“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 franchisees in action over these last few years, it’s almost impossible to narrow them down to just one who is worthy of an award. However, whilst we believe all our finalists are all champions in their own right, we had to make a choice, and Amy Patel-Popat was our clear winner for the 2023 Woman Franchisee of the Year award.
Amy owns the Right at Home Solent franchise, an award-winning franchise which is committed to transforming not only how care needs are met in the UK, but how we treat those who provide care. Amy and her team have received a number of accolades for their client-centric care, as they enable service users to stay at home for as long as possible, maximising the quality of life for those most in need. More than that, however, they also pride themselves on creating supportive and nurturing working environments for all staff and franchisees, recognising the importance of work-life balance.
Even if you’re not familiar with the care sector, it’s likely you’ve heard about all the challenges it faces. So, as you can imagine, running a care franchise is not an easy task, and requires a level of deep personal commitment few other vocations can match. Not only does Amy excel in running her business to the very high standards of the franchise, but she consistently goes the extra mile in promoting workplace diversity, and creating a welcoming and secure working environment which Right at Home is famous for.
By working hard to support her staff’s wellbeing through a range of initiatives, Amy has vastly improved her staff retention rate and morale. From weekly team check-ins and award schemes, to consistent mental health support, she ensures all her team members feel safe and motivated. This, in turn, has inspired them to deliver the best possible quality of care to all their service users.
Amy has been a real inspiration to business owners, as they see directly the power of lifting each other up, and how the culture of mutual respect and well-being at the heart of great franchising can help transform communities for the better.
A big EWIF congratulations to Amy and her team!
Franchising offers all women the chance to ‘be their own boss’. Organisations like Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) and The British Franchise Association (bfa) provide support to women wanting to enter franchising with services like EWiF’s volunteer mentors and the bfa’s free online Prospect Franchisee Certificate.
