ISSUE 3

FEMALES IN FRANCHISING “Women are brilliant at 100 starting up” INFLUENTIAL WOMEN INTERVIEW: EMMA JONES, IN FRANCHISING CEO, ENTERPRISE NATION

Meet the class of 2020

Entrepreneur’s handbook: ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO FRANCHISING

Introducing the hottest lifestyle franchise of the year Seasons Art Class is pandemic-proof, fun, profitable and From the publisher of rewarding in every way What Franchise Global Plus: The rise of ‘Zutors’ • 3 big reasons small Franchise businesses fail • Start-up tips from female founders BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 2 BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 3 BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 09/10/2020 07:52 Page 4 Contents

COVER STORIES 26 COVID-19’S IMPACT ON EDUCATION 30 EMMA JONES, From the rise of ‘Zutors’ to pandemic ENTERPRISE NATION pods, the pandemic has changed the The organisation’s founder talks about way we deliver education to children the current business environment 32 MARTHA MATILDA HARPER and what the future holds for small Get to know the Canadian house business owners servant who pioneered international 46 100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN franchising back in 1891 IN FRANCHISING INTERVIEWS Meet the class of 2020 15 74 THE SEASONS ART CLASS 38 TAKE THE LEAP How Kimberlee Perry turned £200 into a The perfect part-time business, 83 PROMOTE HEALTH leading, international, trampolining brand where you can work from home and AND WELLBEING generate a full-time income 40 HOW TO BUILD A Want to get into the fitness NATIONAL BRAND industry? Lift Brands has two proven ADVICE AND opportunities worth considering INSIGHT Jacqueline Rogers details how she turned a training and coaching start-up 84 FAMILY-FRIENDLY into a successful franchise operation 8 THE POWER OF THE FRANCHISING FEMALE WOLFPACK 44 A BUSINESS THAT Marie Peters ditched her office job in Why it’s imperative to find your GIVES BACK favour of a Get Ahead VA franchise sisterhood in the franchise industry Shannon Wilburn, co-founder and 91 INSPIRED BY AFRICA CEO of charity-focused Just Between With its origins in the Midlands, the 12 SIX FRANCHISE FORMATS Friends, discusses the background to Afrikana restaurant chain wants you to Katrina Leaf walks us through the this benevolent brand join its familia exciting formats available today FRANCHISE 92 BUILDING SOMETHING 14 TAKING A STAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR MYSELF Rachel Grey writes about women Right at Home has propelled Jenny rising to the top of the managerial 79 SHOWING ITS TRUE Madghachian’s business to stand-out chain and setting the standard for the COLOURS quality entrepreneurs of tomorrow How Cafe2U has navigated its way through unprecedented times 96 FROM REDUNDANCY TO 17 WHY WOMEN ARE MULTI-MILLIONAIRE FLOCKING TO FRANCHISING 82 AMBITIOUS EXPANSION Julie Wagstaff was in danger of How the franchise sphere is leading PLANS losing everything before she found an the way to encourage women to be Miss Millie’s has multi-unit franchise abundance of success, fulfilment and their own bosses opportunities across the U.K. recognition with ActionCOACH what-franchise.com/women-in-franchising

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR ACCOUNT MANAGER EDITORIAL FROM THE PUBLISHER OF

ISSN 1744-6988 INSIDER 03 EXPERT INFO 9 771744 698037 ADVICE Richard Davies Tel: 01323 471291 Millie Hall Tel: 01323 471291 Amanda Peters WHAT A LAWYER Franchising in Denmark CAN DO FOR YOU Where ideas have power Plus 10 top UK legal Global professionals COVID-19 business What WORKING WITH response roadmap Tips on how to grow your YOUR PARTNER Franchise franchise in uncertain times Secrets of success revealed globalfranchisemagazine.com Time to invest JACKIE GILLEN [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Franchisee in the front line 12 exciting investment Franchise £3.99 | VOLUME 16 ISSUE 3 what-franchise.com opportunities to consider MASTER, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING James Fell DUCK DONUTS: NIGEL DAWSON THE F&B BRAND FLYING HIGH easyStorage: ASSISTANT ADVERTISEMENT “ You can bring our brand CIRCULATION MANAGER [email protected] to a wider audience”

POWERBRANDS MANAGER MOBILE AND Joseph Gibbons Tel: 01206 505912 VAN-BASED Jeff James FRANCHISES LEGACY 21-page special BRAND SPECIAL Neil Phillips Tel: 01323 471291 HOW LONG-STANDING FRANCHISES STAY RELEVANT GREG NATHAN: EXCLUSIVE [email protected] INTERVIEW INTERVIEW NEW ZEALAND WHEN PSYCHOLOGY WHY THE COUNTRY IS A GOOD MEETS FRANCHISING Emma Jones, founder [email protected] PUBLISHER FIT FOR FRANCHISES of Enterprise Nation

PAGE PAGE PAGE Kieran McLoone PAGE PAGE PAGE GROWING FRANCHISEE ESSENTIAL SARY AMANDA CATHERINE 26 HAMWAY 50 CLARK 53 TAN-GILLESPIE 11 PLACES 53 RECRUITMENT 60 SUPPORT How a franchisor helps Franchising and the new KFC and evolving the branding 8 emerging sectors with 4 ways to stand out from On Papa John’s you to prosper Matthew Tudor Arab World recording-breaking sales of a true fast-food icon proven profit potential the competition SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS [email protected] Luke Elliott Tel: 01323 471291 PUBLISHING DIRECTOR PRINTED IN ENGLAND DESIGNERS [email protected] Helen Tudor Published by D.C. Thomson & Co. Matthew Gilley Tel: 01323 471291 Luke Rogers & Adam Barford Ltd, 185 Fleet St, Holborn, London [email protected] CREDIT CONTROL EC4A 2HS. Rachael Wenham Tel: 01323 471291 Sue Carr Tel: 01206 505903 Printed in England [email protected] © Aceville Publications Ltd

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 5 GUIDE TO FRANCHISING Why is franchising so popular? It’s easy to recognise when franchises are getting it right, but let’s take a step back and evaluate why the model has worked for so many

ike all successful business the model every year to grab their own slice of popular factor of franchising in a COVID- relationships throughout history, the pie? affected world, where remote working has franchising is a system built on Part of the reason is how customisable the become commonplace for almost every L trust and cooperation. Rather experience can be. Not only is there industry. This makes the model especially than the typical hierarchical relationship undoubtedly a franchise brand to suit each and attractive to parents who may need to work between a traditional boss and an employee, every kind of investor, but there are also around childcare, or on-the-go entrepreneurs however, the franchising model pairs a brand different formats of owning a franchise, who want their business to work around them. owner – the franchisor – with a driven tailored to varying levels of investment. Don’t mistake remote working for isolation, entrepreneur looking to go into business for Katrina Leaf of Harper James Solicitors though. Despite many franchisees operating in themselves, but not by themselves – the details exactly that on page 12, where she the comfort of their own homes, franchisee. outlines the six different formats and why they interconnectivity and collaboration is still at As such, the two parties enter into an may be the best fit for you. From ‘buy to let’ the forefront of many of the biggest agreement that gives both of them certain franchises to ‘master franchising’, the model is international brands. responsibilities to make sure that the pairing innovative enough to cater to any kind of As Sally Facinelli says in her retrospective thrives and can grow as the brand does. financial situation. on page eight of this issue: “The friends you On the franchisor side, these responsibilities Beyond the customization, franchising is make in the franchise industry will likely turn are twofold: they must provide the franchisee also incredibly flexible and many concepts can into the closest family-like friends you will with rights to use all of the brand assets, be operated from home. This is an especially ever have.” marketing strategies, and concepts that made the brand what it is today. Let’s use McDonald’s as an example – that means the “The friends you make in the franchise iconic golden arches, Big Mac, and any annual promotions now become usable by the industry will likely turn into the closest franchisee to attract customers and promote family-like friends you will ever have” their location. The second responsibility is to provide the franchisee with a detailed guide about how to run their business to the standards honed by years of experience. Ongoing support is also given, to ensure that each and every franchise location provides consistent quality; regardless of where in the world it’s located. For franchisees, the responsibilities are fairly straightforward: abide by the instructions given by the franchisor, and periodically make payments to the franchisor for the right to use their brand.

An international safety net So we now know how franchising works, but why do thousands of entrepreneurs and investors flock to

6 BUSINESS WOMAN FRANCHISING FACTS AND FIGURES Some of the top-line numbers that you need to know

In the U.K.,

65% of people employed in the of new franchise industry are franchisees 35% are women women, which is 20% more than in 2015

In the U.S., The U.K. skews the median age for slightly younger, a franchisee is where the average is 45 to 54 years old 40 years old

Women outnumber men in franchise ownership in WOMEN OWN several sectors, including

OR CO-OWN decorating services (86% APPROXIMATELY female), clothing, toys, and 35 PER CENT OF ALL accessories (63% female), and U.S. FRANCHISE OUTLETS travel agencies (61% female)

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 7 INSIGHT The power of the female wolfpack Why it’s imperative to find your sisterhood in the franchise world

WORDS BY SALLY FACINELLI, CFE

“ hen women support and expanded into five was a bit lonely being one of few women each other, incredible other countries. in the industry early in my career. things happen.” I didn’t have any female mentors to W Society has taught us No longer a boys club assist me when I started my journey to compete, compare, undermine, It was when I worked with Dan Martin into the wilds of franchising, so I was undercut, trash talk, tear down, at IFX Online that I really became part grateful that the ‘good old boys club’ THE AUTHOR and to judge other women. Imagine of the franchise world and the ‘good took me under their wing. I met so many Sally Facinelli is a world where it is normal for old boys club’. Back in the early 2000s, fantastic, motivating, and inspiring a veteran of the women to support and empower there were not a lot of women in people; all of whom I now call my franchise industry, one another. Does this sound like an franchising, and fewer franchise family. The friends you make having worked in unrealistic utopian situation? Nope, yet in the technology in the franchise industry will likely turn numerous senior roles for over two decades. you can find these wonder women sector. Franchising into the closest family-like friends you Her most recent in the entrepreneurial world of was predominantly will ever have. position is as an franchising. The saying, “empowered male-dominated. Today, however, there are so many advisor to Consumer women, empower other women,” While I do love wonderful and Fusion, a franchise brand reputation is widespread and omnipresent working with men, it empowering management in franchising. organisation Women in franchising have changed rather dramatically over the past few decades. Nearly 25 years ago, I happened to fall into the world of franchising and subsequently fell in love with franchising itself. I was still in college, wide-eyed and full of enough enthusiasm to conquer the world. I had changed my path from becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to ‘not quite sure what yet’. I took a position with a U.S.-based company that sent me off to the U.K. where I helped open their U.K. operations. After spending a year in the U.K., I was ready to return home. I started working for an emerging franchisor and we grew from 13 locations to over 500 in the U.S.

8 BUSINESS WOMAN women in the franchise space – many that we can lower our walls, show intimidating questions’. Then you find out of whom I am fortunate to call my our insecurities, our fears, and that there are no stupid questions after friends. We are more than friends, really; vulnerabilities in a way that you cannot all. Most everyone has similar challenges, like family, we are a sisterhood. We with anyone else. No one understands questions, concerns, and pain points. unconditionally support and empower you like another female entrepreneur. They can help open your mind to new each other. It is only with each other ideas and possibilities. In this space, you that we can be open, frank, emotional, Five reasons it is can open up, let your guard down and get vulnerable, and completely raw. This is imperative to find creative. Together, you see alternative ways where the magic happens! sisterhood of looking at a situation and find unique Personally, I didn’t realize just how 1. Support, encourage and solutions to challenges. important having a wolf pack was until challenge: They are your biggest I found mine, an incredible group of fans, friends and sounding boards. 4. Guidance and expectations: Your sister women who have each other’s backs – They genuinely care about you and group will help guide you and set realistic no matter what. When I hit a creative your success. They will encourage expectations. Having ‘been there and done block while writing this article I reached you, educate you, validate you, and that’, they will be able to help shorten the out to them for insight. lift you up. They will help challenge learning curve and in turn, avoid frustration As female entrepreneurs and leaders, and support you in becoming your and potentially costly mistakes. If one we have to stand strong and be the rock best version of yourself. doesn’t know the answer she will be sure to for everyone: our businesses, employees, point you in the right direction or connect franchisees, romantic partners, and 2. Connections, connections, you with someone who does. our children. There are many people connections: Your girl group are that look to us for a variety of reasons: your trusted connectors. They “The friends you make in leadership, passion, experience, help you build your network by knowledge, courage, compassion, introducing you to people you the franchise industry will support; the list goes on and on. should know; other smart, talented, We bust through age-old stereotypes, and like-minded supporting women likely turn into the closest balancing business and family life as (and men, too). With these family-like friends you we pioneer a path forward through women you can share knowledge, uncharted waters. All while maintaining experiences, best practices, help each will ever have” the values that are the driving force other grow, and achieve individual behind what we do every day and and business success. 5. Camaraderie, loyalty, and celebration: why we do it. Who else can listen, When one of your sisters wins, you win, understand all of that, and be able to 3. Safe and secure too! Every time a woman succeeds in give you actionable advice without space: Here, no one is business, your chance of success increases judgement? It is with judging or competing exponentially. You have a built-in cheering our entrepreneur with you. You can squad. There is nothing better than sisterhood ask those ‘stupid and toasting to one of your crew’s successes. How fun is that?

As the years have passed, more and more women have become an integral part of franchising. Now there are many powerful and wonderful women in all aspects of franchising. I am eternally grateful for all my many franchise family friends. The best part of it is how everyone supports each other, unconditionally and without judgment. Women empowering other women – it’s a beautiful thing to see, and it is truly amazing and heartwarming to be a part of. After all, we are stronger together.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 9 BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 10 BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 11

SkinHQ is a leading aesthetic clinic specialising in both laser hair removal and skin treatments using the latest cutting-edge technology. We provide a wide range of treatments and we pride ourselves on patient care and satisfaction through a personal but friendly approach. We offer the safest, latest technologies and products available to the cosmetic medical industry, all at very competitive prices. Since establishing in 2017, we have branched out into five locations nationwide, creating a way for our brand to grow at an unprecedented rate.

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Call: Lee Taylor Franchise Manager – 07483 133854 | www.skinhq.co.uk/franchise Email: [email protected] INSIGHT

Franchising offers an option to suit everyone As well as a choice of hundreds of franchises operating in numerous sectors, investors can select from six different formats. Here’s a concise guide to each one

WORDS BY KATRINA LEAF

s the U.K. government The business format A franchise resale looks towards businesses franchise This takes place when a A to spark an economic 1 You may also see this described 3franchisee sells their franchise recovery, franchises will as a second generation franchise. business to another individual, have a key part to play. Franchises of this type have two corporation, partnership or limited Figures out at the end of 2018 things at their core: a franchisee runs liability partnership. THE AUTHOR showed how as a business model the business using the franchisor’s To buy a franchise resale, you Katrina Leaf is a franchising is thriving, generating trade name or trademark and under would need to enter an agreement to paralegal at Harper £17.2bn for the U.K. economy and this format the franchisor must be James Solicitors purchase the business. This is usually a employing 710,000 people. The able to hold influence and control share purchase agreement or an asset statistics are significant for Scotland, over how the franchisee operates purchase agreement. with the British Franchise Association their business. A franchise resale is particularly (bfa) forecasting that the Scottish A business format franchise is attractive to would-be sector will be worth £1bn this year. popular because it allows people to franchisees who want buy a business with an established to avoid the start- “A business format track record. Plus it makes it up stage of a easier to trade and, hopefully, business, franchise is popular make a profit. instead because it allows people preferring to buy The master an enterprise that is to buy a business with an franchise already established and has The difference between 2 a base of regular clients. established track record” a business format franchise and It means that once you’ve a master franchise is that the signed the agreement, you will An industry survey by the franchisor grants a franchisee the potentially be running a profit making bfa and NatWest showed around right to sub-franchise within a business from day one. 90 per cent of franchisees who chosen trading territory. own and operate their business using Master franchising is a great the brand, systems and support of opportunity for those looking to The buy to let a larger company have reported develop a network in one franchise profitability annually for over 20 particular region. 4This is a specific type of years running. But bear one thing in mind: when franchise in the property market. Many of us encounter franchises a master franchisee sub-franchises, When you execute this kind of on a daily basis. Some of them are the the master franchise agreement deal, you will be purchasing a letting most high profile of global brands, but requires the master franchisee agency where profits are made despite this, many people are unaware to accept only the highest through a commission on the sale of a of the variety of different franchises quality franchisees. property. This process is the same as that exist. This requirement is supported buying a franchise from a franchisor, Here’s all you need to know by the necessity to maintain so you would need to enter a about the six different options high standards in relation to all franchise agreement, in addition available to those looking to obligations under the franchise to obtaining the relevant launch their own franchise: agreement with the franchisor. licences required by law.

12 BUSINESS WOMAN The franchise buying an individual franchise, ensure it will work. buyout because the franchisor is selling Individuals who run pilot operations are 5This option does what it says complete ownership of its business. known as pilot franchisees and will enable on the tin. the franchisor to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the business format in In a deal of this kind, a franchisee The pilot franchise buys out the franchise. It means the different regions and market conditions. A pilot franchise is franchisee will take ownership of This means the business will be established when a company the entire franchise network. This 6 thoroughly tested and more likely to be intends to franchise its business includes any franchisees existing successful. A pilot franchise usually only concept, but before under franchise agreements with operates for a year or two. launching it wants to the franchisor. test the format, idea Completing a franchise buyout and systems to means you have total control, but it is worth noting that buying out a franchise is more expensive than

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 13 INSIGHT Women are taking a stand to move up the managerial chain Whether we look at sport, business, or digital, it’s clear that women are rising to the top and setting the standard for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow

WORDS BY RACHEL GRAY

n September 2020, of men and not women. Worse yet, for messages for women. Over the last Citigroup bank a woman that does display dominance, 15 years though, athletics tracks, I appointed a female aggression, and ambition, she is often tennis courts, and football pitches CEO. Why is this unfairly dismissed as being bossy, have become the arenas for women big news? Because in doing so, hysterical, and idealistic instead. to own the conversation. While the firm became the first big Wall The disparity between men FIFA Women’s World Cup winner THE AUTHOR Street bank to do so. Barriers are and women in business was noted Megan Rapinoe made the headlines Rachel Gray is being broken down by female by the U.K. government, and in for her Twitter exchanges a passionate trailblazers in all walks of society 2016 it launched the Hampton- with U.S. President Donald and committed and even traditionally masculine Alexander review, which resulted Trump, it is the tennis stars copywriter who environments are being transformed in recommendations for FTSE of Billie-Jean King and writes for a variety of industries into more balanced ones where 350 companies to improve the Williams sisters Venus and such as lifestyle, everyone, regardless of their gender, representation of women on the boards Serena that helped to lay the women’s health, has an equal chance at success. and in leadership positions. foundations for our stars and business Gender pay disparities have been Four years on and female CEOs of tomorrow. a long-time concern, but as female on the FTSE 100 are making history. A self-proclaimed empowerment inspires a generation, One of the current female CEOs is Liv women’s rights activist, who are the people that are shaping Garfield, who runs Severn Trent. She King founded the the businesses of the future? Here, had been a CEO of a company before, Women’s Tennis we delve into three areas of society and at 44 she is the youngest CEO on Association in that women are transforming: the the FTSE 100. Another of those five 1971 and paved the way boardroom, sport, and social media. women is Carolyn McCall, the CEO of for Venus and Serena ITV. When she was appointed in 2018, to pick up the mantle. The boardroom she was the first female CEO the group And with 30 Grand Historically, the boardroom has been had ever had. Slam singles titles to a man’s playground. The imbalance In 2020 the U.K. placed 21st on their names, the duo between men and women in higher- the Global Gender Gap Index, which have carried the torch paid jobs brings the issue into focus is quite near the top, showing that since. Both women have when you consider that only five CEOs the U.K. isn’t the best but is making become role models, not in FTSE 100 groups are female. Less positive steps. For comparison, the only for their tennis skills, than one in three FTSE 100 board U.S.A. placed 58th and Ireland placed but also in management. members are women. 7th, showing that there is still work to Although Venus is not Between the FTSE 100 in the U.K. be done in the U.K. in order to follow quite ready to discard her and S&P 500 in the U.S.A., only 30 Ireland’s example. trainers and racket just yet, CEOs are women. According to The her fashion-forward activewear Conversation, one of the reasons for this Williams’ serving up range, EleVen, goes from strength is that the attributes of a leader – such an ace to strength. Serena is as equally as dominance, aggression, and ambition The field of play is not somewhere adept off the court as she is on it, – are usually stereotyped as attributes that has always sent the right with a venture capital firm and

14 BUSINESS WOMAN direct-to-consumer fashion brand groundwork in for a winning across U.K. business is on the among her business portfolios. business model. British government’s radar. In One TikTok star has taken her 2019, the government stated that Breaking from tradition exploits from the video streaming half of all FTSE 100 executive-level Every generation breeds a new app to the big screen. Addison Rae appointments in the next year must talent pool and new methods of entrepreneurialism are opening up “Every generation breeds a new avenues to success that previous generations could not tap into. The talent pool and new methods of rise of social media and its business opportunities is allowing teens to entrepreneurialism are opening up break from tradition and become avenues to success that previous societal influencers. What may have started out as a few selfies among generations could not tap into” friends has quickly become a winning formula for monetary gain. Easterling has clocked up 60 million be women in order to achieve a There’s money to be made on followers and according to Forbes, target of 33 per cent for all female social media, and lots of it. Teenager has amassed US$5m through various representation across boards in Olivia Evi Plant has thousands endorsements during the last 12 the index. This goal was met in of followers on Instagram and months. Such has been Easterling’s February. recently revealed that she earned success that she has now been cast Whether we look at sport, AUS$30,000 in one year while for a remake of 1999 teen comedy business, or digital channels, it’s still attending school. Snapping She’s All That. clear that women are rising to the up and promoting free hair and top and setting the standard for beauty products, she has put the The future the women of tomorrow. A change There is light in the future and is coming. The future projections addressing the unfair look positive and the only gender imbalance way is up.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 15 INSIGHT Lessons learned from the pandemic It’s been a tough time recently, but franchising continues to thrive for these four reasons

WORDS BY EMILY PRICE

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE ALONE IN 1 BUSINESS While many owners are struggling to make tough decisions on the future of their businesses alone, the franchising THE AUTHOR industry looks and feels very different. Emily Price is chief Don’t get me wrong, times are tough operating officer at and doors have had to close. However, the British Franchise franchise brands and their networks Association of franchisees are evolving. Strong relationships are forming and a better understanding of each other and wider business goals are being achieved. We’ve always said that when a franchisor-franchisee relationship strikes the right balance, franchising thrives. We’re confident that in the midst of the pandemic common ground has been order to be ready to serve them once propositions take both time and found and strong foundations have been again and there’s been genuine concern financial investment and as a franchisee built for the benefit of entire networks. for the well-being of franchisees and you know your franchisor will be their families to allow for the emotional bearing this pain to sustain the brand CUSTOMER FOCUS change curve to happen and for people value you invested in. This is a unique NEVER FAILS to remain motivated. scenario in business and one of the Every challenge presents an There’s no doubt franchisors are main benefits of becoming a franchisee. 2 serving their franchisees well in opportunity for businesses to step up to the plate and wow their customers these times. FRANCHISEES with how they deal with a situation. HAVE THE POWER I’ve been overwhelmed at the WHEN THE GOING 4 TO IMPACT LOCAL volume of support franchisors have GETS TOUGH, A COMMUNITIES provided to their franchisees. 3 FRANCHISOR CAN The coming together of communities, Research and development has HELP KEEP YOU GOING acts of kindness to support those in been supercharged to find new ways Franchisors have assisted with need and giving time to great causes of operating in a fraction of the time it launching new service propositions, has been publicised far and wide. usually takes to do so. In some cases, finding new markets and ensuring Don’t forget that as a franchisee there have been complete overhauls consumers feel confident enough to you’ll be a local business owner of operating models to ensure do business with their franchisees. and have the opportunity to make a franchisees can continue to trade. The post-pandemic world will be difference. For many people, this is Franchisors have worked with a very different place and it won’t be what drives them in their business. franchisees to maintain a strong a case of returning to the way of old. We have seen the gifting of food connection with their customers in Franchisees are in unique positions boxes, deliveries of emergency in that while they focus on their supplies, lobbying for local economies individual aspirations and plans for and many fundraising initiatives, “There’s no doubt the future, their franchisors will be all supported by the franchisee investing in the framework that will community. If you want to give franchisors are serving ensure they achieve them. back, you could achieve this with their franchisees well” Evolving business processes and your franchise business.

16 BUSINESS WOMAN INSIGHT Why more and more females are flocking to franchising How the franchise sphere is leading the way to encourage women to become their own bosses

WORDS BY SUZIE MCCAFFERTY

omen are currently really feels like there are simply more and tuition sectors, then we can’t be joining the franchise franchise opportunities today with a obtuse when the same is still true of industry in greater broader appeal than at any point in men in the more manually-focused W numbers than ever history. This should make it easier for man in a van sector. There’s nothing to – according to the International anyone to join the industry, but when say that this status quo can’t or won’t Franchise Association, it’s a global we see so many more business models equilibrate at some point, but I think trend. In fact, there is research to offering flexibility of working hours, most other sectors seem pretty close to THE AUTHOR Suzie McCafferty is suggest that female franchise ownership it goes a long way to helping women having equality of entry. That’s simply the CEO of Platinum in the U.S. has increased by more than break out of the unfair, but common not the case in the wider business Wave Franchising, 80 per cent since 2010, while the British norm of being the ‘second’ earner in world, though. an international, Franchise Association has reported a 20 a household, mainly due to being the Believe it or not, it’s been 50 years independent, bfa- accredited franchise per cent jump in the number of female ‘primary’ carer – whether that be of since the Equal Pay Act came into consultancy firm, franchisees since 2015, with 37 per cent children or elderly family members. being in the U.K. Basically, from that established in 2010 of all new franchisees in the last three Of course, if we happily embrace the moment on, employers were legally years being women. fact that women make up a majority of prevented from paying a woman less Even without knowing the stats, it franchisees across the children’s activity than a man for the same job. So why

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 17 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 17 INSIGHT

does the gender pay gap still exist? With the into political rants, but it does beg the Women are also thought to be more exception of this year (due to COVID-19) question: might one of the reasons open to sharing best practice and the government has been requiring British women are seeking out and embracing helping others ‘in the team’ which of companies employing more than 250 people the chance to become a franchisee be course lends itself perfectly to being the complete lack of glass ceiling? part of a franchise network. I’m sure we’ve all heard with monotonous “In our industry at A lack of glass ceiling regularity about the ‘parent and child’ least, no-one seems A cursory glance at the last 10 or so nature of the franchisor-franchisee Franchisor and Franchisee of the Year relationship? Well, perhaps women to be questioning the awards finalist lists suggests that, in our make particularly great franchisors industry at least, no-one seems to be thanks to being more naturally disposed crucial role women play questioning the crucial role women play to patience and compassion and in helping to build and in helping to build and grow businesses winning as a team, or dare I say, family? and strengthen the economy – it seems Denise Hutton-Gosney, manging grow businesses and to be a given. director and founder of Razzamataz strengthen the economy – Attending events such as Theatre Schools, says: “As a performing EWIF (Encouraging Women Into arts franchise, we have always had it seems to be a given” Franchising) and EWIB (Empowering a high proportion of women in our Women In Business), you can’t help network. What we are now increasingly but notice that the camaraderie and finding is that there is no set route from to actually publish their gender pay gap mutual encouragement that might where these women come from. information. Yet, despite campaigns by have historically been dismissed as “On one side we have incredibly women’s rights groups promoting the need ‘a bit girly’ in some quarters, is built successful, multi-territory-owning to close the gap, the results published in 2019 upon a network of incredibly skilled young women franchisees who joined showed that the gap had actually increased – and successful women. Might it be that us straight out of college and on the in fact almost 80 per cent of the U.K.’s largest women are actually inherently suited to other, we have women who have companies were still reporting a gap. franchising, and with no-one standing already had successful careers and are Anyway, I’m not normally one to drift to benefit from holding them back, choosing us because of the flexibility they flourish? and job satisfaction that we There are plenty of research papers provide. It has always been that suggest women are naturally our ethos that family and excellent in several key skill areas running a Razzamataz required in the franchise environment: franchise go hand in communication, organization, hand and that is the multi-tasking and emotional environment that we intelligence. create. For many

18 BUSINESS WOMAN women with young children or for just left, so many of the franchisees were those who are carers or who have women. You’ll be unsurprised to learn “The importance of making a busy house to run, this flexibility that up until then I was very much the the right decisions and and understanding gives them the odd one out: female franchisor, under 30, confidence to step out of their comfort and not part of a family business. working hard to achieve your zone and run a business, many for the I never thought for a second that first time.” being a girl meant there was anything I dreams has no gender bias” couldn’t do in business, but it was very franchising or to those thinking of getting International clear that a lot of people initially took involved as either a franchisor or franchisee, franchisor insight me much less seriously because of it. it would be to say: “Just do it!” There’s I’ve worked in franchising for 20 This is anything but a sob story I hasten nothing to hold you back that won’t also hold years now. I opened a refillable ink to add – I have always responded well to a man back – some businesses shouldn’t be cartridge shop in Edinburgh not long the opportunity to prove people wrong! franchised, so get the best advice you can after university – not a particularly Empowered by those 10 successful before franchising yours. Not everyone is a sexy business I’ll grant you, but a good years in franchising, and being suitable franchisee for every franchise brand, business. Customers came in and asked surrounded by lots of strong, inspiring so please choose carefully and take doing your if it was a franchise so often that I women in recruitment, I set up due diligence very seriously. The importance decided I really ought to find out what a Platinum Wave Franchising to help of making the right decisions and working franchise was. people get as much out of franchising hard to achieve your dreams has no Fast forward a few years of seriously as I had. It was just me at the beginning gender bias. hard work, taking advice, ignoring advice and I had to go out and engage with Honestly, there really hasn’t been a better (and one or two avoidable mistakes) and the industry not as a franchisor but as or more welcoming time to get involved. The I had 70 franchisees in six countries from a consultant this time. While franchise British Franchise Association has a female the Middle East to the Caribbean. consultancy was certainly mainly still CEO and COO. Many of the most respected After taking up an opportunity to full of men, I was really encouraged advisors and suppliers to the industry are exit the business, I took a big leap into to see so many more women at the women, as are many of the most successful the corporate world, where I took on a events, awards, exhibitions, and really franchisors and franchisees. national recruitment agency franchise. influencing the industry. Regardless of gender, franchising has One of the lovely things about this was If I have any words of advice or openness, mentoring, and collaboration at its finding that, in contrast to the world I’d encouragement to give to very core. One person finds a brilliant way of other women in providing a service or selling a product, and then teaches others how to do it, continues to offer support and guidance and creates a network of collaborators all working towards the same goals. Seriously, what’s not to love? business, many for the first time.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 19 WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 19 INSIGHTINSIGHT Three big reasons why small businesses fail Here are three ways to avoid your new business from being just another dismal failure stat

WORDS BY ELENA MESKHI

id you know that only and spend time as you wish but no Solution: To solve this problem we around half of small work. Alternatively take a Friday off need to flip it on its head. It might businesses survive beyond and unwind. sound illogical but it works. The first D their fifth year? And only When the time comes, enjoy it, be step in making this revolutionary shift approximately one in three make it to in the moment, hide the phone in your is to identify how much the business 10 years? bag or drawer and enjoy your well- owner personally needs to function THE AUTHOR In my years coaching entrepreneurs deserved break. It might not be easy comfortably. Do the personal budget: Elena Meskhi is a I have found there are three key to do because you will be changing rent or mortgage, food, transport, business coach and reasons why small businesses fail. I your habits, but you need to learn to entertainment. There is no need to best-selling author of want to help you get to your 10th year enjoy life again. You will notice that make cuts or sacrifices at this point, new book, Rewire Your Business For Success: and beyond, so I created these points after such breaks, you will have more but do not go crazy either. If you are the 6-step method to to help you avoid them in your own eagerness to come back to your project usually travelling by public transport increase profit and journey as a business owner. or business. You will feel rejuvenated no need to budget uber now. Let’s get reclaim your freedom and ready to get to the finish line. the real-time picture right now. BURNOUT When we start out in business “Business owners go over and above 1we are all full of anticipation and energy to get everything done. to pay suppliers, freelancers and Initially, most business owners try to save as much money as possible to get their team but leave themselves their business off the ground, and that means doing everything themselves. until last” But the issue with this belief is that it is costing them more money, stress, LACK OF CASH The second step is to get your and time and the business owner Business owners go over business finances up to date in real- consequently gets stuck in a rut and 2 and above to pay suppliers, time. Look at your monthly profit spends time chasing their own tail. freelancers and their team but leave and loss and see what’s the profit. It somehow seems to have become themselves until last. This level of Does it agree with the required trendy to talk about how busy you uncertainty causes pressure and stress, personal income you calculated in step are, and it has created a myth that the making them feel they have to chase number one? If yes, then fantastic. You busier you are the more successful the opportunities that can give them are on the right path. Now you need to you are. But it is definitely a myth. a little bit more income just to make train yourself to pay yourself first by Being busy is a direct path to burnout, the end of the month less stressful on your business. depression and apathy. Solution: Get their finances. If not, congratulations that you your priorities right. Nine out of 10 There is a whole mindset that many come this far. Do you have any eye- entrepreneurs started their business business owners have regarding things opening discoveries at this stage? to get their freedom back and had like this that they have to wait until While you are thinking about it, let me planned what to do with it. How would they have built reserves in their bank give you a few ideas on what to do in you like to spend your free time? Get before they can start to think cases where your required personal your calendar, and book that “me” about paying themselves, let alone income is not met by your business. time or “with family” time before you investing. They believe that “it will First of all, you need to review your plan that busy week ahead of you. It come one day” and they continue to business model: profit margin of your does not have to be any particular power through with minimal income. business, terms of payments you offer length of time. It can be finishing the Let me tell you, the day will not come to your customers – this is to increase workday early – say 15:00 – unless you make it happen. cash coming into your business.

20 BUSINESS WOMAN The next thing to review is the expenses This is the problem I hear frequently Solution: Think about those questions: you have in your business – how fast do you from new enquiries. Now, when we have How does your business look when it is pay your suppliers, do you use the time they a new client this is the very first exercise built? What do you really aim for? I’m not allow you not to pay their invoice? Do you we do – we spend around half a day or talking about the mission of eradicating recognise all expenses in your profit and day together and talk about their vision: human hunger by serving freshly grounded loss? Are there any old subscriptions, or what they would like to achieve by running coffee in your coffee shop, or creating an other expenses you no longer need? their business. Once you get back to extra volume of oxygen by doing landscape The regular review of those saves thinking about that you might have a lot of design for your company. I’m talking about business owners a very considerable epiphanies and your excitement will start your goal: how many coffee shops? How big amount of profit. When you have the returning to you. It is a good checkpoint is your team? What customers do you want income in your business account, you to understand if your business really will to serve? How often will you personally go then pay yourself first, with the remaining take you towards your vision, or if you are on holidays? amount in your business account for drifting away from it. Draw out your goals and your pictures, the suppliers, the staff, and knowing the you may not be putting it on your website remaining amounts that can be reinvested or discussing it with your team, but you into training, business growth, and should do it for yourself to ensure that your investment. business and your own life are moving in the same direction. NO VISION I hope these solutions help you on Business owners get tired, your journey as a small business 3 inspiration fades away and the owner, and will ultimately help you results no longer make them happy. to get to the 10-year anniversary By constantly chasing the horizon, of your business with joy and many business owners realise that happiness, expecting the next 10 the horizon always stays at the years to be enjoyable, too. There same distance, and this leads to are many ups and downs in resentment, fatigue and emptiness. business, but having some of With such a mood there is no these steps in place, it can be desire to carry on the business. an enjoyable rollercoaster for you to ride on.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 21 FEATURE

“THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE HAS CHANGED FOREVER”

From the rise of ‘Zutors’ to ‘pandemic pods’ – how has the coronavirus pandemic changed the way we deliver learning to our children?

WORDS BY AMANDA PETERS

he coronavirus pandemic has be starting the new school year having revealed a painful truth for a lost a third of the expected progress in T lot of parents: that they are reading and half the expected progress in perhaps not the best teachers. mathematics, while some are expected to And even if some are, it is a tough road lose the equivalent of a full academic year. ahead trying to balance work while also As a parent, you want what’s best being full-time childcare providers and for your children. However, home-school teachers. depending on how the Being faced with school and day-care pods are set up, closures for the past six months and with they can the new school year involving some amount of remote learning, parents are looking at other ways to make sure their children do not completely miss out on education. In addition to the surge in private tutoring, one such way that has especially taken the U.S. by storm, and is now spreading globally, is the formation of ‘microschools’ or ‘pandemic pods’. In order for families to feel safe while catering to their children’s academic and social needs, these pandemic pods involve groups of three to 10 students learning together in homes or in a separate space under the tutelage of a hired teacher while their parents work.

What’s best for the children Given these unprecedented times, pods provide families with a schooling option that feels safe. In addition, online learning can be tough for some children. Thus, the extra help that pods provide, in theory, are a way for children to maximise their learning on those online school days. A non-profit organisation, NWEA’s research predicts the average student will

22 BUSINESS WOMAN be a pricey affair, not to mention they’re Satisfying everyone’s agendas THE AUTHOR complicated to organise and self-selecting. Apart from widening the education Amanda Peters is a staff writer for For instance, the founder of a gap, pods come with their fair share of What Franchise and matchmaking service to connect families disadvantages, especially when it comes Global Franchise with tutors or ‘Zutors’ (a word she’s in to organisation. Katz, who saw a massive the process of trademarking), Elyssa demand at the start of the pandemic, Katz, charges approximately $800 for pointed out that for these pods to work they her services: “That’s just the service fee need to consist of children and parents with This is because, since the onset of the because it’s a very curated search. And similar mindsets and learning styles. She crisis, many educators were initially looking then the Zutor’s fees usually start around says: “I was probably shooting myself in the at dollar signs of how much they could $25 an hour and up.” foot but I suggested that parents wait until make while parents were looking at it This solution is most popular among school started to see how their kids did on from the point of view of how much they families of privilege and is likely to worsen Zoom and then make the decision to find a could save, without taking into account the educational gap. Zutor if they needed it.” each child’s needs, causing it to be an According to data by McKinsey and overwhelming process for all involved. Company, low-income black and Hispanic “Many of these pods have disbanded students and language minority families now,” clarifies Katz. “Thus, when I have a are predicted to experience a greater “From initially being a request for a pod with multiple parents who loss as they are locked out of expensive means to supplement have their own agendas, I suggest there be a avenues to help their children. The pod leader to convey requirements. analysis highlights only 60 per cent of the national curriculum, low-income students logged into online instruction compared with 90 per cent of tutoring businesses are high-income students. seeing their services However, since the pandemic started Katz states that it’s not just the rich and needed in recent times famous that seek to enlist her services but also everyday parents looking for childcare to pick up the slack while they work. “My concierge services that school closures are at a higher price point than typically just hiring a tutor for one hour. And while have caused” sometimes families will choose not to use me as the price point doesn’t work for them, but I’ve continued to have hundreds that it does work for,” she explains.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 23 FEATURE

“It is important that parents are on the same page; not just about their kids but “Given these unprecedented times, financially, as well as making sure all the pandemic pods provide families with a children are independent enough to be able to handle it. I’ve seen where one child schooling option that feels safe” is more challenging, so then the tutor ends up paying more attention to them can afford it, but those from different socio- A changing educational and the rest of the parents are upset.” economic backgrounds. I am working with a landscape Since June, Katz and her team have bunch of nonprofits to pair my Zutors with With schools shutting down due thoroughly vetted thousands of tutor kids that need help. to the crisis, the role of the tutor or candidates, running background and “I don’t know where this will go but I summer school has changed. From reference checks, before adding them to want to be able to help everybody. This initially being a means to provide her pool of Zutors. “When parents reach should not be something that only the specialist revision sessions or out we find out what they are struggling financially able have access to but all supplement the national curriculum, with first, and I look at the dynamic of families that need it.” these businesses are seeing their the family. These calls usually last 30 Milner points at the National Tutoring services needed to pick up the slack minutes to an hour and once I have a very Programme (NTP): “It is a great way of that school closures have caused. good picture of what is happening with lessening educational inequality. Tutor And it is not just businesses, this the family, I then turn to my pool of very Doctor is proud to be involved in the NTP, knowledge gap has been recognised by talented Zutors,” explains Katz. bidding to support students across the U.K. the Department of Education too. For We work with many schools across all of instance, in the U.K., the government The goal is to give our operating countries to provide tutoring has announced £1bn funding for everyone access to students who are underprivileged. students catching up, which includes a When the COVID-19 pandemic sent “Group tutoring is also a great way to one-off payment of £650m for the next countries into lockdown, tutoring franchise reduce the cost of tutoring. Parents can academic year, with school allocations Tutor Doctor saw a 120 per cent increase form their own tutoring pods or work with counted on a per-pupil basis. in demand for its services globally within the school to build a group of students that However, with the academic year the first week. “Our worldwide network need extra support. The fee is then divided just starting, no one knows how of franchisees was forced to move from by the number of participants, meaning that effective these plans will be in keeping in-home to online tutoring during this the cost-per-student is significantly lower up grades. period. Today, we’re currently tutoring than individual tutoring options. Students more students online than ever before in group tutoring environments still receive in one-to-one and small group learning great quality support whilst receiving the environments,” says Tutor Doctor’s added benefits of peer interaction, president, Frank Milner. group discussion and peer- Although the brand’s bespoke online to-peer support.” learning platform was introduced in 2018, the move to virtual not only makes it more accessible but allows for personalised, one-to-one tuition, adding to the overall learning experience. For instance, in an online session, the tutor sends the student a link to their online learning space, which is where they meet for each session. They can speak to and see each other, alongside having access to a shared virtual whiteboard to write, illustrate and share images throughout the session. These features allow for an online session to be just like an in-person session. “Online sessions have the added bonus of being recorded and emailed to the student’s parent or guardian so the student can access the session recording for review or to study for a test,” explains Milner. With the widespread demand, Katz is making Zutor globally accessible in the coming months with a new website. She says: “My goal is to scale and to give everybody access; not just to people who

24 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 25

TRAINING & SUPPORT SETTING YOU UP FOR SUCCESS... CONTACT US Your Miss Milles journey TODAY WE LOOK starts with our robust training programme. This FORWARD TO supports new partners and HEARING franchisees from their start up to the maintenance of FROM YOU... their store. Email: FLEXIBLE ON [email protected] A GAP IN THE ANY SCALE We will help you realise your www.missmillies.co.uk MARKET! ambition with our dedicated franchise team. Our model Miss Millie’s specialise in enables you to create affordable premium multiple Miss Millie’s sites in products at a time when an expanding territory. consumer tastes are evolving towards greater FRANCHISE COSTS quality, differentiation BREAKING and trust. There is scope IT DOWN... for a quality national We have made the Quick Service Restaurant franchise package as (QSR) brand to emerge affordable as possible. Judge the across the UK and value we offer versus become a ‘disrupter’ competitors, many of against the large PLC whom charge up to brands – Miss Millies three times as much! INSIGHTFEATURE

How the coronavirus pandemic has affected women’s careers COVID-19 has laid bare the shortcomings of our society. However, for a successful economic recovery, it’s not just about getting people back to work but making sure that diversity and inclusion efforts take centre stage

WORDS BY AMANDA PETERS

es, the coronavirus pandemic Sage committee, told The Guardian that he has impacted everyone, but suspects that the rise is due to the jobs that not equally. For instance, women hold, such as in retail or hospitality. Y when it comes to careers This has left them open to contracting the and employment, the plain truth is that infection as people become lax around women are facing the raw end of the coronavirus safety and distancing guidelines. deal, and the numbers back it up. At the same time, there is no direct evidence According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor to link it to schools reopening. Statistics’ report, 11.2 per cent of women over the age of 20 were unemployed in Vulnerable groups June versus 10.1 per cent of men in that The picture isn’t good for black same age group. women or Latinas, either. In fact, NWLC Although the Labor Department stated It is not just these sectors as a whole data showed that 14 per cent of black that a record number of 4.8 million jobs but women are losing their jobs at a women over 20 and 15.3 per cent of were added to the economy in June, the disproportionately higher rate than men who Latinas were unemployed in June. The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) work in the same field. Take education and silver lining is that these numbers are confirmed that many women were being health services: women account for 77 per lower than what was recorded in May, left out of the economic rebound. Its cent of the workforce, but 83 per cent of job but they are still far higher than June’s data found that only one in three of the losses, while in retail make up 48 per cent of unemployment rate for white 12.1 million women’s jobs lost between the workforce but account for 61 per cent of men, which was nine per cent. February and April had returned. job losses, according to NWLC’s May report. Industry disadvantage Employed: to be or not to be This can be attributed to the sectors in Across the pond, things are not looking up which women primarily hold jobs, such for women either. As the second wave of as in retail or the service sector, which COVID-19 hits the U.K., the latest data from have been disproportionately hit by the COVID-19 Clinical Information Network the pandemic. – or Co-Cin – which provides weekly updates “In leisure, hospitality, education, on the disease to the Department of Health health care and retail – the sectors that and Social Care, has found that there is a big are getting hit the hardest – women are rise in the number of women aged 20 to 40 the ones who are falling victim to the admitted to hospital for serious coronavirus first massive waves of this economic infections since the beginning of August. The second worry is that while economies crisis,” said Emily Martin, vice president Calum Semple, professor of child around the world have begun to open for education and workplace justice at health and outbreak medicine at Liverpool back up, causing spikes in certain regions NWLC, in a statement to CNBC. University and a member of the government’s or even second waves in some countries,

26 BUSINESS WOMAN jobs that had been brought back in June, life, especially after becoming full- run our own business but we also especially in the hospitality and service time childcare providers and home- have the support of our franchisors, sectors, are vulnerable to being lost again. school teachers during the pandemic, so we aren’t on our own, we have a franchising has proved to be the silver good support network,” said Rachael Addressing the elephant in lining in these unprecedented times. and Colman Coyne, Not Just Travel the room For example, a sector hard hit has Jetset franchisees. The duo has run their Unique to this crisis, compared to other been health and beauty. And while successful franchise business for seven recessions, is the shutting down of the many were forced to close their doors years and became mentors to dozens caregiving infrastructure. While schools for about three months in the U.K., of Not Just Travel consultants, helping and day-care centers closed, working never to open again, international hair others on their entrepreneurial journey. mothers faced the added pressure salon franchise Just Cuts, although Zoe McKibbin, franchise owner of of round-the-clock childcare during delayed, has opened new stores in Razzamataz Edinburgh and Razzamataz lockdown. According to business strategy the country. Glasgow South, seconds that opinion: adviser Boston Consulting Group, they David Mathie, Just Cuts UK general “I truly believe that without the support were taking on 15 more hours of domestic manager, said: “Even when taking into of the head office, when COVID-19 hit, labour weekly. account the enforced three-month I would have closed down because I With women taking on a majority of closure period due to the COVID-19 would have just been overwhelmed with the caregiving responsibilities, the lack of pandemic, all of our salons are thriving. everything that we had to do. I have childcare and flexibility has caused them So much so that there were record friends who run their own independent to choose between their jobs and families, downloads of the Just Cuts app when theatre or dance schools and which will have long-term repercussions. salons were allowed to open again they felt really lost during COVID. A major concern here is that with on July 4.” “The benefits of being part governments’ back-to-office campaigns, The benefits brought of the Razzamataz franchise women are at risk of being pushed out of about from having a has really shone through the workforce. A survey for the Trades franchisor are even during the last six Union Congress revealed that two in five more apparent months. They mothers in the U.K. were struggling to find now. “In some give you the childcare under the new circumstances. ways, we have information been really in really Light at the end of the tunnel lucky as we simple, Although many working parents have already work digestible struggled to balance work and home from home, we formats

“Although many working parents have struggled to balance work and home life, especially after becoming full-time childcare providers and home-school teachers during the pandemic, franchising has proved to be the silver lining in these THE AUTHOR unprecedented times” Tim Harris is chief executive of Franchise Brands

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 27 INSIGHT

and they never overwhelm you.” A necessity, not a luxury April’s job losses And it’s not just existing While many are taking matters into franchisees that are reaping their own hands and forging their erased a decade of the benefits. For those made own paths, the coronavirus has job gains for women redundant or furloughed during laid bare the shortcomings of our the pandemic, but always aspired society, be it regarding gender or Between the end of the Great to have a better work-life balance, race. As global economies adjust to Recession in July 2010 and the start of the COVID-19 crisis in February have taken that leap of faith to the ‘new normal’ and begin to open 2020, women gained 11.1 million jobs. become their own boss but under back up, it’s not just about getting the safety net of a franchisor. In April 2020, the entirety of those people back to work; rather, for gains was wiped out. By comparison, For instance, the virtual agency a successful recovery, businesses men gained 10.8 million jobs between franchise Get Ahead VA recently need to also focus on their July 2010 and February 2020 and saw welcomed new franchisees who diversity and inclusion efforts, 85 per cent of those gains wiped out were placed on furlough at the that includes taking into account in April 2020. start of the pandemic. the needs of women. Source: National Women’s Law For Essex businesswoman Sarah Center May fact sheet Yandell, being placed on furlough THE AUTHOR offered her a chance to pause Amanda Peters is and reflect. After many years of a staff writer for commuting and managing business What Franchise and teams, she wanted to work flexibly Global Franchise and from home, yet still feel a part of something. During her search, she discovered Get Ahead VA on what-franchise.com and it ticked all her boxes. Sarah said: “I have worked in the travel industry for 30 years and absolutely loved it. But it was clear that travel was going to take some time to recover from COVID-19. I really wanted to work flexibly and locally, but I also wanted to feel part of a team and not just ‘go it alone’. “Becoming a Get Ahead VA franchisee enables me to have the flexibility I wanted by working for myself but also be part of the wider team, with access to the fantastic experience of our virtual assistants.”

28 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 29 INTERVIEW

“We’ve all got to get on with it now” Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, talks to Business Woman about the current business environment and what the future holds

he COVID-19 crisis has science or regulations are introduced. materials as they have come out. consumed the nation Helping people to navigate furloughs, We’ve held daily Lunch & Learn since the outbreak grants, and the support on offer for the events on a range of topics, from T of the virus earlier self-employed has been a full-time job. diversifying to how to introduce this year. How have U.K. small We’re working with the Department for ecommerce and deliver inspiration. businesses fared during this time? Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy We’ve also developed a detailed To say it’s been a challenge would be an on a new initiative called Recovery Advice ecommerce offering in conjunction understatement. I can’t think of a single for Business, which has seen thousands with Amazon called the Amazon Small business that has not been affected in of advisers offer an hour a month of free Business Accelerator. It’s free to use some way. one-to-one support to small businesses. and full of practical tips, from finance Now we are getting back to trading, we’re It’s easy to access and will be available to building a website. going to begin to get a clearer view of the until the new year. real impact of the pandemic. But there have How significantly has the been some really upbeat stories and many What more can be done business landscape changed businesses have upped their game, changed to help small businesses because of COVID-19? their model and will probably never be the struggling to survive? Only time will tell. Come back and ask same again – in a good way. To coin a phrase: we’ve all got to get me in two years’ time. The uptake in digital skills and tools on with it now. The government does It’s going to be tough for some and we is something we’ve been gently trying not have endless coffers and to a must all do what we can to support small to support businesses through for many certain extent we’re all nervous about firms, whether it’s Eat Out to Help Out, years. It’s taken a pandemic to demonstrate the consequences of overburdening buying local, or taking a staycation. We’ve exactly how important digital tools can be and the taxpayer. all got to do our bit. for many the uptake will lead to efficiencies What we need to maintain is a healthy One thing we’re all now crystal clear and longer-term gains such as productivity. respect for small firms and the work on is the health of the hospitality sector that they do. Seeing the government is intrinsic to our economy. Going out for How would you rate the demonstrate that it understands as well dinner cannot be seen as just propping up government’s response and its as supports the hard work entrepreneurs your local eatery, it’s supporting our local support for small businesses play in our communities is vital. economic ecosystem. during the crisis? This has been a new experience for us all – How has Enterprise Nation Are there any lessons businesses including the government. helped its members who can learn as a result of the crisis? At Enterprise Nation, we’ve spent a lot were in need of expert advice We’ve all learned something, even if it of time helping small firms to decipher the and support? feels like we’re getting back to normal. changing advice and guidelines and we’ve We’ve been regularly publishing and The most obvious trend is that all got used to quickly adapting as new analysing updated regulations and businesses now understand they must be ready with digital tools to be able to continue to reach their customers safely. “What we need to maintain is a The other thing we will see more of is people starting a business as a side hustle in healthy respect for small firms order to have something more to fall back on. With the jobs market looking uncertain, and the work that they do” having a money making enterprise that’s flexible will be the new normal.

30 BUSINESS WOMAN What advice would you give What are the key ingredients Women have been running their own someone considering starting for success as a small businesses for decades. You’ve only their own business? business owner? got to look at Dame Stephanie Shirley, Do it. There are many examples of Resilience – don’t take it personally and who set up a female-only tech firm businesses started during a recession learn to embrace the knocks. in the 1960s, making many of them that have become strong and successful Energy – bouncing back and working millionaires as a result. because they learned important hard is vital. Women are brilliant at starting up. lessons, like bootstrapping and Confidence – if you’re confident, They also value and understand the growing organically at an early stage. you’re 99 per cent there. importance of a work-life balance. For They learned to hustle, many women, I’d say take a step back and beg, and borrow. These are Why do you think a growing consider how you can grow and build on important skills for self-starters number of women are starting all that hard work. Don’t be afraid to take in this environment. their own businesses advice and bring on board finance. and do you have any words of Predictions are always encouragement difficult to make, but what for women are the prospects for U.K. considering small businesses in the next becoming 12 months? their own Good. Small firms are busy adapting. boss? There will be some winners and losers, but those that have continued to access support and adapt will be the winners.

Get to know… Emma Jones

Which one business person do you admire most and why? There isn’t just one. I admire every person who steps out to start and grow their own business. That’s a lot of people.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? That growing a strong and sustainable business takes time.

Greatest sacrifice you’ve made to get where you are? I don’t see it as making a sacrifice. It’s more following your vision and putting in the commitment that this involves. For me, that’s been quite a bit of commitment, which has not left space for much else, but I don’t see it as a sacrifice. Others might.

Proudest achievement? It will be when we have a perfectly functioning business support marketplace. We’re not quite there yet.

What advice would you give a younger you? You can’t build it all on your own.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 31 FEATURE

MEET MARTHA MATILDA HARPER, THE WOMAN WHO PIONEERED INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISING BACK IN 1891 How a poor Canadian house servant created an international franchise network, while her social entrepreneurial ethos paved the way for marginalised groups to succeed

WORDS BY JANE R. PLITT

32 BUSINESS WOMAN "Having overcome a horrid childhood of servitude from the time she was seven, Harper was well aware of the limited legal, social and educational options available to her as a poor woman”

women in 1888: she could remain a positive way to change these women’s servant or she could empower herself lives, which had been as miserable as – and ultimately others – by entering hers, but also a way to assure their the business world. No attractive loyalty. In a time when there were no options existed. Running a boarding computers, Zoom meetings, faxes, or house, taking in washing, and working any form of instant communications, in a factory were no better than being Harper created a world workforce THE AUTHOR a maid. Having overcome a horrid that, once trained, would carry out Jane R. Plitt is childhood of servitude from the her Method consistently. This thereby a prize-winning time she was seven, Harper was well assured customers the high Harper businesswoman, and aware of the limited legal, social and standards would be maintained currently a visiting scholar/lecturer educational options available to her as throughout the world. It also meant at the University a poor woman. Instead, she pioneered her franchisees – known as Harperites of Rochester and oday’s surge of women a new option. She capitalised on her – would willingly go to wherever biographer of Martha and immigrants entering Rapunzel-like floor-length hair, the Harper assigned them. Matilda Harper. Her books include the franchising world proprietary hair tonic formula she had T Martha Matilda has its roots in the been bequeathed, and her well-honed Harper's influence Harper and the original creation of modern day retail ability to please. on franchising American Dream: franchising. Martha Matilda Harper, a Her concept was a public hair Today, women and immigrants often How One Woman Changed the poor Canadian servant woman bound parlor for women, which was a find themselves seeking a career where Face of Modern into servitude for 25 years, dared to concept not heard of in the Victorian they can financially succeed and not Business, Martha leave Canada for Rochester, NY, where Age. To succeed, Harper realised endure current pay disparities because the Hairpreneur, she would go on to create a franchise she needed an innovative vision and of their gender or background. They and Martha’s network in 1891. creative marketing. She is credited may have family obligations and want a Magical Hair Ultimately, she would grow her with inventing the first reclining more flexible work environment. They concept into a 500-plus world network shampoo chair with a cutout sink have creative ideas and energy that are of Harper Method shops catering to that allowed customer’s necks to being ignored or stifled. Like Harper, healthy hair and skin care for men more comfortably rest. As a result, they seek an entrepreneurial outlet. and women. British royalty and even Harper assured her new customers Franchising, with its proven model George Bernard Shaw were part of her a pleasurable experience. Instead of success, established branding, loyal clientele. of soap in their eyes, her customers supportive environment, and even the Several revealing factors link were treated to a relaxing and possibility of building a business legacy Harper’s efforts and success to today’s memorable experience. Brilliantly, is attracting immigrants and women emergence of female and immigrant her efforts created buzz and attracted in significant numbers. 41 per cent of franchising ownership. They include: others to try the Harper concept. new franchisees in the last two years When out-of-town women are women. They account for nearly 30 • Limited options and financial experienced the Harper Method, per cent of franchise ownership with resources they wanted Harper shops in their between nine-to-17 per cent co-owned • The desire to break loose and prove communities. Bertha Palmer of the by a woman. This is a big jump from the one’s worth Palmer House fame was particularly general business world, when in 2007, • A structured system to succeed demanding, insisting Harper locate a 20 per cent were female-owned. and compete Harper shop in Chicago in time for the Looking at top leadership in the • Ability to delight customers Columbian World Exposition there. Fortune 500, 95 per cent of CEOs • Determination That was when Harper was forced are men. Sue and Gemma Tumelty’s • Loyalty to come up with a doable business story of choosing a logo for The HR expansion model. Bank financing was Depot, a new franchise, speaks to Unfortunately, Harper’s lessons had out of the question, as was venture the fundamental belief in women’s to be relearned because her success capital. Instead, Harper conceived potential. “It was the colours of the was buried until recently. All of us, franchising and simultaneously suffragettes, women’s equality and especially women and immigrants, can pioneered social entrepreneurship liberation,” says Gemma. “That’s very learn from her strategic innovations. since she would only allow fellow poor much the ethos that I’ve been brought Harper had few options when she women to own Harper franchises. up with: women can do anything men launched her first hair parlor for This assured Harper of both a can do.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 33 FEATURE

Harper’s ten Foreign-born citizens are creating Similarly, women and immigrants businesses in record numbers. They are seizing opportunities to provide commandments make up about 14 per cent of the U.S. distinctive approaches in childcare, of business population, but 49 per cent of fastest health, or food services that resonate growing businesses have an immigrant with their core understanding of success co-founder/owner. Often immigrants market potential. 1 Dare to dream and persevere speak multiple languages, encouraging As our world meets new challenges, 2 Seize opportunity their brains to think creatively for we should be open to the changes 3 Capitalise on your assets multiple solutions. The success of these women and immigrants will 4 Delight the customer EuroCarParts, which was launched bring to their operations. They will 5 Make customers your by Ugandan refugee Sukhpal Singh bring different cultural and operational marketing agents Ahluwalia and sold for £280m in 2011, styles. It is said that women often 6 Think outside the box reflects the fundamentals of why are more able to balance multiple 7 Develop win–win strategies women and immigrants are succeeding priorities, pulling on both the right 8 Lead and brand in franchising. Ahluwalia said: “When and left side of their brains, something 9 Listen to and reward staff you’ve fled for your life across the essential for successful entrepreneurs. 10 Celebrate your achievements world to be safe, I think you feel like Networking likely will be expanded you have a lot less to lose later in life, and cultivation of team thinking and and maybe you don’t fear things in the support will prevail. Because their Perhaps women and immigrant same way as others. I learned from my upbringing has been different, they may franchisors will bring a broader mother and father that resilience and be more able to think outside the box societal perspective about success. decision-making that it takes to survive and in many ways be more innovative. Nearly 100 years ago in 1928, Harper in life-threatening situations, gave me Their operations may generate more identified the great achievement of the tenacity, appetite and drive to make loyalty as Harper’s did because they the Harper Empire, saying: “I believe something of myself.” include others in decision-making. that the great achievement of the Harper encouraged customers to bring Harper Method does not consist Distinctive approaches children into the Harper shops, where of the large number of our shops – Various analysts suggest that because they could play while their parents were though the sun never sets on them. franchising is expanding into new groomed. Harper believed it was both It is not counted by the daily dollars spheres like travel and hospitality, a practical solution to keep parents our cash registers record. It does advertising and sales, child services, coming, but also cultivated future not rest on the scientific perfection this explains why more women and Harper customers by delighting them at of our treatments and our formulae, immigrants are entering franchising. early ages. Today, the issue of childcare or wholly in the service we give. The I disagree. Harper entered the beauty remains a key need for families. great achievement of the Harper world because it was an Method is the women it has made.” open arena that men Since we face new political realities, had not yet entered, health crises, and ongoing inequitable and she could launch treatment of people, we would be wise her new concept to embrace these different franchising of public hair care. entrepreneurs who may value both monetary success and social impact. However, unlike Harper, whose model was buried, it would be wise for the business schools and publications to learn from and credit women and immigrants’ achievements, while showcasing new faces with new approaches to succeed.

34 BUSINESS WOMAN INSIGHT THE POWER OF OHANA ‘Ohana’ – Hawaiian for family – is an important attribute of this coworking franchise organisation, which is seeing more and more couples running their own businesses

WORDS BY ANDREA PIRROTTI-DRANCHAK

hile the COVID-19 on our franchise candidates’ faces The case for coworking pandemic tears at the how important culture is and whether I joined Office Evolution in 2018 W fabric of our everyday a connection is made. Did they lean because I have a passion for the lives, it cannot and forward? Did they nod their head in coworking/space-as-a-service category. won’t stop the power of our ‘Ohana’ agreement? Did their eyes light up? I have run sales, marketing and advisory (Hawaiian for family). This strength is Our core values are rooted around services for more than 900 of these THE AUTHOR born from the incredible community five areas: respect, Ohana, win-win, locations across 65 countries. I was Andrea Pirrotti- of franchisees who were introduced to ownership, and authenticity. The elated when introduced to the concept. Dranchak serves as our core values from day one. culmination of these core values is found There was something incredibly chief marketing and We know first impressions matter; in our rally cry: “Dreamers, Risk-Takers different about this group and I wanted development officer for both franchise and for our prospective franchisees, and Doers. Inspired Here”. This Ohana of to be a part of the movement. I was development and they are invited to embrace our Dreamers, Risk-Takers and Doers (DRTD) floored by the caliber of the Ohana, brand at Office culture right away. In fact, during are comprised of our franchise owners including the franchisees and their Evolution our Join the Ohana Day (known as and members who share the same profile members and our team members in the ‘Discovery Day’ for most other – business leaders who are small business the corporate office. And, I thought the franchise organisations), our CEO, owners and remote workers. They are niche that Office Evolution owns in the Mark Hemmeter, reads our core value rooted in the community, want safe and category, as the only national network statement from beginning to end. As affordable workspace close to home and of locally-operated workspace close to we sit around the table (now done via draw inspiration from each other and the home, is unique with high barriers Zoom) we can see from the expression spaces they are in. for replication.

“The team set out to start a business together that could help them not just support local entrepreneurs, but become a pillar in their business community”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 35 INSIGHT

Each Office Evolution location is owned by a passionate and dedicated “The intersection of franchising franchisee who lives and works in and coworking has the unique the same community their location serves. Our franchisees come opportunity to help business people from a wide variety of different backgrounds, experiences, and on both sides of the equation win” communities, and our model allows them to combine their expertise I had one of the National Soccer league play. My to create these knowledgeable and best site tours ever daughter and I toured their location and strong ownership groups. with Mark Gottlieb when we arrived at the kitchen, Kelly and Jackie Blyth- made my daughter a gourmet hot cocoa. Perfect for power couples Gottlieb, who recently I imagined then the incredible care Many of our franchisees are purchased a building they must take with their members. I what we call husband-and-wife for their Office learned that both Kelly and Michael had “power couples”. These dynamic Evolution location in experience working at higher education duos often come from corporate Roswell, GA. While institutions in finance, with Michael backgrounds or have previous sitting in the third eventually starting his own student entrepreneurial experience, which Mark Gottlieb and row of a minivan, I loan company. Having prior business provides them with the business Jackie Blyth-Gottlieb quickly learned that experience, Michael was drawn to Office acumen to run a successful Office they are both avid and Evolution’s model and he and Kelly Evolution location but also provide competitive tennis players, quickly became members of our Ohana. their members with the necessary family oriented with a love for cars. That Both worked hard to bring about tools and resources to help them resonates with me! We also explored the their first location, and upon opening, connect, innovate and thrive. passion they had for the Office Evolution they committed to learning the Scott, Cindy, model which was a perfect extension business from the inside, working as and Katie Baroway of their career backgrounds. Mark is a joint business centre managers for the own three Office commercial real estate developer with first eight months before ultimately Evolutions in experience developing over 100 CVS hiring someone on full time. Their Colorado. I had pharmacy locations over the past 25 prior experience with finance, coupled the pleasure of years, while Jackie is a marketing and with their dedication to running a being driven to the technology professional. successful business to help bolster airport by Cindy The team set out to start a business their local community, has made them during one of my together that could help them not an integral part of growing our brand. visits, which gave just support local entrepreneurs, As demand for accessible, safe, me an opportunity Scott, Cindy and but become a pillar in their business and affordable workspace close to Katie Baroway to learn more community. They realised Office home continues to rise, our brand is about her family’s Evolution was for them after seeing poised to continue our remarkable inspiring ownership the support the corporate office and growth trajectory. The intersection story. Cindy is incredibly active in franchisees provide to each other, a of franchising and coworking has the their local community through her sentiment that has only strengthened unique opportunity to help business nonprofit work, as well as being during the pandemic. The duo have people on both sides of the equation involved with the local Chamber utilised their prowess to further win. And, that makes for a great day of Commerce and several business expand the Office Evolution presence at work. associations. Scott owned his own in the greater Atlanta market and we building and rented office space to are eager to see the success they will local attorneys prior to becoming have at their Roswell location. involved with Office Evolution, so Another perfect he was familiar with the coworking example of what makes concept. The duo combined to utilize Office Evolution such their collective networking skills and a special franchise drive to help others to open their is Michael and Kelly first Office Evolution location. This Wielgus, who are duo become a trio when they decided committed to opening to bring their daughter onboard to five locations in the handle the marketing, technology Jacksonville area. I had and operations. They combined a chance to meet this their individual skillsets to create a dynamic duo while strong family ownership group that visiting Jacksonville Mike and Kelly Wielgus delivers outstanding services to their with my daughter Park Row Blvd Suite local communities. to see the Women’s

36 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 09/10/2020 09:04 Page 37 INTERVIEW

“I didn’t write a business plan or set out to create an internationally franchised brand” Kimberlee Perry, CEO and founder of ((BOUNCE)), talks inclusivity, joy through exercise, and helming an international trampolining franchise

hat are your views on fitness and how does ((BOUNCE)) play W into that? Fitness has always been part of my life – I grew up dancing and swimming as a child, playing netball at school, and then going to the gym as an adult. Despite a lifetime of exercise, maintaining my fitness would occasionally feel like a chore. When you’re alone at the gym it can be hard to feel motivated and equate exercise with joy. I think it’s essential to make exercise fun, sociable, friendly and inclusive so that it no longer feels like a slog. ((BOUNCE)) revolves around this concept, and we meet the needs of elderly consumers, new parents and working professionals alike.

What was it like starting the business in the U.K.? Funnily enough, I never set out to start a business – let alone a franchise business. I

38 BUSINESS WOMAN left my job in events five years ago after a frustrating period and decided I wanted to pursue my passion for dance and aerobics. What is now ((BOUNCE)) is a by-product of this passion. I didn’t write a business plan or set out to create an internationally franchised brand, but what I was able to do was see that my vision for a more inclusive fitness experience had scale and, most importantly, demand.

Why indoor trampolining and not a regular gym? The atmosphere in your average gym is the opposite of what we try to achieve at ((BOUNCE)). It’s very solitary – it’s just you, the machine, and the much-fabled ‘zone’. You don’t have the support or motivation from other class members, and this can add barriers to enjoying fitness. When I started ((BOUNCE)), I knew I needed to stand out in the over-saturated fitness market. This is where the idea of using a trampoline came from – they’re so simple to use and are the epitome of fun when you’re young. We work hard to recreate these childhood memories during our classes: our attendees are encouraged to not take themselves too seriously. With us, exercise is framed as a positive experience and it’s little “My goal in 2019 was to help recreate wonder that 86 per cent of our attendees come because they enjoy the feel-good factor. what we did for new mothers

How did the franchise model help with vulnerable women or people you expand the brand? The shift to using a franchise model struggling with mental health and this came during a really pivotal moment for ((BOUNCE)). I was teaching 12 fully-booked is still my aim for 2020 and beyond” classes a week across four studios in Essex and knew that I either needed to bring in you are just a fad and you need to convince my passion for dance and aerobics, and I’ve more staff or prepare for competitors to copy customers to stay with you long enough to never lost sight of that. Although I now have my business model. see results. lots of different business and management This is when I explored the franchise This is a constant focal area for us: gaining priorities, I always carve out time to teach a model and got in contact with a franchising buy-in and getting results for more and more class now and then – the thrill of it will law firm to draft the documents I needed customers. Every day, we are looking to build never wear off. to license my business and brand to our client base and spread the ((BOUNCE)) other people. Over the next six months, I message. It’s an ongoing work in progress, developed what my brand would look like, patented the name and created manuals but we’re delighted that over 40,000 people for each franchisee. It was such a big bounce with us every month. moment for us – it helped finalise the brand and developed what is now a 350-plus Are there any plans for more studio business. studios in the U.K.? Always! Our talent team is constantly on the What were some of the major lookout for new instructors and franchisees. challenges you faced? It’s a major part of our growth strategy and we In the early days, we didn’t have the brand are always focused on opening new studios. awareness or name recognition we have today. We had to get in front of people and Your favourite part about the job? show our benefits and USPs. It’s tough in My favourite part of the job is choreographing the fitness industry because people think the classes. I started the business because of

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 39 INSIGHT BUILDING MY BUSINESS INTO A NATIONAL BRAND What I learnt when turning a training and coaching start-up into a successful franchise operation

WORDS BY JACQUELINE ROGERS

40 BUSINESS WOMAN n 2003 I was gifted a was a new concept and were supportive book by business coach in co-creating the network prototype by I Judith Morgan. Called providing suggestions. The e-Myth Revisited and written by Michael E Gerber, it TOP TIPS has been the cornerstone of creating Here’s what I learnt on the way to my franchise business. It’s a simple becoming a successful franchisor: book and although at that time I didn’t have a business, I was inspired You must have a 935 FRANCHISES to create the business model I was clear vision SUCCESSFULLY planning as if it were a franchise, as Ensure you know what your business OPERATING IN THE U.K. suggested by Michael. will look like when it’s created. For Source: British Franchise Association No matter what the size of me, it was as easy as imagining a NatWest franchise survey 2018 the business, if you create it as if networking event that I would love someone else was able to run it the to attend. foundations and structure would I considered all aspects of it, ensure it would be possible to expand including how I was greeted and you. What would they need to know? by franchising should you choose to. how supported as a member I would In our case, we have a specific feel. I imagined the camaraderie agenda for our meetings. I was Business in a box and impact our network would have clear at the beginning that every In 2003 I accepted voluntary on the businesses of thousands of member attending one of our redundancy from my corporate career. women, including conversations I meetings would know what to It meant I could launch my business. would have with them about how expect because the format is THE AUTHOR Every process within my being a member of our organisation exactly the same. Jacqueline Rogers is training and coaching business could help them succeed. founder and CEO of was documented and clear. How When I had that vision in mind, Train your franchisees The Athena Network I consulted and recruited clients, I knew exactly what needed to be Early in the development of The advertised, the forms I would use in included in our operations manual. Athena Network, I interviewed my practice, the training handbooks The Athena Network has been franchisees from several industries. I used when I worked with teams, created as a result of my vision The common denominator with email templates, and even how the and whenever I speak to another them all was that they felt they phone was answered was documented successful franchisor it’s clear that had been poorly trained and ill in my operations manual. I had they have done the same. They knew prepared. They also said that once created my ‘business in a box’ model exactly what their business would they had purchased the franchise, that, if I chose to, would enable look like when it was ‘done’. they didn’t have much support someone else to run it. from their franchisor when it came Like many entrepreneurs, I Develop a prototype to business development. launched my franchise business by Create at least one business model – accident. Frustrated at not being we call ours a territory – and perfect able to find a networking group, it. Document everything in the “Like many entrepreneurs, organisation, or club I enjoyed, I prototype, even those tasks you think I launched my franchise made the decision to create my own. are simple. I’ve been caught out once The first event attracted over 100 too often by making an assumption business by accident” women and they were segmented that an instruction for a simple task into local groups. More women asked would be remembered and it helps We treat every question as if it if groups would be launched in their the business and your brand when was the first time we had heard it, local area, which was when I felt the everyone is doing the same thing. because for the franchisee it’s the huge benefit of the franchise model. Imagine that the business you first time they have had the problem. With every aspect of the business currently own or are creating is the Technology has made our training documented in the operations prototype model and that there easier and now we’ve included video manual and not being able to host will be hundreds more like it in the instruction as well as text-based all the meetings myself, I was able to future. When you imagine that, instruction, which means we’re able share the processes I’d created and it will be easier to create all the to support all learning styles recruit local businesswomen to follow training and instructional material Aside from being short-sighted, as the manual that I called The Athena that’s required. the success of a franchisee impacts Way and had prepared for running the bottom line of the franchisor, not local meetings. Replicate what you training and supporting them can There were many adjustments during have created lead to renegade franchisees choosing the creation period and I was influenced Create your business as if you were to take the model and create their by the regional managers and feedback going on a six-month holiday and one own business. Which leads me onto from the members. Members knew it or more people would have to run it for my next tip.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 41 INSIGHT

Ensure your franchise to imagine all the things you will manual, our business would not agreement is watertight need to protect yourself and the have survived beyond 2008. I There are standard templates for franchisee against, so it’s important predicted that Twitter would never franchise agreements and working to have the franchise agreement take off, so it’s been important with a solicitor will ensure your reviewed regularly and not when for us to be open to all new agreement contains all the problems occur. opportunities to market. things you would be concerned I met Roz Goldstein from For a franchise to thrive, it’s about happening. Goldstein Legal when we launched important to review your vision, The first franchise agreement The Athena Network in Windsor strategies. policies and processes we had was turgid, to say the least. and after asking her to review our regularly. Engage with franchisees I handed it back to my solicitor original franchise agreement, she and encourage their input into the and suggested that if I couldn’t has been our franchise solicitor development of the business. We understand it, a franchisee definitely ever since. For us, it helps that she have a quarterly development day wouldn’t be able to. It’s important to understands franchising and our with ours and I’m always inspired by make the prospect’s gateway to entry business model. them and their fresh input. easy and if legalese puts them off Franchising enables businesses immediately it can take a long time Be prepared to adjust to expand to come back from that, as they go Staying current and ensuring much more back and forth trying to understand the business responds to quickly than if the terminology. the times has been critical they depended Looking back, our first franchise for us. on the business agreement had gaping holes in it. An example would be owner alone. In my You won’t know until you know and that in 2004 social media was personal experience, unfortunately you won’t be able not considered as a marketing working with strategy and now all businesses franchisees has been the use it. If we had chosen to stick most rewarding part of with our original operations my career to date.

42 BUSINESS WOMAN INSIGHT

Research to avoid risk If lockdown has given you time to explore franchising, here are five further points to consider before taking the plunge

WORDS BY CATHRYN HAYES

t the time of writing, building your own business is more working capital, so it’s even more the Bank of England has attractive than ever. important to ensure you have enough A announced a new £100bn You may well be one of those funding at the outset. stimulus package for the people who doesn’t want to go Don’t be taken in by overoptimistic U.K. economy, amid fears of a surge back to your previous life of claims of ‘recession-proof’ franchises. in unemployment once the commuting, long hours and stress, However, some businesses are THE AUTHOR government’s furlough scheme comes but instead want to be your own boss. dependent on consumers having lots Cathryn Hayes is to an end this autumn. Franchising can be the ideal way to of discretionary cash to spend. These franchise director U.K. GDP fell sharply in April and reduce the risks when going it alone. franchises could be hardest hit in an at Revive! Auto although the full impact of COVID-19 economic downturn. Innovations on the U.K. economy is not yet clear, Before you decide Ask franchisors how they have there will be job losses and some Here are five points to consider before supported their franchisees during companies will not survive. deciding what franchise to invest in: the COVID-19 crisis. Do you want to work from home Many businesses had to shut their Business ownership and reduce the amount of travelling doors for a period of time, but the The global pandemic has impacted you have to do? Or have the weeks franchisors that have a strong focus millions of people across the world. you spent in lockdown meant you’re on supporting their franchisees will But it has also given many the time looking for a premises- or van- have kept communicating regularly, to think about how they want to based business just to get out of the helped to keep spirits up, supported spend the rest of their working house? Costs vary widely, so look for with training, reduced or paused fees lives. The thought of being able to something within your range. and charges and assisted with furlough take control of your own destiny by How much capital have you got processes for the franchisees’ staff available? Starting a business in a where appropriate. recession can mean a new venture Doing your research is key, “Doing your research is takes longer to reach break- even more so in these challenging key, even more so in these even and may economic times. There’s plenty of need higher advice and guidance available. Your challenging economic times” levels of first port of call should be the British Franchise Association’s Prospect Franchisee Certificate, which is a free online course. Fully committed Most important of all is to find a franchise you’re excited to take on, as you will need to be fully committed to the new business. You’ll need a tenacious and determined approach to succeed, regardless of the economic circumstances.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 43 INTERVIEW

“If we want to be a vibrant part of our communities, giving back is just a natural response” Shannon Wilburn, co-founder and CEO of charity-focused Just Between Friends, discusses the background to this benevolent brand

ust Between Friends first began as has had on local communities – and how other babies – more than any mom could use. As a small home sale in co-founder businesses can follow suit. we spoke with her, we found out she worked Shannon Wilburn’s kitchen in with a local charity that serves families in very J 1997, and has now grown to a Was the charitable side of Just hard life situations – families that often have pop-up consignment sale and community Between Friends always part of to flee for safety in the middle of the night marketplace franchise bringing in $34.5m in the plan? with nothing but the clothes on their backs. system-wide sales, with a further $28m donated SW: The charitable side of Just Between She asked us outright, “What do you do with to hundreds of charities across the U.S. in the Friends was not a part of the original plan these unsold items? Could we have them?” form of cash and in-kind donations. Consignors because we really didn’t have a plan. We didn’t With that question, the plan, and now a critical can opt to have their unsold goods donated even think about this because we were so small. component to our business model, was born. to those in need, and as it turns out, the vast As we quickly grew, we realized we did have a Every sale now donates thousands of items majority of them do. great opportunity here. to their local family-serving charity partner. For Sharon took the time to sit down with us and It came to be when we noticed a woman many of these charity partners, these twice- talk about the tangible impact that her brand at our Tulsa sale buying loads of clothes for yearly donations are their largest source of

44 BUSINESS WOMAN items. We have seen how much of a difference on a case-by-case basis on the that has made to help countless families who franchisee’s side? live right in the communities where each sale SW: Each franchisee chooses their own local is held. non-profit with whom to partner. It’s important Resources stay within the community – they that there be a strong connection there as are not shipped off or sold off. All the goods are there has to be a good working relationship – donated by local families and go to help local something that bonds them together that makes families. That’s a part of the formula that is it all work. When you believe in an organization, critical to the cycle of giving back. you are willing to do what it takes to keep that relationship strong. That’s why each franchisee What does the $28m donation determining this relationship is important. figure mean to you as CEO of the brand? Do you believe businesses have a SW: I could cry thinking about how richly my responsibility to give back to the life has been blessed by hearing story after communities they operate within? story of how families’ lives have been changed SW: Being a franchise system certainly gives us through our JBF franchisees. I just can’t the opportunity to do a great deal of good – the believe it! open door to make our communities better by But here’s the thing: This doesn’t “just not just creating a consumer system, but by happen.” It takes work to market this giving back. opportunity to the communities so they know If we want to be a vibrant part of our they can be a part of this cycle of blessing. We communities, giving back is just a natural realized we can’t just expect people to show response. As our sales are run by owner/ up, so we have put more structure around our operators, we know they care deeply for those giving to bring it into focus for our system. around them. So honestly, it wasn’t something To help us do even more good, we’ve set a where we had to ask them to take part – they goal we call “Vision 2030” – to generate more want to take part because they have such big than $100m in donations by the year 2030. It hearts for those around them. is a heavy lift for sure, but we know that our As to “how” – a great way to start is to consignors and franchisees are more than able What advice would you give to bring together your key leadership team to to make this happen. businesses who would like to help define and decide ways to impact your participate more in charitable community. Pull together a task force, ask Is Just Between Friends’ charitable initiatives? lots of questions and find out what matters outreach coordinated by you as SW: In short – do it! Find a way to make to your people – what they care about, what the franchisor, or is it handled it happen. they want to be a part of locally. It’s worth whatever it takes to make it happen as creating a cycle of giving back changes “Do whatever it takes – find a way to make your culture. a difference in the lives of those whom you It doesn’t have to be some “big thing” as sometimes we get hung up trying to think big. are blessed to serve” Instead, start small. Start where you are with what you have. Look around to see where there’s a need. If you don’t have a ton of time or money, that’s okay. Use what you do have and begin right there. When I was little, my dad taught to give. If I earned $10, I got to have $2 to spend, $7 went to savings, and the other dollar I gave at my church. My dad knew that we often have to be taught to give in this way as it doesn’t necessarily come naturally. I learned that giving – no matter how small – makes a difference to those whom I give but also to me, in my life. It may be tricky to figure out initially, but the shift it makes is immeasurable. After all, we have been so blessed to do what we get to do. Do whatever it takes – find a way to make a difference in the lives of those whom you are blessed to serve. In the end, giving back is not a burden; it’s a tremendous, enriching, life-changing joy. Shannon Wilburn (left), CEO of Just Between Friends Shannon Wilburn (left), CEO of Just Between

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 45 Introducing the

100 of the industry’s most exciting decision-makers, disruptors, influencers and game-changers

Sponsored by

46 BUSINESS WOMAN Sponsored by

What's the 100 Influential Women In Franchising List? The 100 Influential Women In Franchising List is an annual list which celebrates and champions key figureheads, disruptors, and up-and-comers who work in the international franchise space. There is no ranking or competitive element involved: this is purely a list of powerhouse females who have done something to change the industry for the better, led their organisations successfully, or smashed any misconceptions.

95 per cent of CEOs in the Fortune 500 are men. 16 per cent of CEOs in the franchise industry are female. While it still may have a way to go, the franchise industry is widely recognised for its inclusive culture. The 100 Influential Women In Franchising list will inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs to invest in their own franchise businesses, empowered by the female titans of the industry profiled in the feature.

METHODOLOGY

Compiled and curated by our in-house team of franchise journalists to a rigid selection criteria, the list profiles the powerhouse female franchisors, franchisees, master franchisees, and suppliers that have innovated, inspired and disrupted the franchise industry over the last year. Main criteria include how the person has positively impacted their organisation, network, or peer group over the past year, the health and direction of their business, the cultural influence they yield, and the trajectory of their career.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 47 100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: FOOD & BEVERAGE Food & Beverage

When it comes ROSALIND BREWER to household-name COO & Group President, brands in the franchise Starbucks arena, the food and beverage companies dominate. Here are the ladies leading the most Chemistry graduate Rosalind – or Roz – Brewer has an awe-inspiring ability to lead some of notable fast-food, QSR, the world’s largest brands. In her current role bar, and food-related as chief operating officer and group president for Starbucks, Roz leads the franchise organisations company’s operating businesses across the Americas and Starbucks license on the planet stores as well as the global functions of marketing, technology, supply chain, product innovation and store development organisations. A member of the Starbucks board of directors since 2017, Roz’s incisive business and retail prowess is highly coveted, as she also serves as a director at ecommerce and logistics behemoth, Amazon.

The overall reach of Tracy Skeans’ role as chief transformation and people officer of Yum! Brands sometimes begets belief. She is currently responsible for translating business strategies into people strategies that touch 1.5 million company and franchise employees. Tracy is rightly proud of the work she has done in empowering women into KAT COLE YUM IMAGE: BRANDS leadership roles, recently telling QSR COO & President, magazine: “We’ve made more progress TRACY SKEANS moving women into senior leadership roles FOCUS Brands Chief People Officer, over the past two years than in the prior Yum! Brands 10, achieving 44 per cent representation of Kat Cole’s path to success is well-documented women in global management positions”. as being on the unconventional side of things. Starting off as a “Hooters Girl” waitressing tables, Kat helped to grow the Hooters business across the globe, eventually going GRACE HARDING Never one to shy away from a challenge, from president of Cinnabon to her role now: Grace Harding ran her own successful the president and chief operating officer of CEO, Ocean Basket consultancy for close to 15 years before billion-dollar-a-year company FOCUS Brands, joining South African seafood concept which owns franchises like Jamba Juice and Ocean Basket back in 2012. Auntie Anne’s. “I have the absolute freedom to The key inspiration behind her role as a implement a workplace in a way I believe leader? Kat credits her mother, who brought people would want to produce,” Grace her and her two sisters up single-handedly, told What Franchise in 2019. “I’m allowed feeding the family on a food budget of to introduce things that sound scary or $10 a week. “I watched her do it without mad, like equal bonuses for head office complaining, watched her do it with grace,” employees. This brand employees around Kat once told Food Beast. 9,000 people around the world and I want to make it better for them.”

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ABIGAIL JILL PRINGLE MCDONALD President, CEO, Costa Coffee

International and WENDY’S IMAGE: Chief Development After being bought by Coca-Cola for Officer, Wendy’s £3.9bn in 2018, U.K. coffee chain Costa Coffee brought Jill McDonald in as chief COFFEE COSTA IMAGE: executive officer of the gargantuan brand. Joining Costa Coffee after Abigail Pringle has been vitally Abigail has bold ambitions for an almost two-year stint at traditional retailer M&S where she was in important in growing the the brand, too, with This is Money charge of fashion and home sales, she knows the food and beverage Wendy’s brand’s international recently reporting that Wendy’s space well, joining McDonald’s as its chief marketing officer for the presence, working for the brand is looking to enter Britain’s U.K. and northern Europe in 2006, then going on to be promoted to since 2002 and climbing the fast-food market, which Pringle CEO of McDonald’s UK and president of North West Europe in 2010. ranks to become chief global has been quoted as stating: “Will As well as leading one of the U.K.’s leading coffee shops with development officer and then be our beachhead to European more than 2,400 stores, McDonald also serves on the board of on to her current position as expansion. We believe it is a InterContinental Hotels Group. president, international and chief growing market and it has lots of development officer. great growth ahead of it.”

JENNIFER WAI FUN LIU Founder & Chairwoman, The Coffee Academics IMAGE: THE COFFEE ACADEMICS IMAGE:

A trained architect, Jennifer Wai Fun Liu with Japan and the Philippines earmarked had a vision to bring her favourite European as the next territories for the brand. coffee and food destinations to Hong Not only notching a plethora of Kong by founding The Coffee Academics, accolades and inclusions on powerlists, eventually going on to grow the speciality Jennifer is also a sought-after speaker, coffee lifestyle company’s footprint in giving talks and interviews to the likes of LAURA REA DICKEY Singapore, Mainland China and Thailand, TEDx, BBC, Bloomsberg and many others. CEO, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit NATALIE BRENNAN General Manager, Muffin Break As CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Laura Rea Dickey has taken the 500-plus-unit, family-owned brand Educated originally as a teacher, Natalie Brennan spent her to new heights, overseeing the early career in operational training roles within multi-unit development of the organisation’s operations. This led her to gaining a commerce degree and first international locations, then eventually to her taking up the position of HR and training manager for the with the brand opening its first Foodco Group, which is the franchisor for Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue cages. international location at the Fast-forward to today and Natalie is now general manager of Muffin Break, Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi. which she has helped to successfully grow to a network of over 500 stores in seven Laura Rea Dickey has not just countries, creating employment for over 5,000 people around the world. had her sights set on overseas expansion, either. Since taking up the role as CEO in 2017, Dickey JOEY WAT Working as a successful management consultant for many has been praised for improving years, Joey joined the A.S. Watson Group UK in 2004, franchisee communication, CEO, becoming head of strategy for over 10 countries in investing in technology and Yum China Europe and managing director in the UK. pioneering proprietary systems and Starting with Yum China as president of KFC China in programs that have contributed to 2014, she has rapidly climbed the ranks, being named positive same-store sales for the CEO of Yum China in 2018. She helped address past three years. problems such as falling profits and a minimal digital presence to grow it into a thriving business.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 49 BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 50

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Fitness, Health & Beauty EMMA LEHNER CEO and Co-Founder, In the fitness, Bodystreet International health and beauty spaces, women occupy many leadership roles in As a professional athlete who represented Tanzania, Emma Lehner has always had a dedicated focus on the world’s most recognised achieving results. This is reflected in her role as co- organisations, with a huge founder and CEO of electrical muscle stimulation proportion of concepts (EMS), boutique fitness franchise Bodystreet, which she being founded by founded 13 years ago with husband Matthias. females For Emma, Bodystreet is not only about an exciting keep-fit format, but about a shared vision. “The Bodystreet corporate culture is simply extraordinary,” she explained in an interview with Global Franchise. “It’s not just about business but also about shared values and above all, about fun and joie de vivre.” This unerring vision has brought Bodystreet much success, with the brand MORGAN KLINE boasting over 300 units in five different countries and claiming plenty accolades. COO and Co-Founder, Burn Boot Camp While 9Round has firmly established itself as a global fitness brand, it actually started with very humble beginnings. During the Morgan grew up in Battle height of the 2008 recession, Heather and Creek, Michigan, and her former kickboxing world champion quickly grasped that husband, Shannon, opened a 9Round gym in order to be successful you need to climb the with no budget and a marketing campaign that corporates ladder. Therefore, Morgan worked for comprised of a few flyers being handed out in the Kellogg Company right out of college, eventually the local neighborhood. leaving to form Burn Boot Camp with her husband Just like an intense workout regiment, and build it up into one of the nation’s most well- HEATHER this business decision took plenty of recognised fitness programs. HUDSON determination, but the results were immense: As a mother to three children, Morgan can relate the brand is now in over 45 states and 19 to a lot of women and mums, and built Burn Boot COO and Co- countries. “Heather helped build the 9Round Camp to allow them to feel confident, empowered Founder, 9Round business from the ground-up,” explains and motivated. BizCom president, Monica Feid.

CHRISTINA DEANNA additional 14 development agreements

RUSSELL IMAGE: Salo Salon Studios LOYCHUCK to push its total units to nearly 100. CEO, Sola Salon The 30 Minute Hit brand was Studios President and Co- also recognised as a top franchise Founder, 30 Minute Hit for women in the 2019 Top Franchises For Women report

It’s fair to say published by research firm, IMAGE: 30 Minute Hit Facebook that Christina has Founded in 2005 in North Vancouver, Franchise Business Review. certainly earned her franchising stripes. With an Canada, Deanna Loychuck and her The report highlights the extensive leadership background working with husband, Jackson, have built boxing and best opportunities for brands such as Curves and Pure Barre, Christina kickboxing concept 30 Minute Hit into a women in the franchising joined Sola Salon Studios last year as its CEO. true fitness franchise trailblazer. space based on reviews As CEO, she looks after 500 locations across the Not content to let its women-only from 8,800 female U.S. and Canada, and has a mission to “empower our fitness brand rest on its laurels, Deanna franchisees from more 15,000 independent beauty professionals to chase and her team oversaw eight locations than 265 leading their dreams, elevate their careers and experience open in the U.S. in 2019, signing an brands. the freedom of salon ownership”.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 51 INSIGHT100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: FITNESS, HEALTH & BEAUTY

SHANE EVANS KIMBERLEE PERRY President and CEO and Founder, Co-Founder, ((BOUNCE)) Massage Heights Disenfranchised with her office-based job and missing out on a promotion, Shane Evans is a true business Kimberlee Perry borrowed £200, bought empire builder. After picking eight second-hand trampolines, and set about turning an activity she up a back injury and requiring States and Canada, with the loved into a viable business called ((BOUNCE)). frequent massages, Shane was brand looking to go further Her trampoline classes, which provide fun and energetic group shocked by the prices of spa abroad imminently. dance-focused workouts, proved an hit, and the concept grew from massages so sought to disrupt Shane is co-owner of several lessons taken in Kimberlee’s back garden, to hiring a local community the multi-billion-dollar massage Massage Heights locations hall, to evolving into a franchise with franchisees across the U.K., as therapy industry. Founding the herself, and is also the co-owner well as an international presence in Australia and New Zealand. Massage Heights membership of the supply chain, Summit “I wanted to create an exercise class that was joyful – something business back in 2004, she has Franchise Supply, LLC and is that was welcoming, friendly and warm,” Kimberlee Perry once told scaled it to over 140 upscale on the board of directors of the the Global Franchise Podcast. “Our motto is ‘fun, friendly, fierce’, and retreats across the United Massage Heights Family Fund. focusing on those things means we attract a great customer base that doesn’t see fitness as a chore or are threatened by it.”

iMAGE: Orangetheory Fitness Twitter LIBERTY BERNAL Co-Founder, LAR Enterprise & co-owner, EnVie Fitness

When it comes to running a fitness franchise – or a business of any size, shape or format, as a matter of fact – Liberty ELLEN LATHAM Bernal has the Midas touch. Investing Partner and Founder, in a Curves for Women franchise when she was just 18 years old, she then providing women with insights, tangible Orangetheory Fitness went on to found Liberty Fitness and actionable items and tools to help them successfully grow it to 60 locations, with live their best lives through her Liberty True entrepreneurs have the tenacity to her franchising expertise coveted by many Bernal Fitness outlet, even recently bounce back from setbacks, and that’s brands, especially in the fitness sector. releasing a book entitled Just Do It! exactly what Ellen Latham did when she Outside of franchising and business, Live Your Most Happy, Healthy & was fired from her “dream job” as an Liberty Bernal is also passionate about Balanced Life. exercise physiologist at a high-end spa in Miami. says Zenardia Angerberg, a business Determined to not let this define her, AMBER MANNING consultant at Just Cuts. “Taking over Ellen founded the science-based fitness CEO, Just Cuts from a founder of 30 years, Amber has franchise Orangetheory Franchise, which the undivided respect and trust now boasts over one million members Breaking a new market can be tough, of franchisees and the academy team to and 1,200 studios around the world. and Amber Manning, CEO of Just Cuts, lead into an ever-changing landscape. Ellen’s role in building the knows just that. However, the beloved With a three-month-old baby, she is Orangetheory Fitness brand to meteoric Australian hairdressing brand has been navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and heights and inspire millions to live rolling out franchise opportunities securing the brand’s future.” healthy lifestyles was even the subject of in the U.K. with aplomb, strongly Her unwavering business a documentary called Momentum Shift, growing its presence in the market. and support acumen paired with which came out in October 2019. Amber has plans for the brand – her thought leadership skills In 2017, Orangetheory Fitness was the largest hairdressing franchise in were recognised in 2016 when she number one on a list of the 50 fastest- the Southern Hemisphere – to go was named NSW/ACT Franchise growing women-owned businesses, further afield, too. Woman of the Year by the released by the Women Presidents’ “Amber is an inspiration Franchise Council Organisation. to women in business,” of Australia.

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Education & children´s DENISE HUTTON-GOSNEY Founder and Managing Director, Razzamataz These individuals are top of the class when Denise took Razzamataz’s network this time. online during lockdown, which provided Karen it comes to providing a lifeline to students and a continuing Keeman, children with fun and income for franchisees. Razzamataz’s PR adviser, says: “Denise informative learning Lots of support was provided around has reassured every one of our opportunities mental health and well-being, with NLP franchisees throughout the pandemic, experts brought in to run several live providing them with all the resources Facebook talks and Zoom meetings for they need. franchisees and their staff, plus students “She worked tirelessly to ensure every and parents. franchisee could pivot their business Razzamataz also successfully trained and is now continuing to support their and launched five new franchisees during reopening plans.”

Set up by Christine in 2002 to give children a positive introduction to sport, Little Kickers now has over 300 franchisees operating in 30-plus countries. The business won two accolades at the 2020 Global Franchise Awards: Best Children’s & TRACEY-JANE Education Franchise and Global Franchise CASSIDY Supreme Champion. Lucy Hills, Little Kickers’ international CEO, Junior Einsteins marketing manager, says: “Christine created the Science Club CHRISTINE KELLY business from scratch. She’s someone I admire and look up to. She’s a problem solver, entrepreneur Founder and Chairman, and is keen to push the business forward. She’s This year Tracey-Jane was Little Kickers always on hand to help and has been a great source invited by Princess Nisreen of inspiration during my career.” El-Hashemite, executive director of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust, to speak at The United Nations’ Liz Wahl, Bette’s daughter and director International Women & Girls BETTE FETTER of operations and marketing for Young in Science Day. Founder and CEO, Rembrandts, says: “In 1988, Bette began Junior Einsteins Science Club has teaching me, my siblings and our friends also collaborated with The United Young Rembrandts how to draw around the kitchen table – Nations and RASIT to deliver that’s how Young Rembrandts was born. online webinars to primary school At the onset of the pandemic, Bette “She took her children and launched its first and her team worked quickly to pivot passion for art and U.K. franchise in London. operations. They took the brand’s in- early education Annika Cassidy, director of person lessons and developed a virtual and turned it into Junior Einsteins Science platform in order to continue providing an international Club, says: “During the global students with the educational art business that now pandemic, which was a crisis for programme at home. teaches 40,000 all businesses, especially in our Most recently, she took her students each sector of educational services, learnings from that process and wrote week.” Tracy-Jane was a phenomenal an e-book called 11 Steps on How to support, going above and Rock Distance Learning. beyond in every way.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 53 INSIGHT100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: EDUCATION & CHILDREN’S

SALLY JOHNSON ROSEMARIE HARTNETT Australia Master Franchisee, We Rock the President and Spectrum Kids Gyms Co-Founder, Abrakadoodle Sally has been instrumental in bringing As COVID-19 spread across future-focused revenue stream the much loved We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym brand to Australia. the U.S.A., Rosemarie led that will continue alongside Introducing the concept of inclusive play and sensory beneficial Abrakadoodle franchise owners Abrakadoodle’s onsite classes, disability services to the country, she quickly established herself as a through a transformation, camps and events. key player in the disability and youth leisure market, working with her moving traditional on-site art Karin Machusic, corporate business developer brother, Marcus, to establish four new franchises classes, camps and events online. director of PR at Abrakadoodle, and a fifth mobile version of the successful U.S. concept. This helped franchise owners says: “Rosemarie is a tireless Sally says her greatest achievement was watching the business to stay connected with the advocate/speaker for women thrive during the pandemic due to the hard work establishing it as a children. It also meant continued in franchising. Her innovative registered provider of the national disability funding body, the NDIS. revenue for franchise owners, pandemic solutions to benefit bolstered franchise owner children and business owners confidence and provided a new garnered media attention.” ANGIE COATES CEO and Founder, Monkey Music

Angie has grown the Monkey Music across the U.K., Monkey Music franchisees brand by successfully implementing a have reported an unprecedented number multilayered, interactive online customer of customer enquiries and bookings for the experience. In addition to debuting online autumn term. Nicola Broadhurst, partner at sessions, it’s now possible to purchase law firm Stevens & Bolton, says: “Focused, Angie’s new range of Monkey Music dedicated and passionate percussion instruments and her series of about Monkey Music and books (now available with downloadable franchising, Angie always ANGELA STERLING songs), alongside the popular class playlists, strives to act fairly and Founder and CEO, Lingotot which can be downloaded through treat franchisees with the company’s online shop. respect. She’s a great Since re-opening face-to-face classes role model.” Celebrating her business’ 10th anniversary in 2020, this year Angela also developed a qualification for new franchisees who need RACHEL FAY download, and creating home learning to sharpen their business skills. kits so parents could continue the The Award in Business Franchising, Managing Director, learning at home during lockdown. a Level 3 qualification that’s been Little Learners The company also put on a virtual accredited by NCFE, the Newcastle- festival for free, which featured over 20 based national awarding organisation, baby and preschool brands, had its first covers finance, business planning and Leading from the front during TV advert aired in July, and signed three marketing, as well as giving partners an the pandemic, Rachel helped new franchisees during lockdown. insight into the franchise sector. reinvent Little Learners by Little Learners Manchester North Farrah Rose, head of international implementing online classes franchisee Jennifer Hutchinson says: development at The Franchising Centre, and free daily live activities “Rachel is so driven, positive and says: “Angela is a thoroughly wonderful, on Facebook and YouTube, determined. She’s incredibly bright, hard-working, caring, passionate, fair as well as providing free supportive of her franchisees franchisor who deserves recognition for worksheets and colouring and colleagues and inspires her achievements.” sheets for parents to us all to aim high.”

SUZY AMIS Author, environmental advocate, and former actor, interact with students in a similar way to a Suzy launched MUSE Virtual this year, inspired by traditional school. CAMERON the award winning MUSE School, which she founded To give students a sense of normality, Suzy Founder, in 2005 to prepare young people to live consciously decided to use cameras in each MUSE Virtual MUSE Global with themselves, one another and the planet. classroom, which follow teachers as they instruct, An online learning platform that utilises a giving students, teachers and their peers the regular school schedule and live classes, teachers opportunity to interact in real time.

54 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 55 100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: SERVICES & CARE Services & Care

The services CATHY THORPE and care category CEO & President, Nurse Next Door includes individuals who care for and maintain the things that are important As a mother of two, Cathy credits her children to us, whether that’s with guiding the way that she handles herself as the president and CEO of the Nurse Next Door family, our homes, franchise – a brand that Cathy first encountered or our treasured when she needed to find a stellar care service for possessions her aging mother. In fact, raising a young boy and girl while juggling the responsibilities of spearheading a sprawling franchise network allowed Cathy to recognise the need for autonomy within a franchise, as well as understanding the importance of knowing the ‘why’ of a brand. These lessons have prepared her for further U.S. growth, and to introduce the world to Nurse Next Door’s ‘Happier Aging’ philosophy.

When Natasha founded My Home Watch in 2016, she sought to find a solution to the problem of relying on other people to look after your home while you went on vacation. In 2020, when COVID-19 made vacations an unfortunate thing of the past, this adaptable SHELLY SUN entrepreneur shifted the concept into My Home Services Group; a cover-all franchise that offered CEO & Founder, NATASHA cleaning and home maintenance services to support BrightStar Care MORGAN industries crippled by the pandemic. “Natasha is a positive and passionate franchisor and Founder, My Home exceptional advocate for the franchising industry, with Shelly founded BrightStar Care Services Group a very bright future within the home service sector,” in 2002; a decision motivated by says Damian Morgan, co-founder of My Home Watch. her own empathy causing her to want assured comfort for her own grandmother, and other senior LUCY CAMPBELL Lucy first joined Right at Home five years ago, citizens like her. wanting to make a difference in the home care “In 2002, my family struggled to COO, Right at Home sector. Since then, she’s risen through the ranks find a dependable, high-quality to now hold the position of chief operating care provider to take care of our officer for the brand, and was recently featured grandmother,” explains Shelly. “It in Right at Home’s vlog series providing was a frustrating experience, and valuable guidance on the care industry’s current it motivated me to fill that need state, and its exciting future. for others who were going through “Lucy’s extensive experience and values- the same experience – that’s why I based leadership have driven a culture of founded BrightStar Care.” continuous improvement, resulting in Right at Today, she heads up the Home catapulting to success and establishing 340-locations-strong franchise as its itself as a firm leader within the homecare CEO, putting quality of life at the and franchise sectors,” said Amy Mitchinson, forefront of the benevolent brand. marketing co-ordinator.

56 BUSINESS WOMAN Sponsored by

SHANNON KATI WILBURN BUCKLAND CEO & Co-Founder, Franchise Owner, Just Between Friends Chem-Dry

For Shannon, co-founder and Kati plays a crucial role in Chem-Dry’s mission to keep CEO of the Just Between Friends franchise, business has always homes and offices clean and sanitised, and as the owner of a been about giving back to those less fortunate, and supporting Chem-Dry location in New Mexico, as well as the chairperson of female entrepreneurs. That’s why her consignment sale brand the brand’s Franchise Advisory Council, she’s deeply immersed in has given more than $28m in cash and in-kind donations to the service industry at large. local charities, and why her network of dedicated partners is “She is a champion of local franchisee success and a broad comprised of 97 per cent women. advocate of driving best practices across our network of 2,000 “I could cry thinking about how richly my life has been U.S.A. and Canadian locations,” says Edward Quinlan, president blessed by hearing story after story of how families’ lives have of Chem-Dry. “She is a remarkable mother and grandmother, been changed through our franchisees,” says Wilburn, who has a and a year ago, her husband was diagnosed with a terminal goal to raise the brand’s charitable donations to $100m by 2030. illness and she has managed to balance work and home life.”

HEIDI MORRISSEY President, Kitchen Tune-Up

As the president of home remodeling franchise Kitchen Tune-Up, Heidi works seven days a week to further the brand’s impact and spread awareness of its MARY KENNEDY bespoke services. Her hands-on approach “Heidi’s mission is to make Kitchen to the business has led Heidi to know Tune-Up a household name in her father’s THOMPSON every franchisee by name, and when she’s lifetime. Franchisees know they can COO, Neighborly not working day-and-night for the brand, always call her for coaching, training, and she teaches Pilates and is a certified inspiration,” says Morgan Schafer, executive MELT instructor. assistant at Kitchen Tune-Up. Mary may now sit as the chief operating officer for home services franchisor Neighborly, MELANIE BERGERON JULIA CHOUDHURY but she’s had a storied career that has included the roles of Chair, TWO MEN Corporate Development Director, executive vice president of AND A TRUCK Franchise Brands Neighborly, the president of plumbing franchise Mr. Rooter, and even eight years in the Melanie’s career Julia spends much of her time advocating for and U.S. Marine Corps as a with TWO MEN elevating fellow women within Franchise Brands. logistics officer. AND A TRUCK She heads up the Future Leaders program, which Today, alongside her started in 1989, has been designed to provide the next generation responsibilities as the driving when she was awarded the brand’s first of franchise executives with an understanding force behind Neighborly, franchise location in Atlanta, Georgia. of both the industry and themselves, to expand Thompson continues to Since then, she’s gone on to hold the their capabilities. advocate for the importance position of president, COO, CEO, Currently, the Future of women in franchising and now chair, leading the removals Leaders program has taken through numerous podcast franchise into the future. on 12 women across the appearances. Her passion even That future’s a benevolent one, it Franchise Brands network of saw Thompson receive the seems, as Bergeron was instrumental over 450 franchisees across IFA’s Bonny Levine Award, the in the success of the brand’s 2019 seven brands, including organisation’s most prestigious Movers for Moms charity drive in 44 concepts like Willow award for women. U.S. states, that saw 383,000 items be Pumps, ChipsAway, delivered to local shelters. and Barking Mad.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 57 100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING Breaking the

Although these women have Glass Ceiling climbed the proverbial AMANDA CLARK ladder under the paradigm Chief Development Officer, of a male-dominated world, they Papa John’s have now wiped the slate clean and started over by setting new rules based on the needs and preferences It’s not every day that you join a leading franchise brand just at the precipice of a of both genders. Here are 10 global pandemic, but that’s exactly what Amanda did when she came to powerhouse women who have Papa John’s as CDO back in February of this year. Coming off the back of been promoted or started a an impressive career at brands like Taco Bell, where she managed 7,000 high-rank position over restaurants, she didn’t seem phased by the monumental challenges ahead. the last year Rightly so, because over the past few months alone, Clark’s leadership was responsible for bringing five million new customers on board, and in July 2020, Papa John’s shares hit an all-time high.

When Jackie first joined Slim Chickens in 2018, her goal was to accelerate the growth of the ‘better chicken’ brand – something she had plenty of experience with already, having worked as the director of franchise development for FOCUS Brands, where she grew the McCallister’s Deli concept to over 400 units. Her expertise was evident: by the time Lobdell was promoted to the role of vice JACKIE president of franchise development for Slim LOBDELL Chickens back in July of this year, she’d already JANET HAYES Vice President of grown the brand’s development pipeline Chief Executive Officer, Franchise Development, by more than 40 per cent. This exponential Crate and Barrel Holdings development puts Slim Chickens well towards Slim Chickens its goal of opening 600 locations over the next 10 years. Appointed to CEO of specialty retailer Crate and Barrel Holdings in August of this year, Janet came off the back of lengthy tenures with some Earlier this year, Cindy was promoted to CINDY HEADEN of the most iconic brands in the retail space. executive vice president, supply chain services She’s worked with the likes of Nike, GAP, and at Domino’s Pizza; one of the world’s largest Executive Vice President, Macy’s, and her accomplished career has taken and most recognisable franchise brands. She’d Supply Chain Services, her all over the world, working in markets like been with the organisation for five years, and Domino’s Pizza the Middle East, Korea, Australia, and Europe. before that, worked in a variety of positions At the time of her appointment, Sergio over 15 years at Pepsico USA. Bucher, chairman of the board, had this “During her time with Domino’s, Cindy and her team have to say: “Janet not only comes with a great been able to secure substantial cost savings to our system by understanding of the U.S. customer in the negotiating new contract terms with many of our suppliers and home category with deep product knowledge vendors,” said Ritch Allison, CEO. “More importantly, she has and a passion for the shopping experience, but led the drive to stabilise pricing from our suppliers, ensuring she is also a thoughtful and inspiring leader.” our cost structure is predictable, while simultaneously ensuring an uninterrupted supply of our key food products.”

58 BUSINESS WOMAN Sponsored by

ADRIENNE BERKES KRISTEN Chief Marketing Officer, PECHACEK Pieology Chief Growth Officer, MassageLuXe In August 2020, Pieology tapped Adrienne Berkes for the role of its chief marketing officer. She is also no stranger to the QSR industry, When Kristen was appointed joining Pieology after more than 17 years at Yum! Brands, the parent chief growth officer for company of KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Glass Ceiling MassageLuXe back in July 2020, During her latest stint at Taco Bell, she helped launch its first she was given a very clear goal: company of Anytime Fitness. digital-only dark kitchen, the Taco Bell Delivery programme, adding expand the massage franchise’s “Kristen is a visible player in $100m in revenue, as well as authored the brand’s restaurant-level presence from 68 units, to over the franchise game,” says Mark digital transformation. 250. It was a good thing, then, Otter, CEO of MassageLuXe. In her new role, Berkes will oversee Pieology’s expansion within that she came to the role with “She has had success in growing the U.S. as well as overseas. “Adrienne is an accomplished marketing plenty of franchise experience; franchise sales, but also strategist with strong QSR retail experience and a passion to build having worked as the digital understands the importance of brands,” said Gregg Imamoto, Pieology’s CEO. “It goes without saying marketing director for Self helping current franchisees to that Adrienne will bring deep domain expertise to our team.” Esteem Brands, the parent build their business.”

ALISON MCELROY Snap Fitness locations in 20-plus International President and countries, as well Chief Legal Officer of Lift Brands as its minority investment in 9Round’s master development Alison McElroy took over the reins as operations in Europe, Australia, international president, and CLO of Lift New Zealand, and Mexico. Brands in August 2020, leading the strategy, In recent months, Snap Fitness development, and expansion of the brand’s announced its expansion into Japan with international division while continuing to master franchise partner, Global Fitness lead its global legal and HR functions. Japan, while also opening its 100th LISA MLINAR MERRY The international division includes location in Europe in 2020. Chief Operating Officer, Junk King AMANDA HALL Chief Operating Officer, Clean Juice “Lisa [Merry] has been a force since she joined the Junk King team last year,” Amanda Hall came to Clean Juice as the COO in August says Michael Andreacchi, founder and 2020, off the back of her role at Burn Boot Camp as SVP of CEO of Junk King. “Her past experience franchise operations. has really elevated us as a brand.” During her four and a half years with the fitness franchise, Hall grew the brand As the COO of Junk King, Merry from 16 units to celebrating its 250th gym opening. In that time she also led the way has helped guide the brand as it in pivoting the “in gym” experience to virtual. Hall also launched a national retail navigates through the COVID-19 crisis, strategy at Burn Boot Camp that doubled the growth of the retail department and both pivoting its safety guidelines increased same-store sales by 54 per cent in 2019. for franchisees and monitoring consumer behaviour. Building out the management team to offer additional HELEN In her three years as general manager of convenience development support to its franchise community, she at Caltex, Helen Moore not only helped plan, develop, also helped achieve exceptional results MOORE and launch retail format, The Foodary, but was also during this unprecedented time. Chief Executive instrumental in the brand’s retail innovation pipeline, “Lisa has doubled our staff since she Officer, which included partnerships with Uber Eats, Deliveroo, joined Junk King and her contagious Oporto Parcel Point and Drop Box. energy is the momentum that continues Bringing with her a wealth of diverse experience to drive us,” adds Andreacchi. and a customer-centric approach, Moore took over as CEO of Oporto at the onset of the pandemic.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 59 100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: EDUCATORS & INSPIRERS Educators & inspirers From advocating for ethical PHI VAN NGUYEN franchising to Chairwoman, Vietnam Angel Network sharing expertise on sustainable growth, In the past 12 months, Phi has successfully these are the people invested in and digitally transformed four to turn to for franchise start-ups, launched the first-ever advice human-AI collaborated book in Vietnam and Asia, and initiated a UN-endorsed community project to help reskill and upskill the general public in IR 4.0. She has been chairwoman of the Vietnam FAIZUN Angel Network for two years, which is a national organisation that aims to build a thriving and accessible angel investment ecosystem in Vietnam. KAMAL Phi’s international experience in partner recruitment and selection and Franchise retail and franchise development and management is highly regarded. consultant, speaker, and best-selling author KATALIN MANDEL CEO, Hungarian Franchise Despite an unprecedented global pandemic, Association Faizun says 2020 has been “an amazing year, living my calling every day as a franchise consultant.” The CEO of the Hungarian Franchise In May, she was invited to join the prestigious Association for more than 10 years, Forbes Coaches Council – the network of Katalin is a leading figure in the region’s leading coaches from around the world. franchise sector. On September 1, Faizun’s best-selling book, During the last 15 years she’s organised multiple franchise expos and The Right Franchise for You: Escape the 9 to 5, co-authored several books, the latest of which, Franchising in V4 Countries, Generate Wealth & Live Life on Your Terms, came was released this summer and provides an analysis of the Central and out in paperback in bookstores nationwide. It’s Eastern European market. also available as a Kindle and audiobook In addition, she created an online platform for franchisees and on Amazon. franchisors to meet despite the coronavirus crisis. Gathering a momentum of its own, the book Matthias H. Lehner, founder and CEO of Bodystreet, says: “Katalin has been used by thousands of clients to find has made Hungary a real franchise country. She’s actively involved in the right franchise. European franchise activities and a great role model for ‘Fair Play Franchising’.”

As a business professor at Rollins so she could put a down payment on College in Winter Park, Florida and a Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academies CHRISTY having owned a franchise in the franchise, growing it into one of the WILSON DELK education and children’s sector for largest franchises in the sector. 15 years, Christy has the business Her book, Adventures in Franchise Speaker, writer, and acumen to inspire franchise owners Ownership, outlines her ‘four pillars’ educator and help them achieve their potential. approach to strengthen, protect and After 17 years in corporate sales grow a business and includes advice and distribution, she sold her house from over a dozen top performing and cashed in her retirement plan franchisees.

60 BUSINESS WOMAN Sponsored by

PIP WILKINS FARRAH ROSE, CEO, British Head of International Development, The Franchise Association Franchising Centre Pip has been instrumental in leading This year, Farrah won Global Franchise’s Contribution To the change to modernise and International Franchising Award in recognition of her 38-year career restructure the bfa to be everyone’s in promoting and advising over 400 companies on trusted partner in franchising, their international franchise growth strategy. including franchisors, franchisees She also managed to switch client work and and professional advisers. workshop seminars online, while maintaining This year, the association has regular contact with all of The Franchising introduced free membership for franchisees of its members Centre’s 75 worldwide associates. and recently launched two new categories of membership for Laura Harvey-Smith, a consultant at The franchisors, to ensure the bfa is accessible to franchisors starting Franchising Centre, says: “Farrah is a true out and those operating lifestyle franchise opportunities. professional with a depth of experience and Shirley Hughes, executive recruitment consultant at The understanding of international franchising that Franchising Centre, says: “As CEO of the bfa, Pip is well you would be hard pushed to beat.” known throughout the world of franchising for her knowledge and professionalism.”

pandemic, the FCA has been unwavering MARY ALDRED in its efforts to keep members informed CEO, Franchise Council and has been engaging with governments of Australia on issues that have direct impacts on franchising, including business restrictions and commercial leasing arrangements. Under Mary’s leadership, the FCA has The re-engagement of the FCA’s been dedicated to working for and on membership, particularly through behalf of members during Australia’s education and training offerings franchising inquiry and is pleased a and direct engagement with number of the FCA’s recommendations franchisees, has been significant have been taken on board as part of and the strong membership renewal the process. SHERRY MCNEIL rate is a testament to the value Throughout the COVID-19 President and CEO, the FCA provides. Canadian Franchise Association Amy is also a member of the IFA’s AMY CHENG board of directors, and has Partner, Cheng Cohen spoken at numerous webinars Sherry was bitten by the franchise on the topic of franchising. development bug while working Fredric Cohen, for Little Caesars of Canada. Her In February 2020 Amy received the Bonnie partner at Cheng Cohen, passion for franchising is now Levine Award from the International Franchise says: “Amy is the go-to fuelling her desire to strengthen Association. This accolade recognises women legal counsel in the framework of the industry in who are role models for all, because of their franchising. Hands her role at the CFA. business and professional accomplishments down. Period. No Kenny Chan, vice president, within franchising and contributions to society. more words needed.” content & marketing at the CFA, says: “Sherry has led the A scholar and speaker who teaches courses in Canadian franchise community MARCIA CHATELAIN African American life and culture at Georgetown through the COVID-19 crisis by Author of Franchise: The University, Washington, DC, Marcia is a leading delivering essential advocacy Golden Arches in Black America public voice on the history of race, education and and education and franchise food culture. support programmes. She’s an Her latest book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in industry veteran with over 20 Black America, uncovers how fast food became one of the greatest years’ franchise experience, generators of black wealth in America. Taking us from the first working with both franchisors McDonald’s drive-in in San Bernardino in the 1940s to civil rights and franchisees in a variety of protests at franchises in the American South in the 1960s and the categories.” McDonald’s in Ferguson in 2014, Marcia describes how the fight for racial justice is intertwined with the fate of black businesses.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 61 100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: ONES TO WATCH Ones to Watch DIANA ROSARIO Millennials Founder and Chief Executive are highly Officer, What’s Your Flan? educated and tech- savvy, and will soon dominate the franchise The old adage, ‘never give up’, has never rung sector. Meet the next truer than for the founder of the internationally generation of female successful confectionery brand What’s your FLAN? Putting a twist on the popular flan dessert, Diana Rosario confesses to trailblazers already making having gone through 14 business failures before striking gold in 2016 with their mark on the What’s Your FLAN? industry Rosario explains: “I was not ready to give up. My failures became my motivation and strength to keep me going.” And it is a good thing she did, winning runners-up in both the 2019 NextGen in Franchising global competition, and the 2018 NextGen in Franchise Leaders in the Philippines. Apart from opening 145 locations in the Philippines, What’s Your FLAN? has recently gone global with master franchises in Alberta, Canada, and Dubai.

Gabriella Ferrara joined PwC at 22 and now, in the past 12 months, launched PwC FranSuite, a digital platform with a suite of solutions to support franchises operate, promote and grow their businesses, developing a million-dollar pipeline. During her time at PwC, the former head of business development assisted the KYLA DUFRESNE biggest franchise brands with their Founder and Chief GABRIELLE digital marketing and workforce Executive Officer, Foxy FERRERA orchestration efforts. Box Wax Bars Vice President of Recently joining Scorpion’s franchise team as its vice president of regional sales Regional Sales, this October, the franchising thought Kyla Dufresne is all about empowering women Franchise, Scorpion to “celebrate their uniqueness”. And that’s leader was also featured in the Global why in 2012, she set up Canadian beauty Franchise Millennial Powerlist 2020. brand Foxy Box Wax Bars. Given the nature of her business, she You name it, Jennifer Turliuk has done it – admits that navigating through the past JENNIFER technology, strategy, marketing, business few months has been turbulent. However, TURLIUK development, and writing. Working her Dufresne has still managed to rack up quite a way through the ranks at MakerKids, list of achievements – from being shortlisted Chief Executive starting as makerspace coordinator in for the Best Business and Woman of the Officer, 2013 to CEO in 2015, Turliuk has always Year awards by Small Business BC, to giving MakerKids had a passion for technology right from back to the community whilst drumming up coding her first website at the age of 12. business, including launching online training, Pioneering the first makerspace a virtual store, and laser hair removal – not concept for children around the world, offering STEM programmes for kids, Turliuk has to mention awarding her first franchise on grown MakerKids’ revenue by 52 per cent, while securing clients such as Intel, Google, the mainland in Port Coquitlam, BC in June, and Twitter, as well as pivoting the business to virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. as well as gearing up for two new franchisees After winning the IFA’s 2017 NextGen in Franchising Global Competition, MakerKids this fall. was also named the co-winner of the NextGen in Franchising Global’s 2020 All Stars that were selected amongst winners of the past five years.

62 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 63 INSIGHT100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: ONES TO WATCH

JONAH on the ground, the brand was BROOKE GAGLIANO franchised in 2017. Founder and Chief SISON-RAMOS “When she wants something Chief Executive Officer, for the company to happen, she Executive Officer, SkinPotions really puts her whole heart to turn Frutta Bowls dreams into reality. In a span of two years in the franchising Jonah Sison-Ramos has bad acne industry, our branches have The Frutta Bowls dream, the brainchild of Brooke IMAGE: FRUTTA BOWLS to thank for her fast-growing and expanded from three up to 21 Gagliano, started as a local idea with two locations in hugely popular Filipina beauty stores nationwide in the Freehold, NJ in 2016. With family taking that leap of brand SkinPotions. On her Philippines,” says Ann Lachica, faith with her, Brooke made her dream of creating a journey to acne-free skin, franchise support and healthy and delicious restaurant a reality. together with her sister development manager. Due to popular demand, in less than a year of Aileen, Sison-Ramos Carrying a range of opening, she began franchising the concept in early launched the brand in organic, cruelty-free 2017. Now, the multimillion-dollar açai bowl franchise 2013 and by 2015, it had skincare and makeup is a nationwide concept, with stores in 14 states made its way to the U.S., products, SkinPotions across the U.S. Italy, Japan, Abu Dhabi, is much loved by men Taiwan, and Australia. and women alike; To further get boots especially millennials.

VIVIEN VARGA Franchise Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Stilianos Baby Swimming

In 2007, Varga saw a gap in the Hungarian baby Now, 13 years on, Stilianos Baby Swimming swimming market and decided to open a baby is still at the top of its game, winning the pool complex created specifically for children. Hungarian Franchise Association’s Innovation “We dreamed of a hygienic, exclusive yet Franchise of the Year 2019 award. “We SOMIA FARID child-friendly environment,” she says. “We obtained this with an application and with our SILBER were also among the first in Hungary to new method that helps in the early detection provide UV-disinfected pools.” of developmental differences in children.” Vice President of eCommerce, Edible Brands Teaching has always been Timea Vas’s passion. And after years of training and amassing experience in the Edible’s eCommerce channel was in a field, she decided to set up the Don’t Panic English double-digit decline in 2019. Cue Somia (DPE) school in Hungary in 2014. Farid’s leadership and the brand not only Here, classes are conducted only in English, started 2020 on the up but since increased without the use of an intermediary language, thus, its online revenue to reach record-setting TIMEA VAS encouraging students to learn English faster. sales, even during the pandemic. “Thanks to our revolutionary concept, despite the Edible’s strong eCommerce platform Founder and Chief global crisis, DPE has managed to increase its revenue had its best sales months in company Executive Officer, Don’t by 20x and has opened its 11th unit,” says the founder history, up 38 per cent YOY in April, Panic English School and CEO. “In the meantime, it’s become the fastest- increasing to 55 per cent YOY for May; growing language school franchise in Hungary.” not to mention setting an all-time high Mother’s Day record with more than 700,000 orders fulfilled. RUTH Ruth Agbaji proudly proclaims to be the nerd-in-chief of Cheikh Mboup, president and COO of Code Wiz, a franchise offering computer coding, game Edible says: “Not only is she successfully AGBAJI programming, and robotics classes to children. managing Edible’s largest sector, but Founder and The founder and CEO used her software engineering Somia also understands the value of Chief Executive skills and entrepreneurial streak to set up Code Wiz. franchising and has a strong dedication Officer, “I can tell you from personal experience that learning to ensuring that every franchisee is Code Wiz to code is one of the best decisions I made. I successful. I’m very fortunate to be able to am especially passionate about getting girls work with her.” coding,” she says.

64 BUSINESS WOMAN Sponsored by

Support & Mentorship CAROLINA WINTERLIV These women Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Card Group and Vice Chair, are not just at the top Swedish Franchise Association of their game but strive to make sure they can enable Carolina Winterliv started her career forests that have been credibly certified. and empower as many to build for Card Group International AB as a “Carolina is born into the franchise a successful career within product and marketing assistant in 2002. industry. Together with her father and franchising, especially in She worked her way up to the role of sister, they have managed and developed deputy CEO that same year and is also the Card Group these unprecedented the vice chair of the Swedish Franchise business into a times of COVID-19 Association and serves as a board member global player of the European Franchise Federation. with franchisees During the last couple of years, in over 45 Winterliv and her team have focused countries,” on ensuring the Card Group places says Johan environmental issues at the forefront; Martinsson, CEO achieving the Forest Stewardship Council of the Swedish certification, and even making sure all Franchise the paper used in its greeting cards and Association. envelopes are sourced from well-managed

Long-serving British Franchise Association employee CATHERINE and regular expert contributor to What Franchise, MONSON Emily Price, was appointed to chief operating officer Chief Executive of the bfa in 2018 and has since made the role her own. Specifically, on the topic of COVID-19, she effectively Officer and President, led a reduced team to deliver high-quality support FASTSIGNS and Chair, to the franchising industry and has been serving as International Franchise director and ambassador for the Franchise Trust, Association EMILY PRICE supporting people into franchising. Price has been on the judging panel of the Chief Operating British Franchising Awards in 2019 and 2020, Catherine Monson has a long-standing Officer, British whilst managing to design and launch the first-ever relationship with franchising. To put it Franchise Association accreditation programme for ethical international in perspective, when she was appointed expansion (UK developer). CEO of FASTSIGNS International in 2009, she brought with her 30 years of franchising and management experience. As a linguistic scientist, Helen Doron had her eureka A recipient of the IFA’s Bonny LeVine HELEN DORON moment 30 years ago when watching her daughter learn the Award, the 2020 Global Franchise Award CEO, Helen Doron violin. Developing her own methodology, the Helen Doron for Best Signage & Communications method, she used music to teach English to children ages Franchise, and the Global Franchise Award Educational Group three months to 19 years. Supreme Champion 2019, she is known for Now, the 2020 winner of the Global Franchise Mentorship her mentoring leadership style. award has over 1,100 learning centres in 38 countries and Monson was also named the IFA chair has especially embraced technology during the COVID-19 earlier this year at the IFA Annual pandemic to ensure learning continued online through Convention. She said: “I love franchising Helendoron@home solution. and I look forward to serving the “Helen Doron has enabled thousands of women and men franchising community through my to train the next generation of adults, not just by teaching appointment and doing my part to protect, English but by teaching the values to make our world a better promote and enhance franchising.” place,” says Raffaele Forgione, manager, Italy and Spain.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 65 INSIGHT100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: SUPPORT & MENTORSHIP

JULIE JANIA BAILEY WAGSTAFF Chief Executive Co-Founder, Officer and President, ActionCOACH UK FranNet

“She does the work of 20 people,” Ian Christelow, With more than 30 years of experience in the banking and ActionCOACH UK co-founder, describes his co-owner. As franchise industries, Jania works closely with the IFA, even well as winning the Master Licencee of the Year award at the serving on its Executive Board of Directors for six years, and is ActionCOACH Global Awards, Wagstaff has played a major currently chair of the IFA Membership Committee. role in supporting franchisees and their clients throughout In 2019, Bailey was the recipient of the IFA’s Bonnie LeVine COVID-19, whilst continuing to recruit new franchisees. Award for her contributions to the growth of the business, “Julie cares for every single franchisee and team member,” and activities that promote the professional advancement of says ActionCOACH UK marketing manager Laura Thorburn. women. “In late 2019, we launched a peer group programme in “She continues to give back to the community, founding the our company called ‘Challenge Teams’. These teams have done Business Excellence Forums and has managed to grow the a tremendous job of bringing best practices to the surface and event from a couple of hundred people to over 1,200 in 2019.” helping each other overcome obstacles,” says Bailey.

MITALI CHOPRA Managing Director and Principal Business Coach, ActionCOACH London

GE, Microsoft and GoDaddy are just some of the brands Mitali Chopra has worked at in leadership roles. Since 2017, she has brought Results and has also recently presented at her 18 years of experience to key roles at the EMEA conference earlier this year,” says ActionCOACH London. Yvonne Webb, director of Fast Sheep and MEG ROBERTS “Mitali is an inspirational coach, working certified ActionCOACH. Chief Executive Officer and hard at making her clients as successful She is also part of ActionCOACH’s President, The Lash Lounge as they can be. She has enjoyed huge ongoing Coaching for a Cause programme, and Operating Partner, success through her clients, achieving a global pro bono coaching scheme aimed at non-profit organisations. Franworth the UK Coach of the Year for Best Client

Meg Roberts has led her team VERA VALASIS VICKI MITMAN to help franchise owners Franchise Specialist and Consultant Solicitor, leverage the franchise system’s membership model. Despite Former Executive Director, NMW Legal COVID-19 causing salons to Franchise Association of temporarily close, franchise South Africa Given that her background includes being a owners increased membership director of an international franchise and a sales by nearly 50 per cent franchise lawyer, Vicki Mitman’s advice is often Vera Valasis served as the first female in 2020. regarded as commercial and realistic. executive director of the Franchise “Serving on the IFA’s Board of “Vicki’s advice is from direct experience, Association of South Africa (FASA), Directors, under her leadership, knowledge, and understanding of franchisee and has lobbied government on The Lash Lounge has enhanced behaviour and thinking, backed by extensive the role that franchising can play all aspects of the franchise’s knowledge of the law around franchising,” in furthering entrepreneurship and operational support,” says Louise Harris, head of strategic partnerships job creation. Her experience as both Shelley Blaszak, director of at easyStorage says. “She a franchisee and communications. “During is committed to ethical franchisor gives COVID-19, Meg elevated franchising and shares her her insight into communication and targeted wealth of knowledge, with understanding FASA IMAGE: support to achieve the highest an uncommonly common franchising in all franchisee satisfaction in the sense attitude. A ‘must- its complexities. brand’s history.” have’ in your team.”

66 BUSINESS WOMAN Sponsored by Rockstar franchisees KATE WALKER Multi-Unit Franchisee, McDonald’s Females who take centre stage due to supreme The winner of the 2019 Scottish As well as Business Woman of the Year Award, being the owner- performances in their Kate brings a female perspective to the operator of seven respective businesses leadership of McDonald’s UK. McDonald’s during a period of When developing new products, restaurants in and around Glasgow, unprecedented promotions and practices, her focus for six years Kate has been a director change is on nutrition, people practices and of the brand’s marketing cooperative sustainability. She always considers every - president for the past two - which decision through the eyes of the customer, plans and approves the marketing drawing on her own experiences as a mum funds gathered by all 1,400 McDonald’s and her previous life in market research. restaurants is the UK.

McDonald’s master franchisee in West and South India, Smita’s aim is to have 400-500 restaurants established by 2022. She was one of four Indian entrepreneurs featured in Forbes Asia’s Power LIZ NABLE Businesswoman List in 2019, where she Director, Xtend Barre was described as being part of a group of “accomplished woman who are playing a Northern Beaches significant role in shaping Asia’s business SMITA JATIA landscape in the next few decades.” Quick to react during the coronavirus Building on her awards success in Managing Director, 2019, when she was named NSW crisis, Smita’s franchise network introduced Franchise Woman of the Year and Hardcastle Restaurants the ‘On The Go’ delivery service, which Australian Franchise Woman of the allowed customers to have their orders Year, Liz opened her fourth Xtend delivered to their cars without having to set Barre studio location on Sydney’s foot in a McDonald’s restaurant. Northern Beaches recently. She helped turn the entire franchise network from a bricks-and-mortar CARRIE NIEMAN quarantined employees. business into an online one in less Steve White, president and COO of than 24 hours, after it was given Co-Owner, PuroClean North PuroClean, says: “Carrie is an exemplary 12 hours’ notice to close by the Metro Atlanta PuroClean franchise owner. Thanks Australian government following the to her relentless customer service and coronavirus outbreak. servant leadership, A high achieving franchisee with a 100 Liz negotiated with landlords Carrie’s franchise per cent debt-free business, Carrie’s while dealing with new legislation has landed franchise location has increased 18 and government assistance in within the per cent in both sales and number of order to keep her four studios top 10 per claims completed this year, all while afloat for months before they were cent across maintaining her entire crew and even able to reopen. our national adding four new employees to support At the same time, she wrote for network increased demand. various media outlets about Xtend for eight Her franchise was able to accept Barre’s journey, what she learnt from of the past every claim that came in and help the experience and the way forward 10 years.” three other PuroClean locations with post pandemic. their claims while other locations had

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 67 INSIGHT100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: ROCKSTAR FRANCHISEES

ZEYNEP UYGUN Manager Director and TAMRA KENNEDY Master Franchisee, Snap Multi-unit Operator, Fitness Turkey Taco John’s

In the past year, Zeynep opened which gave members a way to stay Tamra earned her franchising stripes while working as a the second Snap Fitness Turkey active while bricks-and-mortar secretary for a franchisee of Burger King and Taco John’s. While location. During the COVID-19 gyms were closed. she only earned $4.05 during her time in the role, she learnt a lot, crisis, she built customer loyalty Laurel Peabody, global senior especially when it came to working with numbers and data. and emotional commitment to marketing strategist at Lift 17 years of learning - not to mention working night shifts in the brand by contacting every Brands, says: “She’s assisted in order to gain experience working in the operations side of the member, asking how they were bringing Snap Fitness to Turkey job - has paid dividends, with Tamra going on to build a portfolio and encouraging them to use Snap and has successfully opened comprising nine Taco John’s locations. Fitness’ free FitnessOnDemand two Snap Fitness clubs there. Since then, she has gone on to build a Taco John’s empire, workout video library. Snap Fitness Turkey wouldn’t primarily in rural areas across Minnesota and Iowa. She also launched the Snap be what it is today without the Fitness MOVE Challenge app, support of Zeynep.” ILDIKÓ LAVOTHA Master Franchisee, High-Care

President of the Hungarian Franchise Association (HFA) for several years, Ildikó currently serves as the vice president. She has been the master franchisee of the High- Care brand for 27 years and has developed the largest beauty salon franchise network in AMY POPAT the whole of Hungary. “Ildikó a key figure in the Hungarian Franchisee, Right at Home franchise society,” explains Katalin Mandel, CEO of the Hungarian Franchise According to the HFA, 20 per cent of Previously an optometrist, Amy decided to Association. “Her work is essential to the all franchise companies in the country are invest in her own at-home care franchise functioning of the association.” members of the association. with her accountant husband Kev while at a franchise exhibition, with the pair’s main incentive being to start their own business CARABETH MOORE The team was named Pizza Inn’s which was in an unfamiliar industry in order franchisee of the year for innovative to offer them some variety. Franchisee, Pizza Inn and thought leadership and for the It’s fair to say that they haven’t looked back Pie Five Pizza creation of a SmartCar delivery since. They’ve now grown their Right at Home program, increasing sales by Solent branch into a million-pound-turnover 24 per cent. business, scooping a prestigious Franchisee CaraBeth Moore owns and CaraBeth is known for of the Year 2019 at the British Franchise operates three Pizza Inn being a very active owner, Association awards along the way. locations in New Mexico and involved in daily operations, “Being able to help our clients remain at home, Pie Five Pizza in Lubbock, as well as heading up social safely, while adding a huge amount of value Texas, along with her media and local store to their lives is the most rewarding job in the husband Michael. marketing. world,” the pair has stated.

Beatrice Corradini runs five Mail Boxes Etc. centers in leadership, and she has BEATRICE Italy, managing a team of around 40 people, many of an extraordinary ability CORRADINI whom are women. Before owning her own businesses, to motivate staff - she is Beatrice worked in the transportation and logistics a born leader,” explains Franchisee, Mail sector, but the pull of being an entrepreneur and Barbara Maccarrone from Boxes Etc. business owner proved too strong, and she eventually Mail Boxes Etc. “She invested in her own Mail Boxes Etc. franchise. transmits a great passion “Beatrice is a great entrepreneur with natural to everyone.”

68 BUSINESS WOMAN Sponsored by

Suppliers Successful KAY AINSLEY franchising Managing Director, MSA Worldwide requires a lot more than just franchisors and As the managing director of MSA Worldwide and a franchisees. These are the prolific speaker at numerous franchise events and experts working behind-the- expos, Kay is one of the most recognisable faces in scenes, handling marketing, the industry. Her prominence is matched only by her consulting, and everything expertise, having not only worked in advisory roles else that helps brands within the franchise industry, but also as the director of international development for Domino’s Pizza to grow International. Recently, Kay was also part of the judging committee for the Global Franchise Awards 2020, on which she took part in recognising some of the best and brightest brands advocating for the future of franchising. SHERRI FISHMAN President, Fishman PR NICOLA BROADHURST Head of Franchising, Retail, and Hospitality, Stevens & Bolton

When Sherri first founded Fishman PR back Nicola specialises in franchising designated representative for the in 1991 with her husband and co-founder Brad and assisting businesses to scale up British Franchise Association, so she Fishman, the pair may not have known quite how and expand through commercial has a rich understanding of how to much of an impact their franchise-dedicated public exploitation and intellectual property; bring international brands into the relations business would have. Now almost three recently working with brands like U.K. market. She was also on the decades later, Sherri has worked with some of the Papa John’s, Vape Store, and T.M. judging panel of the Global Franchise biggest brands and shows no sign of slowing. Lewin on international agreements Awards 2020, using her expertise “Sherri is a well-respected leader in franchising and franchise documentation. to recognise some of the who mentors others and likes to help other women She is also Steven & Bolton’s industry’s frontrunners. succeed,” says Debra Vilchis, COO at Fishman PR.

SALLY FACINELLI As a franchise growth catalyst, ANGELA COTÉ Angela is very familiar with what Advisor, Founder, Angela it means to be a successful Consumer Fusion Coté Inc. international brand. With her prolific business advisory firm, Angela Coté Inc., Over a decade ago, in 2009, Sally penned an article for she has helped countless businesses reach new the IFA titled: What the heck is social media? While this franchisees and expand their networks in might seem comically outdated nowadays, it signified sustainable, ethical ways. exactly what kind of entrepreneur Facinelli has always Just this year, Coté launched her proprietary been: eager to be on the cutting-edge of new technology, Play Bigger Performance Groups, which allow and ready to utilise that knowledge to assist whichever franchisors to come together and share experiences, organisation she’s working with. overcome challenges, and celebrate wins alongside In 2020, 10 years later and more than 20 into her one another. These have already attracted some of dynamic career, Sally is an advisor for Consumer franchising’s most recognisable brands, promoting Fusion and debuted its franchise brand repetition collaboration and networking throughout the management software at the IFA in February – industry as a whole. coming full circle.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 69 INSIGHT100 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN FRANCHISING: SUPPLIERS

THERESE THILGEN SHERRI SEIBER CEO & Co-Founder, COO & Co-Owner, Franchise Update Media FranFund

As the COO and co-owner of Therese Thilgen is the co- FranFund, Sherri spends her founder and CEO of Franchise days working with franchises to Update Media (FUM), one of design all-in-one funding plans the industry’s most prolific to help grow their networks, franchise media brands and host and through her experience and expertise, FranFund has of some of the largest annual through numerous published developed a network of lenders that has allowed FranFund franchise events; attracting and digital offerings, but they to have a loan approval rate of 99 per cent. thousands of potential can also attend events like “Sherri’s role within franchising extends far beyond franchisees, and brands the Multi-Unit Franchising her COO duties at FranFund,” says Jenny Childs, vice showcasing their opportunities. Conference (MUFC), which president and senior franchise consultant for The Working alongside Thilgen’s is frequently attended by You Network. “She is gifted at connecting people and team, franchise brands are multi-unit franchisees in collaborating with franchise consultants, franchisors, and able to not only reach an the food, hospitality, retail, other supplier groups to achieve a common goal. Sherri is attractive number of leads and service sectors. an advocate for female leaders and is often sought out for mentorship and advice.”

SHEILA FISCHER Vice President, MFV Expositions

As the vice president of MFV Expositions, Sheila is involved with organising and running some of the franchise industry’s biggest annual events, including the likes of Franchise Expo West, and the International Franchise Expo (IFE). Working alongside the talented team at MFV JOYCE MAZERO for over 15 years, Sheila is always looking for fresh, Co-Chair, Polsinelli innovative ways to spice up the year’s biggest events. Case in point: the International Franchise Online Expo that took place in May 2020, due to social distancing restrictions caused by COVID-19. Using her honed skills in franchising and distribution, Joyce Mazero co-chairs the SUZIE MCCAFFERTY As the CEO of franchise consultancy Global Franchise and Supply Platinum Wave, Suzie is continuously Chain Practice at Polsinelli, an CEO, Platinum Wave releasing blogs, articles, social media international law firm. She’s updates, and even podcast episodes renowned as a trusted counselor to heighten and promote the model of and advisor to numerous franchise franchising. For her efforts, she was even awarded at the brands, and has negotiated many 2019 Business Women Scotland Awards for being an transactions on behalf of some of inspiration to fellow female entrepreneurs. the industry’s biggest names. “Over a 20-year career, Suzie has gone from “Joyce has assisted numerous fledgling franchisor learning the ropes, to an brands of all sizes and various international franchisor, speaker, media contributor, industries in their structure and non-executive director, podcaster, mentor, bfa development and is recognised forum chair, and CEO of one of the most in-demand as one of the very top leaders in franchise consultancy’s in the U.K. Given her franchise law,” says Len MacPhee, journey, it’s no surprise that so many women in co-chair of Polsinelli’s Global franchising cite Suzie as an inspiration and role Franchise and Supply model,” says Andy McCarroll, head of marketing Network practice. for Platinum Wave.

70 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:42 Page 71 BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:43 Page 72

Pick Bluebird Care for your next adventure Bluebird Care offers a comprehensive support package to support franchise owners in “The best thing about getting started quickly. Bluebird Care is that we get Franchise owners manage and develop their businesses, recruiting a team of brand to follow a model that advocates who deliver a continuum of high quality, person-centred, non-medical care simply works!” in the community. Julie McLellan, Bluebird Care Why choose Bluebird Care? North Tyneside • Largest provider of Private Home Care in the UK • Proven Business Model • Award Winning Training • Elite Franchise ‘Top 20 franchise for 2020’

Get in touch with Vicky Brown today to start your franchising journey. 07912 771149 | [email protected] | www.bluebirdcarefranchise.co.uk

Build an amazing business from home with Raring2go!

MAGAZINE & WEBSITE FRANCHISE We’re looking for brilliant new franchise owners to join our established and successful Raring2go! franchise.

You must be a conversation starter, a relationship builder and a lover of sales. You’ll be joining a tight knit community of independent franchise owners producing ‘the’ Go-To Guide’ in print and online for families with children in primary school.

Our impressive and fully inclusive start up packages range from £7k to £16k + VAT with up to 75% funding available from banks, subject to their terms and conditions.

To learn more about Raring2go! ask us to send you our detailed information pack by post and then, when the time is right let’s have a conversation. FOR MORE INFO [email protected] www.getraring2go.co.uk 01273 447101 A must-read guide to smart investing

• Top franchise opportunities • How to be your own boss • Life changing businesses • Flourishing sectors

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 73 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT - COVER STORY

At a Glance THE SEASONS One of the hottest ART CLASS PERFECT PART-TIME BUSINESS

Established: 2009 lifestyle franchises Number of franchised outlets: 150 and growing fast Location of units: U.K., Europe, New Zealand, Canada, U.S.A this year Investment range: £17,995 (100% government financed subject to status). This business pays for itself Pandemic-proof, lots of fun, very profitable and International opportunities International Area Developer opportunities: two rewarding in every way, The Seasons Art Class is showcase branches and local development rights Contact: a perfect part-time business, where you can work perfectparttimebusiness.com/uk [email protected] from home and generate a full-time income (+44) 07887622778 theseasonsartclass.com

our own over a two-year period,” explains person while at the same time wanting to Gen. “From there we started franchising make an executive level income, then you and we now have over 150 branches.” couldn’t find a better business to be in!”

HIGH DEMAND UNRIVALLED SUPPORT Now, over 6,000 students attend The The Seasons Art Class’s unwavering Seasons Art Class lessons every single appeal comes from its robust structure week, and it’s easy to see why the brand and established systems. With Seasons, has so many people looking to pick up business owners only need to operate their paint brushes. The Seasons Art their business for one day a week – which Class has a fabulous business model, consists of three-hour-long morning where you can work one day a week and and afternoon classes. It makes for the you don’t need any art experience as perfect part-time business that many qualified tutors run the courses; your role people – women especially, who make HAT IS THE is as the course coordinator. up 80 per cent of the franchise network SEASONS ART Each season comprises a 14-lesson – can operate to provide an extra income W CLASS? curriculum focused on four mediums stream. Franchisees can then take on Many artists and creatively- including drawing, oil pastels, an extra day a week if they wish, or even minded people will testify to the fact watercolours and acrylics. Each season reinvest in another territory, too. that when it comes to starting an the curriculum is completely refreshed, art-orientated business, there’s no allowing students ranging from beginners MANAGE FROM HOME; simple approach. However, The Seasons to experts to engage with a completely ONE DAY AT VENUE Art Class flips this notion on its head. unique set of lessons each time around. The franchise’s unrivalled support Founded in Arundel in the U.K. in 2009 Once that season’s curriculum comes structure allows business owners to by Genevieve Woodford, the company’s to an end there is an exhibition at each concentrate on making the classes carefully-designed curriculum and Seasons branch where students can themselves a fantastic experience for high-quality lessons quickly gathered showcase their creations; this event students to have a good time and develop momentum. “We built nine branches of perfectly encapsulates the artistic their art skills. “We supply business energy and social buzz that the owners with everything they need,” says students, franchisees and tutors Gen. “We have an extensive database adore about the brand. of skilled tutors across the country, so we find a tutor for you, we locate the NO EXPERIENCE ideal venue for you, we coordinate all of NECESSARY the marketing, which is refreshed every “The students are amazing and you season, and we even take the bookings for make lots of friends while running this you. We have a huge support team.” business,” says Gen. “Many students tell us that it’s their favourite day of the week, 100% COVID-PROOF and that’s the same for our franchisees, BUSINESS too. It’s so much fun – if you’ve got The fact that venues are rented out on a a creative streak and you’re a people per-lesson basis means that the business

74 BUSINESS WOMAN Behind the Brand - Xxxxxxxxxxx Class The Seasons Art

has no overheads, aside from paying for the lessons are completely fresh and tutors, meaning that this truly agile brand keep students returning for more. “If you’ve got a creative was well-prepared to pivot to virtual “The brand is well-recognised and the streak and you’re a people classes when the COVID lockdown classes are always sold out,” says Gen. measures were introduced. “The beauty is that you don’t need person while at the same hundreds of students every month; LOYAL, AMAZING, there’s only 40 people needed for every time wanting to make an ADULT STUDENTS three-month curriculum, and they’re executive level income, then While The Seasons Art Class gained mainly returning students who love its gold-standard reputation in the art our classes.” you couldn’t find a better world, through its thorough approach and water-tight systems, the meticulous INTERNATIONAL business to be in!” methods behind the compiling of its OPPORTUNITIES curriculums for each season are perhaps The brand’s status as a certified Call us on (+44) 07887622778, leave its greatest works of art. A dedicated European Art School has attracted a message and we’ll call you back. team of artists and staff work on each international interest, too, with Look forward to speaking soon. new curriculum for over three months, the franchise opening branches in fine-tuning every aspect to ensure that countries like Germany and New Zealand, and locations in Toronto, Canada and Florida, U.S.A. “We’re open to discussions on an international level with people about becoming Area Developers in selected countries,” explains Gen. “U.S.A. is the main place we’re targeting next as we’re getting so many enquiries from there for our courses and franchise.” Please contact us for details through our website perfectparttime business.com/uk.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 75

At a Glance At Capital Capital Hitachi Hitachi Finance Finance Franchise Franchise However, many small business However, be surprised by how far may You it for yourself - manage your Try Lowlevels cash means extra this problem is to The answer to For more information call information more For 01844 355575 or email [email protected] hitachicapital.co.uk/franchise-finance THE SIMPLEST CASH THE SIMPLEST CASH FORECAST FLOW HOW TO SET UP SET UP TO HOW what’s reconcile need to You’ll coming in and going out regularly. seeking funding, if you’re Generally, cash flow produced are forecasts over 12 months. to update owners find it’s beneficial their cash flow on a weekly basis over a 13-week period. 13 weeks is just of a season in calendarover a quarter also the usual length It’s of terms. time used by accountants, investors assess if a business has and lenders to a positive outlook for its cash flow. your income, you can project forward started particularly if you’ve already But you’ll also see veryissuing invoices. quickly how useful a cash flow forecast expecting who you’re is for monitoring and what the impact payments make to delayed. are might be if those payments business the right way. financially vulnerable. takes deal with. It for you to pressure make to some of your freedom away choices about how the business grows or runs. to your cash flowproject and try any action that’s needed to predict This prevent happening. that from is called cash flow and forecasting set up a to this is the simplest way 13-week cash flow forecast: “You’ll need “You’ll to reconcile comingwhat’s in and going out regularly”

A good cash flow helps you forecast If you get paid late by a customer, by a customer, If you get paid late to understand if you’ve got enough to cover all your money coming in to staff and suppliers. overheads and pay enough cash coming If you don’t have your bills on time. in, you can’t pay ratings and, This affects your credit the end of could lead to ultimately, your business. WHY IS A CASH WHY IS A CASH FORECAST FLOW SO CRITICAL? Everyone’s in a different situation. every business is dependent However, and on the activity of its creditors maintain and it’s important to debtors balance betweena healthy the two. settle an invoice earlier to you have or the business than you expected owner doesn’t plan properly and much money out of too takes become it, your business may

good cash flow forecast But is a valuable tool. how plan ahead do you out just starting if you’re

Here, we’ll explain how to create a create we’ll explain howHere, to A Understanding your future cash Understanding your future better make position helps you to decisions about funding and how to It’s grow your business responsibly. essential hoping information if you’re operation franchise expand your to to or take stock buy more multiple sites, staff. on extra WHY DO YOU NEED NEED WHY DO YOU A CASH CREATE TO FORECAST? FLOW or a new business owner? And how a cash flow forecast do you create that’s useful? cash flow that could help take forecast off your small business the pressure it easier to and make in the short term grow in the long term.

future Forecast the Forecast BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT PARTNER BRAND: THE BEHIND Hitachi Capital Franchise Finance explains the Finance explains Franchise Hitachi Capital cash flow an effective creating importance of business your for forecast

Behind the Brand - Hitachi Capital Franchise Finance 76 BUSINESS WOMEN BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - SkinHQ

At a Glance Professional skin SkinHQ Established: 2017 Number of franchised units: 9 Location of units: Manchester, Birmingham, treatment at an Bradford, Liverpool, Eton, London - Camden, London - Lewisham, Scotland - Glasgow, Derby, Ireland - Newry, Ireland - Dublin Investment range: £500,000-£2.5 million (master). £75,000-£150,000 (single unit) affordable price Minimum required capital: £500,000 (master). £75,000 (single unit) Contact: [email protected] SkinHQ is encouraging people to invest in skinhq.co.uk themselves and is looking for entrepreneurs to make that goal a reality ONGOING SUPPORT kinHQ is one of the UK’s best through the art of self-care. NETWORK leading skin clinic chains, SkinHQ is constantly looking for SkinHQ prides itself on its commitment specialising in laser hair new ways to make skincare treatments to continuous support in running your S and skin treatments using accessible to all, removing the stigmas franchise and the network of support cutting edge technology, and winner attached to the beauty industry. It ensures you’re not alone. of The Stevies International Business focuses on being inclusive, not just Whether you’re an investor, Awards Company of the Year 2020. through marketing campaigns, but existing business owner, first-time SkinHQ delivers professional skin right to its core. SkinHQ offers a entrepreneur or a health and beauty treatments at an affordable price - unique gym-style membership plan professional wanting to start your because it believes everyone deserves to clients, which provides a regular own business, SkinHQ can consider to look and feel incredible. recurring revenue for the clinic. partnering with you. With the beauty industry set to Other key features of the SkinHQ boom further, the root of the brand’s WHY INVEST IN BEAUTY franchise package include: vision lies in helping people feel their AND AESTHETICS? The aesthetics market is one of the most • Dedicated online franchise manual. successful and exciting industries in the • Regular shop visits to discuss “Creating an accessible world. SkinHQ wants to encourage business development. franchise programme people to invest in themselves, take care • Website development and of their skin and look and feel amazing. management. has been a huge part SkinHQ currently has over 40,000 • Social media management. registered clients across clinics in • National marketing and PR. of helping to turn this Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, • Group franchise owner meetings - London and Bradford and it’s your chance to meet with the team. dream into a reality” continuing to expand. In the first six • Business coaching and mentoring months since launching its franchise scheme to help keep you on track. proposition, the concept has secured • Continued product development nine new locations already, including and innovation. Belfast, Dublin and Glasgow. • A busy clinic from the day you launch. To help you become a successful clinic, SkinHQ will be on hand to AN AWARD WINNING provide full training and support, FOUNDER including marketing, advertising and Haroon Danis, founder of SkinHQ, social media. The UK call centre says: “I’m passionate about helping supports the local locations, but SkinHQ people. I believe that everyone should will set up call centres in each of the be given an equal opportunity when it master franchise locations to support comes to building a bright and all the clinics in the territory. sustainable future. By the time a franchise is open, “Creating an accessible franchise SkinHQ vows to have it bustling with programme has been a huge part bookings already, so the franchisee will of helping to turn this dream into hit the ground running. a reality.”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 77 BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:43 Page 78 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Cafe2U

At a Glance Showing its CAFE2U Established: 2004 Number of franchised outlets: 90-plus Location of units: nationwide true colours Investment range: as low as £15,000 (subject to status) CEO Martyn Ward reflects on how Cafe2U has Minimum required capital: £10,000 (subject to status) navigated its way through unprecedented times Contact: Teresa Fowler cafe2u.co.uk

remember having a electric technology in our mobile conversation with the coffee shops and a new mobile app. of the 75th VE Day anniversary event planner managing celebrations taking place during I our 2018 conference: THE WORLD CHANGED lockdown was not lost on me. “You need to start planning your 2020 Nobody could have predicted what conference soon, as dates are already would transpire shortly after. An entirely selling out,” he said. new way of life was set to unfold and COMMUNITY SPIRIT He was alluding to the fact that previously unheard of phrases were The franchise community, specifically, 2020 would be the year when many about to become the norm. has been nothing short of brilliant. companies were planning to make a People would clap for the NHS every Franchisors shared best practice on big splash about their plans for the Thursday evening. Joe Wicks would regular Zoom calls, the British next decade. ‘2020 vision’ was surely inspire millions to exercise every Franchise Association hosted weekly going to become an early contender for morning. The list could go on. web meetings with industry experts most overused phrase of the decade. However, it’s safe to say that the and the team at Coconut Creatives held We took heed of his advice and in happenings over the last five months Franchise Fest online. Simply amazing. February this year held our annual were not in anyone’s plans - business or ‘Focus and Clarity have never been conference, where we did exactly that. otherwise. more important’ was the leading line in Our conference was indeed focused On March 23, when Boris Johnson our group newsletter on March 24. This around our 2020 vision, as well as announced an initial three-week sentiment has played a tremendous part unveiling our refreshed branding, lockdown, it was clear the world was in our ability to navigate our way through about to change, potentially forever. these unprecedented times and has This was going to be the time when enabled us to get through the pandemic. “I’ve been humbled by the people and organisations showed their There has been a strong focus on the true colours and where a sense of well-being of our franchise partners as grit and determination community had not been so important we formulated our plan to relaunch the since the Second World War. The irony business as well as exploring - and of our franchisees” piloting - a major new profit centre for our existing franchisees. There will be more on this in the coming months, but never has the benefit of a mobile business been more prevalent. The nature of our business presented us with unique opportunities throughout lockdown - my personal highlight being the fact we were able to deliver more than 15,000 free cups of coffee to NHS front-line workers. I’ve been humbled by the grit and determination of our franchisees - always looking for ways to pivot their businesses and help in their communities. We’re so lucky to have a franchise network full of truly amazing people and are delighted to see a number of them breaking records for sales since starting back.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 79 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Raring2go!

At a Glance Start a new Raring2go!

Established: 2006 Number of franchised outlets: 40 chapter Location of units: UK-wide Investment range: £7,000-£16,000 With the Raring2go! publishing franchise, you can Minimum required capital: £1,750 Contact: [email protected] build a sustainable home-based business getraring2go.co.uk

re you looking for your next challenge? “The Raring2go! network of Ready to take on the franchisees is made up entirely A world and build a business from home? Tired of the of talented women” daily commute? Yearning to profit from your talent and abilities? Then Raring2go! could be the business vibrant and engaging website. Content for yourself, but not by yourself’ opportunity for you. across both magazines and website has never been truer. Raring2go! is an established, comprises a blend of locally relevant Raring2go! offers each proven and immensely popular editorial features, paid for advertising, franchisee a thorough induction magazine/website franchise. For competitions, vouchers, a what’s on training programme covering all businesses looking to position guide and reviews. aspects of the business. And the themselves in front of a targeted The content is curated for families, company has made a significant audience of local families, which is why Raring2go! is regarded investment in back-end systems. Raring2go! delivers. as ‘the go-to guide for you and your The bespoke management system child’. It’s a rich and compelling helps a franchisee hit the ground COLOURFUL AND resource for families with primary running from day one. VIBRANT school-age children across the UK; Experience in publishing is not Franchisees produce four colourful the ultimate guide on how they can required and many Raring2go! A5 magazines annually and manage a spend quality time together. franchisees had no previous experience in marketing and FEMALE FRANCHISEES sales. However, the ability to build The Raring2go! network of rapport with potential customers franchisees is made up entirely of and close business are qualities talented women. Women who left a that stand every franchisee in variety of professional backgrounds good stead. to start a new chapter in life as a Raring2go! franchisee. LEADING BRAND Some chose Raring2go! because it The Raring2go! branding, offers a positive work-life balance. reputation and marketing Others because it’s a flexible model collateral positions it as a leading and good money can be earned while brand in its sector. The company is working from home. Others because now recruiting franchisees for the it just felt right. final 25 territories across the UK. Being part of a collaborative If this sounds like a business you and supportive network appeals would like to be a part of, it’s a sign to every Raring2go! franchisee. you should talk to Raring2go! Its They work independently, but comprehensive information pack love sharing ideas, supporting one fills in much of the jigsaw. another when the chips are down It’s brimming with information, and celebrating successes. interviews with franchisees and Spearheaded by a franchisee the nitty-gritty detail of what’s council, the ongoing strategy and on offer, including three start-up direction of the business is a highly packages and how Raring2go! collaborative affair too. The adage of looked after its franchisees during franchising that ‘you are in business the pandemic.

80 BUSINESS WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Extra Help

At a Glance A way of EXTRA HELP Established: 2010 Number of franchised outlets: 33 Location of units: UK giving back Investment range: £10,000 (plus VAT) Franchising with Extra Help is about more than Contact: [email protected] extra-help.co.uk implementing a tried and tested business model

STRAIGHTFORWARD xtra Help is a franchise lockdown, providing essential services BUSINESS MODEL network that operates to elderly and vulnerable clients, many The unique business model is simple E in a rapidly growing, of whom were shielding. and easy to follow. Clients are recession resilient market. The company attracts many charged a flat fee per hour, plus a The company provides home help and potential franchisees who were management fee, and home helpers domestic services to many different originally looking for a cleaning are self-employed, thereby types of people, including the elderly, opportunity. Realising that cleaning is organising their own tax, national new parents and working professionals. not necessarily recession proof, they insurance and pensions. Founded by Claire Robinson in choose Extra Help because of the As Extra Help is a management 2010, Extra Help is proud to be flexibility and variety of the services franchise, your job is simply to find celebrating its 10th birthday this year it provides. clients and recruit responsible, caring and has 33 franchisees across the UK Franchising with Extra Help is and honest home helpers to meet to date, seven of whom were recruited about more than implementing a tried their requirements. during the recent national lockdown. and tested business model; it’s a way One of the company’s franchisees is Extra Help is a business that thrives of ‘giving back’. bringing in over £5,000 per month and in times of crisis and its franchisees Franchisees are encouraged to some are approaching the VAT were able to continue working during establish their own reputations and threshold which, because home build relationships within their local helpers are all self-employed, is solely “Extra Help is proud communities, helping the elderly to based on their own earnings. live independently and providing Extra Help’s ongoing service fees are to be celebrating its modest and fixed, regardless of your help and support to anyone else who income. You can realistically recoup needs it. 10th birthday this year” your original investment within the first year, meaning that, upon completion of your first year in business, you could be well on your way to generating serious profits, while growing a rewarding lifestyle business you’ll genuinely love.

FRANCHISE PACKAGE Extra Help franchisees receive a package that is packed full of benefits to get you up and running immediately, including your own exclusive territory; operations manual; comprehensive training; ongoing support; access to the franchisee Facebook group; telephone number, email address and web page; a customised database management system; and social media advice. Extra Help franchisees are passionate about helping people and encouraged to support and communicate with each other through social media and regular meet-ups.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 81 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Miss Millie’s

At a Glance Ambitious MISS MILLIE’S

Established: 1988 Number of franchised outlets: 9 expansion plans Location of units: south west and Wales Investment range: £175,000-£450,000 Miss Millie’s has multi-unit franchise opportunities Minimum required capital: £150,000 Contact: [email protected] available across the UK missmillies.co.uk

iss Millie’s has been airports and holiday parks. Ideal CUSTOMER in the quick service site size is between 1,000 and 2,500 EXPERIENCE M chicken restaurant square feet. Assistance with site Miss Millie’s uses only Grade business for decades. selection and fit-out is provided A farm assured chickens from Serving affordable, premium by the franchisor. Multi-unit suppliers that meet the highest takeaway food to customers across franchisees benefit from economies welfare standards. the south west and Wales since and enjoy improved incentives. Customers can order their 1988, the company was set up by Franchisees get five weeks’ training food via the company’s ordering Harry Latham, who introduced KFC in all aspects of the business, including app, which not only cuts queues to the UK, and his business partner effective supply chain management, and simplifies ordering, but Ray Allen. HR and business development. offers a significant upselling As Harry and his family were good They also receive ongoing opportunity, helping to friends with KFC founder Colonel support, quarterly business maximise franchisees’ return Sanders, he decided to name the reviews, access to Miss Millie’s IP on investment. new venture after the Colonel’s Food safety and health and safety Miss Millie’s outlets also daughter, Mildred. courses and benefit from the regular feature fully integrated digital self advertising and promotional activity service kiosks, further enhancing NEW CHAPTER organised by the franchisor, plus its the customer experience. Miss Millie’s saw new owners extensive new product development in 2019 and the company is now programme, ensuring the brand’s STEADY INCOME headed up by Carl Traill, ex-Burger food offering remains in demand in STREAM King Director of Operations UK. a competitive marketplace. Franchisee Sarah Wilson says: “As Carl is now embarking on an It costs in the region of £175,000- a second generation franchisee, ambitious expansion plan by offering £450,000 to set up a full-sized Miss my family have worked alongside franchises to suitable candidates Millie’s store (the franchise fee is Miss Millie’s for over 30 years. interested in investing in a multi-site £25,000). Ongoing charges include “The business model is a opportunity. a management fee of 7.5 per cent great opportunity for individuals Stores can be set up in city of turnover and a 2.5 per cent of and businesses alike, providing centre or suburban locations, turnover contribution to the Miss a steady income stream from shopping centres, food courts, Millie’s marketing fund. a well recognised and long established brand. “There’s a real affinity for Miss Millie’s “There’s a real affinity for Miss Millie’s amongst the customer amongst the customer base” base and the involvement in local community causes and sustainability is especially important to me. “When I purchased the business, Miss Millie’s provided a great deal of support - someone would always be there if I needed some advice. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing the exciting new reimagining of the brand over the coming months.”

82 BUSINESS WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Snap Fitness & 9Round Kickboxing

At a Glance SNAP FITNESS Established: 2003 Promote good Number of franchised outlets: 2,000 open or in development Location of units: global Investment range: health and from £450,000 (based on a 5,000 sq ft unit) Minimum required capital: £200,000 Contact: [email protected] well-being snapfitness.com Want to get into the fitness industry? Lift Brands has two proven opportunities that are worth considering At a Glance 9ROUND KICKBOXING community around the globe offer Established: members the opportunity to see 2008 real results. Number of franchised outlets: 750 open or in development The Snap Fitness franchise is the Location of units: top choice for entrepreneurs looking to global become master franchisees and offer Investment range: their communities a high quality from £150,000 (based on a 1,100 sq ft unit) workout experience with a global Minimum required capital: reciprocal network. £100,000 Contact: Named within Entrepreneur [email protected] magazine’s Franchise 500 for 15 years franchise.9round.co.uk running, Snap Fitness provides an established, results driven business and increases member retention model that’s easy to own, easy to manage compared to other boutique fitness gyms. and easy to market. 9Round Kickboxing is the top choice for entrepreneurs looking to 9ROUND KICKBOXING become master franchisees and offers 9Round Kickboxing is knocking out the communities a high quality kickboxing ift Brands owns a number of competition across the globe and now is experience with a global network. fast growing fitness franchises the time to bring 9Round Kickboxing to The brand provides an established, that offer leading-edge your country or market. results driven business model, with world L technology and services that 9Round offers a kickboxing themed class support, that’s easy to own, easy to foster good health and well-being. fitness programme that incorporates manage and easy to market. Among its stable is Snap Fitness and functional, interval, cardiovascular Lift Brands is a 9Round Master 9Round Kickboxing. and circuit training regimens. Its daily Developer and minority partner in workouts provide a wide variety of 9Round global with founders Shannon “The brand provides an exercises that prevent member burnout and Heather Hudson. established, results driven business model” SNAP FITNESS Snap Fitness is experiencing explosive growth across the globe and now is the time to bring Snap Fitness gyms to your country or market. Snap Fitness is the world’s most rewarding 24/7 fitness concept, whose purpose is to create happy and healthy lifestyles for its members. Its leading-edge fitness technology, diverse workout options, personal training and group fitness and supportive fitness

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 83 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Get Ahead VA

At a Glance Family friendly Get Ahead VA

Established: 2017 Number of franchised outlets: 7 franchising Location of units: Leeds, South Yorkshire, East Midlands, Berkshire & North Hampshire, West Surrey, Suffolk & Essex, East Midlands Marie Peters ditched her office job in favour of Investment range: £8,000 a Get Ahead VA franchise Minimum required capital: £0 Contact: 01483 332220 or rebecca@ getaheadva.com franchise.getaheadva.com

business operations and project “Everyone bringing their own management roles, Marie was well perspective to the group has meant placed to run her own virtual team, we have been able to stay positive and delivering marketing and business help each other. services to small and medium-sized “At times it’s been tough having enterprises in Surrey. Little did she the children at home. I’ve certainly know a global pandemic was about had to get creative with our schedule, to hit. working in the mornings and Marie explains: “The ironic evenings and scheduling some movie thing is, I quit my job at the start afternoons so I get a bit of time to of the year so that I could spend focus on the world. more time with my kids. If you had “But I don’t know how I managed told me then that I would end up the commute to London to sit in the spending 24/7 at home with them same office for nine hours every day for six months I’d have laughed. for so long now.” “But actually, I feel so lucky to have decided to move into RIGHT DECISION Marie Peters franchising when I did. Both in Marie says she’s still glad she took the the short term of this crisis and decision to work for herself. the longer-term as things get back “The reasons why I decided to to normal, I know I’ve made the or many women, take the leap and go for it are more right decision.” balancing the demands important now than ever,” she says. of work and family life “I’ve long been an advocate for F is never easy. But as FLEXIBLE WORKING flexible working and believe the 9-5 is Marie Peters, a franchisee with award Working for herself allows Marie to outdated. By moving into franchising winning virtual agency Get Ahead VA, take control of her work commitments. with Get Ahead VA, I’ve finally found has found, flexible franchising can “I can work when and how it suits the family friendly, flexible work provide a great solution to that elusive me,” she says. “But being part of solution I was looking for.” work-life balance. a franchise means I have so much support and I’m never alone. Marie joined Get Ahead VA at Rebecca the start of 2020 to run the West “Ever since lockdown, our founder Newenham Surrey franchise. After many years and director Rebecca Newenham has of commuting to London, she was been fantastic. Having her and the other looking forward to working closer to franchisees there as support has been her hometown of Farnborough. vital; from casual chats and supportive WhatsApp messages to bouncing WELL PLACED around ideas about how we can best With over 15 years’ experience support our clients. Rebecca even in digital media planning, helped me deliver my first virtual expo. “I feel so lucky to have decided to move into franchising when I did”

84 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 09/10/2020 12:46 Page 85

EXTRA HELP® is a franchise network that operates in a rapidly growing, recession-resilient market. We provide home-help and domestic services to many different types of people, including the elderly, new parents and working professionals.

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Established BFA affiliate lawyers advising on all aspects of franchising

• Drafting franchise and master licence agreements • Buying and selling franchise businesses • Resolving franchise disputes • Protecting franchise branding • Advising on competition law • Enforcing franchise contracts • Advising franchisee groups

Contact Jane Masih or Russell Ford

WWW.OWENWHITE.COM T: 01753 876 800 E: [email protected] Senate House, 62–70 Bath Road, Slough,Berkshire, SL1 3SR BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Bluebird Care

At a Glance Q&A BLUEBIRD CARE Established: 2004 Anoop Sekhon left her 9-5 to Number of franchised outlets: 206 Location of units: UK and Ireland become a Bluebird Care franchisee Investment range: £100,000-£115,000 Minimum required capital: £34,500 Contact: Victoria Brown, Franchise supporting us from the franchise Development Manager. 07912 771149 support centre, how can your bluebirdcarefranchise.co.uk business not work?

How did you get started and what help and “I have a great support did you get? Getting started was team who I trust an interesting step, as it was almost to uphold the like your hand values of the was being held. The business” franchisor invited me along for an interview What do you love most about to see if I could your job? uphold the values I can make each day fun and be as of the brand and creative as I want to be. The biggest after that the support thing I love about my job is working was ongoing. with a team who are inspired and love I received support to being at work. raise capital, speaking to banks, constructing a business What’s next for you? plan, registering with our regulator To continue to grow and expand with and even when interviewing people the Bluebird Care network, to build What first got you interested in for the team. on businesses that I already have and franchising? hopefully continue to expand to other My interest was sparked by a few What is your working life like now? territories. friends who were in the same position The Bluebird Care model is set so I’m looking forward to more staff as me - bored at work in a 9-5 that you’re not working in your business, joining my team and making a positive felt like a dead end, wondering if this but on your business, which is key for difference in their life, so they can is what life was about and being in a the business to thrive and prosper. make a positive difference to the lives position of not being able to change an I would not say I have a working of people we look after. organisation that was in desperate need life on my journey with Bluebird of change. Care, I would say I have a life that I Be a part of the story The concept of franchising was live. I have a good social, exercising, With more people than ever seeking an something I fell into. I didn’t really working and family balance that I alternative to traditional care homes, have any idea what it was about or have created with the support of my there has never been a better time to what support would be offered at the Bluebird Care team. start a home care franchise. initial stage. I have a great team who I trust to With a network of over 200 The reason why the Bluebird Care uphold the values of the business and franchisees across the UK and franchise model worked for me was I’m on hand to ensure any guidance Northern Ireland, many achieving because it was clear I would not always can be provided as and when the team six-figure turnovers and expanding need to know all the answers because need it. through purchasing multiple the network appeared to work so The only thing I struggle to do is territories, Bluebird Care’s multi- closely with each other. stay away from my work phone for revenue management model enables With their quality managers, long periods of time. The weirdest franchisees to diversify their service marketing support managers and thing about that is the team is so great offerings through a brand that is business development managers it hardly rings! recognised for outstanding care.

86 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 09/10/2020 13:00 Page 87 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Owen White Solicitors

At a Glance Leaders in the Owen White Solicitors

Contact: Jane Masih. [email protected] field of franchise owenwhite.com

legal advice The benefit of the review is to ensure the prospective franchisee takes their first steps into business ownership Wherever you are on your franchise journey, Owen with a good knowledge of the legal White can ensure you reach your destination, says relationship that will be created once the ink is dry on the agreement. head of franchising Jane Masih RESOLVING DISPUTES If all goes to plan, very often the franchisee will not require the amend or negotiate on the terms of the assistance of our franchise dispute agreement. But it’s an essential part resolution team. of ensuring the franchise ownership Sadly, disputes do arise between the journey sets off on the right road. parties. We act for both franchisors and franchisees for many of the FIXED FEE REVIEW leading franchise brands in the UK SERVICE and are recognised as leaders in the Our franchise team review numerous field of franchise legal advice. franchise agreements each year through Disputes are testing, not just our fixed fee review service. financially but emotionally, for all parties Prospective franchisees regularly involved. We believe our role is to offer express surprise at the comprehensive practical advice to ensure our clients have nature of the report and advice they a realistic view of the chances of settling receive from an experienced franchise the dispute successfully. lawyer. The report provides an For our franchisor clients, we take time to ensure the franchise Jane Masih explanation written in plain English of the principal contractual terms contained agreements we draft for their franchise in the proposed franchise agreement. networks protect their business t’s quite common for We take time to explain the nature of systems and help to avoid expensive franchisors to make the relationship between franchisor and court cases wherever possible. reference to a franchisee’s franchisee, including why the franchisor I ownership as a ‘journey’. often seeks a personal financial FRANCHISE SALES The same analogy can be applied guarantee from the individual owner of As each client’s franchise journey to the legal advice a franchisee will the franchisee company and requires comes to an end, we can act in the require throughout their time of that individual to accept restrictions sale of their franchise business. franchise business ownership. on involvement in competing business This is a rewarding part of the At the outset, the cost of instructing activities, both during and after the term team’s work, as whether the client an experienced franchise lawyer to of the agreement. is a franchisee selling a single review the franchise agreement may It often comes as a surprise to territory franchise or a franchisor seem an unnecessary expense by a the prospective franchisee that the selling a substantial national or even prospective franchisee, because they’ve agreement is for a fixed duration and they international network, our clients will been told the franchisor will not are unlikely to have a contractual right to have worked hard to realise the goal hand in their notice if the business proves they set themselves at the beginning to be not what they anticipated. of their franchise journey. “We take time to We suggest questions a prospective Wherever you are on your franchise franchisee should ask their franchisor journey, Owen White’s team of explain the nature of the before the agreement is signed and experienced and knowledgeable relationship between we answer any specific questions the franchise specialists are ready to prospective franchisee may have about provide the legal advice to ensure franchisor and franchisee” terms within it. you reach your destination.

88 BUSINESS WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Schmidt

At a Glance A journey of Schmidt Established: 1959 Number of franchised outlets: 26 Location of units: Retail parks and discovery high streets Investment range: £350,000 How a broken down car led to opportunities for Minimum required capital: £80,000 Contact: [email protected] women in the kitchen business schmidtfranchise.co.uk

osalyn Hastings was given franchisees to meet Schmidt’s plans to a car for her 17th birthday. open 10 to 15 new UK outlets a year. She explains: “Some female R “Everything was fine ADDRESSING THE until it started making horrendous BALANCE customers seem screeching noises and then seized up. Strangely, although it’s women who to feel more No one had told me that you had to spend most time in the kitchen, the put oil in as well as fuel.” kitchen sales business has historically comfortable Her parents refused to buy her been largely the preserve of men. another one, so Rosalyn abandoned “Things are much more balanced buying from her job at a building society and took today, but I remember turning up to a woman” another one as a trainee kitchen measure for a new kitchen and the designer - just to get the company car. customers saying they expected a man,” Rosalyn says. “I think it’s because necessary technical expertise - and our LIFE CHANGING kitchen design includes measurement franchisee training provides that. “That blown-up car changed my and technical details and there’s a sales “Women in the kitchen design whole life,” she says. “I fell in love element - both of which were once seen market also seem to be more with the world of kitchen design as male specialities. I’m living proof comfortable sharing their practical and sales.” that they’re not.” experience of using kitchen layouts, Rosalyn’s new career delivered Schmidt’s network of franchisees which often helps build a relationship experience in design, sales and includes three female sole franchisees with female customers.” showroom management, as well as - including one who combines her Some customers react differently expertise in franchising up to business with bringing up children - and to men and women, which is why director level. other women who are co-franchisees. Schmidt encourages a mix of staff in Now as UK expansion manager for “We welcome women as franchisees,” all its showrooms. the Schmidt Kitchens and Interior Rosalyn says. “Some female customers Solutions franchise, she uses her seem to feel more comfortable buying SHARING EXPERIENCES experience to source and develop new from a woman, provided she has the One of the attractions of setting up a kitchen and interior solutions business with the Schmidt franchise is the ability to talk to a network of other franchisees. “Women particularly seem to like sharing experiences of what works well for them,” Rosalyn says. “They are open to listening and want to learn from each other, so they appreciate the chance to access the advice of other franchisees, which benefits them and the franchise as a whole.” Her message to women wanting to start a business is: “If you want to talk with another woman who has extensive experience in the kitchen franchise sector, I’m here and we also have female franchisees you can speak to. Come and talk to us!”

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 89 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Shuttercraft

At a Glance Why women Shuttercraft

Established: 2012 Number of franchised outlets: 29 suit franchising Location of units: nationwide Investment range: £25,000-£60,000 Lisa Stead of Shuttercraft explains why she believes Minimum required capital: £25,000 Contact: Lisa Stead women have an excellent aptitude for building shuttercraft-franchise.co.uk/contact-us successful franchises

“Women have the right frame of mind to understand the benefits a franchise structure can provide”

They know franchising is an and I think women are more inclined excellent way to start a business and to be in-tune with the benefits appreciate the security of a tried and of a network and the sharing of tested system to help them achieve knowledge and experiences. their objectives. THE APPEAL OF CHALLENGING AND SHUTTERCRAFT REWARDING When I consider our own I thrive in the challenging and Shuttercraft model, I think this rewarding environment created appeals to women for many when women establish and develop reasons, but in particular because of a new business. Seeing someone the fact the product is so stylish and achieve a good work-life balance adds value and sophistication to a and free up time to reach personal client’s home. goals - all while establishing a great As a management franchise, future for them and their family - is it can be set up to fit around s an experienced exceptionally fulfilling. other commitments and you get franchisor, formally I’ve seen women at the start of a excellent customer interaction a director of a highly A franchise journey, who didn’t believe and satisfaction - the products sell successful property they could run their own business, themselves, making running your franchise and now responsible turn into successful franchisees. own business a pleasure. for the management of an award In my last role, this was evidenced Personally, I’m looking forward to winning shutter franchise, I believe by the fact that within the top 10 developing the Shuttercraft franchise women have the ideal mindset for performing franchises, seven of them brand and working with my team to delivering excellence, particularly in were run by women. develop product lines, enhancing our a franchise market. At Shuttercraft, we have many training and support and growing I’ve always believed a team of women who start off in a supporting the network to levels we didn’t think strong, capable women have the role to their partner when joining were possible 12 months ago. ability to get the job done and deliver the franchise. However, they quickly My advice to any woman who’s results that far exceed expectations. realise that they can, and do, run the considering buying a franchise is to From my own team of degree business and have the foresight to ask yourself one simple question: educated marketers and highly set immediate and long-term goals does a franchise model give me the qualified franchise professionals for growth, which they then work best chance of success? to the females who are involved in extremely hard to achieve. The answer is that it most running our franchises, women have The community within the definitely does and with the the right frame of mind to understand franchise world is exceptionally support you’ll receive along the the benefits a franchise structure can supportive and contributes to a great way, alongside your own ability and provide and know how to make the sense of job satisfaction, which I’ve dedication, your chance of success most of it. not experienced in other sectors, is high.

90 BUSINESS WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Afrikana

At a Glance Inspired by Afrikana Established: 2018 Number of franchised outlets: 8 Africa Investment range: £150,000-£350,000 (plus VAT) With its origins in the Midlands, the Afrikana Minimum required capital: £150,000 (plus VAT) restaurant chain wants you to join its familia Contact: [email protected] afrikanakitchen.com

frikana began its journey MULTIPLE in 2018, with a vision FRANCHISEES A to bring an exciting Afrikana is an African inspired “A close hospitality experience to concept serving an array of the scene and in the last two years the food with an African twist that relationship business has flourished. originated in Aldridge, a small with all its Not only did the company establish town in the Midlands. In 2019, it a restaurant with a wholesome, opened three more stores and by franchisees is delectable menu, but a beautiful brand the end of the year Afrikana was on and family too. everyone’s radar, which resulted in what makes the multiple franchisees across the UK company’s model and internationally. 2020 was a challenging year so successful for many businesses. Afrikana experienced such unprecedented and rewarding” and uncertain times, but through it all the company stood by its REWARDING team, every employee, every RELATIONSHIP franchisee and every customer. According to Afrikana, a close The Afrikana ‘familia’ continued relationship with all its franchisees to grow each day and with this so is what makes the company’s model did the foundations of the company. so successful and rewarding. This allowed it to tackle any Its morals ensure all staff members misconceptions and stereotypes are judged solely on their capabilities that came Arikana’s way. and treated as individuals, leaving no room for any discrimination, may it NEW DIRECTION be age, gender or race. It can be daunting starting a As a big believer in giving back to new business, especially in times those who deserve it, Afrikana offers of such ambiguity. Afrikana staff incentives, work benefits and understands the risk involved, significant growth opportunities. nevertheless it wants you to step These are the reasons Afrikana forward in its direction. believes franchising with the company The company says it intends to is a step in the right direction. You as fight the career stereotypes and an entrepreneur - a potential business inequalities women face at a senior level and have a diverse range of staff tycoon - will have the opportunity to members within the workplace. build your own empire of successful Afrikana wants your help to individuals, guided and directed by eradicate these once and for all. Afrikana to ensure you become the Afrikana provides every franchisee best you can be. with the support and guidance that’s We are all on a journey, but if we required - from the moment you have the right team and people around become part of the familia, through us, no matter the turbulence, the flight the pivotal milestone of opening the will always have a smooth landing. Take doors, to the development of the a leap of faith, step in to Afrikana and opportunities in front of you. join the familia.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 91 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Right at Home

At a Glance I’m building Right at Home

Established: 2010 Number of franchised outlets: 65 something for Location of units: England, Wales and Scotland Investment range: Up to £130,000, including working capital Minimum required capital: £40,000 myself Contact: Kate Dilworth. 07825 047344. [email protected] Right at Home has propelled Jenny Madghachian’s rightathomefranchising.co.uk business to stand-out quality

enny Madghachian knew from early in her career “There’s no way I would have done J that she wanted to run this without being part of her own business one day - and the former nurse was also a franchise” determined that whatever she did should make a difference. was possible to run a care business office at 8pm to meet with a prospective Now as proud owner of the through franchising and that some of client at 8.30pm,” Jenny says. homecare franchise Right at Home the brands involved seemed to be of “It was exhausting yes, but it didn’t in Borehamwood and Watford since exceptional calibre. ever feel difficult or daunting because I 2018, Jenny says franchising was “The more I researched, the more I loved every bit of it - the thrill, at long exactly what she had been looking for. came to like the concept of franchising last, of building something for myself.” too. You invest your own money, USEFUL OPTION work hard, build your own business “I just hadn’t realised it was an VALUE FOR MONEY from the ground up and get to profit Jenny is open about the role her option,” she explains. “I wanted financially from your success.” franchise has played in her success: to make money for myself, but I “There’s no way I would have done was determined that it would be IMPRESSIVE PEOPLE this without being part of a franchise. something really useful and something With British Franchise Association No matter how hard I worked at I could be proud of doing. Franchisee of the Year Amy Patel- it, I couldn’t have a business that “It wasn’t until I started doing Popat among those demonstrating performs like mine, to the standards some research that I realised it what can be achieved with a Right at we’ve achieved, without being part of Home franchise, Jenny recognised an Right at Home. alignment with her own values. “Obviously as a franchisee, you do But it was clear that Right at pay to be part of that network, but Home’s franchise territories weren’t when I think about what comes from so much for sale; rather, they were that investment, I have to say it’s awarded on a very exclusive basis. excellent value for money.” “Rather than be intimidated by Lucy Campbell, Right at Home UK’s this approach, I looked at it from chief operating officer, says: “Jenny the perspective that if I were to get exemplifies the values we look for in a through I’d be joining a group of franchise owner. seriously capable and impressive “She cares deeply about her clients people - and that was the kind of and her team and recognises that the network I wanted,” Jenny says. stand-out quality of her services will Two and a half years in, Jenny’s drive the growth of her business.” business is turning over more than Right at Home is the UK’s most half a million pounds and she is highly recommended homecare building a back office team to take it provider, with a group score of 9.8/10 to the next level. on homecare.co.uk and a record “At times in the first year I was eight years of Five Star Franchisee putting in 14-hour days, leaving the Satisfaction status.

92 BUSINESS WOMAN BUSINESS WOMAN ISSUE 3 master_GLOBAL FRANCHISE 08/10/2020 13:46 Page 93 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - FranFund

At a Glance Supporting female FranFund

Established: 2006 Contact: [email protected] entrepreneurs franfund.com FranFund creates personalised funding solutions for small business owners in the United States “At FranFund, women hold

fter 20 years at a large successfully transitioned from a majority of corporation, Christina corporate to entrepreneur life. the company’s Lincicum left her role If you’re considering becoming A as director of human a new business owner, you have leadership resources to become a business likely learned about the enormous owner and began her search for a opportunity the franchise industry positions” brand that would spark her passion presents. Multiple franchise for building teams. brands represent nearly all FEMALE LEADERS After a thorough investigation, market segments. The franchise industry provides Christine bought an Ecomaids With a franchise business, you’re opportunities for people with myriad franchise, providing cleaning services buying a proven model. There is interests and skill sets. In the past in Orange County, California. a common phrase in the industry: few years, there has been increased She explains: “Once I found the with franchise ownership, you are interest from female entrepreneurs. brand, I had no hesitation about the in business for yourself, but not Business ownership is often a solution business. I now have more flexibility by yourself. to gender pay gaps and biased hiring and personal fulfillment. I love Franchisors tend to offer their that may exist in the private sector. building a team and growing a culture brand to people who meet specific There is a great deal of overlap that I’m proud of and where people criteria. Many brands evaluate their between successful franchise love to work.” most successful owners and attempt business owners’ traits and typical to replicate that type of person characteristics of female leaders. OBTAINING FINANCE to ensure their franchisees are These include a relationship oriented Many women like Christina have successful. Franchise owners must nature, high adaptability, superior partnered with FranFund to obtain be willing to follow the franchisor’s communication skills and a propensity funding for their business and have proven system. for multitasking. Women lead many of the largest franchise brands. At FranFund, women hold a majority of the company’s leadership positions and many have advanced internally. The company is proud to have built an inclusive business where anyone has the opportunity to be successful.

ACHIEVE YOUR DREAM FranFund works with small business owners in the United States to create a personalised funding solution for each individual situation. It’s proud to have worked with thousands of clients across the country to provide funding solutions that allow them to achieve their dream of business ownership. Due to banking laws and restrictions, FranFund operations are limited to the US. The company says it will continue to support and promote female entrepreneurs into the future.

94 BUSINESS WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Encouraging Women into Franchising

At a Glance Rewriting the Encouraging Women into Franchising For more information visit ewif.org rules To catch up with the EWiF Inspires conversations visit the EWIF UK While women are still enduring workplace YouTube channel. discrimination, franchising is here to bridge the gap is proof the gender pay gap remains. Statistics like these are only the he impact of COVID-19 versus 16 per cent of men). tip of the iceberg. They don’t show has been challenging for • 75 per cent of furloughed male the continuing impact on not only all of us, from furlough to workers had their wages topped up female-led households’ financial T redundancies and a knock beyond the 80 per cent government situations, but on their mental health to job security. However, research shows cap under the Coronavirus Job too, with the increased stress of women have lost out more than most. Retention Scheme, compared with being in such a position. Many women have been forced to just 65 per cent of female workers. cut their working hours, perhaps to • Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, A RAY OF LIGHT home school their children or because mothers worked an average of 6.3 However, despite the doom and gloom their sectors were one of those that hours each weekday. This was reduced of the last six months women in closed during the pandemic. to 4.9 hours during the pandemic. franchising have been prospering, as This difference between each they’ve had the support to advance THE BOTTOM LINE gender’s experiences of the pandemic their businesses. FOR WOMEN And every fortnight Helen It seems lockdown was hardest Mansfield, managing director of felt by women. Statistics show “Despite the Encouraging Women into Franchising they lost out more when it came to doom and gloom has had the privilege of hearing the money and work hours. According stories of women in franchising. to research from national UK law of the last six EWiF Inspires conversations take firm Shoosmiths: place fortnightly on the organisation’s • Women were more likely to months, women in Facebook page. The new series work in those sectors that had opened with franchisor Anne-Marie to completely shut down, like franchising have Martin from children’s dance hospitality (23 per cent of women franchise diddidance. been prospering” She says: “I cannot speak highly enough of my franchisees during this difficult time. They came together to not only support each other, but to find ways to carry on running their classes.” During the crisis, Anne-Marie learned how to utilise platforms like TikTok to keep classes going and the spirit of diddidance alive. Other guests included Right at Home franchisee Julie Houston, We Love Pets franchisee Tracey Alexander and InXpress franchisees Debbie Simpkins and Sally Wright. All have learned how to ace the lockdown work-life balance and each EWiF guest spoke of rewriting the rules for the future of their businesses. So in a time when women are still being discriminated against in the workplace, franchising is here to bridge the gap, even during a global pandemic.

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 95 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT

At a Glance From redundancy ACTIONCOACH Established: 1993 in Australia. 2002 in UK Number of franchised outlets: to multi-millionaire 240 in UK Location of units: Julie Wagstaff was in danger of losing everything UK-wide Investment range: before she found an abundance of success, £69,000 Minimum required capital: fulfilment and recognition with ActionCOACH £20,000 Contact: 01284 701 648 actioncoach.co.uk If you would like to know more about the ActionCOACH opportunity and you’re the kind of person who:

A. Loves learning and developing yourself; B. Has enjoyed success in your career or sport; and C. Is willing to invest if they see substantial returns can be made…

Then find out more by watching the overview video at actioncoach.co.uk/overview

to me developing some limiting beliefs about myself.”

THE RISKS OF NOT TAKING ACTION Julie came back to the UK to launch her business, but did not follow the system ActionCOACH had Julie’s UK team has won ActionCOACH team of the year out of 80 countries an recommended; something she incredible 12 consecutive years! reflects on with perfect clarity. “I would book into networking ulie Wagstaff had to experience myself and this was a large part of the breakfast meetings and then stay in two redundancies and the franchise model. bed,” Julie admits. “I thought no one threat of losing her house “I borrowed some money from my was going to listen to a young woman J before she took control of her Dad, added that to my savings and at 28 with no business experience, so I future. But when she chose to take action, years old became my own boss. It was a didn’t really try. her life started on the path to an abundance year where I took several leaps of faith in “I was about three weeks from broke of success, fulfilment and recognition. quick succession. when I thought I would lose my house Originally trained as a food scientist, “Having signed the franchise and was terrified at the thought of Julie moved into technical sales in the dairy agreement, I took another leap - onto a telling my Dad I’d lost all the money industry after her first redundancy in the flight to Las Vegas for initial training at he’d lent me. That’s when I decided to food industry. When the second round ActionCOACH University. At this point, get my act together. of redundancy hit in 2005, she became I still wasn’t quite sure if anyone would “It was January 2006 and I reached disillusioned with working in the sector and meet me when I got off that plane! out to one of the top Action Coaches in toyed with the idea of becoming her own “It was a shock to the system when the UK to ask for help. He showed me boss. But meanwhile she put her CV on a we landed. ActionCOACH was very real how to work the phones to generate job site. and the training experience was also very interest in my services, which was the Julie explains: “I received a call out of the intense. I was the only female and by primary source of new business blue from a business coaching firm called far the youngest in the group of 21 new back then. ActionCOACH. They’d found my CV online franchise partners from around “In my first month I secured one and, honestly, I wondered if it was a con as it the world. client, in month two I secured another sounded too good to be true. “During those 10 days, I learned a two clients, then four clients in month “If I could become my own boss and help lot about myself, but with a lot of more three, then nine clients in the fourth other business owners, I thought it could be experienced businessmen in the mix I month after having decided to take my perfect fit. I love learning and developing did start to doubt my abilities and it led massive action!

96 BUSINESS WOMAN Behind the Brand - Xxxxxxxxxxx ActionCOACH

“By May 2006, my lead-to-client ActionCOACH’s Global Team of the conversion rate had hit 87 per cent - an Year based on average income of “The biggest reward for me ActionCOACH UK record. Incidentally, coaches in each country and net growth is to see the difference our my record of nine new clients in one of the coaching team. To stay at the month has only just been matched top of 80 countries around the world coaches are making in their during summer 2020 by Action is amazing. Coaches Ian Harford and Matt Bull - a “We’re also one of just 4 franchises communities” fantastic result and testament to the to receive a 5-Star Franchisee “I stepped up to Managing Director support we’re able to give to our local Satisfaction rating 8 times by the in January 2020 to drive the business communities over the pandemic.” independent WorkBuzz survey, winning forward, knowing we’d soon need Julie first met Ian Christelow at the Best B2B Franchise for the last two to concentrate almost entirely on October 2006 UK franchise conference. years. Prior to that, ActionCOACH also supporting our team of franchise She knew he was a master licensee for achieved three consecutive wins for the partners rather than recruiting them. three ActionCOACH regions and they UK’s Best Mid-Priced Franchise at the “When the pandemic hit the UK, I ended up talking about purchasing the Best Franchise Awards. initially thought our plans would be London region as a 50-50 partnership. “Of course, I love the recognition, but scuppered, but when you take action “Three days later, I sent him the the biggest reward for me is to see the the results follow. I couldn’t be prouder plan,” Julie says. “By the December, Ian difference our coaches are making in of how the team has taken massive and I had agreed to a million-pound their communities. action and made a difference to so many investment to develop ActionCOACH in “The challenges of 2020 have been people’s lives, including mine.” the London region. felt by every business owner in the UK and I’m proud to see how our Action “Two years later we bought another Julie learning from Sir Clive Woodward at region and continued that approach Coaches have come together to freely the BizX event, which she’s grown to over every couple of years, acquiring master offer support and guidance to thousands 1,500 delegates! regions as they became available or as of businesses across Britain. our offers were accepted.” “That’s resulted in a multitude of personal bests for our coaches, including RECOGNITION OF new business, client retention and ACTION monthly income records, even for “As I once lived and breathed being those who have had ActionCOACH an Action Coach, this has helped us businesses for over a decade. shape the business. We’ve implemented “And while ActionCOACH UK has a additional support for any areas I felt record number of clients, we welcomed were challenging as a franchise partner. eight new franchise partners and eight “The recognition for this support has new employee business coaches on been incredible - 12 years of winning training in October.

Julie & Ian Christelow celebrating their 7th 5-Star Franchisee Satisfaction award - 2020 and 8th soon to be added!

WHAT-FRANCHISE.COM 97 BEHIND THE BRAND: PARTNER CONTENT Behind the Brand - Franchise Resales

At a Glance Don’t dream it, FRANCHISE RESALES

Tel: 01522 246811 Email: [email protected] do it franchiseresales.co.uk Franchise Resales’ friendly team can assist you if you want to become a franchisee

re you a woman who dreams of owning a A business that enjoys all the fabulous benefits associated with top brands? Maybe you have secretly toyed with investing in a franchise and are now serious about taking the plunge. If the only things standing between you and fulfilling your ambition are not knowing where to start and a long list of important questions - relax! Franchise Resales’ friendly team includes six women. Together they have years of experience and plenty of “We offer plenty of support to answers. What’s more, they’re only a buyers and sellers in our complete phone call away. end-to-end process” WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES price. Another interesting part of my job worked with Franchise Resales for five Director Julie Taylor is passionate about involves getting out and about - albeit years. The busy mum of two loves her role, the franchise sector and the wealth virtually at the moment - and talking to irrespective of whether she’s working in of opportunities it offers aspirational networking groups about our work.” the office or remotely from home. individuals eager to grow a successful Account manager Patricia Hayward Teri says: “I work closely with business backed by a great brand. aims to be friendly and helpful. When our account managers, using social She says: “Going into business with Keith Halsall, the company lead media channels extensively to market a proven brand behind you is a great manager, tells her a potential buyer businesses for sale. I also liaise with the first step. There’s such an amazing is interested in one of the businesses magazines we deal with and writing the choice, depending on an individual’s Franchise Resales offers, she calls them firm’s blog.” interest and budget. for a chat to find out more about their Office manager Emma Ozenbrook, “However, at Franchise Resales we interest, budget and plans for the future. partner of Franchise Resales director don’t just sell businesses, we offer Patricia says: “If they want to take Michael Bohan, deals with admin, plenty of support to buyers and sellers things further, we need them to fill in policies and procedures, as well as HR in our complete end-to-end process.” a prospective franchisee profile form, matters. It’s full on, but she loves being which provides information for the part of a family run business that’s FIRST PORT OF CALL franchisor, selling franchisee and the going from strength to strength. Listing and relationship manager prospective buyer’s bank. Another key player is accounts Clare Fordyce is the first port of call “There is such a wide range of manager Angela Foreman, who is an for current franchisees ready to sell franchises on offer, from those dealing asset when it comes to keeping the their business and relishes the chance with blocked drains to selling cookies, firm’s accounts in order and preparing to deal with the latest opportunities and it’s really enjoyable helping each those year-end figures. coming onto the market. buyer every step of the way.” Angela is a team player and enjoys She says: “I enjoy talking to our working with her colleagues. In her clients and getting a real insight into COLLABORATIVE spare time, she loves socialising - a the business being sold. APPROACH challenge in the current climate! The “The process also involves a Marketing manager Teri Wright, who’s mum of James (18) adds she would be conversation with the franchisor and also a partner in digital marketing quite happy if he followed her into the the challenge of agreeing a marketing business I Want Fish & Chips, has world of Franchise Resales.

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