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many more women into the sector. The BFA’s collaboration with EWIF and their own EWIB event has also really helped support women in the franchise network and I honestly don’t think she and COO Emily Price could have done more to improve the industry for women if they tried. In the last five years we have seen many more female leaders in prominent positions and the opportunities in this industry are absolutely there for the taking, with many women now viewing the franchising sector as a place to build a long-lasting and rewarding career.” Challenges? What challenges? But what about the challenges women face in the UK franchise sector, or have they all but disappeared? Lucy shares her thoughts: “Challenges for me, or should I say perceived challenges, are in my opinion more of a mindset issue for women. I think the franchising community is one of the most encouraging I’ve ever come across and the network of support it offers to women is exceptional. However, as women we do suffer from imposter syndrome and have self-limiting beliefs, which some perceive as challenges. To overcome this I would say go back to Revive! But it turns out it was the best investment choice I’ve made in life.” Positive industry changes Reflecting on the changes she’s seen for women in the UK franchise sector in her 24 years in the industry, Terry says things are easier than in her days in banking: “I’ve always found the franchise sector to be very supportive of women, although I suppose I’m comparing it to banking in the 80s and 90s when women had to work hard to be seen in a very male dominated financial sector, but generally the working world is much more inclusive now and women are much less willing to accept some of the stereotyping I witnessed when I was younger. You only have to look at how many young female franchise lawyers appeared at the recent Legal and Ethics Seminar to see how the BFA promote equal rights and how the playing field has levelled out.” Words of wisdom for aspiring leaders What would Terry’s top tips be to a young woman in franchising, aspiring to a senior leadership role? “Firstly I would say just be who you are; there is room in business for all types of leader, be it full on and extrovert or quiet, reflective, and introverted, they all work as long as you are authentic. Secondly, I’d say be kind in business - especially to other women as let’s face it, they still have to work just that little bit harder to get to the top than their male counterparts and finally, praise often, but only when you really mean it. Your people will know when it’s sincere.” LUCY CAMPBELL, CEO, RIGHT AT HOME Lucy Campbell, CEO of Right at Home has been a powerful figure in the UK franchising industry for many years. No stranger to accepting awards and speaking at a host of events throughout the year, she has been a shining example of a successful woman in the sector. In 2024, Lucy will have racked up over 15 yrs of experience in the franchise sector and nearly a decade with domiciliary care franchise, Right at Home. Her success might well have something to do with one of her earliest positions, helping businesses to reinvest their profits for the good; lessons of an altruistic nature that are sure to have left their mark on her for the benefit of her future clients, franchisees, and employers. From there she became CEO of Franchising Works, supporting people to transition into franchising and finally, joined Right at Home, firstly as a senior business support manager, then as operations director, chief operating officer and finally, two years ago, she took the top job of chief executive officer. Opportunities for women in franchising What are the challenges and opportunities Lucy believes women encounter in the UK franchise sector today and how can they overcome and maximise on them? Lucy says: “I think there’s been a very positive shift in the demographic of gender in franchising over the last decade. BFA CE Pip Wilkins is a great role model for women in franchising and having her in such a prominent and senior position has really encouraged Overview British Franchise Association Established: 1977 Membership fee: £75-£375pcm Location: Nationwide Contact: [email protected] www.thebfa.org Lucy Campbell, CEO at Right at Home UK WHAT FRANCHISE.COM 69 BFA