatWest EWiF Award 2023 Finalists Are Announced

Today is International Women's Day, where we celebrate the incredible achievements of women and the progress we've made towards gender equality. At Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF), we are proud to be part of a community that's all about empowering women and creating opportunities for them to succeed in franchising. 

So we couldn't think of a better day on which to announce the finalists for the NatWest EWiF Awards 2023! These amazing women have broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations in the franchising industry.

Within franchising, there are women operating at every level – franchisor, franchisee, working within a franchise Head Office, or helping a franchisee grow their business, as well as those offering services and products to empower brands. For each of our categories, we wanted to ensure opportunities were open to all, at every level of franchising’s success. The entries we received this year were outstanding, leaving the judges with some difficult decisions to make. However, after much deliberation, we are delighted to announce this year’s finalists are:

New Woman Franchisor

Every year, business owners see the value of franchising their business, and embark on the journey to pilot and formulate their franchise, offering new opportunities in our industry. These three finalists are already making waves with their new franchise, in support of their new and growing networks. Congratulations to:

• Holly Stepien - Bloom Toddler Classes Limited
• Jenna Wilson and Fay Smith - Little Dreams
• Karen Gibb - Mind Marvels

New Woman Franchisee

We are passionate about the opportunities franchising gives to women who want to run their own business. Since 2021, a number of women took the bold step to invest in their future and buy a franchise. These three are already smashing through their goals! Congratulations to:

• Emily Kerrison - Kidslingo
• Sarah Macguire - Raison Home
• Shafali Shown-Keen – McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd

Woman Franchisor

There’s nothing to say women can’t run a successful franchise, and balance everything which is important to her – from running her family, to making a difference in the industry she operates in. Our three finalists are making waves! Congratulations to:

• Angela Stirling – Lingotot
• Jenni Dunman - Daisy First Aid
• Lucy Campbell - Right at Home UK

Woman Franchisee

As more women see the benefit franchising offers them as a way to run a successful business for themselves, this category is only going to grow year on year! We love seeing the stories of your successes each time. So, congratulations to our four finalists:

• Ally Phillips - Pink Spaghetti
• Amy Patel Popat - Right at Home UK
• Ellie Cawdell - Puddle Ducks
• Jessie Lilley - babyballet

Women Franchise Employee

Women make up a large percentage of the franchise workforce, though we know from experience and conversation, many of you don’t feel worthy of an award for “just doing what you do” each day. However, you’re making a big impact, and franchising wouldn’t be as strong as it is, if it wasn’t for the army of women involved at all levels. Congratulations to our four finalists:

• Alex Bunn - Revive! Auto Innovations (UK) Limited
• Bella Hallam - Visiting Angels
• Heather Wehrle – Right at Home UK
• Katie Morris – Petpals

Young Woman in Franchising

Age should never be a barrier to success – or to realising your goals. We love reading about how young women are grasping life with both hands and are rising to ever challenge with grace and determination. Congratulations to our three finalists who are doing this exact thing:

• Asha Marie Richardson - Razzamataz Theatre Schools
• Eloise Prosser - GoodOaks Homecare
• Holly Stepien - Bloom Toddler Classes Limited

Service Provider

Without people in the industry who understand the intricacies of the franchise world and relationships, many franchises would struggle. So, congratulations to our four finalists who are helping franchises in crucial ways:

• Desirie Lea - Morris & Co Chartered Accountants
• Jen Chapman-Boffin - CB Cinder Ltd
• Nigel Apperley – Trustist
• Suzie McCafferty - Platinum Wave Franchising

Inspirational Woman

Whilst we find many women in franchising to be an inspiration, and learn so much from each of you, for this category we have some real, “WOW!” women who are going above and beyond the norm. Congratulations to our three finalists:

• Angela Stirling – Lingotot
• Hannah MacKechnie - Radfield Home Care
• Jenni Dunman - Daisy First Aid

Ambassador

The three aims of EWiF is to empower, educate, and inspire women into franchising. As EWiF Ambassadors, our members are often active in one of all of these three aspects of who we are. This award celebrates the women who embody what it means to empower, inspire and educate women into franchising! Congratulations to our three finalists:

• Kate Matthews - Boddy Matthews
• Ruth Brown - Home Instead
• Suzie McCafferty - Platinum Wave Franchising

The Awards Ceremony…

This year’s awards ceremony is open to everyone to attend, in celebration of female success in our industry! We’d love to see you there:

Tuesday 16th May 2023, 10:30am – 3:00pm

at the NatWest Conference Centre, 280 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA

This is more than a day out of your business. It’s a day in the aspirational world of franchising! And, we guarantee you’ll feel inspired and uplifted – even if you’re not a finalist this year!