Search for a star

The search is on to find the UK’s best-performing franchisees with the launch of the annual British Franchise Association’s Franchisee of the Year Awards.

The judges are looking for franchisees whose businesses have outperformed competitors and excelled at ‘managing change’ - the theme of this year’s awards. The winners will be announced at a black-tie event at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on October 2. The overall winner will receive a prize of £5,000, while two runners up will receive £3,000 and £2,000 respectively.

Says Brian Smart, director general of the bfa: “These prestigious awards recognise the UK’s leading franchisees and how their focus and drive, when supplemented by the support of a franchisor, grows sustainable, powerful businesses. This year we are looking for examples of the franchise model that demonstrate the fusion of a franchisor driven to build and support a network and franchisees who are committed to developing their own business.”

Entry forms are available from the bfa offices, A2 Danebrook Court, Oxford Office Village, Langford Lane, Oxford OX5 1LQ. Copies can also be downloaded from the members-only section at www.thebfa.org. Closing date for entries is June 27, 2008.