Women in franchising: breaking barriers and building businesses
In 2024, women accounted for 34% of all new franchisees joining the UK industry, the highest proportion ever. Across all franchises, 40% of franchisees are women, compared with just 18% of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.
The franchising sector offers flexible working hours, structured business models and supportive networks, making it a uniquely inclusive environment for women to thrive.
The UK franchise sector now comprises over 48,600 businesses, collectively contributing £17.2 billion to the economy and supporting 710,000 jobs. Within the Home Instead network, out of 311 owners, 150 are women, and our National Office team includes 34 women out of 65, including two members of our Senior Leadership Team. As well as this, we’re proud that a large portion of our Care Professional workforce are women, providing exceptional care for our amazing clients.
Meet one of our youngest female trailblazers
Wafa Mohbubul progressed from Care Professional to business owner in just a few years. At only 24 years old, she’s building a thriving Home Instead franchise and inspiring other women to take the leap into franchising.
Wafa shares why she chose franchising, the realities of running her own business, and what you can expect from the live Q&A: Hear from Wafa Mohbubul, Owner of Home Instead Broadstairs, Ramsgate & Margate.
Women leading the way
Across our network, women are making a real impact. Here are just a few of our inspiring female franchisees:
Sophie Mellor
Sophie and her sister Melissa have been running Home Instead Lytham, Fylde and Wyre for over a decade. They purchased their second franchise in Preston and South Ribble in 2022, followed by Home Instead South Lakes in 2024. They have also just acquired Home Instead North Lakes as a new territory. Starting in their mid-twenties after working in financial services, they were inspired by Home Instead’s care for their grandfather with dementia. Today, Sophie employs 165 Care Professionals delivering care to 195 clients, showing that young, ambitious women can build thriving, community-focused businesses while balancing family life.
Louise McLaughlin
Louise McLaughlin Director of Home Instead Belfast, Louise has grown the business in just two years to deliver 1,440 hours of care a month to over 100 clients, with a team of 40 Care Professionals. Her focus on compassionate, person-centred care and strong staff support earned her the title of ‘Young Woman in Franchising of the Year 2024’ at the NatWest Encouraging Women In Franchising Awards. Louise and her husband plan to replicate this success in their new franchise in Antrim, Ballymena and Carrickfergus.
Read more about Louise in our case study and find out how she is growing Home Instead Belfast with purpose and passion.
Lesley Ballingall
Director of Operations under a franchisee owning 10 franchise territories in Scotland, Lesley has helped deliver 35,000 hours of care across all franchises. She has led the hugely successful ‘Men in Care’ campaign, encouraging more men into the sector and dispelling myths that care is just for women. Lesley was also nominated for ‘Woman Franchise Employee of the Year 2024′.
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