Over the years, Basking Babies has grown into so much more than baby classes. It has become a network of women building welcoming communities for families across the UK - all while creating flexible businesses around their own family lives too.
That’s why it felt so special to celebrate our founder, Carla Davison, being named both Woman Franchisor of the Year and Overall Woman in Franchising at the 2026 Encouraging Women into Franchising (EWiF) Awards.
More than business growth
The EWiF Awards recognise women making a meaningful impact across franchising, celebrating leadership, innovation and support for others. For Carla, the recognition reflected far more than business success. It recognised the supportive, community-led culture that has always been at the heart of Basking Babies.
Over the last 18 months, Basking Babies has continued to evolve, introducing new systems, well-being support and additional opportunities for our franchisees. But through every stage of growth, the focus has stayed the same - helping women feel supported, encouraged and connected.
A shared achievement
Reflecting on the awards, Carla said, “Winning both awards felt absolutely incredible and completely overwhelming. Empowering women is at the heart of everything we do, so to receive this recognition from EWiF felt very special indeed.
“I’m totally devoted to our franchisees and genuinely want the best for every single one of them. We’ve built such an amazing network of women who love what they do. This award reflected all their hard work and the brilliant people around us.”
More than a business
Part of what made this recognition so meaningful was the acknowledgement of how Carla has continued to lead and support the network through periods of significant personal and professional change, while continuing to evolve the business in thoughtful and positive ways.
Over the last 18 months, Basking Babies has introduced new franchisee development initiatives, well-being support and more opportunities for collaboration across the network - all designed to help women build successful, fulfilling businesses in a way that feels sustainable for them and their families.
And perhaps that is what sits at the heart of this award most of all - creating a business where women feel genuinely supported as they grow both personally and professionally.