Surrey Businesswoman and one of the country’s most successful female franchisees, Sally Findlay, recently presented Pam Bader OBE FRSA, chief executive of Molly Maid, with the Recognition Express sponsored award for Outstanding Contribution at the EWIF (Encouraging Women into Franchising) 2013 Awards.

Pam, who was awarded an OBE in 1996 for her contribution to the work of Thames Valley Enterprise, grew the UK division of Molly Maid from start–up to the £10m business it is today. Her achievement was recognised at the 2013 EWIF Awards day held at RBS House in London and sponsored by NatWest Bank.

Recognition Express sponsors an EWIF award each year. Sally Findlay has been running Recognition Express Mid Surrey since 2004 and consistently tops the table as one of the franchise’s best performing franchisees. She is passionate about franchising and works with local schools and community organisations to promote the benefits of the successful business model.

Said Sally: “This is the first year that Recognition Express has sponsored the Outstanding Contribution Award and it was a great honour for me to present the trophy to Pam Bader. She is a shining example of how hard work and determination combined with a focused, strategic business approach to franchising can deliver outstanding results. Being a woman in business can be challenging but incredibly rewarding and Pam is a perfect role model for other women thinking of starting their own business as a franchisee.”

Graeme Jones, Head of Franchising at NatWest, said: “Franchising represents a great opportunity to get into self-employment across a range of sectors and business models. We are delighted to support these awards which celebrate the range of talent that exists and acts as a beacon for those who require encouragement to get involved.”

EWIF is a new and exciting organisation dedicated to encouraging women into franchising. Its members come from all areas within the franchising industry and include franchisors, franchisees, banks, consultants, accountants, solicitors and many more. EWIF offers a range of free services to help women who are considering becoming franchisees, women business owners looking to franchise their business and franchisors who have an under representation of women in their network.