A BUSINESS woman is in the running to scoop not one but two prestigious industry awards, writes Bethen Hughes.

Louise Harris, franchise director of Wilkins Chimney Sweep, has been announced as a finalist in the Woman Franchiser of the Year and Inspirational Woman of the Year categories.

She will compete against the other finalists at the Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF) awards.

The franchise was founded in 2010 by Mrs Harris and her husband, Peter, based on the original Wilkins Chimney Sweep which had been trading since 1895.

She has presented at the Somerset Business Show and is well-known throughout the British franchising industry for her passion.

In 2016, she was appointed to the board of the British Franchise Association as an associate member representative and chairman of the membership committee.

“Although it is my name on the nomination form it is totally a team effort," Mrs Harris said.

“I couldn’t do any of it without the support of my husband and business partner Peter, who I run Wilkins Chimney Sweep with, or my wonderful PA Lisa, who keeps me sane and, of course, my fantastic franchisees who challenge and delight me on a daily basis.

"If I’m good at my job then it is entirely down to them. And maybe Gerry, our cat.”

The EWIF awards are sponsored by NatWest and began in 2010. Which host the finalist's ceremony at their London offices in Bishopgate on Tuesday 16th May 2017.

The keynote speaker for this year's awards ceremony will be Melody Hossani, the first social entrepreneur to appear on BBC's The Apprentice.