bfa announces 2017 Franchisor of the Year finalists
Published: 27 February 2017
The British Franchise Association (bfa) has announced the brands contending in the 2017 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards.
Highlighting the UK franchisors that are building strong brands through best practice and innovative strategies, the 17 finalists in five categories will present their entries to a judging panel on 28 and 29 March.
The winners will be announced at the bfa HSBC Franchise of the Year Awards on 28 June at the ICC in Birmingham. The gala dinner will combine both the Franchisor and Franchisee of the Year Awards for the first time.
The bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award is presented to the franchisor that represents consistency and excellence in franchising. The finalists are:
- Bluebird Care
- Dream Doors
- Driver Hire
- Expense Reduction Analysts
- Signs Express
The Emerging Franchisor of the Year Award recognises franchisors that are building solid foundations for success in their first five years of franchising. The finalists are:
- Heritage Healthcare
- New Driveway Company
- Vapestore
At this year’s awards, the bfa is introducing The Brian Smart Award for International Development. This is for franchisors that have developed a successful international operation. The finalists are:
- Little Kickers
- Water Babies
The Brand Innovation Award is for franchisors that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to identifying opportunities for evolution. The finalists are:
- Creation Station
- InXpress
- Puddle Ducks
The final award is The Award for Franchise Support. This recognises franchisors that ensure that their franchisees are at the heart of the business, as well as demonstrating excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders. The finalists are:
- Dyno
- McDonald's
- One Stop
- Right at Home
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, said: “Looking through the entries made us very proud and humbled to be part of such a successful industry, and those who are just starting their franchising journeys can take inspiration from what these brand have achieved.”
Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchise at HSBC, added: “This is the third year I have had to pick the finalists and to be honest it is the job I hate the most during the year; comparing excellence with excellence is never easy and to be honest it is getting harder.”
