Sealions, Sisterhood and Success: EWIB 2025 Roars to Life

With the roar of sealions in the background the BFA (British Franchise Association) held their annual EWIB (Empowering Women in Business) last week.  The event sponsored by HSBC UK, Platinum Wave and Morton Michel was hailed by some as the ‘best ever’.

The BFA (British Franchise Association) is the UK’s leading authority on franchising, dedicated to upholding ethical business practices and high standards. Established in 1977, it empowers businesses and individuals through accreditation, education, and expert guidance.

Held at the West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley, Worcestershire, guests were treated to a day of learning and inspiration delivered by a line-up of experts and business coaches.

The day began with Carys Jukes from the Mewstone Candle Company, 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.”

BFA CEO, Pip Wilkins then interviewed ex professional footballer Katie Chapman, who was secured by BFA Supplier Member, Constant Contact. Katie 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 then led the room through a series of exercises and urged delegates to learn to question thoughts, particularly negative ones and not to believe everything they think.

Rachel Haslam from Team Academy brought the energy to the room after lunch, when she invited delegates 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. She explained how early childhood trauma can affect its 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.

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.

The day was a huge success, receiving praise from all quarters.

Kate Ball, founder of Dragon’s Den backed Mini First Aid said: “I loved attending EWIB, 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.”

For more information about the British Franchise Association, please visit their profile.