Rewarding Dedication, Passion and Determination
With the NatWest Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards 2016 behind us, we’re congratulating our winners by shining the spotlight on each of them in turn. We had more entries than ever this year and Kellie Blake from Rosemary Bookkeeping stood out in the Franchise Employee of the Year Award category sponsored by What Franchise.
Kellie was nominated for her award by her employer, Lisa Curteis who wanted her to be recognised for the hard work she puts into her role on a daily basis. Kellie has been the backbone of Rosemary Bookkeeping HQ since she joined in 2012. She has stepped up to the many challenges that 2015 has brought with dedication, passion and drive. With such a varied role, Kellie has to make sure that she’s on top form to help support their franchise network and make sure they have everything they need to be successful.
“I was surprised and delighted to win my award, being a finalist last year and not winning made me even more determined to win this year. I believe that working within a small team for a franchisor means that you need to show real strength and commitment and I think that my award entry showed this. The tasks within my role are extremely varied and I have never turned down an opportunity to learn new skills and to develop myself in order to support the franchise and our franchise partners better,” explains Kellie.
During 2015, Kellie’s role within the Rosemary Bookkeeping team stepped up due to another member of staff’s personal pressures. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Kellie stepped into her new role with the same commitment and dedication she’s shown throughout her employment. Kellie’s role includes Franchise Recruitment, Social Media planning & writing, Event Planning (Discovery Days, new franchisees training events, Franchisee Forums and franchise shows), dealing with the setting up of new franchisees, looking after the administration of Head Office, supporting existing franchisees, dealing with the initial bookkeeping enquiries and collating Rosemary Bookkeeping work – to name but a few!
“I hope that, besides bringing excellent PR for our business, my award win will highlight how I work for an excellent franchisor who takes the time to develop their staff to impact not only themselves but, most importantly, their franchise partners, and that we all have a real pride in the franchise that we want everyone to know about!” adds Kellie.
EWIF’s primary focus is to support women who are looking for a route into the franchise industry. Our remit is threefold; to encourage women to consider buying a franchise, to encourage business women to franchise their existing operations and to help franchisors attract more women to their networks. We are a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, providing advice and guidance to anyone looking at trying to break into the franchise industry.
Click here to find out more about the EWIF Award Winners 2016!