From finance manager to confidence champion: Worcester businesswoman Jane Brook wins national franchise award

Jane Brook, who runs House of Colour Worcester, has been recognised for her outstanding customer relationships, sustained business success and contribution to the wider franchise network.

After 25 years working as a finance manager in manufacturing, Jane decided it was time for a change and purchased her House of Colour franchise in April 2010.

Sixteen years later, she has helped more than 1,500 clients discover the colours and styles that make them look and feel their best, building a thriving business based largely on personal recommendations and repeat custom.

Working primarily from her home studio in Worcester, Jane also visits clients in their homes, offers personal shopping experiences and hosts group events.

But her journey to success has not been without challenges.

As a single parent raising two daughters, Jane initially juggled her new venture with part-time employment, gradually reducing her hours as her client base grew before committing to House of Colour full-time following the pandemic.

Rather than competing on price, she has focused on developing her expertise, delivering a highly personalised service and building relationships that last.

Her approach has earned her internal House of Colour awards every year since launching her business, and she is now among the franchise network's annual top performers.

For Jane, however, the greatest satisfaction comes from the difference she makes to her clients' lives.

Over the years, she has supported women through career changes, promotions, motherhood, illness, retirement and bereavement, helping them rediscover their confidence and embrace new chapters.

Many of the clients she first met in 2010 are still with her today.

Jane said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to have won a Great British Franchisee Award! To have sixteen years of hard work recognised nationally, particularly by people outside the colour and style industry, means an enormous amount to me.

“When I started House of Colour Worcester in 2010, I had no idea where it would take me. I've learnt so much, developed skills I never imagined I'd have and met some wonderful people along the way.

“But what I'm most proud of is the relationships I've built. Some of my very first clients are still with me today, and I've had the privilege of being part of their lives as they've changed careers, built businesses, raised families and navigated all sorts of challenges.

“I've always believed that colour and style is about so much more than clothes. It's about helping women feel comfortable with who they are, giving them the confidence to be seen and encouraging them to embrace whatever comes next.

“I've never set out to build the biggest business. I've spent sixteen years building one that people trust, and to have that recognised with this award is incredibly special.

“It's the people. It's always been the people. And I'm certainly not finished yet!”

That emphasis on relationships has also helped Jane create a thriving community around her business.

More than 600 women are members of her private Facebook group, with many attending regular coffee mornings and events.

What began as a way to keep in touch with clients has grown into a supportive network where women form friendships, share experiences and encourage one another long after their initial consultations.

Jane is also a passionate supporter of independent businesses across Worcestershire, regularly collaborating with local boutiques, photographers, opticians, hairdressers and skincare specialists.

She has founded and led several networking communities, including Leading Ladies, The Connexion and Level Up Lunch, and regularly speaks to businesses and professional groups about confidence, personal branding and professional presence.

Her community involvement extends to charitable fundraising, having completed challenges in support of the Worcestershire Breast Unit and St Richard's Hospice, both causes with personal significance to her family.

Jane's contribution to House of Colour reaches far beyond her own business.

For six years, she served as a Regional Manager, mentoring fellow consultants and helping to support one of the network's strongest-performing regions.

She now sits on the company's Franchise Advisory Board, representing fellow franchisees and helping shape the future direction of the business.

Despite her years of experience, Jane continues to invest in her professional development, undertaking advanced training in colour, style and menswear, as well as coaching, leadership, public speaking and marketing.

It's a remarkable transformation for someone who was once a nervous first-time presenter during her initial franchise training and now regularly speaks to audiences of hundreds.

Emma Higgins, Director of Franchise Growth UK at House of Colour, said: “Jane is such a deserving winner! Over sixteen years with House of Colour, she has built a business founded on expertise, integrity, kindness and genuine care for the people around her.

“She has continually invested in her own development while generously sharing that experience with others, serving for six years as a Regional Manager, mentoring fellow franchisees and now contributing to our future through the Franchise Advisory Board.

“What stands out most is the trust Jane has built. Many of the clients she first met in 2010 are still with her today, and she has supported them through so many different stages of their lives.

“Jane represents the very best of franchising: commercially experienced, endlessly curious, collaborative and committed to leaving the wider network stronger than she found it. I'm absolutely thrilled to see her recognised with this award!”

The judges of the Great British Franchisee Awards were particularly impressed by Jane's sustained success, exceptional customer loyalty and willingness to support others.

They commented: “Jane is an exceptionally deserving winner of a Great British Franchisee Award, having demonstrated sustained business success, outstanding customer loyalty and a genuine passion for helping people feel confident and empowered.

“What particularly impressed the judges was her ability to create such a loyal and engaged client community. Having supported more than 1,500 clients, Jane has built lasting relationships through her personalised approach and genuine commitment to the people she works with.

“Her contribution to the wider House of Colour network is equally impressive. Through her leadership, mentoring and involvement in the Franchise Advisory Board, she has generously shared her knowledge and experience to help fellow franchisees succeed and strengthen the brand.

“She is a fantastic ambassador for franchising and a truly worthy winner.”

Looking ahead, Jane plans to build on her success by offering more ongoing support to clients, expanding her speaking engagements and potentially mentoring new associates within House of Colour Worcester.

And while her business has evolved considerably since 2010, her motivation remains unchanged: helping women feel confident in who they are and ready to take on whatever comes next.

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