The British Franchise Association offered awards to 12 franchisors and franchisees at the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchise Awards 2017. This event took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham and it provided a wonderful opportunity for the finalists to come together and enjoy the evening.
The prestigious award of Franchisor of the Year went to BlueBird Care, while Franchisee of the Year went to Hannah Drury from Caremark Sutton.
The other winners came from multiple sectors such as fast food, homecare, children’s craft events and home improvement. They were from smaller businesses and also well-known brands, which provided a nice mix to the evening.
Each shortlisted finalist had to present to a panel of judges, led by Brian Smart, Director International, Europe of the bfa. The other judges included Pip Wilkins (CEO of the bfa), Andrew Brattesani (UK Head of Franchising from HSBC), Damian Humphreys (Ashton’s Legal), Neil Foster (EKW) and Julie Waites (The Franchising Company).
Franchisors had to expand on their company’s culture, the type of franchisee support offered, their innovative practices and they also were expected to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to franchising ethics.
Franchisees, on the other hand, had to offer examples of going above and beyond for their franchise network, innovation, and providing exceptional customer service.
FRANCHISOR WINNERS INCLUDE:
bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year:
Gold: Bluebird Care
Silver: Driver Hire
Bronze: Expense Reduction Analysts
Emerging Franchisor of the Year: Heritage Healthcare The Brian Smart Award for International Development: Little Kickers
Brand Innovation: InXpress
Award for Franchise Support: McDonald’s Restaurants
FRANCHISEE WINNERS INCLUDE:
People’s Choice bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year: Hannah Drury, Caremark Sutton
Young Franchisee of the Year: Hannah Drury, Caremark Sutton
Franchisee Innovation: Gary and Suzanne Horton, Puddle Ducks, Greater Manchester
Female Franchisee of the Year: Tamsin Brewis, Water Babies Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire
Customer Focus Franchisee of the Year: Eliott Ray, Dyno Surrey, Sussex, South West London and Middlesex
Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year: Ruth Morris, Creation Station Aberdeen
Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchising at HSBC, said, “The awards are a celebration of exceptional businesses. It’s brilliant to see such a wide range of sectors included among the winners and they truly highlight the quality, diversity and hard work that’s found in franchising.
”The bfa’s CEO, Pip Wilkins, added, “Every year the standard gets higher and we demand substantial evidence of success for both the franchisors and franchisees. Our winners truly showcase British entrepreneurial talent and pay testament to their sustained franchising excellence. Everyone should be extremely proud of themselves.”
The British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchise Awards 2017 have been running for almost 30 years, and are therefore the oldest and most prestigious in the sector.
We, at Franchise Direct, send congratulations to all the winners and finalists!