From boardroom ambition to community impact – two women have turned corporate expertise into thriving franchise businesses, proving that franchising offers a fast‑track route for women seeking purpose and flexibility.
What is franchising and why choose it?
Franchising remains one of the best‑kept secrets in the UK commercial landscape. By adopting a tested business model, receiving comprehensive training and ongoing support from a reputable franchisor, franchisees enjoy a commercial failure rate of less than 6 % over the past two decades. The British Franchise Association (bfa) audits members to ensure ethical standards and professional conduct.
Karina Brown’s care franchise journey
Karina Brown was a solicitor at the ministry of justice, regularly dealing with elderly clients who were financially secure but receiving inadequate care. Inspired by her own grandmother’s experience, she left law to provide dignified home‑care in Bromley, Kent. After thorough research she purchased a Home Instead domiciliary‑care franchise.
“As a lawyer I know the value of advice. I could have built a business from scratch, but the franchisor had already made the mistakes I would have faced. Home Instead’s national brand and support accelerated my launch.”
Thirteen years on, Karina’s operation has grown 34 % in the last year, employs 20 office staff and over 100 carers, and holds an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission for seven consecutive years. She attributes success to investing in people: “Many of our staff come from modest educational backgrounds. We focus on building confidence and celebrating what they can achieve.”
Karina now works two days a week in the office, saying, “We are only scratching the surface of what’s possible in Bromley, and seeing the difference we make to people’s lives keeps me motivated.”
Jenni Morgan’s coaching franchise expansion
Jenni Morgan spent two decades in large corporates before a stint as director of marketing for a family‑run business sparked her desire to help small enterprises. She bought an ActionCOACH franchise (White Rose) and quickly discovered the power of a proven system.
“The manual covered almost everything I already knew, but having everything written down and a supportive network made the transition seamless. Our WhatsApp community answers queries in minutes.”
Seven years after launch, Jenni controls four territories, leads a team of 11, and recorded record‑breaking turnover and profit in 2025. She has built a resilient team that allows her to step back: “I now spend 60 % of my time coaching and 40 % on the business, with the freedom to prioritise personal health – the gym sessions are sacrosanct.”
Expert view on women in franchising
Pip Wilkins, ceo of the bfa, notes: “These stories are typical of highly qualified women who need a structured model to translate expertise into ownership. With the right support, franchising enables women to unleash determination, achieve financial independence and create lasting community impact.”
The success of Karina and Jenni illustrates how women can leverage franchising to combine professional ambition with personal purpose, all while benefiting from the bfa’s rigorous standards and a network of experienced peers.
