Speakers

Joanna Graham has more than 25 years of commercial experience driving growth, operational excellence and ethical practice in the franchise sector. As Founder and CEO of the Waves Group, she scaled the business into a 270-site national franchise, securing major contracts with leading supermarkets and pioneering industry-leading franchise employment standards, alongside compliance tools to combat labour exploitation and modern slavery.  Joanna has long championed responsible business standards, collaborating with government, law enforcement and academia to drive greater oversight and sector reform, including the creation of the Responsible Car Wash Scheme and co-presenting technological risk-management solutions at the House of Lords.

Joanna also serves as Chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Downview, working with prison leadership and the Ministry of Justice to improve employment outcomes for prison leavers and support rehabilitation. She is recognised for her integrity and commitment to fair work and social impact.