The UK’s top franchisors are being urged to nominate their most enterprising franchisees for the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2010. The awards, supported by Express Newspapers, highlight the outstanding efforts, achievements and stories of leading franchisees across the country.

 

Now celebrating its 21st year, and with a new regional format for 2010, the awards recognise franchisees that have demonstrated the highest levels of quality and best practice. As the UK moves into recovery, the awards offer franchisees the opportunity to showcase how they have harnessed innovative ideas and initiatives to create business opportunities and overcome the challenges of the recession.

 

The awards for this year will include a regional winner for each of the five regions. These are: London & the South East, the South West, the Midlands, the North and Scotland. Franchisors are able to enter up to five franchisees for the awards, one nomination per region.

2009 Gold Winner, Sandra Redmond of Molly Maid, said: "It was a great honour to be named bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year in 2009. The award has added so much to my business, increasing awareness locally and making everyone connected to the business proud to be a part of it. On a personal level, it was great to be recognised for the hard work that had been put in, during what was a challenging year for all types of businesses."

 

The Gold Winner of the Award will receive £5,000 from HSBC, together with a commemorative trophy and the title bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year. The Silver and Bronze Winners will receive £3,000 and £2,000 respectively, courtesy of HSBC. The five regional winners will each receive £500, again courtesy of HSBC

 

Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising, HSBC, said: “HSBC is proud to support franchisees across the country. We work with some of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, and it’s great to see them rewarded for their achievements. As well as being a huge boost to morale, the awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of franchisees.”

 

Kieron Summerhayes, Deputy Group Advertising Controller, Express Newspapers, said: “Express Newspapers is delighted to once again be supporting these highly prized awards, which celebrate the best in UK franchising. They provide a chance for increased prominence and customer awareness for franchisees, and with the new element of regional finalists, we hope to see this amplified locally for those companies involved.”

 

Brian Smart, Director General, bfa, said: “The bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards, provide businesses with an opportunity to be recognised for excellence in franchising. I look forward to receiving the entries and speaking with the top franchisees across the UK to hear their success stories.”

 

The deadline for entries is 30 June 2010 and finalists will be invited for interview with the judging panel on 15 July. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner, being held at the NEC in Birmingham, on 30 September 2010.

 

bfa members will receive entry forms in the post, additional entry forms can be downloaded from the Awards section of www.thebfa.org.  For assistance please call the bfa on 01865 379 892.