The BFA/NatWest Franchising Landscape Report 2018, revealed increasing numbers of women joining the franchise industry. But there is more to be done. Which is why 2021 will see the British Franchise Association (BFA) and Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) sharing resources and industry insights to strengthen the focus on supporting ‘Women in Franchising: Stronger together’.
Aside from encouraging those already involved in franchising, the aim of the BFA and EWIF is to continue expanding the reach of franchising to more women. Both organisations will manage joint PR on an ongoing basis, including showcasing successes, opportunities, and diversity across the sector.
The BFA will be co-producing The EWiF Guide to Franchising. This guide will contain useful educational content which champions franchising standards. It is a project intended to support both the female franchising and prospect franchising communities.
This collaboration will benefit existing EWIF members, with the launch of EWIF Scotland supported by the BFA, along with regular industry insights from the BFA presented at EWIF’s regional meetings. The BFA’s flagship Empowering Women in Business event will also provide a home for EWIF members to promote, educate and connect on an annual basis.
And, in continued celebration of women in franchising, the association is proud to be sponsoring and judging the EWIF 2021 Overall Woman in Franchising Award.
Both the BFA and EWIF feel this collaboration will benefit the whole industry, helping to showcase what franchising can really provide to those who have yet not considered it.
Pip Wilkins
Pip Wilkins, CEO, BFA, said of the collaboration: “I have been a passionate advocate of empowering women in franchising for many years and this is a fabulous opportunity for the association to put that passion into action. Collectively we can achieve some amazing things for women in franchising.”
Helen Mansfield, MD, EWIF agrees: “I’ve long admired the work the BFA does and I’m really looking forward to joining with our industry association to have an even greater impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to be able to work together, focusing on a shared vision, to see more women realise the benefit of franchising for themselves. It is an exciting turning point.”