Showcasing the franchise brands that have gone above and beyond

The shortlist for the 2021 HSBC British Franchise Awards contains some outstanding names

The British Franchise Association’s annual HSBC British Franchise Awards night is approaching.

One of the most competitive years yet, the bfa has seen a record number of entries. Shortlisted brands will find out if they’ve won in their category on 30 November at the ceremony at The Vox, Birmingham.

Oscars of the industry Dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the franchise industry, the prestigious awards ceremony showcases brands that have gone above and beyond to create a franchise community ethically and successfully.

Shortlisted categories include brands that have excelled in sustainability and lifestyle, demonstrated resilience and leadership, supported their local community and achieved a healthy work-life balance, plus emerging businesses at the start of their franchise journey.

The bfa seeks to recognise excellence across the franchise industry.

This year’s awards have demonstrated that despite the pandemic franchising has thrived – franchisors still grew their business empires and franchisees were able to run their businesses with hands-on practical and emotional support from their franchisor.

Strong performers

Some bfa members have been shortlisted in multiple categories, underlining the strength of these brands in several areas.

Get Ahead, a business offering outsourced support such as PR and business development, has been shortlisted for two awards, as have Shuttercraft and InXpress.

Home care franchise Right at Home has been shortlisted for three awards – an outstanding achievement – while Get Ahead’s Fiona Ibbetson, shortlisted for the Franchisee Lifestyle award, has only been in business for three years, demonstrating how quickly you can become a successful franchise business owner.

At a time when hospitality and retail businesses have suffered because of recurring lockdowns, many franchises in these sectors have thrived; McDonald’s, Cafe2U, Co-op, Creams and Costa Coffee have all been shortlisted for this year’s awards.

Quality of entries

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, says: “The standard of this year’s applicants has been outstanding.

“We have seen incredible displays of commitment, dedication and passion across a multitude of sectors throughout the franchise industry.

“The quality of entries is even stronger this year, highlighting the unity of the industry and showing that we really are stronger together.

“For another year, the awards reflect the strength of franchising and I wish all those shortlisted the best of luck.

“Just to get to this stage is a huge achievement and something to be truly proud of.”