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WOMEN FRANCHISORS


HERECOME THE GIRLS


I


n most discussions about women in franchising, the spotlight tends to fall on female franchisees. And although the progression of women is a worthy topic in any respect, a conversation about female franchisors should also be brought to the fore; they may be a minority, yet the existing ones are showing what great things they can do for the industry. As Jane Masih, head of Owen White’s franchise team and bfa board director explains:


“Successful franchise networks are


created from a special kind of chemistry underpinning the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisees. In my experience women franchisors instinctively understand that the franchise has to make business sense for all participants. Successful female franchisors marry good business strength with a real desire to see their franchisees succeed, not simply in financial terms, but perhaps more importantly in


Sarah Cressall


Carol Stewart-Gill has grown her multi- million pound company through word of mouth referrals and dogged determination. She started up in 1993 with no sales experience and knocked on the doors of local businesses. Within a year, the first franchisees came on board. Named as one of the fastest growing companies in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 league, Dublcheck now has over 100 franchisees throughout the UK.


Sarah Cressall spotted a gap in the market for arts and crafts experiences aimed at children while bringing up three children under the age of four. A decade later and with a generous dose of Sarah’s creativity and business drive, The Creation Station has over 65 operating franchises and has worked with 100,000 families. It is little wonder then that Sarah has a number of prestigious awards under her belt: last year alone she won Best Female Franchisor of the Year, Best Franchisee Marketing Support and Mumprenuer of the Year.


A highlight for the team was winning Founder of Dublcheck cleaning franchise,


The franchising model was clearly a success for Carol and Dublcheck, who devoted her time to finding people willing to invest and give the same high standard of service she delivered to her first customers. Carol explains: “It can be tough. Somehow I find the fun in everything I do, and that’s really so important. It helps you keep moving forward, looking for new challenges. And if you enjoy what you do, it’s easy to inspire others.”


Louise Harris, 48, is the franchise director


Louise Harris


26 | www.franchisornews.co.uk


of Wilkins Chimney Sweep Ltd. In 2010, Louise and husband Peter franchised their business and now have nine franchisees working across the country. Louise was announced as New Woman Franchisor of the Year at the 2012 EWIF Awards, she recently qualified as a QFP and in September 2012, took on the co-chair role at EWIF. At the annual Wilkins Chimney Sweep conference in April 2013, she invited homecare franchise Home Instead Senior Care to instruct sweeps on dealing with the elderly in their homes. All her


creating a business to be proud of. Money isn’t necessarily their primary motivator, commitment to their particular business idea, relentless drive and a willingness to listen are all reasons why women involved at the top of franchise businesses are good for the industry as a whole.” Here are some women who have made their mark as franchisors, showing exactly the tenacity, dynamism, and hard work it takes to succeed in the business world.


the contract to run the Kids Zone at Hyde Park during the Olympics. Sarah also launched Create Club, a franchise that provides after school, Saturday and holiday craft experiences. Currently there are nine operating across the UK. Sarah says: “I have a great team of franchise owners who are on board with our brand values. Our dynamic creative hub at head office are really supportive and I’m fortunate to have a fantastic husband and business partner Duncan, and three fab boys – without whom, I would never have had the inspiration to do what we’re doing.”


Carol


Stewart-Gill


team are encouraged to use a franchised business wherever they can to support their industry peers.


Louise says: “I’m so proud to be a woman in franchising and the eventual aim of EWIF must be to make ourselves redundant. There shouldn’t be a need in 2013 to have an organisation that encourages women into any industry but sadly there is; luckily we have some fantastic role models in the organisation and we’ve already had women tell us ‘I only went into franchising after I met you at a franchising exhibition’ so we know it’s working, which is great news.”


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