The winners of the 21^st bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards 2010, supported by Express Newspapers, were announced at this week’s [2^nd June 2010] award ceremony in Nottingham.

Presentations to the judging panel by the 15 finalists in April brought much deliberation before the winners were selected for the three award categories. The judges felt that those chosen displayed exceptional qualities at a time when British businesses have had to be more innovative than ever to compete successfully in today’s economic climate.

 

 

Brian Smart, director general, British Franchise Association (bfa), commented on the winners: “All of the award winners are a credit to the franchise sector and should be commended for their hard work and dedication which has served their franchisees so well.”

 

Gold – TaxAssist Accountants (www.taxassist.co.uk)

 

Karl Sandall, chief executive, TaxAssist Accountants commented on receiving the award: “Being named as 2010 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year is extremely exciting and is recognition of how we’ve adapted our business and shaped our future plans for the benefit of all 185 of our franchisees. We provide them with the support they need, whatever and whenever it may be, to make their business as successful as possible.”

 

Silver – Domino’s Pizza (www.dominos.co.uk)

 

Bronze – Autosmart (www.autosmart.co.uk)

 

HSBC Franchisee Support Award – Revive! (www.revive-uk.com)

Mark Llewellyn, managing director, Revive! commented on receiving the award: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won the HSBC Franchisee Support Award. The business strategy and direction was ripped-up, thrown in the bin and totally redrawn as the recession took hold which we are now reaping the benefits from.

 

“The franchisees have been a key part of the process and have been involved throughout the introduction of the revolutionary changes we have introduced.” 

 

Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising, HSBC, said: “Judging the finalists was tremendously difficult as so many franchisors have shown innovative ways in which to survive and prosper despite the  economic downturn. TaxAssist clearly demonstrated unique and exciting business success and is a deserving winner of the bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award. Deciding on the winners of the HSBC Franchisee Support and Express Newspapers Brand Builder awards were equally difficult with exceptional practices on display - Revive! and Cook should be justly proud of their achievements.

 

“I am sure that all the winners will capitalise on their success and continue to build businesses with strength and conviction by helping their franchisees to adopt innovative and strategically sound tactics for growth.”

 

Express Newspapers Brand Builder – Cook (www.cookfood.net)

 

Matthew Bourne, head of franchising, Cook commented on receiving the award: “Sticking to a strong foundation and attracting some fantastic franchisees because of our values has been imperative for our success and receiving the Express Newspapers Brand Builder award is fabulous recognition of this. 

 

“The award will serve as a great reminder for us to stick to what we believe in and what we want the brand to say to our customers.”

 

Ben Nealon, classified advertising manager, Express Newspapers, said: “The perception of a brand has become increasingly important as the economy has wavered therefore it was a pleasure to see so many franchisors working hard to maintain and grow awareness to aid its franchisees as much as possible. Cook showed how the business has grown in difficult times and how it is looking to a successful future through solid strategic brand solutions.”

 

Brian Smart, Director General, bfa, concluded: “The affect of the recent economic conditions has been a constant threat for franchisors and franchisees alike. However, it has been a delight to recognise and award some truly outstanding franchisors for their strategic direction and support for their franchisees.

 

“By being named as one of the winners, the franchisors have been recognised as being the best in industry for customers, suppliers and potential franchisees. It can also help further motivate their own franchisees by recognising their hard work and dedication.

 

“Britain is getting back to its feet and franchisors should continue to be a part of its success. We hope that these awards can inspire the next generations of franchisors and franchisees, bringing fresh new thinking and good practice to the sector.”

For further information, visit www.thebfa.org or call the bfa on 01865 379 892.