Adil Group scoops up top franchise award

CEO Raja Adil was presented with the bfa HSBC Multi-Unit Leader accolade at this year's franchise awards

Raja Adil, CEO of the Adil Group, one of the largest franchise companies in the UK, was presented with the bfa HSBC Multi-Unit Leader accolade at this year’s franchise awards, held in late November.

The Adil Group, which owns 155 franchises across the UK, including mega-brands from catering and leisure like KFC, Burger King, Costa Coffee, Taco Bell and Anytime Fitness, employs over 4,000 people and has a turnover in excess of £140m.

The HSBC Best in Class Multi-Unit Leader is an award that recognises franchisees that have built substantial organisations, with large portfolios and have a central, management operation to support.

Raja started his career working in his family business, a Wimpy franchise at just nine years old before taking over at the helm in 2004, when he headed up a diversification strategy for the business.

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, congratulated the Adil Group: “Raja is testament to how great leaders can achieve great things using the franchising model. The Adil Group management team represents homegrown talent that is committed to delivering outstanding operational standards within every franchise brand they own.”

Speaking about the win, Raja Adil, said: “This award and the recognition of the Adil Group is the pinnacle of success we all hope to achieve. It’s an honour to be recognised for the hard work and commitment which has been shown by so many people across the Adil Group. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for sharing our vision, not only for our business and our fantastic customers but also for the charities we support throughout the group.

“This has been a difficult year for many, but we remain positive and look to the future. We are continuing to extend our portfolio into new markets and looking to partner with new brands, not only in the UK but across Europe.”

The Adil Group was also recognised for giving back to the community by supporting a number of charities, including the Costa Foundation, Add Hope and Barnardos. In addition, the Adil family has also set up their own foundation which helps the most vulnerable, the young and the elderly.