For the first time ever, the British Franchise Association’s flagship Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) event united with the prestigious Encouraging Women in Franchising (EWiF) Awards to create one powerful, inspiring day in 2026.
The event took place on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at Leicester Tigers Stadium, this landmark collaboration brought together learning, networking, celebration and glamour — all under one roof. Both EWIB and the EWiF Awards share a core objective: recognising, supporting and celebrating the vital role women play in UK franchising. By bringing these events together, the BFA and EWiF created a more accessible, impactful experience for the entire franchising community.
Empowering Women in Business, proudly sponsored by HSBC UK, McDonald’s Restaurants, Morton Michel and Platinum Wave Franchising, welcomed franchise professionals for a day focused on leadership, confidence, communication, growth.
The morning started with a chance for attendees to network, before settling in to a session hosted by BFA CEO, Pip Wilkins about Leadership. Legacy. Impact. With an interactive element of identifying and planning out your Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAG) this session was a great start to a thought-provoking day, allowing attendees to identify personal aims and consider long term plans within business.
The Seven Minute Stories session delivered emotional reflection throughout the room. Seven women from franchising shared “The Moment That Changed Everything”; their experiences which shifted perspective, inspired change or helped strengthen belief within personal decisions. Honest storytelling created a powerful message that success can be built from anything, as long as you have the passion to make it work.
The first keynote session was delivered by Heather Wright, with high energy and multiple interactive segments focused on Customer Care Excellence. Her session discussed how having a great team can allow for even greater customer service, and challenged the notion that ‘the customer comes first’.
Suzie McCafferty followed through a session centred on turning ambition into action. Practical insight encouraged attendees to embrace opportunity and challenge self doubt, supporting success throughout wider teams.
After lunch, the day continued with the Gain to Give panel that explored the value of encouragement, mentorship and shared experience. Panellists discussed support given throughout their careers and the lessons gained through helping others. Practical advice offered immediate value for attendees seeking stronger influence within business.
Psychotherapist and Broadcaster Lucy Beresford delivered the second keynote session of the day. With a session exploring workplace relationships, communication, trust and behaviour, attendees gained insight into healthier working environments and the power of productive conversations to help make stronger professional connections.
Suzanne Williams QPM closed the event through a session focused on active listening and having the confidence in your own decisions during difficult conversations. This high impact session left lots of food for thought on how tactics of hostage negotiation could be used within businesses and personal life especially when dealing with emotional situations.
Empowering Women in Business 2026 left attendees feeling inspired, motivated, empowered. But don’t just take our word for it! Hear from Samantha Skyring from TaxAssist Accountants: “This was my first event. This will not be my last. I left feeling inspired through every conversation, every session. I gained practical tips ready for immediate action. Thank you to all at EWIF, BFA for a fantastic event.”
Platinum Wave – “In love with franchising since 2001”.
That’s how long we’ve been dedicated to the franchise industry. From Founder and CEO Suzie McCafferty QFP launching her own franchise brand internationally (70+ branches across 6 countries), then running the UK’s biggest recruitment franchise, to creating Platinum Wave to share that experience with franchisors from every sector.
Over the past decade, EWIB has built a reputation for delivering meaningful experiences that leave lasting impressions. Attendees consistently rank it as one of their favourite events, and it’s easy to see why: each year, it brings together a vibrant and ever-growing community of women who are committed to lifting each other up and growing their businesses with confidence.
Created, developed, and delivered by women, EWIB is designed with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities women face in business. From dynamic keynote speakers and interactive workshops to rich networking moments, every part of the day is crafted to spark new ideas and connections.
At EWIB, women in business come together for a day filled with education, inspiration, connectivity, and openness. Crafted to empower women beyond their professional lives, the event delves into various aspects of being a woman in business. Within this safe and inspiring environment, vulnerability, growth, and exploration flourish, showcasing the transformative potential when women connect and grow together.
But don’t just take our word for it!
Hear what our empowered attendees have to say about their experience!
