Top franchisee revealed

A 27-year-old woman from York who owns two Venture photography studios has been named Gold Winner of the 2008 British Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year Awards.

Angie Baynes, who started her photography studio franchise five years ago, impressed the judging panel by demonstrating how she has managed change - the theme of this year’s awards.

Despite being only 22 years old, Baynes faced the challenge of running her own business head on and her first year was a great success. However, it soon became obvious that she would not be able to keep working at such a pace, and with the help of the franchisor realised the importance of delegating responsibility to her team.

As a result, in 2006, and after three successful years of running her York studio, Baynes was able to buy a second studio in Hull town centre. Her wealth of experience has driven her business from strength to strength and she is now the managing director of a successful £2million turnover, multi-site franchise business.

Says Brian Smart, director general of the bfa: “Judging these awards is always a difficult task, but we felt Angie epitomised the essence of the franchising model working at its best. With nearly half of the British public preferring to use a franchise over a non-franchised business, Angie stood out as a pioneer in a sector that is home to some of the country’s most successful brands.”

As well as the prestigious award, Baynes was also given a cheque for £5,000. Craig Harrison of Pirtek Stoke won the silver award and a cheque for £3,000, while Lisa Tobias of Domino’s Pizza (Kilmarnock, Ayr, Clydebank and Govan) took bronze and a £2,000 cheque.