A FRODSHAM woman who runs a virtual PA service has won a major award at the “Oscars of the franchise world”.
Ally Phillips, 53, was crowned “Lifestyle Franchisee of the Year” at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024.
The category celebrates the passion, drive and commitment of franchisees who have had exceptional results while achieving a healthy work-life balance.
“The BFAs are the top of the mountain in our industry, so it’s hard to believe I got there in less than a decade,” said Ally, who is franchisee owner of Pink Spaghetti PA Services in Wirral, Ellesmere Port and Runcorn.
“There were plenty of tears at the awards ceremony from me, my husband Greg and Pink Spaghetti founder Caroline Gowing, who have both been fantastic sounding boards and advocates on this journey.”
A former vice president of marketing in banking, Ally took an eight-year career break before becoming a Pink Spaghetti franchisee in 2016. The biggest selling point, she said, was being able to build a business as well as a family-focused lifestyle.
“I wanted a new challenge without ever missing a single school drop-off, pick-up or parents’ evening,” explained Ally, whose three children are now aged 15, 20 and 21.
“I work a four-day week but within the Pink Spaghetti network, my franchise has ranked in the top three for highest turnover for the last three years. I make a critical financial contribution to my family, while still supporting them as a mum and a wife.”
Between 2019 and 2023, Ally’s business grew by 400 per cent – with the pandemic being a significant catalyst, as the demand for virtual PA services soared.
“As virtual-working specialists, we were well placed to be able to help others to do the same when Covid hit,” explained Ally. “When I think about how we stepped up as a team, I feel proud. Although I am the leader, everything I have achieved is down to the support, hard work and belief of the very skilled, very dedicated women who work flexibly alongside me to ensure all our clients’ needs are met. This award is as much for them as it is for me.”
The BFA recognition also reflects Ally’s commitment to supporting the wider Pink Spaghetti network through her role as an ambassador – running training sessions, joining working parties and trialling new initiatives. Her multiple internal awards include the “Brand Champion and Turnover Award 2024”.
Carole Gowing, founder of Pink Spaghetti and owner of the Pink Spaghetti Mid Cheshire franchise said: “Ally is a key part of our senior franchisees group,.She gives her time generously both to well-established and newer franchisees, and balances all of this with being one of our top-performing franchisees. Ally was determined to be there for her family, built her business with this in mind, and succeeded – making her a well-deserved winner of the BFA’s Lifestyle Award.”
Around 35 per cent of Ally’s clients are now charities and Community Interest Companies focused on cancer, menopause and health promotion, who work with bodies including the World Health Organisation. From minute-taking to content creation to managing administration, Ally and her team have become a vital support service for the Third Sector.
“Many of our clients are helping to save lives,” said Ally. “I cannot think of a better legacy than having worked in service of such inspiring organisations. Speaking of the future, I would love to sail around the world when I retire, but I am not disappearing into the sunset just yet! I am more excited than ever to step into a new era for my franchise – exploring all the opportunities a BFA Award win has to offer.”