Sarah Sanders was pleasantly surprised when she found out she had won the EWiF Woman Franchisee Employee of the Year Award and even felt quite emotional!
“It felt incredible to be recognised for the work I do and what we’re achieving in our little corner of the franchising world,” she says. “We’re not the biggest brand out there, but it’s amazing to see that what we’re doing is being recognised as something really special.”
Sarah is Operations Director at Extra Help and also runs her own franchise covering South Hams, Torbay, West Devon and Launceston. The award recognises the support she provides across the network. So, what does Sarah think it really takes to stand out in the franchising world?
Tailor support to the individual
The judges highlighted how Sarah adapts Extra Help’s introductory training to each franchisee’s learning style. There are no set hours; sessions can be broken up, extended or repeated and blend listening, creative exercises and role play.
“Our franchisees have invested a lot of money, so it’s important we help them in the way that works best for them,” she explains. “Someone from an IT background may need less time on systems but more on interviewing, people skills or selling, while a former nurse or teacher might need more help with marketing and social media. One-to-one coaching, introduced in 2025, helps each franchisee set goals tailored to their own objectives.
Believe in the mission
“You need to have a passion for your business or you won’t put 100% into it,” says Sarah.
Working in a franchise head office takes patience and empathy. Above all, she says, it means being kind but fair, even when decisions aren’t easy.
Lead people through change
Moving the network onto digital system Birdie, which began in 2023 and finished in 2025, was Sarah’s biggest challenge. Sarah saw the benefits instantly in her own franchise and assumed everyone else would too.
“I subsequently learnt that some people really don’t like change!” she says.
Due to Sarah’s efforts, today, all Extra Help’s franchisees have migrated to Birdie. They now save so much time and have a clear overview of their activities.
The results speak for themselves
Extra Help’s turnover grew from £604,080 in 2024 to £946,320 in 2025, and has already reached £1,196,640 so far this year. Client numbers are up 65.3% in 2026, compared with 21.99% in 2025, ten new franchisees have joined, and their national team of home-helpers has grown by 75% so far. Franchisees reported average profits of 32% of turnover in 2025 and head office profitability has also increased from 12% in 2023, to 18% in 2025.
Advice for women considering franchising
Sarah, who is also co-chair of EWiF South West, explains that franchising is an extremely friendly and welcoming space for women.
“If you’re thinking of going into franchising, whether it’s working for a head office as an employee, a franchising supplier or franchise owner, my advice is to just go for it!” she says.
She also recommends attending conferences and EWiF regional events to build genuine connections.
And the best part of the job?
“It makes my heart sing when I watch someone transform their life!” she says.
Especially seeing franchisees leave their employment to run Extra Help full-time is, for Sarah, a dream come true.
Why you should apply for the 2027 EWiF Awards
Sarah’s story demonstrates how valuable it can be to put yourself forward for the EWiF Awards and have your hard work recognised. Her commitment to supporting and empowering franchisees, driving business growth and making a difference across the Extra Help network shows just how much impact one person’s leadership can have. Winning the Woman Franchise Employee of the Year award is not only recognition of Sarah’s individual achievements, but also celebrates the positive difference she makes to the people and businesses around her. Whether you’re a franchisee, franchisor, supplier or emerging leader, the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase your achievements, raise your profile and share your journey with the wider franchising community. You don’t need to wait until you feel you’ve achieved something extraordinary to enter – sometimes it’s only when you take a step back that you realise just how much you’ve accomplished. If you’re making a difference in your business or supporting others to succeed, put yourself forward for the 2027 EWiF Awards. Like Sarah, you never know where that recognition might take you.
