Bluebird Care Strikes Gold At bfa Awards

Homecare provider takes top British franchise prize

Homecare provider Bluebird Care was named Franchisor of the Year at the British Franchise Association HSBC Franchise Awards 2017, which took place at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham last night.

A total of 12 franchisors and franchisees were recognised at the event, including Hannah Drury of homecare specialist Caremark, who won two awards.

Franchisor winners were:

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 were:

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.

After being shortlisted as finalists, each business had to present to a panel of judges headed up by Brian Smart, director international, Europe of the bfa.

The panel included Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa; Andrew Brattesani, HSBC UK head of franchising; Damian Humphreys of Ashton’s Legal; Neil Foster of EKW; and Julie Waites of The Franchising Company.

Franchisors were required to evidence their company culture, franchisee support, innovative practices and commitment to franchising ethics.

Franchisees had to show qualities including going above and beyond for their franchise network, innovation and providing exceptional customer service.

Pip Wilkins says: “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.”