Franchisors compete for titles

The UK’s top franchisors are toasting their success after reaching the National Finals of this year’s British Franchise Association’s Franchisor of the Year Awards, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank.

In an industry now employing more the 370,000 people and worth an annual £12.4billion to the economy, the awards showcase Britain’s best-performing franchisors as well as recognising outstanding brand building and enterprise.

The national finalists will attend an awards luncheon at London’s Sheraton Park Lane Hotel on Thursday, May 22. Here, franchisors will be recognised across three separate categories – the bfa Franchisor of the Year, Express Newspapers’ Brand Builder of the Year and the HSBC Award for Enterprise.

The theme for this year’s awards is ‘Now and then, five years on’, and will require franchisors to demonstrate to the judges how their business has developed over the past five years. Contenders vying for the top prize are:

bfa Franchisor of the Year
Autosmart International Ltd
Manufacture and supply premium quality vehicle cleaning and maintenance products

Driver Hire Group
Recruit and supply drivers and logistics

Oscar Pet Foods
Specialist in pet care services

Pirtek UK Ltd
The leading hydraulic hose replacement company in the UK and Ireland

Prontaprint Ltd
The print-on-demand expert

Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs
National diet and fitness clubs

TaxAssist Accountants
Specialist in accounting services for small businesses

Urban Planters
Supplier of indoor plants                                              

Express Newspapers’ Brand Builder of the Year:
Dream Doors
Specialist in kitchen door replacement and fully-fitted kitchens

Molly Maid UK Ltd
The national network of domestic cleaners

Venture UK
Portrait photographers

HSBC Awards for Enterprise
Gas-Elec Safety Systems Ltd
Leader in safety inspection and installation of gas and electrical equipment

O2 UK Ltd.
Specialist mobile phone retailer

Revive! Auto Innovations (UK) Ltd
Automotive paint repair specialist

Says Brian Smart, director general of the bfa: “The bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards recognise the finest examples of franchising and pay tribute to the efforts that franchisors have made in developing their businesses over the past five years. This year’s entries were of exceptional quality and the national finalists should be justly proud of reaching this stage.”