Award Sponsor - Downs Law
Who are we?
Our franchise team is headed up by Kate Matthews, Consultant Solicitor at Downs and an experienced BFA Qualified Professional, as well as a BFA Mediator. Kate is also Chair of Encouraging Women into Franchising for the South Region and seeks to encourage and inspire those around her to make the best of success.
Together with her team, consisting of 10 fee earners from across Downs, the franchise offering at Downs provides a comprehensive “one stop” environment for clients, whether small businesses starting their franchise journey or established well-known brands.
Services from the franchise team spans from Strategic Reviews and expansion, Employment and HR, brand protection, sales and M&A to risk management Dispute Management through to mediation, ADR and litigation. We can also help with family aspects of dealing with a franchise, commercial property and international services.
Why we’re sponsoring the EWiF awards
Our aim is to promote women’s achievements within the franchise industry and help them develop their goals and aspirations in whatever sector they choose.
We are delighted to sponsor the New Woman Franchisee of the Year Award 2026 which highlights the diversity and inclusiveness in the industry. By offering the support required to inspire and achieve their goals, we seek to empower women to lead their businesses forward. We enjoy complementing, interacting with, and cementing the collaborative nature of the special franchise relationship and being part of the franchise community spirit which motivates those to achieve more.