Celebrating the achievements of women across franchising.
The NatWest EWiF Awards recognise the achievements of women from all kinds of businesses, large and small, across the whole of the UK. Our award categories are designed to celebrate women right across the UK, from every sector and from businesses of all ages and all sizes. The awards are free to enter and open to all UK businesses involved in franchising, businesses do not need to be an EWiF member to enter.
This years awards took place on Friday 18th October 2024 at The Royal Armouries, Leeds. The theme for this year’s event was Lighting the Way, honouring those who are igniting change, creating opportunities, and empowering others to grow and thrive. This was evident once again in the 100+ entries we received—showcasing the incredible talent and fierce competition within our industry.
The 2024 EWiF Award Winners
New Woman Franchisee of the Year 2024
Mairi Curle, Boogie Beat
Mairi is flourishing as a franchisee, already expanding into multiple territories! She took a single weekly class to over 30 weekly classes by the end of year one, developed new inter-generational workshops with local care homes, which amongst other developments led to rapid growth.
New Woman Franchisor of the Year 2024
Lucy Shrimpton, The Sleep Nanny
Lucy took her business and unlocked the secrets of franchising. Within just three weeks of launching her franchise, she’d sold 15 territories, growing to 24 by the end of 2023. Through the network, Lucy’s brand is already having a positive impact on families, right across the UK.
Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2024
Louise McLaughlin, Home Instead
Louise expanded her service offerings to improve market reach and enhance operational efficiency. So now, her business is thriving with a team of 40, delivering 1,400 hours of care a month to over 100 ageing adults. Something she’s aiming to recreate in her new second territory!
Woman Franchise Employee of the Year 2024
Zoe Murray, Pink Spaghetti
Zoe created initiatives within the brand which, despite the financial uncertainty of last year, enabled the franchise to grow. She’s provided both mentoring and transformational coaching which helped an under-performing franchisee achieved a 199.5% turnover increase over six months.
Service Provider of the Year 2024
Jen Chapman-Boffin, Cinder Ltd
The work Jen does in franchising, has led to happier franchise networks and happier franchisors. Brands who prioritise mental health, and work with her report higher retention rates, lower long-term costs, boosted morale, and increased profitability, amongst other things.
Inspirational Woman of the Year 2024
Sarah Cressall, The Creation Station
Sarah has identified partnerships which help propel her brand and increase revenue, providing her franchisees with over 12 revenue streams. This includes delivering creative workshops delivered to all ages from the cradle to the grave. Plus, if we can’t be inspired by UK franchising’s first OBE winner for creativity in education and entertainment, then what hope do any of us have!
EWiF Ambassador of the Year 2024
Anna Neville, Kidslingo
Anna exemplifies how her leadership, accomplishments, and mentorship inspire others to pursue excellence and innovation. She champions both franchising and women in business and is a recognised expert voice in our sector.
Woman Franchisor of the Year 2024
Caroline Gowing, Pink Spaghetti
Despite the loss of her friend and business partner, Vicky Matthews, to cancer, Caroline transformed her brand. As a result, the network grew, customer spend increased, franchisee profit soared, and network-wide turnover increased. After Vicky died, Caroline pushed beyond her comfort zone and personal heartache to transform the shared grief of the network into thriving business success.
Overall Woman in Franchising of the Year 2024
Caroline Gowing, Pink Spaghetti
Caroline Gowing, was crowned our Overall Woman in Franchising. Whilst reeling from the impact of cancer on her friend and business partner, Caroline literally encompassed our theme, lighting the way, and her network thrived in the face of sorrow and pain.
Woman Franchisee of the Year 2024
Faye Burrell, Puddle Ducks
Faye started the year wondering if her business would survive, with declining customers and service closures. But, thanks to her determination, customer retention rates grew to well-above the national average, she opened 4 new pools, and was the most profitable franchisee in her network.
SPONSORSHIP
Find out about our sponsorship packages and align your brand with the values of diversity, empowerment and excellence!
WHY ENTER
Find out about entering the awards and how it could help towards your business’s success and advance your brand.
FAQs
We’re always happy to hear from you, but if you have a burning question regarding the awards, check out our FAQs first!
About the awards
Our Mission
The EWiF Awards are dedicated to celebrating and supporting the incredible achievements of women in the franchising industry. Our mission is to recognise and honour the exceptional women who are driving change, breaking barriers, and setting new standards in franchising. We aim to inspire more women to consider franchising as a viable and rewarding career path, fostering a supportive community where women can thrive and succeed.
Our History
Founded in 2012, the EWiF Awards were established to shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of women in franchising. Since their inception, the awards have been proudly sponsored by NatWest, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in our growth and success. Over the years, we have evolved from a small initiative into a prestigious event that attracts leading figures from across the industry. Our awards celebrate a diverse range of categories, ensuring that the full spectrum of women’s achievements in franchising is recognised.
Our Impact
Over the past decade, the EWiF Awards have had a profound impact on the franchising industry. By highlighting the success stories of women, we have encouraged more women to enter the world of franchising and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Our awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also foster a sense of community and support among women in franchising.
Keep up to date with the latest EWiF Awards news
Celebrate your journey and exemplify your success with the 2024 EWiF Awards.
The NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) Awards 2024 are now open for entries. These awards offer a unique opportunity to showcase the best women innovators, leaders and pioneers in franchising. Since 2012, we have recognised and celebrated hundreds of...
Amy Patel-Popat, Right at Home | Woman Franchisee of the Year, 2023
“I’m keen on ensuring we’re an inclusive and diverse workplace, ensuring all team members are supported and encouraged to progress, regardless of their background.” Woman Franchisee of the Year: Amy Patel-Popat, Right at Home We’ve seen so many amazing women...
Heather Wehrle, Right at Home UK | Woman Franchise Employee of the Year 2023
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to work in such a meaningful and fulfilling field.” Woman Franchise Employee of the Year: Heather Wehrle, Right at Home A passion for the sector she works in, meant Heather has risen-up through the ranks of her franchise employer,...
2024 winners
2023 winners
2022 Winners
With thanks to our 2024 Award Sponsors
