Agency Express, the estate agency board maintenance service, has won the BFA/HSBC Franchisor of the Year award.
The Norwich-based company was presented with the Gold award by the judges, who praised the firm for its ability to maximise every aspect of its operations to benefit franchisees, including impressive use of technology, to support growth while maintaining a very healthy work/life balance.
Stephen Watson, managing director of Agency Express, said: “This award is for the outstanding work carried out everyday by our franchisees and our head office support team.
“We have invested heavily in providing franchisees with the best environment to succeed and in turn they have made Agency Express what it is today – a market-leader, renowned for service and now Franchisor of the Year.”
The awards celebrate franchisor successes in five categories, judging business growth and development, service excellence and commitment to ethical franchising practice.
Judges comments
Andy Brattesani, UK head of franchising at HSBC, said: “The high standard of finalists represented the diverse pool of talent found in modern franchising. It is our pleasure to present the highest accolades UK franchisors can achieve to our worthy winners.”
Cathryn Hayes, head of business support at the BFA, said: “The 26th annual awards have been an outstanding success and the event showcases the drive and enterprise found across the UK franchise sector.
“The calibre of entrants was extremely high; we are immensely proud of the quality of franchisors that continue to achieve business growth and build upon a strong network of franchisees.”
Séan Hammond of Express Newspapers, supporters of the event added: “In challenging business markets, franchising continues to flourish and franchisors are adding value more than ever to their business model. We are delighted to recognise their efforts with these awards, following a very high calibre of entries received.”
The 2015 winners
BFA/HSBC Franchisor of the Year
Gold Award
Agency Express
(estate agency board maintenance service)
Silver Award
Driver Hire
(recruitment agencies for transport and logistics personnel)
Bronze Award
TaxAssist Accountants
(accountancy and tax service
for small businesses)
Emerging Franchisor of the Year (five years or less in franchising)
One Stop
(convenience stores)
Franchisee Recruitment Award
Dream Doors
(made-to-measure replacement
kitchen doors and drawers)
Award for Innovation
Dyno
(Plumbing and drain services)
Customer Focus Award
Home Instead Senior Care (non-medical at-home care for the elderly)