EWiF Blog
Not all franchises are created equal. Why you should care about ethical franchising.
For women in franchising, the business landscape is evolving significantly. At EWiF we recognise the impact of supportive networks, both online and in person.
As we welcome the New Year, there is – as always – tons of chatter about “New Year Resolutions”! But, at EWiF we’re thinking differently: about embracing opportunities, setting meaningful goals, and building a powerful network of supportive women.
We recently pedalled with purpose!
For women in franchising, the business landscape is evolving significantly. At EWiF we recognise the impact of supportive networks, both online and in person.
As we welcome the New Year, there is – as always – tons of chatter about “New Year Resolutions”! But, at EWiF we’re thinking differently: about embracing opportunities, setting meaningful goals, and building a powerful network of supportive women.
Navigating Careers After Babies, Creating a New Beginning
Are you a mother debating whether returning to work after the birth of your child is the right option for you? If so, what’s holding you back? We’re living in an age where people are the focus of the conversation. So, why do so many women still have to juggle so many...
Finding Inspiration from each other: EWiF’s unique community of women
For women in franchising, the business landscape is evolving significantly. At EWiF we recognise the impact of supportive networks, both online and in person.
As we welcome the New Year, there is – as always – tons of chatter about “New Year Resolutions”! But, at EWiF we’re thinking differently: about embracing opportunities, setting meaningful goals, and building a powerful network of supportive women.
It DOESN’T have to be “lonely at the top”!
For women in franchising, the business landscape is evolving significantly. At EWiF we recognise the impact of supportive networks, both online and in person.
As we welcome the New Year, there is – as always – tons of chatter about “New Year Resolutions”! But, at EWiF we’re thinking differently: about embracing opportunities, setting meaningful goals, and building a powerful network of supportive women.
Navigate your 2024 with support from the EWiF Community
For women in franchising, the business landscape is evolving significantly. At EWiF we recognise the impact of supportive networks, both online and in person.
As we welcome the New Year, there is – as always – tons of chatter about “New Year Resolutions”! But, at EWiF we’re thinking differently: about embracing opportunities, setting meaningful goals, and building a powerful network of supportive women.
Empowering Franchise Success Through Mentorship: A Pathway to Giving Back
The New Year is upon us! But, are you feeling stuck in the “same old” from last year? Let’s see how mentoring can shake-up your groove, broadening your mindset to embrace new opportunities this year. As you know: Franchising is not just a business model; it's a...
As we look towards 2024 we also reflect back on the previous year
Many of us use the down time between Christmas and New Year to reflect on life – our career, and goals for the future. According to Carers UK, over 3 million people juggle caring for a loved one, around work. This is in addition to the 75% of mothers who are working. Many women report feeling guilty, like a failure, or suffer with increased stress, from trying to meet all demands. Where do you fit within this?
Do you try to squeeze your whole life into 4 or 5 hours after work, wishing you could be your own boss but not sure how? For decades, franchising has offered women like you the change to break free their dreams. You can be in business for yourself but not by yourself! In addition to the support of your franchisor and the franchise network, there are an abundance of others who’ll be by your side, through EWiF’s community, ready to Educate, Inspire and Empower you. What a way to become a business owner!
You want your business to grow, but you’re maxed out! So, how?
If you’ve reached a point where you know you’re bottling-necking further growth of your business, let’s explore if franchising could be the answer you need.
Congratulations to PerCurra’s founder Gill Heppell for being recognised as Most Influential CEO 2023 (Home Care Sector) in CEO Monthly Magazine’s awards.
When Gill founded her home care company in 2008 her objective was clear; to help people live their lives, their way by delivering exceptional support, flexible to their changing needs. After establishing PerCurra in Nottingham and collecting multiple awards from the...
Economics Nobel Prize 2023 Winner Addresses the Gender Pay Gap
Did you know November marks the moment when the average woman works for free, compared to men, thanks to the discrepancies in how men and women are paid for the same job . And the older she is, the bigger the gender pay gap .
Are you largely ignoring most women with your franchise marketing?
With a focus on inspiring mothers into business ownership – rightly so – have we actually ignored women without kids? EWiF explores this question, with ideas of what we can do. There’s a new “label” in town… DINK. If you know, you know! If you don’t it basically...
Reflecting on my first EWIB 2023
New to Coconut, and new to franchising, we sent Lyndsey Hancock and Nathalie Buckley (also new!) to their first ever franchise event. Here, Lyndsey shares what she loved about attending the BFA’s EWIB conference!The British Franchise Association (BFA) celebrated a...
A book that celebrates special family recipes and memories
In her ‘day job’ Gill Heppell is the CEO of the PerCurra home care franchise. Now, as Geordie Gill, she’s written a book – a journey that has taken her way out of her comfort zone! ‘It’s NOT About The Silver’ is a recipe book and so much more. Gill wrote it as a...
Women in Business, Empowering Leadership
If you’re a woman who’d love to have your own business, what are the stats behind your potential success? We look at the evidence, and how franchising can set you on the right path to succeed. Are you a female entrepreneur feeling an overwhelming sense of societal...
What is Franchising?
Franchising offers a supportive environment where you, as a potential investor or franchisee, will not feel the pressure of setting-up a business by yourself. You can follow a proven business model, and gain advice from your franchisor on what steps and processes to follow.
Do you feel like work has you boxed-in?
A Government report released this month, shows many women are working below par, and feel trapped or bypassed for promotion. Could franchising be a way out of the box? How satisfied, as a working mum, do you feel about the progression of your career? A Government...
Spotlight on EWiF Partner: Trustist
Trustist - A Customer Focused Review Platform We are so proud to be partnering with EWiF in 2022, as their mission is extremely important to us as a business and to the clients we work with. Throughout years of working within the franchise industry, we’ve seen how the...
Reshape your career around you
If you haven’t heard of the “great resignation”, but are considering a career change for something to better suit you… you’re part of the revolution. Discover how franchising could help you reach your goals. Post-pandemic, people are more likely to reflect on their...
Who do you admire?
They say, “like attracts like”. So, when it comes to how you’ve modelled yourself, who would you say has most inspired who you are? EWiF’s Steph Gutmann looks at why it’s important to acknowledge other women, this International Women’s Day. They say imitation is the...
Tumble outta bed, stumble into work mode
What a way to make a livin’ when you’re capable of so much more… now if only there was a way for you to work the hours to suit you and your lifestyle?! How are you feeling about your working week, at the moment? It’s the start of a New Year, and – cliché as it is –...
Are you aiming for the top of the ladder?
Many of the women who’d make great leaders, hold back because they don’t think they can. Developing the right mindset can give you the confidence to shoot for the stars. Of your circle of friends, how many women do you know who are in a position of career leadership?...
Level up your career
Do you have a career goal you’re working towards? If you dream of running your own business, and you’re under 30, guess what… you can jump straight to the top of the ladder, with franchising. Five, four, three, two, one Leggo! (watch me) Level up, level up,...
Let’s discuss why the ‘M-Word’ doesn’t have to hold you back!
Right, ladies! It’s time to address the elephant in the room. The one affecting woman of **whispers it** a ‘certain age’. You are more than capable of running a business! So stop letting those hormones run riot around your brain, telling you “you can’t do this, that...
When working for someone else doesn’t work around your family commitments
Since the pandemic, one of the buzz words to come out of it, is “flexible working”. For the thousands of women who have to balance family commitments around their career, flexible working has always been at the forefront of our career decisions. Have you found...
You’re a mum. But can you run a business, too?
Whilst you’ve been enjoying motherhood, you may not have realised the skills you’ve picked up along the way. Skills which would make you a great business owner! Many of you who are mums have been quietly slipping into the role so naturally and easily, you’ve not even...
What to consider when looking at funding (Guest post by EWiF Partner, Hitachi Franchise Finance)
If life was simpler, nobody would choose to live with debt. You may have heard the phrase ‘No debt is good debt’. But to what extent is this true? Throughout history, people have pioneered creative problem-solving solutions for everyday life – simple things like back...
#FranchisingStrongerTogether: Finance barriers for business owners looking to scale-up
Your business is doing well, you want to grow further, but investment is problematic. Is this a real issue, or are there ways you can overcome it, and successfully scale your business? In a previous article, we looked at some of the barriers around funding which many...
#FranchisingStrongerTogether: If money was no object would you run a business?
We know it’s not very British to talk about money; but this month, it is important for us to do so, if you’re thinking about starting your own business. If money was no object, would you like to run your own business? What kind of business would it be? What would your...
#FranchisingStrongerTogether: Franchising is not…
When you hear the word “franchising” what does it conjure up? For an industry which in the UK alone is worth over £17 billion, let’s explore what franchising isn’t! When people talk about franchising, what do you think of? It is highly likely you’ve heard the word...
#FranchisingStrongerTogether: Thinking about how you can expand your business?
Having created a thriving business, you may be at a crossroads in your business development. There’s a way to grow, without having to personally manage every expansion… your vibe attracts your tribe The joy for every business owner, is knowing you have a business...
#FranchisingStrongerTogether: Starting a new business, with our support
Wondering if you have what it takes to start your own business? What if there is a way you can do it with the full support of people who become your tribe? Running a business sounds like an exciting, but scary, prospect. And whilst it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea… the...
#EWiFinspires: EWiF Ambassador’s International Women’s Day Top 10 Inspirational Women
Happy International Women's Day 2020! This year we have compiled a list of our Ambassador's inspirational women! This certainly is a POWER LIST... Click the image below to open the PDF and read the full top 10! Thank you to our Ambassadors for your contributions....
#EWiFinspires: EWiF Ambassador’s International Women’s Day Top 10 Inspirational Women
Happy International Women's Day 2020! This year we have compiled a list of our Ambassador's inspirational women! This certainly is a POWER LIST... Click the image below to open the PDF and read the full top 10! Thank you to our Ambassadors for your contributions....
Calling all EWIF Ambassadors: We want to hear your stories! #EWIFInspires
This year, we're on the lookout for stories straight from our Ambassadors to help us inspire more women to start their journey into franchising. If you're a franchisor or franchisee, could you share your journey with us? We want to hear all about it, from first...
Putting theory into action: 5 steps to a braver you
Our annual EWIF National Conference on Thursday 19th September was focused around the theme of bravery. Here, Steph offers 5 steps she took away from the day, to inspire you to live brave. Woven throughout this year’s annual conference was the sense of the bravery...
What you don’t know about me
2019 is a year of great change for EWIF, and one of these changes sees the introduction of our new Managing Director, Helen Mansfield. Helen is a young female with a passion for franchising and women in business. Helen’s dedication to the cause and understanding of...
#EWIFeducates: How franchising is an answer to some of the barriers female entrepreneurs face
The Rose Report, a Government-commissioned review of female entrepreneurship, highlighted crucial information around female entrepreneurs. How can franchising do our bit to change this? EWIF highlights 3 areas based on the report’s findings. Click the image below to...
#EWIFinspires: Anne-Marie Martin: When anxiety threatens to stop you in your tracks
What if you had achieved some of the biggest dreams of your career? For Anne-Marie Martin, founder of diddi dance franchise, she did, and some! But with hidden struggles. Click the image below to open the PDF and read more.
#EWIFeducates: Ready to inspire more women into your franchise?
It’s never been a more exciting time to be a woman in franchising. How can you take advantage of the opportunities available to help you grow your network? Click the image below to open the PDF and read more.
Are you ready to get back to business?
Are you about to return to work after having a baby? Feeling apprehensive about being thrust back into the working world? Well, Christie Day, Event Director for Women in Business Expo, is here to reassure you...Today we're featuring Christie's blog on getting ready to...
The future is female: 2018 Franchise landscape, by bfa and NatWest
The end of 2018 saw the release of the much anticipated 2018 Franchise landscape report, by the bfa and NatWest. For us here at EWIF it was happy reading. Franchising has seen a significant rise in the number of women joining the industry, and in particular, a rise in...
#EWIFinspires: Jenny Williams: An eye for opportunity
Falling into the police force to avoid university led Jenny Williams to an inspired idea for a new business. One which ended up leading her into franchising. Click the image below to open the PDF and read more.
Why should I enter the EWIF Awards?
The NatWest EWiF Awards are coming and there are many beneficial reasons as to why you should consider entering! Whether your business is just starting out or is firmly established, entering the awards could help your business’s success and advance your brand. Here...
#EWIFeducates: 3 Reasons Women Struggle To Join A Franchise?
By guest blogger, co-founder of CHAMPS Academy and the CHAMPS Franchise, Annette Du Bois Life is a roller-coaster of achievements, challenges disappointments, failures and the unknown. We start out in our adult life with a clear (and in hindsight a slightly rose...
#EWIFinspires: Leila Baker: The Need to Succeed
Leila Baker is maternal, passionate and empathetic, each of her career paths has taken her to different corners of the care industry. But what does it take to be a Babies in Waiting practitioner, especially when your own five children take up most your time? Click...
A successful National Conference, and why attending EWIF events must be on your 2019 to-do list!
A successful National Conference, and why attending EWIF events must be on your 2019 to-do list! Top line: On Friday 21st September, the 10th anniversary EWIF WEEK, culminated in our 8th annual conference. 80 women and men, from all walks of franchising, converged to...
Through the secret door to London’s elite
On Wednesday 12th September, this year’s NatWest EWIF award winners, were invited to a unique luncheon. Enjoying Butler service at one of London’s oldest establishments, overlooking Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. Click below to download the PDF.
#EWIFinspires: Your age is not an excuse to hold back from entrepreneurial ambition!
22-year-old Angela Mawman is young, talented, ambitious, has the world at her feet and owns her own business! So, just your average twenty-something, really… Click the image below to open the PDF file.
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Louise Harris, Wilkins Chimney Sweep
Louise was surprised to walk away with a ‘Special Recognition Award’ and this year’s EWIF Awards. “It was a simply awesome feeling. I was so delighted to have been given this special award. Simply: Wow.” She also raised £579 at a Macmillan Coffee Morning in her new...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Jane Maudsley, Little Voices
Jane is tirelessly pioneering for regulation in the children’s activities sector. The Children’s Activity Association gives parents, schools and local authorities peace of mind. She started in Blackburn in 2007 and over 10 years have received so many accolades and...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Fiona Boswell, Fraser Brown
In 2017 Fiona assisted over 24 females run businesses with franchise legal advice to help start up their franchise or with their existing franchise. Fiona’s advice has been wide ranging from those wanting to become a franchise owner, to established multi-unit...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Hannah Drury, Caremark
Hannah said, of winning ‘Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2018’, “To be recognised for my achievements by winning in a room full of so many other incredible business Women was amazing, I’m honoured.” A truly remarkable achievement for someone so young, Hannah is...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Shweta Jhajharia, ActionCOACH
In early 2017 Shweta, along with several of her clients, committed to a partnership with the Buy1Give1 (B1G1) project which identifies charities from across the world that small businesses can contribute to as part of their ongoing business. They have chosen a rural...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Fiona Simpson, ARTventurers
Fiona is the founder and MD of ARTventurers and couldn’t be happier about receiving her award for Woman Franchisor of The Year 2018, “I was over the moon! It was a real honour just to be shortlisted as a finalist alongside so many inspirational female franchisors so...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Ali Beckman Puddle Ducks
In 2017, Ali was appointed the swimming coach for Aptaclub, sharing aquatic exercise videos and advice for pregnant ladies. This was a huge honour, as there are only four coaches (and only one swimming coach) and it involved a huge amount of work prior to being...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Julie Houston, Right at Home
Julie has made her company a fun and inclusive place to work. Unlike many care companies in the UK, Julie ensured her team were paid well above the minimum wage and had opportunities to achieve qualifications to progress through the business; one team member has...
Spotlight on EWIF Award Winners 2018: Jo Middleton, Dog First Aid
Jo Middleton, Dog First Aid Franchisor, is very proud of the way she has crafted Dog First Aid’s core beliefs. “Dog First Aid has clear Mission and Core Values in place which means that all involved in the organisation have a shared ethos and goals. I am extremely...
Louise Harris: Franchising’s Wonder Woman
Self-proclaimed “gobby franchise director” Louise Harris, isn’t backwards in coming forwards. With over ten years experience in franchising, the Wilkins Chimney Sweep director isn’t afraid to push the boundaries. Click the image below to open the PDF file....
2018 EWIF Award Winners Announced!
From L-R: Fiona Simpson, Neha Surana (on behalf of Shweta Jhajharia), Jo Middleton, Jane Maudsley, Charlotte Pearce (Keynote speaker), Ali Beckman, Clive Sawyer (EWIF CEO), Julie Houston, Fiona Boswell, Louise Harris, Hannah Drury. We are Encouraging Women into...
#EWIFempowers: Empowerment: Ladies, we’ve got your back
Ladies, together we are stronger! Being enterprising doesn't mean you have to take down the competition, it means you can use a network of women who are available to you and capitalise on your best possible opportunities. It has long been proven how...
The Mums Enterprise Roadshow: Exhibiting & Sponsorship Opportunities
The Mums Enterprise Roadshow is back, and they’re looking for exhibitors AND official event sponsors! The Mums Enterprise Roadshow is THE exhibition for mums on a mission! Founded in 2014, Mums Enterprise is on a mission to help change the work or business lives of...
Announcing our 2018 Awards Key Note Speaker!
At only 26-years-old, Charlotte is fast becoming a young female icon in the business world and a role model for women aspiring to become business leaders in the UK. She has received recognition across a range of organisations including Forbes ’30 under 30’, Grant...
Announcing Our 2018 EWIF Charity
Here at EWIF, we are delighted to announce that throughout the year 2018, we will be supporting women’s charity, Rosa. Many of you put forward your thoughts on which charity we should choose and it’s a shame we can only pick one. When we read about the work of Rosa it...
How to Start a Business when you have Young Children
March is the perfect month to celebrate all things female! We are currently reading through a massive amount of entries to our NatWest EWIF awards, and celebrated International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day! But we think it is important to celebrate women every day!!...
Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A brief overview of EWIF Breakfast Discussion
Who doesn’t love a good discussion at the beginning of the day? Bacon butties, coffee, and a chance to put the world to rights. At the International Franchise Show on Friday morning, the conversation flowed, as franchisors, franchisees and service suppliers to the...
100 Years of the Vote
100 Years of the Vote Today we celebrate the centenary of women being given the right to vote. Whilst the fight for equality continues, we reflect on the many achievements and empowering moments for women across the past 100 years, and why the feminism movement and...
Dear Carillion Employees
Dear Carillion Employees I once attended a seminar where Lee Iacocca was speaking. He is considered an extremely successful businessman but had been made redundant several times in his life. And he suggested that, when you meet someone who has lost their job,...
Look around you: is there a winner in your franchise?
Celebrating women in franchising is the heart of EWIF. Are you ready to celebrate the achievements of women in your franchise? Nominations for EWIF 2018 awards will soon be open! At EWIF, we are changing the face of franchising! We are finding ways to give women a...
Redefine your future
When her husband unexpectedly walked out on her while she was pregnant, Jane Maudsley needed to find a way to balance her responsibilities as a single mum. Find out how this amazing woman overcame one of life’s most traumatic experiences. She’s a superhero! Click the...
Out with the old in with the new!
As women continue to break through the glass ceiling of what franchising stereotypically looks like, EWIF has had an excellent year in 2017. So, as we gear ourselves up to our 10th anniversary next year, here is a quick look back, but be warned – we’re not done yet!!...
Plan Ahead: Top 5 Planners for Busy Businesswomen
Journalling is an amazing way of planning which allows you to both reflect on previous accomplishments and think ahead. By planning how you're going to achieve a perfect work/life balance, you become more efficient, using your time wisely. #EWIFRecommends top five...
EWIF Partner Package
As part of our growth campaign next year, we'd like to offer our members the chance to become an official EWIF Partner in 2018. Help us build a stronger future for EWIF for the next ten years! In 2018, EWIF is #10YearsStrong. Over the last decade, we've seen a huge...
EWIF Partner Package
As part of our growth campaign next year, we'd like to offer our members the chance to become an official EWIF Partner in 2018. Help us build a stronger future for EWIF for the next ten years! In 2018, EWIF is #10YearsStrong. Over the last decade, we've seen a huge...
I am so fed-up of working for someone else!
Love your job? Hate your job? It’s just a job? Create the perfect role for who you want to be this time next year! Pay attention, ladies – 2018 could well be your year! Ahhh… a New Year. The crisp freshness of a new page, waiting for you to discover and write your...
Ladies: Welcome to working for free…!
In 1970 the Equal Pay Act was passed, and then, men and women earned equal salaries… Right? Wrong. It may have been over 47 years since the Equal Pay Act was passed, but the gender pay gap is still a pressing issue in today’s society. On average, women across the UK...
November Blog
Happy November everyone! We’re hoping to keep spirits high, despite the cold, rainy, typically British weather… If your anything like us, you’ll be sat in the office wondering how on earth we’re already in November and even more; how we’re almost at the end of another...
Calling All Business Women
#EWIFRecommends: At the end of October, we asked for your recommended books to empower women in business. These are our top 7 from your lists, which we think you need to add to your reading, or Christmas list. Perfect for self-improvement for the woman who wants to...
Women in Franchising Special Feature
In last month’s, What Franchise magazine, influential women across the franchising industry received the recognition they deserve in a special “Women in Franchising” feature. What Franchise profiled some of the most influential and inspirational women who are having...
October Blog
It’s finally October which can only mean one thing… Autumn is truly here. With the days getting shorter, sometimes going into work on a cold rainy morning can seem like an impossible task… However, for those of you involved in franchising, you’ll know that...
Introducing your new South-West & Wales regional chair…
We would just like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who attended our National Conference yesterday! The conference was a huge success, with some incredibly inspirational guest speakers and a higher number of delegates attending than ever...
September News
With Summer now coming to an end, a lot of you may be feeling the back-to-work blues! It’s been a quiet Summer for us here at EWIF, however, that has given us plenty of time to work on our plans for our 2017 National Conference. 2018 will be the...
Results Lead to Success Either Way!
Success is built on the shoulder of our failures! Oh my days it’s #ALevelresults day!! How did you do?! Did you get what you wanted? Have you worked out what your next step is going to be? Uni may be a great option for some of you, but there are others of you who...
Local franchise exhibitions offer for EWIF members
Calling all franchisors... Brand new franchise exhibitions available for you to showcase your brand! PLUS receive exclusive exhibitor discounts as a member of EWIF EWIF have partnered with Franchise Now and the AFA (Approved Franchise Association) to bring you this...
Celebrating Successes
Every year, people from across the industry come together to celebrate the best of women’s achievements in the franchising industry by supporting us at our NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards. The quality and quantity of award entries we received...
Back to School – Facing an Empty Nest
Being on holiday, is for many of us, an ideal time to switch off from work, wind down and take stock of where we’re at. You know those moments when the kids have finally gone to sleep and you’re sitting watching the sunset with your glass of something cold reflecting...
August News
This time of year, is when things start to really calm down for the franchising industry. While the industry seems quiet and everyone is enjoying the holidays we’re still working hard behind the scenes planning our 2017 National Conference and our next round of...
July News
Hello All, we’re here again to give you your monthly dose of EWIF news & events. I’m sure after our short spell of great weather last month, you’re all fully aware that the Summer months are upon us! Whilst many of you are jetting off to somewhere sunny to escape...
Enterprising Women Business Lunch: Member Opportunity
Here at EWIF, we love bringing exclusive offers to our members, and that is exactly what we are here to do. The East Midlands Chamber are hosting an Enterprising Women Business Lunch for women in franchising and EWIF members are invited. This lunch is the perfect...
June News
Hi All! We’re back again with your monthly blog news. Whilst some of you may be like me, struggling to comprehend the idea we are already in June, the rest of you will be fully aware the Summer countdown is officially on! We’re almost hitting the halfway mark for...
May News
Hello, welcome to the EWIF news for the month of May. We’ve been extra busy here, in what has been an incredibly hectic month! But all our hard work has paid off as yesterday we held the 7th Annual NatWest EWIF Awards ceremony to great success. We’d like to thank to...
EWIF Signs Up 100th Member!
Inspiring women into franchise is at the heart of Encouraging Women into Franchise (EWIF), so to know EWIF have just signed up their 100th member is a worthy acclamation! Over the last decade, EWIF have steadily grown their network with women who have been empowered...
April News
Hello! Spring has finally arrived and we’re already enjoying the sun and lighter evenings here at EWIF! We’ve had yet another busy month at EWIF preparing for the fast approaching NatWest EWIF Awards 2017, speaking of which - the EWIF Awards 2017 finalists have been...
2017 EWIF Award finalists announced!
EWIF are extremely proud to announce the finalists for this year’s NatWest EWIF awards. The entries were outstanding this year and the judges have had to make tough choices but there are a few who stood out from the rest… New Woman Franchisor of the Year...
Welcome to our EWIF Awards 2017 Keynote Speaker: Melody Hossaini!
We are pleased that to announce that our keynote speaker for this year’s awards will be the fantastic Melody Hossaini! Melody has a plethora of accolades to her name including ‘New Europe’s Most Influential Woman’ which was awarded to her by the European Parliament in...
EWIF Awards 2017 Entries are now CLOSED
It’s official; the entries for this year’s NatWest EWIF Awards are now closed! Thank you to all of you who have entered this year, we’ve received a huge number of entries over the previous months - and this is already shaping up to be the best EWIF Awards yet. So what...
International Women’s Day is coming up!
An important event on the yearly calendar is coming up next week. That's right, International Women's Day is taking place next week. 'IWD' is intended to act as a vehicle for change, putting forward ideas as a mass movement to promote gender equality. This year the...
February News
Hello, we’re already into February! We hit the New Year in full swing here at EWIF. January was a busy month with the first three EWIF Regional Meetings of the calendar year. Thank you to all those that came to the meetings – it was nice to see you all! Our first EWIF...
Bring-A-Buddy Campaign
Hello! We have a brand new and exciting campaign to announce here at EWIF, it’s our Bring-A-Buddy to work campaign. What is it? Well, in an effort to get more people to join our organisation, we’ll be running a scheme where we encourage our members to bring a ‘buddy’...
January News
2017 is here! We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and an even better New Year! We’ve got plenty to look forward to this year here at EWIF! We shall be making appearances at many events across the year including a variety of BFA events and the usual Franchise Centre...
December News
We’ve finally reached that wonderful time of year, the festive period! As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves indulging in the festivities with eating great food and exploring the odd Christmas market and looking forward to what next year brings! 2016 has...
Introducing… The EWIF Special Offers page!
Hello! At our EWIF National Conference in September, we received a number of requests for our members to make special offers available to those who visit the EWIF website, or just exclusively to other EWIF members. We thought this was a great idea and we’re excited to...
November News
As the days become cooler, and the dark comes earlier – it means that we’re approaching the end of year here at EWIF! What a year it has been at that! Over the past month or so we’ve been wrapping up with everything and reflecting on the year as a whole. Our main...
September News
Whilst you may all be feeling the summer blues after returning to work, here at EWIF we are determined to provide you with the perfect pick-me-up. September has now arrived and with it comes an incredible line up of events across the franchising industry. This month...
Top Ten Tips for a Prospective Franchisee
About the author: Provided by Karen Sherr, Managing Director of Musical Minis There are a number of do's that any prospective franchisee should consider: DO meet with the franchisor. This is the beginning of a relationship and it is important that you trust and get...
Q&A’s For People Looking To Be a Franchisee
About the Author: Written by Sally Findlay, Recognition Express Franchisee - Mid Surrey Area since 2004 Where do I start? Other people, books, magazines, exhibitions, the British Franchise Association, search the internet. I read a couple of books and spoke to someone...
Prospective Franchisees Should Consider Taking Advice From Professional Advisors Experienced in Franchising
About the author: Vicki Mitman is a franchising solicitor at Birketts, a specialist franchising law firm. Vicki is also the chair of the EWIF East region. Making the decision to join a franchise network can be empowering and rewarding. The prospective franchisee will...
Omissions from the Franchise Agreement from a Franchisee’s Perspective
There are many important issues to consider when taking on a franchise e.g. financing the purchase and raising working capital, getting up to speed with the franchisor's system, finding premises and staff etc. but one of the most important issues to consider is the...
Looking to Franchise your Business?
A case study written by Mandy Bagot, Founder of Cloud Bookkeeping which she franchised in 2010 Where do you start? Visit the franchise shows, look at the British Franchise Association (bfa) website, search the internet for franchising information, we suggest you go to...
IPR and Franchisors
The key to a successful franchise is a strong brand. In order to have a strong brand it needs to be distinctive and well protected and have an ethos which is supported by all that the franchise does. The key to protection is through intellectual property rights. Trade...
Franchising a Business Internationally
Building on local success- is your next move overseas? Franchising is an excellent way to expand internationally. It is an affordable way of accelerating growth, achieving development goals more quickly and with far less risk. Franchising provides the widest...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Sponsors: Franchise Finance
Double Involvement for Franchise Finance With this year’s NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards behind us, we’re taking a closer look at each of our supporters to find out more about how they’re involved with EWIF and to thank them for their...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Winners: HomeXperts
HomeXperts Awarded for Franchise Growth The NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards are now over and we’re shining the spotlight on each of our winners. Sussanne Chambers won the Woman Franchisor of the Year Award sponsored by Franchise Finance at...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Sponsors: What Franchise
Hard Work and Dedication Bring Success The NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards are now over and we’re shining the spotlight on each of our sponsors to show our appreciation for their involvement this year. This year, What Franchise sponsored the...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Winners: Rosemary Bookkeeping
Rewarding Dedication, Passion and Determination With the NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards 2016 behind us, we’re congratulating our winners by shining the spotlight on each of them in turn. We had more entries than ever this year and Kellie...
Success in the Midlands
This month we held our first Midlands Regional Meeting and it was a huge success! Fiona Boswell from Fraser Brown Solicitors hosted the meeting and was thrilled with the number of people who attended. The first Midlands guest speaker was Pam Featherstone from...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Sponsors: NatWest
A Splash of Success With our 6th Annual NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards over, we’re shining the spotlight on each of award sponsors to thank them for their contribution to the EWIF cause. This year, NatWest were not only our headline sponsors,...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Winners: Angela’s Swim School
Landing with a Splash! At our 2016 NatWest EWIF Awards, Sara Harrison picked up the award for New Woman Franchisee of the Year sponsored by NatWest. Having just completed her first year as a franchisee with Angela’s Swim School, Sara’s franchise has had an incredible...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Sponsors: Caremark
Breaking Records with Caremark Now that the NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards are over, we’re putting the spotlight on each of our award sponsors as we thank them for their hard work and commitment to the EWIF cause. This year, Caremark...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Winners: Magical Maths
Magical Maths Wins More Awards At our 2016 NatWest EWIF Awards, Claire Roberts was the recipient of our Young Woman in Franchising of the Year Award 2016 sponsored by Caremark Ltd. Claire was nominated by Colin Bradford, franchisor of Magical Maths. Our Young Woman in...
July News!
With the busy awards period over and the Summer months upon us you would think here at EWIF we’d be cooling down for the Summer. Whilst many of our members may be taking a well-deserved break, we are still working hard to make sure you are never short of events to...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Sponsors: The Franchise Show
The Franchise Show Sponsor Success With the 2016 NatWest EWIF Awards over, we would like to take the chance to thank all our sponsors for their contribution to this year’s awards and also tell you a little bit more about the sponsor of our Service Provider of the Year...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Winners: Franchise Finance
Rewarded For Services to Franchising At our 2016 NatWest EWIF Awards, Donna King was the recipient of our Service Provider of the Year 2016 Award sponsored by The Franchise Show. Donna’s passion for franchising and providing support to women made her a worthy winner...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Sponsors: Darwin Gray
Supporting Success With the EWIF Awards behind us, we want to shine the spotlight on each of our award winners and sponsors. This year, Darwin Gray Solicitors sponsored the New Woman Franchisor of the Year award won by Jenni Dunman from Daisy First Aid. “We were...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Winners: Daisy First Aid
Rewarding Dedication and Success The NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards 2016 are now over and we’d like to congratulate our winners and help to celebrate their successes further. There were a record number of entries this year and Jenni Dunman...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Winners: McDonald’s
McDonald’s Ambassador Wins Award With the NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards 2016 behind us, we’re taking a closer look at our winners and why they won their awards. This year, Anne Wainwright from McDonald’s won the Franchisee of the Year Award...
Spotlight on our EWIF Award Sponsors: McDonald’s
McDonald's Support Women in Business With the NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards behind us, we want to shine the spotlight on each of our award winners and sponsors. This year, McDonald’s sponsored the Franchisee of the Year award won by Anne...
Exclusive Gherkin membership offer for EWIF members
The 2016 EWIF Awards Reception was held in London prestigious Gherkin building. 30 St Mary Axe, or The Gherkin as it is popularly known, is one of London’s most well known skyscrapers. Searcy’s is the private member club at the top three floors of the Gherkin and...
June News!
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came along to our awards ceremony at the end of May. We had a record number of entries this year and it was great to see so many people from across the industry coming together to celebrate and recognise both...
2016 Award Winners Announced!
Congratulations to the NatWest EWIF Award Winners The NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards took place on 24th May with hundreds of professionals from the franchise industry in attendance. Men and women from across the franchise industry gathered to...
EWIF Launches Midlands Regional Meetings
We’re delighted to announce that we are expanding our Regional Meetings into the Midlands. The meetings will be headed up by Fiona Boswell from Fraser Brown Solicitors who has worked in the franchise industry for a number of years supporting women who are looking for...
EWIF at Mums Enterprise Roadshow
EWIF has a stand at the June 9th Rickmansworth & 18th in Broxbourne Hertfordshire Mums Enterprise Event. Pam Gordon from The Franchising Centre and Ann-Marie Martin from diddi dance are covering the stands and speaking at 2 workshops- one for would-be franchisees...
What are the EWIF awards? Why are they good for the industry?
At EWIF, we’re trying to change the face of the franchise sector so that women have a much larger presence in the franchise industry than they do currently and to balance out the ration of men to women in the franchise industry. The awards not only recognise the...
May News!
The countdown to our awards ceremony is in full swing with less than three weeks to go until the big day! Our awards are designed to bring together the best women in the industry and celebrate their success. Want to join us in celebrating the achievements of women?...
Are you a NatWest EWIF Finalist for 2016?
We are pleased to announce the finalists for this year’s NatWest EWIF Awards! These awards are designed to celebrate the achievements of women throughout the franchise industry and help them to come together to recognise each other’s successes. New Franchisor of the...
April News!
April is a busy month for us here at EWIF with two upcoming regional meetings and our 2016 NatWest EWIF Awards quickly approaching. The countdown to our 2016 awards ceremony has officially begun with less than 8 weeks to go before the big day! Have you requested your...
Award Entries Now Closed!
Our award entries have been open since the 20th January and we’ve received some fantastic entries, however entries have now closed! It’s so fulfilling for us here at EWIF to be able to read all about the amazing achievements of women and we cannot wait to be able to...
2016 Award Entries Are Now Open!
Our awards are designed to bring together the best women in the industry and celebrate their successes. The categories for the 2016 NatWest EWIF Awards are: New Woman Franchisor of the Year 2016 sponsored by Darwin Gray LLP New Woman Franchisee of the Year 2016...
1 Minute Presentation Guide for Networking
Networking Tips *Put your name label on the right-hand side of your jacket, just below your shoulder. Why? When you shake hands with someone your eye naturally falls to that point, rather than peering over their chest to the left-hand side- unless of course you want...
Becoming a Franchisee
Have you always dreamt of having your own business, but concerned as to whether you have the skills or knowledge to make it work. Instead of going it alone and learning by your mistakes, why not franchise? Obtaining a franchise allows you to run your own business (as...
Sponsor an EWIF Award in 2016
Next year will be our 6th Annual EWIF awards with NatWest as the lead sponsors again. We're giving you the opportunity to sponsor an award. The EWIF awards are designed to bring together the best women in the industry and celebrate their successes. NatWest have...
EWIF Partner with Global Entrepreneurship Week 2015!
There are only 10 days to go until Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2015, which this year will run from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd November, and plans to make this year as successful as ever are already well underway. Here at EWIF we are delighted to announce that...
Exclusive for EWIF Members from Reed Commercial
Reed Commercial is the UK's fastest growing franchise opportunities and industry website, backed by Reed, the UK's number one job site. Their mission is simple. They want the world to Love Mondays (you’ve seen the TV ads!) And is there a better way to love your...
Franchising a Business in the UK
Franchising can be the route to rapid, successful growth for many small and medium-size companies. It is also a route that may have many pitfalls that can cost a lot of time, effort and money if not done correctly. What is Franchising? Franchising is a method that...
EWIF Awards 2015- The Winners!
Today, the winners of the NatWest Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF) Awards 2015 were announced at the awards ceremony in London. Guests from across the industry attended to see the winners receive their well-deserved awards. “We are delighted to continue our...
Finalists Announced for 2015 NatWest EWIF Awards
We are pleased to announce the finalists for the NatWest EWIF Awards 2015. These awards are designed to bring together the best women in the industry and celebrate their successes. The finalists are: New Woman Franchisor of the Year 2015 sponsored by McDonald’s...