Who Will Win Natwest’s EWIF Awards?

Each year, EWIF have an annual award ceremony to acknowledge the critical role that women in franchising play and to celebrate their successes. The 2018 awards will take place in Bishopsgate, London, on Tuesday 15th May. The awards offer a chance for over 150 women who work in franchising to get together and hear the stories of other inspirational females in the industry.

Who are the EWIF?

EWIF stands for Encouraging Women into Franchising, and that's precisely what this not-for-profit organisation does. Run entirely by volunteers, the EWIF provides advice and guidance for women thinking about buying a franchise, encourages female entrepreneurs to franchise their existing operations, and helps franchisors to attract more women to their networks.

The ultimate aim of the EWIF is to increase the number of women in franchising. The 2015 NatWest / British Franchise Association survey found that just 23% of UK franchisees are women. To raise awareness of franchise options for ambitious women considering starting their own businesses, the EWIF hold regular meetings and conferences, as well as awards ceremonies like the one taking place on 15th May.

Who is this year’s guest speaker?

Charlotte Pearce may only be 26-years-old, but she is already taking the tech industry by storm. Charlotte is not only the founder and CEO of Inkpact but is also fast becoming a role model for women aspiring to become business leaders in the UK.

Inkpact helps companies differentiate their communications by enabling them to send handwritten messages to their customers at the touch of a button. Being able to merge the efficiency of technology with the sentimentality of human interaction has a powerful impact. The communications that Inkpact help to develop stand out in a crowded marketplace and improves customer engagement by offering a modern alternative to email.

Charlotte is an experienced motivational speaker whose inspirational story and abundance of energy will be sure to captivate the audience at the 2018 EWIF awards.

How are the EWIF awards judged?

The first round of judging is performed by the EWIF Senior Management team using the criteria set for each category to pull together a shortlist. This shortlist is then judged by the EWIF Regional Chairs and the Award Sponsors for each category. The score from the EWIF Senior Management team, Regional Chairs, and the Award Sponsors are all added together with the names of the winners being revealed at the ceremony.

Who are the nominees for the 2018 awards?

There are eight categories for this year’s awards with 32 nominees hoping to scoop their respective prizes at the ceremony. There is also an Overall Woman in Franchising award which is chosen and sponsored by the EWIF. Here are just some of the nominees with information about the franchises that they’re part of.

New Woman Franchisee of the Year

• Hannah Drury – Caremark Caremark is a high-quality home care franchise that offers a whole range of people with needs the help and support they so desperately require. From children with disabilities to the elderly with limited ability to move freely, Caremark visits their homes to assist them with whatever they need. This is one of the best franchises to own for franchisees who want to be their own boss while genuinely making a difference in people’s lives.

Woman Franchisee of the Year

• Hilary Coates – Wagging Tails Wagging Tails offers a dog boarding service with a difference. Rather than dogs being left in kennels while their owners go on holiday, Wagging Tails finds the perfect carer who then looks after the dog in their home. Franchisees are responsible for taking bookings and managing a team of carers. This means that having a love for dogs, as well as being good with people, is paramount to making this business a success.

Woman Franchisor of the Year

• Denise Gosney – Razzamataz Denise was a professional dancer, choreographer and gymnast for over ten years before she decided to start her own theatre school in 2000. Buying a franchise with this well established and reputable brand gives franchisees the opportunity to offer singing, dancing and acting classes to children from age four to 18. The comprehensive training package covers topics such as management skills, customer service, PR, and much more. Therefore, no previous business ownership experience is required.

Woman Franchise Employee of the Year

• Polly Coleman – Auditel Auditel is one of the best franchises to own for entrepreneurs who want to help other businesses to develop cost management strategies from the comfort of their own home. Auditel franchisees come from a variety of different backgrounds, but all have excellent business skills, are excellent communicators and have a determination to succeed. And with franchisees receiving a whopping 78 days of training a year, buying a franchise with Auditel is great from a personal development perspective as well as from a professional viewpoint.

Young Woman in Franchising of the Year

• Stephanie Gross – Gymboree There are lots of franchise options to choose from within the childcare industry, and they don't all necessarily provide formal educational services. The objective of Gymboree franchise is to enrich children’s development through music and play which is suitable for newborns to 5-year-olds. Franchisees get access to patented lesson plans as well as the equipment, apparatus and instruments needed to start their business. Training, coaching and support are also available before and during their franchise journey.

Inspirational Woman of the Year

• Rebecca Robyns – InXpress InXpress is an international shipping and freight consulting firm who offer small and medium-sized businesses a discounted courier solution. This is one of the best franchises to own for entrepreneurs on a budget because a minimum investment of only £15,000 is required. In exchange for this, franchisees receive extensive training and access to a Franchise Support Manager to help develop and grow the business.