The bfa announces the winners of the 2017 Franchise Awards
Published: 13 July 2017
The British Franchise Association (bfa) has revealed the winners of its annual bfa HSBC Franchise Awards.
A total of 12 franchisors and franchisees were recognised at the ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham. For the first time, finalists from both the franchisor and franchisee categories came together for a night of joint celebration.
Homecare provider Bluebird Care was named Franchisor of the Year, while Hannah Drury from Caremark Sutton was voted Franchisee of the Year by the audience, as well as Young Franchisee of the Year.
The winners ranged from up-and-coming small businesses to larger well-known brands and spanned multiple sectors, including swim schools, logistics, homecare, children’s craft events, quick-service restaurants and home improvement.
After being shortlisted, each business or person had to present to a panel of judges headed by Brian Smart, director international, Europe, of the bfa. The panel included Pip Wilkins (CEO of the bfa), Andrew Brattesani (UK head of franchising at HSBC), Damian Humphreys (Ashtons Legal), Neil Foster (EKW Group) and Julie Waites (The Franchising Company).
Franchisors were required to provide evidence of their company culture, franchisee support, innovative practices and commitment to franchising ethics.
Meanwhile, franchisees had to show qualities including going above and beyond for their franchise network, innovation and providing exceptional customer service.
The 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
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, The Creation Station (Aberdeen)
Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchising at HSBC, says: "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."
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, adds: "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 awards are the oldest and most prestigious in the franchise sector, running for nearly 30 years.
