To Franchise, or Not to Franchise? A great way to run your own business with support from a Dream Team!
Photo Credit: Phil Garlington Photography
Unique Ladies UK Limited was started back in 2015 when Suzy Orr felt that women in business needed a platform to be women, and do business!
P
rior to that time Suzy felt that as a woman in a senior role within a corporate extremely male environment, it was expected that she dressed a certain way, and often felt like “the token blonde” in a networking environment which was, and still is to a large extent, a very male dominated arena. This set Suzy off on a journey which was never expected, or planned for, but is now a huge part of her life, a life she has created and loves. Her first network saw 45 ladies gather at the Lancashire Manor Hotel, all keen to share experience and opportunities. It was a huge success. Within a month Suzy had been asked to do something similar in Bolton, followed closely by Media City, Liverpool and Preston. This prompted a complete re-think, as Suzy was working tirelessly to manage four great groups, this is when she had the idea to Franchise. Initially this was done through the network, and Suzy “gifted” her Preston group to a Unique Ladies member. Once she realised that she could “hand over her baby” and after speaking with Kathryn Orange, a Franchise expert, and taking some excellent legal advice, Suzy launched the Unique Ladies Franchise model in 2018. www.lancmag.com
It was an immediate success, with interest from three ladies within the network; Jo Perruzza, who runs Stockport, Lynn Meadowcroft, who launched Wigan, and has since launched in both Salford and Bury, then Dawn Roberts launched Hyndburn, her home town being Accrington. Dawn also jumped straight in when the team at Blackburn Rovers wanted to discuss having a women’s business network there, Unique Ladies Blackburn was born. Recently as we lost our Preston franchisee, so Dawn also jumped in to rebuild the Preston group up too!! Since the initial launches more franchisees have been recruited and we have groups running in Kendal, with Tracy Boylin and in the Ribble Valley with Nicola Sheard. Suzy herself continues to run Bolton, launched one in her home town of Chorley and is currently managing Sefton & Liverpool until new franchisees are in place. Unique Ladies now have a database of over 2000 women across the region, and the idea is to take one to every town across the UK!!! These groups do so much more than “give women a platform” They are supportive, full of knowledge and experience and support many local charities in the process. Now a multi award winning network, recently voted the Most Outstanding Women’s Business network 2021 by Global Business Awards. Suzy says, we have a great “Mission Statement” which epitomises our groups, and the women involved. “Our mission is to support all Women
in business, no matter which part of their journey they’re at, to achieve their full potential through support, encouragement, knowledge share and friendship. We are proud to provide a selection of great practical networking opportunities and introductions to inspire them reach their goals. In order to facilitate this, Unique Ladies offers a flexible approach with free membership and a pay as you go option of networking including a series of incredible inspirational female speakers.” Suzy’s initial plan was not to “rip people off” with hefty memberships, and to this day the membership is absolutely FREE!! Each session costs just £20, which includes tea and coffee, great organised networking, a first class inspirational speaker, and so much more!! A franchise is a great part time opportunity, one which can easily run alongside a second business (all of the other franchisees have multiple businesses) The basic cost is just £2,500, and comes with a great package including a photoshoot, PR, support, and a transparent plan of how to get a return on your investment within 8 months. If you are interested in either going to one of these fabulous groups, joining the ladies for one of many Ladies Lunches to support local charities, or getting involved with a Franchise in your town, please visit: www.uniqueladies.co.uk or email: Suzy@uniqueladies.co.uk
LANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE 69
