Last chance to enter the 'Encouraging Women Into Franchising Awards'

The awards, presented by the Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) Group, were officially launched at The Franchise Show in London on 18th February.

The awards are the first of their kind providing a unique opportunity to formally recognise the growing contribution women franchisees, women franchisors and women franchise service providers make to the this sector.

The winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on 10th May 2011 in London.

The EWIF Group was established in 2009 and is dedicated to encouraging women into franchising. Its members come from all areas within the franchising industry and include: Franchisors, Franchisees, Banks, Consultants, Accountants, Solicitors, Media Providers, Exhibition Organisers, as well as other associated businesses.

The mission of EWIF is to inspire, encourage, educate and support women considering or involved in franchising through its network of Ambassadors. EWIF has three main target groups that it helps:

• Women looking to become franchisees
• Women business owners looking to expand through franchising
• Existing franchisors that have businesses that are suitable for women franchisees but currently women franchisees are under represented.

Clive Sawyer, Chairman and Founder of EWIF, and Managing Director of Business Options one of the UK’s leading Franchise Consultancies commented: “EWIF Group members inspire, educate and support women who are considering, or who are already involved in franchising, through its network of Ambassadors.

“The EWIF Awards are an exciting way of publically recognising the successes of women within the franchising industry.

"I am delighted that our main sponsors NatWest are so supportive of the work undertaken by EWIF as well as the other sponsors: Business Options, Recognition Express, and Stevens & Bolton.”

The EWIF Awards will cover four categories of women in franchising:

• Woman franchisee of the Year – Sponsored by NatWest

• Young woman franchisee of the year (under 30) – Sponsored by Recognition Express

• Woman franchisor of the Year – Sponsored by Stevens & Bolton Solicitors

• Woman franchise service provider of the Year – Sponsored by Business Options

Graeme Jones, Head of Franchising, NatWest said: "As the number one bank for franchising, NatWest is proud to sponsor these awards and encourage more women to realise the benefits of running a successful franchise.

"NatWest are committed to developing female entrepreneurship, we have our own dedicated Women in Business Service as well as links with everywoman."

EWIF Award application forms are available from the EWIF website at www.ewif.org with the deadline for entries being 31st March 2011.

For people wishing to find out more about the EWIF services or would like to discuss joining EWIF please contact Clive Sawyer at Business Options on 01420 550890 or at clive.sawyer@businessoptions.biz.