The British Franchise Association are celebrating after they held a hugely successful aviation-themed, ‘Women In Franchising’ event recently.

The annual event was open to all women with an interest in franchising, from franchisor to franchisee, service provider or women wanting to know more about an industry that sees 30% of its businesses owned or run by women, compared to 15% of its non-franchised counterparts.

Over a hundred women attended the event, sponsored by Venture Marketing Group (VMG) and franchise specialist solicitors Owen White Solicitors.

Key phrases from the day were ‘Empower – Engage – Educate’. The day included a range of presentations from industry experts, including real-life case-studies from successful female franchisors.

This was echoed throughout the day with speakers such as Rachel Ray, Bright & Beautiful, Carolyn Sharpe, Puddle Ducks, Claire Jefferies, Home Instead Senior Care and Julie Clabby, busylizzy, talking about how through different challenges, they learnt to empower themselves and how one of the most important things to ensure in business, is that you are passionate about what you do.

The keynote speaker was ex RAF fast jet pilot Mandy Hickson who spoke about the leadership, teamwork and communication required to define and realise specific goals in high-pressure situations.

Talking to Mandy about her feelings towards women in business she said:

“Women need to remember what they can bring to the table. They bring a great deal of empathy and communication skills, but have an engrained feeling of needing to prove themselves. This can be a positive thing because it gives an extra element of drive, but it is important not to let that cloud your sense of worth and remember that you have as much entitlement as anyone else.

Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the bfa said:

“It was humbling to realise how many fantastic women there are at the Women in Franchising event, and all the stories we heard were truly inspirational. I think it is so important to empower women in business, we heard how the franchising industry has helped so many of these women build their confidence to succeed, and provide the flexibility they need to fit around families or other personal commitments.

This year was a true success and we have had fantastic feedback, and we are all looking forward to next year’s event already!”

The date for next year’s event has been set, 16th November 2017 at Chesford Grange, Kenilworth, Warwickshire.