With the roar of sea lions in the background, the British Franchise Association (BFA) held its annual Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) event in June at the West Midland Safari Park.
Louise Harris (right) host to the panel of successful businesswomen.
The event, sponsored by HSBC UK, Platinum Wave and Morton Michel, was hailed by some as ‘the best ever’, with attendees being treated to a day of learning and inspiration by a line-up of experts and business coaches.
Carys Jukes from the Mewstone Candle Company began the day relaying the story of her transition from the corporate world into running a successful candle making business. She urged people to “be their authentic selves and not be afraid to ask for help.”
Subsequently, a panel of eight highly successful businesswomen, led by host Louise Harris from Franchise Projects, gave their top tips on how to achieve success in the workplace.
An overwhelming sentiment was to build a tribe at work; to believe that people are genuinely good and to be passionate about your business whilst also being clear on the numbers.
Stephanie Gayet, head of franchising at McDonald’s UK and Ireland, reminded delegates to “Be the same person at work as you are at home.”
Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the BFA then interviewed ex-professional footballer Katie Chapman, who was secured by BFA Supplier Member, Constant Contact.
Pip Wilkins (left) with Katie Chapman.
Chapman talked about balancing being a mother, and a professional footballer and encouraged everyone to: “Take every opportunity given to you; work hard; play hard and love what you do.”
Mindset coach, Nikki Senior followed by leading attendees through a series of exercises and urged delegates to learn to question thoughts, particularly negative ones and not to believe everything they think.
After lunch presentations
Rachel Haslam from Team Academy brought energy to the room after lunch, inviting delegates to use the ‘situational leadership model’ and score their teams on their ‘will vs skill’. One delegate said it had instantly helped her recognise the problems in her team and how she could solve them.
Consultant clinical psychologist, journalist, author and broadcaster, Professor Tanya Byron, gave a fascinating talk on how the human brain works and how it deals with stress.
Professor Bryon explained how early childhood trauma can affect brain development and what individuals can do to improve their mental health. She also gave tips on how to alleviate an anxious state through the ‘TIPP’ technique of cold water, increased exercise, paired muscle relaxation and paced breathing.
Emma Henderson
The final keynote speaker was Emma Henderson MBE, one of only 500 female airline captains in the world, who was awarded the MBE for supporting the NHS during Covid. She demonstrated how she used the T-DODAR (Time, Diagnose, Options, Decide, Act, Review) method to assess negative situations in the air.
Positive feedback
The association said the event was a huge success, receiving praise from all quarters.
Suzie McCafferty of Platinum Wave, commented: “EWIB did not disappoint. Cracking guest speakers in an outstanding location, surrounded by a room full of inspiring women in franchising.”
Kate Ball, founder of Mini First Aid, added: “It was such an inspiring day filled with powerful stories, practical insights, and incredible networking. I am grateful to be part of a community that uplifts and empowers, and the location was awesome too.”
Posted: 1st July, 2025
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