Women in Franchising

The results are in - more women are now recognising the benefits of franchising according to the bfa's latest survey. However, as only 34 per cent of all new franchise owners are women it means that franchising remains a male dominated industry.

In an bid to rectify the situation, a group of franchisors, franchise owners, banks, franchise service providers, women's support groups and national support agencies have joined forces to develop and launch EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising). EWIF is an independent organisation designed to promote franchising and support prospective female franchise owners, franchisors looking to recruit quality female candidates and female business owners looking to expand by franchising their business.

Clive Sawyer, Chairman of EWIF said: "Women owned businesses contribute one fifth of all small business output and represent a vast untapped resource for the franchising sector.

"EWIF group members inspire, educate and support women who are considering, or who are already involved in franchising, through a network of Ambassadors. By offering tailored support to existing women business owners and women considering becoming business owners, we will help to redress the imbalance of women owned businesses across the country."

For those interested in learning more about EWIF and the services it has to offer log onto its website: www.ewif.org. This is host to a range of case studies about successful female franchise owners, as well as an introduction to franchising, a list of services available and links and further information about members of EWIF.

By: Jess Sturman, Deputy Editor, The Franchise Magazine