Franchise opportunities shortlist confirmed for Franchisor of the Year Awards

After a record number of entries, 20 finalists have been named for the British Franchise Association HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards 2014, supported by Express Newspapers

The franchises vying for the awards are:

bfa HSBC FRANCHISOR OF THE YEAR
• Agency Express.
• Autosmart.
• Domino’s.
• Expense Reduction Analysts.
• Signs Express.
• TaxAssist Accountants.
• Water Babies.

EMERGING FRANCHISOR OF THE YEAR
• Ableworld.
• Bright & Beautiful.
• Right at Home.

AWARD FOR INNOVATION
• Chemex.
• McDonald’s.
• O2.

FRANCHISEE RECRUITMENT AWARD
• Autosmart.
• Mail Boxes Etc.
• Riverford Organic Farms.

BRAND OF THE YEAR
• Kumon.
• The ZipYard.

INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT
• InXpress.
• Pirtek.

Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising for HSBC, says: “This is one of the toughest year’s judging processes I can remember.

“The 20 finalists should be extremely proud to have stood out in a highly competitive field, reflecting the quality and depth that is found in today’s franchise brands.”

Finalists will present to the judging panel at the Express Newspapers offices in May.

This year’s guest judges are Adrian Price of Menzies chartered accountants and Suzie McCafferty of franchise consultancy Platinum Wave, who join regular judges Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, Cathryn Hayes and Sean Hammond, head of franchising for Express Newspapers, for this year’s awards.

Winners will be announced at a black tie gala dinner on June 26 at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire.