Building each other up


Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, explains why women need to continue working together to empower one another, and interviews some of the inspiring women working in franchising


S


upporting our fellow humans is one of the most important things in life, whether they are


friends, colleagues, or simply anyone who is in need of help. It is particularly essential for women to empower and support one another in life, and also in business environments. The mainstream media can often be


found guilty of pitting women against one another, not to mention reinforcing the message that women's appearance and 'feminine' behaviour are the only values that determine their worth. While this might encourage clicks, it also serves to foster the sort of toxic environment where this becomes normalised. Unsurprisingly, therefore, this toxicity


can seep into the workplace, hindering career progression for women or simply creating a hostile environment to be in. Over the years, however, I have seen this change massively, and more women are now given the opportunities to hold senior positions and many more are now working in the franchise sector, prompting the bfa to introduce an Empowering Women in Business convention annually. This event celebrates the successes of women in business in general and inspires women to tell their stories.


More women are getting into franchising I asked some female bfa members whether work culture had changed over the years, and was it, in the main, for the better? Helen Thompson, franchise consultant at PartnerWise, explained how the ratio of men to women has changed over the years she has been attending the bfa forums. She told me: “I remember my first bfa affiliate forum well. It was in the autumn of 2008 and being held in a


hotel in central London. As I sat around a large table listening to all the attendees introduce themselves, I remember looking around the room and thinking to myself how many of the people there were male – I was most certainly in the minority.” Helen noticed over time, however, that


more women were gradually entering the franchise sector. “Over the following few years, and by attending more and more events like the bfa forums, I began to notice more women in attendance, more women presenting and speaking at such events. I also had the pleasure of meeting some influential and high-flying women in business, such as Michelle Mone, Carole Smiley and Mary Portas, all fascinating to listen to with their own stories and it made me think about my story.” Speaking to other women and sharing


our stories sparks ambition and creativity. Providing opportunities for women in business breathes life and longevity into the business, and by sharing these stories we can only become more informed and inspired.


Getting a partner Hayley Limpkin, a franchisee for Razzamataz Theatre Schools, recently made her long-time employee a partner to her franchise after watching her go from strength to strength throughout her employment. This has been a situation where everyone has won, as it has given Hayley more time with her family and Emily the opportunity to progress further within the business. Hayley says: “I made the decision to sell


half of the business to Emily Miller, who has worked with me from the beginning. She started as a classroom assistant and has progressed to teacher, admin assistant, assistant principal and now my business


partner. This partnership has allowed me to take the weekends off to be with Finlay before he starts school and work three days in our office. I love working with Emily and this has actually given the business new life and opportunities.”


Working together to achieve your goals It’s time to stop seeing each other as competition but rather as powerful assets to a business. Nell Light had a successful military career before deciding to join the Home Instead Senior Care franchise. She found that upon meeting her fellow Home Instead franchisees, they were supportive and had a collaborative spirit. “We wouldn’t be in competition, we’d be


peers. They spoke passionately about the brand and about providing dignified care to seniors and were astute businesspeople too. There was a collegiate feel that complemented the spirit of military service: you don’t let rivalry get in the way of achieving the mission of delivering the highest quality service.” It is this sentiment that we should all work towards. Women should build each other up


to help create an equal playing field, providing the opportunities we all need, and making the business world a more diverse and interesting place.


Empowering Women in Business The 2018 Empowering Women in Business convention takes place on 15 November at The Nottingham Belfry. The themes this year revolve around culture, wellbeing and leadership, and there will be different speakers throughout the day, as well as time to connect and share inspiring stories. It is a women-only event. If you are interested in attending,


contact the bfa at mailroom@thebfa.org or call 01235 820 470. l


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