bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards 2020 shortlist announced

10 categories to be contested by franchisors and franchisees that have excelled in the past 12 months

The finalists of the British Franchise Association HSBC British Franchise Awards have been announced.

Taking place on November 30 at the Vox, Birmingham, 10 categories will be contested, including three new ones: International Superbrand, the HSBC Best in Class Multi-unit Leader and Local Focus.

Local Focus and the HSBC Best in Class Multi-unit Leader awards are franchisee categories, the former focusing on businesses that have made a difference in their community and the latter for multi-unit franchisees either with the same brand or numerous companies.

Businesses don’t have to be bfa members for the franchisee to be entered into the multi-unit category.

International Superbrand focuses on brands that have been able to expand successfully outside their home country, while managing growth and increasing brand value.

The finalists are as follows:

Franchisor categories

Franchisor of the Year: InXpress, Revive! Auto Innovations, Home Instead Senior Care, TaxAssist Accountants, Snap-on Tools, Agency Express.

Emerging Franchisor: Vodafone UK, GutterPRO, My Window Cleaner.

Leadership & Culture: Tutor Doctor, Right at Home UK, Water Babies, The Alternative Board.

Business Transformation: Shuttercraft, Wimpy Restaurants, Bluebird Care.

International Superbrand: Expense Reduction Analysts, Little Kickers, InXpress.

Franchisee categories:

Next Generation (franchisees under 35): James Burke, ActionCOACH; Liam Hargreaves and Jason Hough, Rainbow International; Jennie Bardrick, Radfield Home Care; Tom Mannion, X-Press Legal Services; Hannah James, Stagecoach Performing Arts.

Lifestyle: Heather Ratcliffe, Swimtime UK; Cris and Heather Salvador, Stagecoach Performing Arts; Katherine Mayes, Monkey Music.

Local Focus: Aaron Doherty, Footlights Theatre Schools; Sarah Canavan, Lingotot; Mark and Joanna Butler, Tutor Doctor.

Transformation: Siva Kugathas, ServiceMaster Clean; Nicola Thompson, Smallprint; Damon Brown, Minster Cleaning Services; Kim Pinnington, Puddle Ducks.

HSBC Best in Class Multi-unit Leader: Aly Janmohamed, Soul Food Group; Antony Tagliamonti, Scoffs Group; Claude Abi-Gerges, McDonald’s; Raja Adil, Adil Group; Jens Hofma, Pizza Hut.

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, says: “Every year the quality of entries gets better and better as the industry continues to make new records.

“I’m certain that the awards will reflect how the industry continues to break barriers and I wish all those shortlisted the best of luck. Just to get to this stage is a humongous achievement.”

Andrew Brattesani, HSBC’s head of UK franchising, says: “With so many franchise systems entering and showing how they have excelled, anyone getting to the final should be exceptionally proud.

“We were looking for businesses that have driven innovation and continue to adapt their model and what we received was actually beyond our expectations. This year could well be the best yet.”