Posted:08-May-2009
bfa 'Franchisor of the Year Awards' Finalists Announced
The British Franchise Association’s (bfa) ‘Franchisor of the Year Awards’, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC, today announces its shortlisted finalists. The awards aim to demonstrate that even during an economic downturn there are still many business success stories to be told. This year’s theme is focused on ‘Today’s Foundations for Tomorrow’s Success’.
With the UK now in recession for the first time since 1991, 2008 has proved to be a testing time for many businesses. However, some UK businesses remain resilient across many industry sectors and the franchising industry certainly seems to be weathering the proverbial storm.
Nine franchises have been shortlisted as this year’s finalists for the bfa Franchisor of the Year Award; all have proven that as franchisors they have invested time and money into securing the future of their business and the many franchisee businesses making up their entire network.
Sir Bernard Ingham, president of the bfa and chairman of the judges for the awards said: “Franchisors today are under many pressures. They hold in their hands the livelihoods of many individual business owners and the means to secure their future demands, foresight, acumen and investment. This year the awards are being conducted during a very difficult economic climate and the finalists have demonstrated that the work they are doing will ensure the future success of their business.”
The Finalists:
· bfa Franchisor of the Year:
· Prontaprint Ltd
· Wiltshire Farm Foods
· Pirtek UK
· Signs Express
· Driver Hire
· TaxAssist Accountants
· Apollo Blinds
· Countrywide Ground Maintenance
· Snap-on
Alongside the bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards are the highly-prized Express Newspapers’ Brand Builder of the Year and HSBC’s Award for Enterprise. Both sought after in the industry, these awards reward exceptional levels of insight and investment in core areas of business. Geraldine Haenow, advertising group head at Express Newspapers explains, “This year’s finalists for the Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year Award have shown real credence and have successfully built a reputable brand within the franchise industry over the last 12 months. Through ambitious planning and successful promotion the finalists have constructed a reliable platform for success and I’m sure this will accelerate their business to tackle the current unstable economic market head on.
The finalists, Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year:
· Hob Salons
· Lighter Life
· Green Thumb
Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising at HSBC says, “The HSBC Award for Enterprise finalists stand out from the crowd as franchisors. They have developed creative business strategies to overcome some tough challenges, which otherwise would have hindered growth and development and have demonstrated perseverance and determination, establishing more effective ways of running their business.” · The finalists, HSBC Award for Enterprise:
· X-Press Legal Services
· Little Kickers
· Home Instead Care
The winners will be announced at a special dinner being held on 18th June at the East Midlands Conference Centre.
