Now in their sixth year, the awards were held at Le Bouche à Oreille in Brussels.
Winning British brands were domiciliary home care brand Caremark, Franchisor of the Year (Bronze); Marlene Meyer, Mini First Aid, Franchisee of the Year (Silver) and Natalia Shvarts from Excello Law, Industry Expert (Bronze.)
Matthias Lehner, President, European Franchise Federation said: "Every finalist on that stage last night represents what our industry does best: building opportunity, market by market, franchisee by franchisee. The European Franchise Awards are our chance to say thank you to the people doing that work, and last night's winners set the bar for the year ahead."
Entrants to the awards are nominated by the 18 national franchise associations who are members of the European Franchise Federation (EFF). Countries submit applications from the winners of their own domestic award competitions.
Executive director of the European Franchise Federation (EFF) Alisdair Gray, agreed: “Last night we celebrated everything that makes European franchising extraordinary. The entrepreneurs who go the extra mile every day, the brands behind them and the partnerships that turn good ideas into businesses across borders. We are immensely proud to organise this event and it brings us so much joy to see what franchising means to people."
Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the BFA who travelled to Brussels for the awards said: “Another great night for British franchising in Europe. Our congratulations to Caremark, Marlene and Natalia for their success. We thank the EFF for their hospitality and send our warmest congratulations to all the other winners. Franchising in the UK contributes £19.1 billion to the UK economy and offers safe self-employment to thousand of people and we’re delighted that our brands and experts have been recognised on the European stage as well.
Winners of the 2026 European Franchise Awards
International Brand of the Year
- Gold: Fortidia
- Silver: 5 à Sec
Sustainable Champion of the Year
- L’Osteria
- Anne&Max
Franchisor of the Year
- Gold: Attila
- Silver: Zusje
- Bronze: Caremark
Emerging Franchise of the Year
- Gold: Land & Monkeys
- Silver: Elie die Fee
- Bronze: Kultapalat
Franchisee of the Year
- Gold: Alain Lemay (CAVAVIN)
- Silver: Marlene Meyer (Mini First Aid)
- Bronze: Isabelle Kopam(Club Pilates)
Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year
- Gold: Augustin Poul
- Silver: Groep Cretskens
- Bronze: Azael A. Patiño
Outstanding Industry Expert of the Year
- Gold: Cavaleiro Machado
- Silver: Joost Bos
- Bronze: Natalia Shvarts
Hall of Fame
- Anders Fernlund