The Awards, which are sponsored by the Daily Express and HSBC Bank, are designed to showcase the UK's best performing franchisors in a booming industry now employing more than 327,000 people and worth an annual £10 billion to the economy.

Now, each of the National Finalists is hoping the judges will name them Overall Winner in their category at a glittering gala luncheon at London's Savoy Hotel on Thursday 24th May.

The theme for this year's bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards is customer focus and the National Finalists are;

bfa Franchisor of the Year Award: BB's Coffee & Muffins Ltd., Belvoir Property Management (UK) Ltd., Domino's Pizza, Driver Hire, Molly Maid UK Ltd., Prontaprint Ltd., Rainbow International, Snap-on Tools, and Swisher Hygiene UK.

Express Newspapers Brand Builder Award: Belvoir Property Management (UK) Ltd., GreenThumb Ltd, Pirtek UK Ltd. and The Thresher Group.

HSBC Enterprise Award: Clive's Easylearn Rock & Pop School, Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries and MRI Network Worldwide.

Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: "The bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards pay homage to the very best in franchising and honour those providing a customer-centric approach to franchised businesses.

The quality of this year's entries was exceptional and the National Finalists should be justly proud they have reached this stage of the Awards."

Express Newspapers' Business Advertising Manager, Yvette Taylor, added; "The National Finalists attest the advantages of franchising and the advantages of following a tried and tested business model and brand.

"Building a strong and successful brand is something that we at Express Newspapers fully understand, and we look forward to seeing this year's winner reap the rewards of their success, and to sharing their story with our readers."

HSBC's Head of Franchising, Cathryn Hayes, said: "The National Finalists are prime examples of how franchising is a proven and successful way for businesses to expand.

"HSBC is committed to encouraging enterprise and development and has been supporting the franchise industry for over 20 years - we are delighted to honour the innovators who lead and inspire within their chosen marketplace."