The regional meeting, which will continue to be held in the Palace of Westminster on a quarterly basis, was at the kind invitation of Justin Tomlinson MP, whose wife Jo owns pet care franchise ‘We Love Pets’.

Having been introduced to all EWIF members and guests Mrs Morgan outlined what the government is doing to help women return to the workplace, including their plan to offer parents £6,000 worth of tax-free nursery fees which, if successful on its route through parliament, will be available for the first time to the self-employed. During discussions Mrs Morgan remarked that if women started up their own businesses at the same rate as men, the country would see a 10 per cent rate of growth in the GDP.

EWIF has offered to provide Mrs Morgan with case studies of women who have successfully fitted their franchise businesses around their families, to help inform future government-level discussions.
Justin Tomlinson, the Small Business Ambassador for the Conservative Party said:"Another great meeting with this group of passionate, professional women who are dedicated to telling more people about the opportunities franchising can offer them. I was delighted the Minister was able to come as well and I know she found the meeting engaging and informative."

EWIF co-chairs Louise Bruce of Big Red Box PR and Louise Harris of Wilkins Chimney Sweep said,‘We would like to thank Justin Tomlinson for his invitation to the Palace of Westminster today. As ever it was a privilege to come up to the Houses of Parliament and to have the chance to talk to both he and Nicky about the opportunities available to women through franchising.’

Published: 29 January 2014

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