bfa and EWiF join forces to increase franchise support, awareness and education for women

A powerful collaboration in 2021, sees a combined passion for supporting women become a stronger goal within the franchise industry

The 2018 bfa NatWest Franchising Landscape Report, revealed increasing numbers of women joining the franchise industry.

But with more to be done, in 2021, the British Franchise Association (bfa) and Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) will be 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, with 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.

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 bfa to put that passion into action. Collectively, we can achieve some amazing things for women in franchising.”

The bfa will be co-producing ‘The EWiF Guide to Franchising’. This important guide will contain useful, educational content, and content which champions franchising standards. This project is intended to support both the female franchising and prospect franchising communities.

Helen Mansfield, MD, EWiF added: “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.”

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 will be sponsoring and judging the EWiF 2021 Overall Woman in Franchising Award. The winner of all the winners.