We’ve got the champagne on ice here at spoton, with two of our wonder women nominated for major national business awards by Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF).
Hull franchisee Sarah Johnson is one of three people vying to be named the UK’s New Woman Franchisee of the Year after a spectacular start to the business she runs with her husband Nic. She’s driven the business to break records for the best-ever first year sales for an it’seeze website consultancy.
Our marketing manager Amy Cross-Webber made it a double celebration after being shortlisted in the Woman Franchisee Employee of the Year category, recognising the tireless support she provides franchisees to propel their business growth. She’s joined by three others competing for the crown.
Amy, whose initiatives have seen huge leaps in traffic, leads and conversions on the it’seeze.com website, said: “I am so grateful to be acknowledged by EWIF for my work in supporting our many franchisees. I genuinely love doing what I do – I get to help franchisees to grow their business and then I get to witness first-hand the life-changing impact this can have on them and their families.
“Being a woman in a largely male-dominated sector isn't without it's challenges, so to be recognised for my efforts and to have the opportunity to celebrate alongside hard-working, passionate women who have achieved so much within franchising is an absolute honour and privilege.”
For Sarah, her business has been transformational.
She said: “To be selected as one of just 3 'new woman franchisee of the year' finalists for the whole of the UK is a real honour. I've always wanted to work closer with my husband in a business and the spoton franchise gave me the opportunity to do that.
“As a woman in business people often assume you just manage the admin side of things. The reality is that I'm an all-rounder in terms of new business acquisition, client management, follow up, planning and implementation. I'm typically the first point of contact for our clients so a good first impression is paramount.
“Starting the franchise and getting to grips with everything was a real learning curve and it's a privilege to be recognised nationally for the amazing results we achieved within the first year of the business.”
The EWIF Awards are open to all UK franchise businesses, so we’re very proud to have two finalists in such a competitive field. Winners are announced on 1 May in a ceremony at RBS in London. Good luck to Sarah and Amy!