THE BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION


THE UK' S VOLUNTARY S ELF - REGUL ATING GOVERNING BODY FOR FRANCHI SING


PIP WILKINS Chief executive, bfa


Pip Wilkins on women discovering the benefi ts of franchising


positions are now held by women. But there is more to be done; women are still underutilised and there is a pool of untapped potential for businesses. It can be daunting for women to break


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into predominantly male industries, even more so when many of these environments fail to embrace flexible working. This is a common rhetoric for women in the workplace, who may need to strike a better work-life balance. It’s a culture that continues to perpetuate unworkable conditions for women, and may see them passed up for promotions or senior positions.


Why women enter franchising The workplace is evolving, but not fast enough. Franchising, however, allows women the opportunity to not only achieve a work-life balance, but to be their own boss. The 2018 bfa NatWest Franchise Survey shows an increasing number of women are seeing the benefits, with a 20 per cent increase in female franchisees since 2015. What’s more, 65 per cent of all people employed in franchising are women. Why is franchising ahead of the game? Being self-employed allows you to adapt your schedule, plus being a franchisee means you run a business that comes with existing systems and processes, an established brand name, head office support and ongoing training. This makes


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it a lot easier and safer than building a business from scratch. But don’t forget, any business needs your full attention, and you will get out what you put in. Frankie Worthington, operations


director and London franchisee for children’s franchise Premier Education, says: “As a mother of two, flexibility and a good work-life balance are extremely important to me. Working my own hours around my boys allows me to be a successful businesswoman without compromising being a mum. “Entering the franchise industry has opened so many doors for me, which has led to me being a successful businesswoman while achieving personal and professional goals. Franchising is a friendly community, and Premier offers a successful framework to guide you on


your franchising journey, with several highly skilled individuals to support you along the way.”


Empowering Women in Business While the achievements of women are being more celebrated than ever, there is still some way to go. Seven years ago, we founded Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) to unite businesswomen and discuss the important issues and challenges that we are currently facing. EWIB will be returning on 14 November and will be held at The Oxford Belfry. The event will explore what culture means in business today, how it has changed, and where we want it to go. The full agenda and speakers are yet to be announced. Visit thebfa.org for more information. l


omen have made leaps and bounds in the workplace – a quarter of FTSE 350 board


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