Celebrating the achievements of women in franchising is always a major highlight of the year and the recent 14th annual NatWest EWiF Awards proved no exception
At the 2025 NatWest EWiF Awards, held on 15th May at the London NatWest building, a crowded field of more than 100 entries saw judges facing a real challenge in selecting the winners. But select they eventually did.
EWiF honours the women who are inspiring change, creating opportunities, and empowering others to thrive. They will also have demonstrated remarkable talent and a fierce dedication to their work.
Leading the way, by being named New Woman Franchisee of the Year 2025, sponsored by Coconut Marketing, was Shanu Subra – McDonald’s Restaurants.
Thanks to her people-first approach to leadership, Shanu’s business is thriving. She’s seen remarkable growth and already expanded into a second territory! Her success also enables her to support her local food bank, raise funds for local charities, and organise events that foster community connection.
New Woman Franchisor of the Year 2025, sponsored by Rev PR was Karen Neil – Cardea Healthcare.
Authentic, empathetic, and purpose-driven, Karen, according to the judges, exemplifies the kind of leadership that not only drives business growth but creates lasting, meaningful impact in the care sector.
Meanwhile, Woman Franchise Employee of the Year 2025, sponsored by Hartbeeps, was Rene Swart – Snap Fitness.
Over the past year, Rene was instrumental to Snap Fitness’ most financially successful period. She also developed a comprehensive cashflow projection tool for prospective franchisees, which contributed to a significant rise in franchise sales over the last year.
Service Provider of the Year 2025, sponsored by NatWest was Monica Basuc – Atlas Mapping, whoseability to analyse data, turning it into practical, profitable insights to empower client growth more efficiently, was cited by the judges.
Judges ware similarly impressed by Lucy Crabtree – babyballet in theYoung Woman in Franchising of the Year 2025 category, sponsored by McDonald’s Restaurants.
Lucy was cited forintroducing a ‘bold, personalised, goal-driven engagement strategy’. Last year, under her direction, the franchise recorded its most successful financial year to date.
In the Woman Franchisee of the Year 2025 category, sponsored by Atlas Mapping, Lynne Kerrison – Tutor Doctor emerged victorious.
At the beginning of 2024, Lynne was enjoying strong business growth.But when a key revenue stream was unexpectedly lost, she embraced the challenge head-on! Pivoting to previously unexplored opportunities, she safeguarded her business and showcased the adaptability of the brand.
Woman Franchisor of the Year 2025, sponsored by Social Places, was Anna Neville – Kidslingo, whose exceptional leadership and elevation of her brand – not only driving growth but creating new revenue streams – made her stand out.
Elsewhere, the EWiF Ambassador of the Year 2025 Award, sponsored by Elite Franchise, waswon by Catrina Newman – Goldstein Legal.
Relationship-building is at Catrina’s core. So, whether it’s a client, a colleague, or someone simply doing amazing things in franchising, she never misses an opportunity to shine a light on the success of others, it is said.
Rounding off the awards Inspirational Woman of the Year 2025, sponsored by Platinum Wave Franchising, went to Rebecca Dean – Concept Claims Solutions.
Rebecca increased franchisee numbers and boosted overall sales performance. She even smashed the previous no female franchisees, by onboarding women who made up a quarter of new franchisees last year, and personally mentored their youngest, female franchisee.
Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) is an organisation dedicated to supporting women who are exploring, starting, and growing their businesses through franchising. EWiF provides guidance, resources, and networking opportunities to empower women in the franchising industry.
In the meantime, if you missed out on an award this year, there is always next year.
For more information visit EWiF.
