Right at Home celebrates two national franchise awards

We were thrilled when two members of the Right at Home family received worthy recognition at a national event for women in franchising.

We were attending the NatWest EWiF Conference and Awards, which were held in Central London recently, and which see people from dozens of different franchise brands meeting to network and celebrate industry achievements.

And it was fantastic for those to include Amy Patel-Popat, Owner and Director of Right at Home Solent, who received the Woman Franchisee of the Year Award, and our national Director of People an Brand, Heather Wehrle, who was named Franchise Employee of the Year.

EWiF (Encouraging Women into Franchising) is an organisation close to our hearts, as it provides a great platform for women to inspire and motivate one another, whether they are just starting out with their own business, or heading up a huge national network.    

This year’s event was doubly exciting, since as well as our award finalists we also saw our CEO, Lucy Campbell, deliver an amazing keynote speech to the audience before the awards. Lucy held the EWiF Franchisor of the Year award for a fantastic three years running, before passing the baton onto another worthy winner this year, Jenni Dunman of Daisy First Aid.

The EWIF awards honour women who have made a significant impact in the franchising industry, as well as in their respective sectors.

Amy’s prestigious award recognises her outstanding achievements in promoting workplace diversity and fostering a welcoming and secure working environment for her team and Clients.

She has been working to improve the retention rate of their team, implementing different initiatives to support staff wellbeing. This includes weekly team check-ins, setting up breathwork and yoga sessions to support mental health, and introducing various reward and recognition schemes for team members.

CEO Lucy Campbell said: “I am absolutely thrilled to see Amy getting such deserved recognition. As a shining beacon of positive influence within both our network and her community, Amy is one incredible lady and a truly admirable leader. Her determination to drive critical change and support people to flourish at every level is just exceptional, and I am so grateful to have her as part of our very special Right at Home family."

Heather, who became a director of Right at Home UK earlier this year, won the Woman Franchise Employee of the Year Award in recognition of her outstanding efforts to change the perception of the care industry, through her role as Director of People & Brand.

Heather’s work has helped to challenge stereotypes and shift public perceptions of the care industry, positioning it as a vital and rewarding sector with enormous potential for growth. It comes at a time when the social care sector has seen the largest ever growth in demand.

Commenting on her award, Heather said: "I am truly humbled to receive this recognition. The care industry is often overlooked or dismissed as unimportant, but due to the tireless efforts of our CareGivers, Franchise Owners and wider care teams, at Right at Home we know it has the power to change lives and transform communities. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in such a meaningful and fulfilling field, and I am committed to continuing my efforts to raise awareness and advocate for positive change for the care sector.”