The year 2021 looks set to be a potentially prosperous one for women, thanks to the collaboration between the BFA and EWiF.
In a bid to boost the number of women joining the world of franchising, the British Franchise Association (BFA) has agreed to co-produce a special guide aimed at educating females about the benefits of starting a career in this growing sector. The BFA are to join forces with the not-for-profit organisation, Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF), to publish a guide aimed at attracting more women into this specialist industry.
The two bodies will share resources and industry insights, while a press release issued by EWiF this week reads: ‘This important guide will contain useful, educational content which champions franchising standards. It is an exciting project, intended to support both female franchising and franchising communities as a whole.’
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the BFA, says she is delighted to be part of this significant collaboration: “I have been a passionate advocate of empowering women in franchising for many years and this is a fabulous opportunity for the BFA to put that passion into action. Collectively, we can achieve some amazing things for women in franchising. Both the BFA and EWiF feel this collaboration will benefit the whole industry, helping to showcase what franchising can really provide to those who haven’t yet considered it.”
EWiF, which came into being 10 years ago, is run entirely by volunteers, providing advice and guidance to women looking for a route into the franchise industry. And according to the statement of mission on their website: ‘Our remit is threefold: To encourage women to consider buying a franchise, to encourage businesswomen to franchise their existing operations and to help franchisors attract more women to their networks.’
EWiF are confident that this joining together of interested parties will benefit its existing members. The BFA‘s flagship event, Empowering Women in Business, which is earmarked to take place in Oxford next October, will provide a home for EWiF members to promote, educate and connect on an annual basis. BFA will provide regular industry insights at EWiF regional meetings, while the national franchise body is also supporting the launch of EWiF Scotland.
Helen Mansfield, managing director of EWiF, adds: “I’ve long admired the work of the BFA 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, and see more women realise the benefits of franchising for themselves. It is an exciting turning point.” Both organisations will manage joint PR on an ongoing basis, while showcasing successes, opportunities, and diversity across the sector.
