Home Instead COO appointed Chair of The British Franchise Association Board

We are delighted to announce that our Chief Operating Officer, Ruth Brown, has been appointed Chair of The British Franchise Association (BFA) board.

The appointment was confirmed following The BFA’s annual general meeting in December 2025. Ruth becomes only the second woman to hold the role since the association was founded in 1977, following Pam Bader OBE, former CEO of Molly Maid UK, who served as Chair in 1996.

Ruth succeeds outgoing Chair Paul Thompson, founder of children’s swimming franchise Water Babies, and will lead the board at a time of continued growth and evolution across the UK franchise sector.

With extensive experience in franchising and operations, Ruth has played a key role in guiding Home Instead through significant growth, including the expansion of multi-unit ownership and the continued professionalisation of the home care franchise model.

Catharine Chalton, Owner of Home Instead Wirral North, Wirral South and Chester was reappointed as a franchisee board member and re-elected as the franchisor and franchisee representatives on the board of the European Franchise Federation.

Commenting on her appointment, Ruth Brown said: “Franchising continues to demonstrate its resilience, adaptability and economic value, and I’m honoured to be appointed Chair of The BFA. I’m passionate about supporting ethical, sustainable franchising and ensuring the sector continues to provide opportunities for business owners, employees and the communities they serve.”

Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of The BFA, added: “It is great news that Ruth has been appointed as Chair of The BFA. The association will benefit enormously from her experience, insight and leadership, and I’m confident she will be a steady, guiding hand for the board during her tenure.”