A virtual PA service running in Runcorn has taken home a significant award at the 'Oscars of the franchise world'.

Frodsham's Ally Phillips, aged 53, was named 'Lifestyle Franchisee of the Year' at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024.

The category commends franchisees who have achieved success while maintaining a good work-life balance.

Ms Phillips, who is the franchisee owner of Pink Spaghetti PA Services in Wirral, Ellesmere Port, and Runcorn, said: "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.

"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."

Ms Phillips, a former Vice President of Marketing within banking, took an eight-year career break before becoming a Pink Spaghetti franchisee in 2016.

She said the biggest selling point was the ability to build a business and a family-focused lifestyle.

She said: "I wanted a new challenge without ever missing a single school drop-off, pick-up or parents’ evening.

"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, Ms Phillips's business grew by 400 per cent, with the pandemic playing a large role in this increase, as demand for virtual PA services soared.

She said: "As virtual-working specialists, we were well placed to be able to help others to do the same when Covid hit.

"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 Ms Phillips's commitment to supporting the broader Pink Spaghetti network through her role as an ambassador – running training sessions, joining working parties, and trialling new initiatives.

Her numerous internal awards include the 'Brand Champion & Turnover Award 2024'.

Caroline 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 Ms Phillips'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, Ms Phillips and her team have become a 'vital' support service for the Third Sector.

Ms Phillips added: "Many of our clients are helping to save lives.

"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."