Belvoir Group is using International Women’s Day to try and attract more women looking to become franchisees by promoting the ‘flexibility that franchising can offer to help them secure a viable work/life balance, equal opportunities and the ability to achieve career goals’.

Across its brands, which consist of Belvoir, Northwood, Newton Fallowell and Lovelle, Belvoir Group already has a number of successful female business owners.

Ahead of International Women’s Day approaching, Belvoir commissioned research of women aged from 18 to 54, who were already working in the industry, to try and uncover any potential stumbling blocks that might be making them reluctant to run their own business.

Belvoir CEO Dorian Gonsalves said: “The results of this research proved to be very interesting. Almost three quarters [74%] of respondents said they recognised opportunities for career progression within the industry, whilst almost an equal number [72%] said that if an opportunity came up for them to run their own business, they would definitely take it. However, just 13.6% of these women were already business owners.

“When asked what was stopping them from applying for promotions or taking on their own business, almost half of respondents [48.2%] said that juggling family and work life was a factor. Interestingly, 42% said they lacked the confidence to make the leap from employee to business owner.

“Becoming a Belvoir franchisee could be a good solution for these ambitious women. Our franchisees are able to run their own businesses, but they never feel as if they are doing it on their own because they receive outstanding support every step of the way, with dedicated professional business mentorship, plus help with marketing, legal issues, auditing and IT. This, combined with ongoing training in all aspects of property and business management, really helps to build confidence and encourage franchisees to achieve their potential.

“In addition, Belvoir’s franchisees are able to regularly network with other business owners within the Group, who are familiar with any issues facing new business owners and happy to help offer their ideas and support.

“Franchising is a successful business model because it depends on both the franchisor and the franchisee succeeding, so every effort is made to ensure new businesses hit the ground running and that all of our franchisees receive the support they need. There are also great opportunities for future business growth, and our dedicated acquisition team is able to advise on suitable opportunities and help franchisees to secure financial support.”way we have.”