Empowering Women in Business 2023

Oct 4, 2023 | Coconut News, Coconut Team

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

How To Improve Your Franchisee Conversion to 1-in-28 – Midlands

Feb 1, 2012 | Coconut Workshops, Events

With the franchise industry changing fast, it’s vital to keep up with the latest thinking for franchise recruitment.   This is a unique opportunity to gain up to date insight on the latest marketing techniques that can help boost your franchise recruitment.

Topic: How To Improve Your Franchisee Conversion to 1-in-28
Date & Location: 30th May 2013 – Midlands
Places available: 10

View our 3 minute workshop video

Coconut Creatives is the ONLY franchise marketing specialist offering workshops that bring together independent experts in the key fields of marketing, PR, copywriting, branding, social media and events to show you how they all effectively combine to produce excellent results.

You’ll take away some really valuable pointers to utilise within your own business, including:

  • Your perfect business ‘elevator pitch’ for use on flyers, prospectus & at exhibitions
  • Top copy tips for franchise advertising and PR
  • Franchise branding ideas to help you stand out from the rest
  • Video concepts that get prospects listening to you
  • An applied budget matrix to manage your recruitment
  • A professional structure for your marketing
  • Benchmarking your current performance against other Franchisors – see how you currently perform!
  • Plus, personal feedback on our 1 to 1 afternoon sessions, worth £450!

“Warm, engaging and creative workshop.  We found the day extremely motivating covering so many relevant topics inspiring us to move forward with many of the ideas given.”
Janet Walmsley, OSCAR.

Current Promotion
Places booked 6 weeks in advance will be entitle to our early bird offer – 2 places for the price of 1.

Email Lucy or call 01725 511673 to check availability, for more information, an agenda or a booking form.

Goldshield launches in the UK at Infection Prevention (IP) 2011

Oct 18, 2011 | Clients in the Media

Coconut Creatives client, Goldshield launched in the UK last month! Goldshield is a new technology which was introduced to the UK public for the first time at the Infection Prevention Society Exhibition in September. This disinfectant is unlike any other disinfecting or bacteriostatic agents that will provide a long term residual protection on surfaces, equipment and textiles, mitigating the spread of infectious diseases.

IP 2011 hosts the largest infection prevention and control exhibition in the UK, and is now classed as the major IP event of the year. It attracted over 700 delegates, around 150 exhibitors and an array of speakers covering all areas around infection prevention.

To assist with the UK launch Goldshield appointed Coconut Events, a division of Coconut Creatives marketing company, to manage all pre-event logistics and on-site management.

The show was a huge success for Goldshield leaving with over 220 leads and being shortlisted for the Best Stand in the large category.

Coconut Creatives Franchise Marketing Workshops go down a storm!

Jul 22, 2011 | Coconut News

With just under a week until the next Coconut Creatives franchise recruitment marketing workshop (which is fully booked), on the 27th July, the timing for franchisors to get involved in future workshops could not be better.

The next workshop, held in Bracknell, is fully booked with a wide range of franchisors which span across industry sector and also in size. The content on the workshops is suitable for both new and established franchisors and covers the key areas of how to recruit more franchisees through marketing techniques, advertising, PR, copy writing, branding and utilising video in getting key messages across.

Sophie Brooks, Managing Director for Clive’s Easylearn Pop Music Schools attended a franchise marketing workshop a few months ago and now is working closely with Sarah on a specially devised mentoring programme. After winning the EWIF Franchisor of the Year Award, Coconut Creatives have been helping Sophie get booked up rwith activity ready for the show season ahead and ensure that she stays on track with marketing her franchise.

“I found the franchisor marketing workshop hugely beneficial, I have already been able to implement some great changes and improvements based on the advice and information given at the workshop. I found the one-to-one sessions with the experts very helpful as they were able to give specific advice on your business. Since attending the marketing workshop I am now working closely with Coconut Creatives in mentoring programme. This has so far helped us to look in more detail at our marketing campaigns, work on improving these, generating more leads and getting better results. The advice and support provided so far has been exceptional. I am really looking forward to continuing to work with Sarah and Coconut Creatives to build our business and would have no hesitation in strongly recommending Coconut Creatives to any franchisor,” Sophie Brooks, Franchisor for Clive’s Easylearn Pop Music Schools.

 

Coconut Creatives Franchise Marketing Workshops run monthly in different locations around the UK. Contact info@coconutcreatives.co.uk for an agenda and booking form or visit coconutcreatives.co.uk for a full list of published next dates and content.

Franchise recruitment marketing workshop, with guest speaker Nick Strong in June 2011.

Corporate Hospitality Is Back!

Jun 12, 2011 | Uncategorized

Jennifer Davidson, Head of Coconut Events investigates the rise in demand for corporate hospitality as the market recovers.

With the economy stepping out of recession, competition to gain new clients is fierce. The economic downturn has not only seen business go bust but also a change on where budgets are being spent. Businesses are savvier, smarter and know what they want.

Rather than being seen as a ‘jolly’ Corporate Hospitality has gained a new, more prominent position in the marketing mix. Companies are seen to be using Corporate Hospitality as a business retainer, and a chance to build relationships with customers and suppliers for long term gain.

When choosing events to attend remember brand reflection. Top 3 Corporate Hospitality Events of the season not to be missed:
1. Sandpolo
2. British Gran Prix
3. Boodles

Overall, the UK corporate hospitality market is projected to increase by 11% in real terms between 2010 and 2015, reflecting greater understanding of corporate hospitality as an effective communications strategy.

“It is becoming increasingly important. What we are in danger of losing in the modern world of mobile phones and Blackberries is people doing business with people. Taking time out of everyone’s increasingly hectic schedules to spend time with customers, suppliers and bankers is becoming more necessary.”