The British Franchise Association (BFA) reports that its Women In Franchising event was a great success.
The aviation-themed day was open to all women with an interest in franchising and was attended by over a hundred delegates. The event was sponsored by Venture Marketing Group and Owen White Solicitors.
Key phrases from the day were ‘Empower – Engage – Educate’. The event included a range of presentations from industry experts, including real-life case studies from successful female franchisors.
Speakers included Rachel Ray (Bright & Beautiful), Carolyn Sharpe (Puddle Ducks), Claire Jefferies (Home Instead Senior Care) and Julie Clabby (busylizzy), who spoke about how they learnt to empower themselves and why one of the most important things to ensure in business, is that you are passionate about what you do.
The keynote speaker was former RAF jet pilot Mandy Hickson who spoke about the leadership, teamwork and communication required to define and realise specific goals in high-pressure situations
Commenting on women in business, Hickson said: “Women need to remember what they can bring to the table. They bring a great deal of empathy and communication skills, but have an engrained feeling of needing to prove themselves.
“This can be a positive thing because it gives an extra element of drive, but it is important not to let that cloud your sense of worth and remember that you have as much entitlement as anyone else.“
Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the BFA, said: “It was humbling to realise how many fantastic women there were at the event. All the stories we heard were truly inspirational.
“I think it is so important to empower women in business. We heard how the franchising industry has helped so many of these women build their confidence to succeed, and provide the flexibility they need to fit around families or other personal commitments.”
Next year’s event will be held on Thursday, 16th November 2017 at Chesford Grange, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.