The inaugural Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Awards Ceremony took place London on 10th May 2011. The Awards were the first of their kind providing a unique opportunity to formally recognise the growing contribution women franchisees, women franchisors and women franchise service providers make to this sector.

 

The finalists and winners were announced at the Awards Ceremony held at the NatWest building in central London, and were attended by over 150 people from throughout the world of franchising.

Clive Sawyer, Chairman and Founder of EWIF, and Managing Director of Business Options one of the UK’s leading Franchise Consultancies commented: “We were absolutely delighted at the response to these inaugural EWIF Awards both from the number and quality of entries received. It was especially pleasing that we had entries not just from the large very well know franchise brands but also from smaller less known franchises as well. The large turnout for the Awards Ceremony is an indication of the level of support EWIF has from the whole franchise industry”.

 

There were four Awards presented and the winners were:

 

Woman Franchisee of the Year – Sponsored by NatWest
Lisa Tobias – Domino’s Pizza

Young Woman Franchisee of the Year (under 30) – Sponsored by Recognition Express
Amanda Perkins – Musical Minis

Woman Franchisor of the Year – Sponsored by Stevens & Bolton Solicitors
Sophie Brooks – Clive’s Easylearn Pop Music Schools

Woman Franchise Service Provider of the Year – Sponsored by Business Options
Sarah Cook – Coconut Creatives

 

Graeme Jones, Head of Franchising, NatWest said: "As the number one bank for Franchising, NatWest was proud to sponsor these awards and encourage more women to realise the benefits of running a successful franchise. NatWest are committed to developing female entrepreneurship, we have our own dedicated Women in Business Service as well as links with everywoman."

 

The ENCOURAGING WOMEN INTO FRANCHISING Group (EWIF) was established in 2008, by Clive Sawyer, managing Director of Business Options, with the mission to inspire, encourage, educate and support women considering or involved in franchising through its network of Ambassadors. The Group is made up of representatives from throughout the whole franchise industry.