Last year’s award winner, Agency Express.
A diverse range of businesses will compete for the biggest accolades in UK franchising after the British Franchise Association (BFA) revealed the shortlist for the BFA/HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards 2016.
The 17 finalists come from diverse sectors such as swim schools, logistics, healthcare, and home improvement. Featuring up-and-brands alongside some of the biggest brands in the sector, franchisors were required to profile their company culture, franchisee support, innovative practices and commitment to franchising ethics to reach the final stage.
The 2016 finalists in the five award categories are:
BFA/HSBC Franchisor of the Year 2016
- Driver Hire Nationwide
- Expense Reduction Analysts
- Home Instead Senior Care
- McDonald’s Restaurants
- Minster Cleaning Services
- Rainbow International
- Water Babies
Emerging Franchisor of the Year (five years or less in franchising)
- Busylizzy
- Diamond Logistics
- Heritage Healthcare
Franchisee Recruitment Award
- Home Instead Senior Care
- Premier Sport
- TaxAssist Accountants
Award for Innovation
- McDonald’s Restaurants
- Swimtime
- X-Press Legal Services
Customer Focus Award
- Dream Doors
- Dyno-Rod
- O2
Nicola Broadhurst
Finalists will present to a judging panel of industry experts in April, with winners announced at a black-tie dinner on 23rd June in Nottingham. Guest judges this year are Nicola Broadhurst of Stevens & Bolton, Euan Fraser of AMO Consulting and Stuart Walsh from Franchise Finance.
Andy Brattesani, UK head of franchising at HSBC, said of the shortlisting process: “Such a day naturally challenges concentration levels. Reading entries all day is hard work, but the quality of the applications and the enthusiasm that came out of the written words ensured I was captivated throughout. I can’t wait to hear more at the judging from some great businesses.”
Pip Wilkins, head of operations at the BFA, added: “This was a very difficult process thanks to the number and calibre of entries. It’s particularly pleasing to see the variety of businesses expanding through franchising represented, reflecting the range of operators in UK franchising. Our finalists should be very proud to have been recognised for their exceptional performance.”
The BFA/HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards were established in 1989 and have a rich history of showcasing current and future success stories. Previous winners include Autosmart, Domino’s and Toni & Guy. Agency Express, the property board services business, took the top honour last year.