Congratulations Amanda! Young Woman Franchisee of the Year

The Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWIF) 2010 Awards Ceremony was held yesterday at the NatWest offices in Bishopsgate, London.

The EWIF Awards were sponsored by NatWest and recognised the success of women franchisees, women franchisors and women franchise service providers during 2010. There were 4 categories of Awards:
- The NatWest Award for Woman Franchisee of the Year 2010
- The Recognition Express Award for Young Woman Franchisee of the Year 2010
- The Stevens & Bolton Award for Woman Franchisor of the Year 2010
- The Business Options Award for Woman Franchise Service Provider of the Year 2010

It was great to see a packed turnout and everyone waited anxiously to hear the finalists and winner in each category.

We were delighted that Amanda Perkins, the Musical Minis Buckinghamshire and South Northants franchisee, won Young Woman Franchisee of the Year sponsored by Recognition Express.

Amanda took over the Musical Minis franchise in April 2010 and has found the year to be one of challenge, happiness and success. As the ex franchisee had experienced family issues, the business was in a state of decline, with classes closing and revenue falling but Amanda rose to the challenge and succeeded in turning the business around. As well as expanding the number of weekly private classes Amanda has increased her involvement with Children's Centres and Nurseries. In addition to this, with some Children's Centres closing and not being able to afford classes, Amanda has sourced funding for low income families to attend her private classes.

Amanda said, "There will be lots of hard work and challenges to face but I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing to earn a living, after all I go to work every day and help children laugh and learn! What could be better?"

The other winners were:  Sophie Brooks from Clive's Easy Learn Pop Music Schools for the Woman Franchisor of the year, Lisa Tobias from Dominos Pizza for the Woman Franchisee of the year and Sarah Cook from Coconut Creatves for the Women Franchise Service Provider of the year.

 Congratulations to all the Winners and Finalists.