42 franchise brands and 37 individuals from across the UK have been named as finalists in the 2025 BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards
Often referred to as the ‘Oscars of franchising’, the annual awards shine a spotlight on the very best in British franchising, highlighting innovation, strong leadership, and ethical business practices. The winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony this November.
The shortlist features a diverse range of brands, from household names like Boots Opticians and McDonald’s to fast-growing disruptors such as Green Machine, CareYourWay and Mini First Aid. Categories span franchisor and franchisee achievements, including leadership, marketing, customer service and multi-unit performance.
The awards are organised by the BFA, the UK’s leading authority on franchising, and sponsored by HSBC UK. The judging panel includes Pip Wilkins (BFA), Gillian Morris (HSBC UK), Simon Wise (FranRec), Euan Fraser (AMO Consulting) and Nina Moran-Watson (NMW Franchise Services).
“A huge congratulations to all our finalists this year,” said Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association. “As ever, the entries were very strong, and we commend each and every one of them for going the extra mile over the past 12 months. Our members and their franchisees are the backbone of the BFA, upholding the ethical values of the association and we thank them for their commitment. We look forward to celebrating the best in British franchising at our awards ceremony in November and wish all our finalists the very best of luck.
Gillian Morris, UK Head of Franchise at HSBC UK, added: “It’s certainly not an easy task but shortlisting the entries and choosing the finalists is one of the highlights of my year. As ever, there are some brilliant businesses amongst this year’s entrants. They really do represent the best of British franchising, and I look forward to seeing them all at the awards ceremony in November.”
This year’s finalists reflect the resilience and innovation of UK franchising at a time of continued growth. According to the 2024 British Franchise Survey (sponsored by NIC Local), there are now 1,009 active franchise systems in the UK, operating over 50,000 units and contributing £19.1 billion to the economy. Nearly 90% of franchise units are profitable, and personal services brands have seen a 53% increase since 2018.
The winners of the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards 2025 will be revealed at the gala event this November.