Empowering Women in Business 2023

Oct 4, 2023 | Blogs, Coconut in the Media, Coconut News, Coconut Team

Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO to the BFA (left), Nathalie Buckley, Coconut (mid), Lyndsey Hancock (right)

Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO to the BFA (left), Nathalie Buckley, Coconut (mid), Lyndsey Hancock (right)

New to Coconut, and new to franchising, we sent Nathalie Buckley and Lyndsey Hancock to their first ever franchise event. Here, Nathalie shares what she loved about attending the BFA’s EWIB conference!

On Wednesday, 27th September, 2023, my colleague Lyndsey Hancock and I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Empowering Women in Business (EWIB) conference hosted by the British Franchise Association (BFA). As newcomers to both the worlds of Coconut and franchising, this event was an eye-opening and inspiring experience for us.

The visionary behind the operation, Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the BFA, ensured EWIB made a triumphant return, for its 10th year, with a resounding focus on the theme, ‘Making Every Moment Count.’ The event brought together a diverse network of women from various sectors within franchising, and it was nothing short of exceptional to be a part of it.

EWIB showcased an outstanding array of guest speakers hailing from diverse business backgrounds, and included:

  • Harpreet Kaur, co-founder of Oh So Yum Desserts & winner of The Apprentice 2022.
  • Sam McAlister, who provided exclusive insights into the notable Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew, titled “How to Convince a Prince.”
  • Eniola Aluko, a double-FA Women’s Cup winner and three-time Premier/Super League champion.
  • Pip Wilkins QFP from the BFA
  • Emily Price QFP also from the BFA
  • Anne-Marie Martin from diddi dance
  • Jane James from Little Voices
  • Lucy Campbell from Right at Home
  • Vicky MacQueen from diddi rugby
  • Rebecca Newenham QFP from Get Ahead
  • Amy Cridland from McDonalds
  • Suzie McCafferty QFP from Platinum Wave
  • Farrah Rose QFP from The Franchising Centre
  • Gillian McAteer from Citation

These extraordinary women and inspirational business leaders delivered an unforgettable experience throughout the day. They generously shared their personal journeys, experiences, and entrepreneurial wisdom. EWIB allowed us to delve into the importance of finding one’s passion, pursuing dreams with unwavering determination, and embrace the challenges that come with the journey to success.

As we absorbed the insights from these accomplished women, I discovered several key takeaways, which I will reflect on further:

“Inspire others to be the best versions of themselves.” – Empowering others is a path to personal and collective growth.

  • Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the BFA

“Plan your time to grow your business and create financial freedom for yourself.” – Effective time management is crucial for success and financial independence.

  • Harpreet Kaur, Oh So Yum Desserts

“Collaborate effectively, define your purpose, involve the right people, and encourage collaborative behavior.” – Building a strong support network and working together can lead to remarkable achievements.

  • Anne-Marie Martin, diddi dance

“Set realistic goals, practice self-compassion, and build a support network.” – Self-care and a strong support system are essential for navigating challenges.

  • Lucy Campbell, Right at Home

“Lift as you climb.” – As we rise, we should bring others along and share our knowledge and experience.

  • Amy Cridland, McDonalds

EWIB demonstrated that franchising is an inclusive and supportive industry, welcoming women from diverse backgrounds. It showed me how personal growth, self-empowerment, and the pursuit of dreams are not limited by our histories, but enriched by them.

EWIB also stressed the importance of adaptability, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and investing in our teams. Additionally, it highlighted the value of readily available coaching and mentoring programs, which are there to help us thrive in franchising.

In conclusion, my first EWIB conference was an unforgettable experience, reinforcing my belief in the power of women in business. Lyndsey and I discussed how we’re now more motivated than ever to embrace our journey in franchising, armed with the wisdom and inspiration we gained from these remarkable women. As we move forward, we’ll carry the lessons of empowerment, collaboration, and personal growth with us, making every moment count in our own entrepreneurial endeavors.

To find out more about our journey into the world of franchising, read Lyndsey’s blog and explore her personal experience of EWIB through our partner site, EWiF

Coconut planting trees for Christmas… and beyond

Dec 25, 2022 | Blogs, Coconut News

At Coconut, we’ve been thinking differently this year. As well as focusing on the wellbeing of our team, we’re focused on the wellbeing of the Planet!

They’re a conscientious bunch, over at Coconut! Which is why, rather than contributing to the world’s emissions, they’re doing what they can to offset the carbon footprint of the team – and of their clients!

Every year, thousands of cards with pretty sparkles and cutesy designs, are sent across the UK. However, the University of Exeter discovered, in 2021, how sending just one card, produces about 140 grams of carbon dioxide. This is addition to those designs which are not combustible, or can’t be recycled. And these are just the cards. Add to this the impact of sending gifts, too!

So, in a bid to be different, and positively impact the world, Coconut Marketing have planted 2,000 trees on behalf of their clients for Christmas, at projects in Kenya and Mozambique, through Ecologi. Although neither country need Coconut trees, by helping with the reforestation programme of Eden Reforestation Projects, they’re making a difference on your behalf.

This is in addition to the individual tree planting activities some of the Coconut team have supported this year, through TreeApp. Planting, another 250 trees around the world.

The impact of this mindful gift means the Coconuts have saved 2.63 tonnes of CO2e or 8m2 of sea ice. The equivalent of two long haul flights, or 6,525 miles in the car! Happy Christmas!

Coconut has also supported two ecosystem projects on behalf of staff, something the whole team is supportive of:

  • Peatland restoration and conservation in Indonesia
  • This will help to protect habitat thought to be home to up to 10% of the world’s remaining Bornean orangutan population, so future generations can enjoy their antics.
  • Generating electricity from landfill gas in Brazil

The objective of this project is to collect the landfill gas produced in the Uberlândia landfills and use it to generate electricity, preventing environmentally damaging methane from being released into the atmosphere. The project expects to produce 354,968 MWh of energy during its lifetime.

Adam Lovelock, one of Coconut’s Directors says, “At Coconut Marketing, we’re committed to being environmentally responsible and supporting sustainable practices. Which is why we decided to donate to Ecologi, and support regeneration projects around the world, rather than sending traditional Christmas presents to our clients. We hope our contribution will have a positive impact on combating climate change, and encourage others to join us in supporting this important cause.”

What a lovely bunch, the Coconuts are!

To see and/or track any of the projects Coconut are supporting, visit: ecologi.com/coconutmarketing
Or, to start your own low carbon business forest, visit: ecologi.com/coconutmarketing?r=6390aa29224db807b7d14e56

Full Steam Ahead at Coconut Creatives

Aug 5, 2016 | Coconut News

While everyone relaxes on their summer holidays, the team at Coconut are still working at full speed! We’re hard at work making sure that we’re ready to fully support our clients throughout the busy Autumn recruitment period. We always tell our clients how important preparation is for franchise recruitment so we’re practicing what we preach and working to help our team improve their skills and develop their roles within the business.

Our team training is taking place in August as we restructure internally to make sure everyone in the team is utilised fully to bring an even more comprehensive range of services to our clients. Recognising the important of investing in our team is how we manage to stay ahead in our industry and keep our team happy and stronger than ever. We’ll be taking a few days out to regroup and make sure that everyone’s on track before we launch into the busiest time of year for franchise recruitment.

We spend a huge amount of time investing in our team to make sure our business is as strong as possible. Continuous training and investment allows us to develop new services and better ways of working so that our clients get the very best from the work they do with us.

In addition to training the team, we’re also working hard to launch brand new products for our clients in the Autumn to keep expanding our offering and to make sure that our clients stay ahead in THEIR industries. As the digital world continues to advance, we know that we need to stay ahead of changes and make sure that we are one step ahead!

Watch this space to find out more about our new products and services that will be released in the Autumn. Or contact us on 01725 511 673 or info@coconutcreatives.co.uk to find out more about how we could help you ramp up your marketing.

Coconut Sponsors Industry Event

Jun 13, 2016 | Coconut News, News

This month, Coconut Creatives is the Silver Sponsor of the bfa Annual Conference. As one of the biggest events in the franchise recruitment calendar, we’re so pleased to be involved and sponsoring for the second year in a row. We’re looking forward to seeing our clients, affiliates and new faces in the industry.

Not only are we sponsoring the event, our very own Adam Lovelock, Head of Online Marketing, will be joining the likes of Baroness Karren Brady and Iwan Thomas MBE by sharing his expertise and knowledge with attendees of the conference. As one of our technology geeks, Adam will be sharing his knowledge on ‘How to Transform your Business Through Technology’ at 3pm on the first day of the conference.

The conference is the centrepiece networking and knowledge sharing event on the bfa calendar and offers unrivalled opportunities for franchisors and professionals from the sector to make new connections, share invaluable advice and insight and be inspired.

“As our second year as Silver sponsors of the Conference, we’re looking forward to seeing new and old faces. The Conference is a great opportunity for everyone in the franchise industry to network and share their knowledge and advice with fellow franchisors and service providers. We always learn something new that we can take home and implement in our business to help us grow and develop. Coconut will also be sharing our own knowledge at the event to help others take away more information to continue building their businesses,” explains Paul Clegg, Managing Director at Coconut Creatives.

We will also be there to support our clients at the Franchisor of the Year awards. We’ve got a few in the running so we’re looking forward to hearing all about the winners and congratulating them on the evening!

To find out more about working with Coconut Creatives or attending one of our workshops in 2016, please contact us on 01725 511 673 or info@coconutcreatives.co.uk

Paul Clegg takes over the reins at Coconut Creatives

Apr 26, 2016 | Blogs, Coconut News, News

As you may already know, our Founding Director Sarah Carlile, is taking a short step away from Coconut Creatives to have her second baby. From April onwards, Sarah will be putting her feet up and waiting for baby to arrive in early May. However, the Coconuts are sure she won’t be disappearing completely as Sarah has never been known to fully sit back and relax! Paul Clegg will be stepping up as Managing Director and taking the reins at Coconut Creatives.

As the former Franchise Recruitment Manager at Mac Tools, Paul has a great understanding and knowledge of the franchise industry and really knows what makes franchisees and franchisors tick. Having joined the team last summer, Paul has embraced the Coconut Creatives ethos and takes care of the client management and keeping the team motivated and organised!

Paul will be aided in his duties by two more Directors, Adam Knight and Adam Lovelock, as well as the usual Coconut team made up of Rebecca, Helen, Tania, Amy and Rachel who help to take care of the client work and keep the Coconut Creatives cogs turning!

“I’m happy to be leaving the day to day management and running of Coconut Creatives in Paul’s hands. I will be taking a short space of time away from the business but I will still be working away behind the scenes! The Coconuts know that they can call on me anytime. With the business in Paul’s capable hands, our clients both present and future can be assured that there will be no disruption from the Coconut service in my absence. The team are excited about the changes being made and we’re stronger than ever. Every member of our team has something different to bring to Coconut Creatives and Paul will be keeping them all in order and making sure we continue to provide our outstanding service,” explains Sarah.

It’s business as usual at Coconut Creatives and they will be continuing to work hard to make sure that each and every client receives the very best service and continues to recruit those all-important franchisees.

“It’s been an exciting couple of months at Coconut Creatives and I’m really looking forward to managing the team on a daily basis. They’re great to work with and have adapted really well to the change of directorship! They accepted me straight away as part of the team and are always receptive and responsive to new ideas. It’s great to see the way Coconut is evolving whilst still maintaining the core services and values. I hope to keep these as well as bringing my own ideas to the table,” adds Paul Clegg.

Successful Launch of QPF Workshops at Coconut

Apr 25, 2016 | Coconut News, News

The first Coconut Qualified Professional Franchise (QFP) workshops of the year have got off to a roaring success. Our first QFP workshops of the year ‘Speed up Your Network Growth’ and ‘How to Motivate your Franchisees’ provided franchisors, both large and small, with skills and knowledge to take away and implement within their businesses straight away.

“Every time we hold a workshop, it’s great to see so many people in the room who are engaged and taking in the advice that we’re giving. We work hard to make sure the workshops run smoothly and that the content is interesting and valuable to everyone there. There was such great feedback at this workshop from the franchisors who attended and we’re so pleased that our content also helps even more people become qualified in the franchise arena,” explains Paul Clegg, Managing Director at Coconut Creatives.

Since 2010 we’ve had over 200 franchise brands from the franchise industry benefiting from our practical workshop programme to fine tune their franchise recruitment and marketing performance. Our workshops have grown year on year and we’re so proud that they’re now accredited by the bfa. Franchisors take away such valuable information and we provide relevant examples and case studies.

Here’s what a few of our attendees had to say:

“Great day with plenty of hints and tips to take back and start implementing. I loved the guest speaker and it was invaluable to share ideas with sector colleagues,” Karen Atkinson, Cafe2U.

 “Fabulous, one of the best and most relevant courses I’ve attended for this stage of our franchise development,” Lisa Curteis, Rosemary Bookkeeping.

“It has been the most inspiring, relevant workshop and I’ve been left with so much that will help me to make improvements – something from every part of the day. The workshop content delivered above and beyond my expectations,” Amanda Wigzell, Little Squigglers.

“I have been wowed into a new world of marketing my business in a clear way and in manageable chunks,” Clare Carrick, Back in Motion.

“This course gave me the tools and the confidence to take my business further and feel ‘I can do this!’,” Rosie Mead, Musica.

 

Our next workshop, ‘Exhibiting and Speaking Effectively for Franchisee Recruitment’ is taking place on 14th July. Contact us on info@coconutcreatives.co.uk or 01725 511 673 to book your place!

View our full workshop line up here…