Some journeys take a little longer, but that’s often what makes the win so meaningful. After entering the category five times, Anna Neville, founder of the Kidslingo franchise, was named Woman Franchisor of the Year 2025, a recognition that reflects perseverance, clarity of purpose, and consistent leadership.
One of the real privileges of working with women through EWiF is watching their businesses grow and evolve. From strong ideas to mature, impactful franchises, these journeys don’t happen overnight, and Anna’s is a perfect example. Over the years, she has continued to build Kidslingo with care and intent, staying focused on the people at the heart of the business: her franchisees, her teachers, and the families they serve.
This isn’t Anna’s first moment in the EWiF spotlight. After being Highly Commended in the category last year, she returned in 2025 with renewed determination. Being shortlisted alongside such a high-calibre group of franchisors was an achievement in itself, but hearing her name announced as the winner was, as Anna describes it, “truly awesome.”
Winning the EWiF Woman Franchisor of the Year award is a pinnacle achievement for me—it represents the very best of what I stand for,” Anna said. “This recognition inspires me to do even more, to overcome both personal and business challenges, and to continually strive for improvement.”
Kidslingo delivers language learning experiences for children through a franchise model built on strong support, clear systems, and a well-defined vision for growth. The judges were particularly impressed by the measurable impact of the business, evident in positive feedback from both customers and franchisees, alongside Anna’s steady leadership through challenging times.
At its best, franchising is about more than building profitable businesses. It’s about creating opportunities, supporting personal growth, and helping people build working lives that genuinely fit. Anna’s leadership reflects these values throughout the Kidslingo network, with a focus on long-term sustainability, adaptability, and shared success.
After years of steady growth and belief in her mission, winning Woman Franchisor of the Year marks a significant milestone for Anna—but it’s far from the end of the story. With an engaged network and a clear sense of where she’s heading next, Kidslingo is well placed for the future.
We’re excited to see how Anna builds on this success in 2025 and beyond.
Why You Should Apply for the 2026 Awards
Anna’s journey showcases the power of perseverance and belief in your mission. Whether you’re in your first year of business or your fifteenth, your story and impact deserve recognition. Applying for the 2026 awards gives you the chance to celebrate your progress, gain valuable visibility, and inspire others in the franchising community. Your breakthrough moment, just like Anna’s, might be closer than you think.