Calling all women who want to work for themselves

The franchise industry offers an abundance of opportunities for females, Encouraging Women into Franchising says

One positive aspect of the global pandemic was the opportunity people had to reevaluate their careers. Throughout the course of last year, many industries were impacted by the coronavirus crisis - from hospitality to education and the arts. You may be reading this as someone who was personally affected.

As they were more likely to be primary caregivers at home or non-essential workers, women were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This led to more of them considering working for themselves by changing career or retraining.

New possibilities for better control

A recent survey by professional women’s network, AllBright, revealed women are emerging from 2020 with a career shift at the forefront of their New Year plans.

The study found:

• 50 per cent of respondents believed COVID-19 provided them with new professional opportunities in the long-term.
• 25 per cent have started their own business or are in the process of setting one up.
• Of these, health and fitness and publishing were the most appealing sectors.
• Over 60 per cent of women are planning a complete professional redirection.

With these statistics in mind, it’s little wonder women are looking to have more control over their future by becoming their own bosses.

Join a proven and established business

In an Encouraging Women into Franchising study, 80 per cent of the franchisors and franchisees the organisation surveyed said they had found ways to innovate, resulting in business growth throughout the pandemic and lockdown period.

Initiatives included taking classes online and creating networking groups on Facebook.

Stephen Thompson, managing partner at law firm Darwin Gray, recently spoke to Kevin Thomas of Lime Licencing Group and Peter Howe of NatWest about how franchising has demonstrated strength throughout the pandemic.

“Franchising has a history of doing well in difficult times, particularly recessions,” he said. “It remains to be seen what will happen, but hopefully the predicted bounce back will extend to the franchising sector.”

Stephen also highlighted the support franchisors provide and the security they offer to anyone ready to make a career change.

“Many franchisors have already made significant changes to their operations manual to deal with challenges created by lockdown,” he explained.

“It’s likely further changes will be required post-lockdown, as businesses adjust to the new normal and the realities of social distancing.”

Investing in a franchise gives you access to an already established business with a proven model.

So if you’re looking at changing careers in 2021, why not join the rising number of women who have recently become franchisees.

Visit ewif.org and thebfa.org for your first step finding your new career.