With two new awards categories, the British Franchise Association (BFA) has launched the BFA/HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards, supported by Express Newspapers. The oldest awards in UK franchising, it is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
The country’s pioneering and top-performing franchisees are being called upon to celebrate their successes and enter the prestigious industry accolades, which provide them with the opportunity to receive widespread recognition both inside and outside the franchise sector for their business drive, determination and achievements.
The BFA/HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award is given to the UK’s most outstanding franchisee, selected from one of the winners of the six categories below:
- Award for Franchisee Customer Service recognises excellence in customer care, identifying the franchisees that have gone above and beyond to deliver exemplary service to their customer base.
- Young Franchisee of the Year Award identifies the country’s pioneering young franchisees. The category is for those under the age of 30 and will celebrate the triumphs and enterprising nature of the nation’s young talent.
- Micro-Business of the Year Award showcases the excellent business practice carried out by the country’s smaller franchises. Mobile and home-based businesses run by a single operator or a couple are eligible for this category.
- Female Franchisee of the Year Award champions the commitment and drive present in female franchisees across the country whose passion and skill makes them stand out from the crowd.
- Olderpreneur Franchisee of the Year celebrates franchisees whose wealth of experience is evident in the success of their franchises. This award provides an opportunity for franchisees over the age of 55 to celebrate the ways in which they have used their knowledge and expertise to create new avenues of growth for their business.
- B2B Franchisee of the Year highlights the franchisees operating in a business-to-business environment. It will commend franchisees who can demonstrate how they have leveraged their relationships and expertise to create a profitable business delivering high-quality service, products and savings to their clients.
Janis Anderson of Caremark, the domiciliary care franchise, last year’s main award winner commented: “It was fantastic to be recognised for all the hard work which contributes towards Caremark’s success, especially at such a prestigious level.”
Franchisors have until 28th May to nominate franchisees, before finalists are invited for interviews with the judging panel in July. The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony in Birmingham on 2 October 2014.
Brian Smart, BFA director general, said: “The awards provide the BFA with the perfect platform to celebrate the individuals making a difference and progressing in the industry. They celebrate the forward-thinking business practices carried out by the country’s most impressive franchisees. We urge franchisors to nominate their favourite franchisees so their successes can be celebrated at a national level.”
Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising at HSBC, said: “Every year the standard we see from the finalists astounds us. The franchisees recognised in these awards are achieving extraordinary results and deserve the recognition these accolades provide. These awards celebrate franchisees who are not only performing exceptionally well, but are recognised for their outstanding attitudes by their peers and colleagues. HSBC is delighted to be supporting the awards and excited to hear about all the innovative ways franchisees are pushing their businesses forward at this year’s awards.”
Sean Hammond, head of franchising, Express Newspapers, added: “This year we are looking forward to hearing from franchisees who are challenging the norm and demonstrating innovative business practice. Last year’s winners set the bar extremely high so we’re looking forward to seeing this year’s entries setting the standard of franchising even higher.”
For further information, visit www.thebfa.org or call the BFA on 01235 820470.