Posted:23-January-2008
BRITISH FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NATIONAL SEARCH FOR UK?S TOP FRANCHISORS
The search is on to find the UK’s top franchisors with the launch of the British Franchise Association’s (bfa) 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 £10 billion to the economy, the Awards showcase Britain’s best performing franchisors as well as recognising outstanding brand building and enterprise.
The winners will be announced at a glittering gala luncheon to be held at London’s Sheraton Park Lane Hotel on Thursday 22nd May 2008.
This year’s theme for the top title of ‘bfa Franchisor of the Year’ is ‘Now and then, five years on’. To be named Gold, Silver or Bronze Winner, franchisors will have to show the judges how their business has developed over the past five years, demonstrating the impact they have had on the franchising industry.
Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: “Franchising is an excellent opportunity to expand a business and increase revenue. The most successful franchisors are those who continually develop their business model to support their networks, ensuring they maximise growth whilst building a sustainable and profitable business."
“This year’s bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards will examine the progress that franchisors have made during the past five years and the developments that they have brought to their businesses for the benefit of their franchisees.”
Franchisors are also encouraged to enter the Express Newspapers ‘Brand Builder of the Year’ category, which seeks to show how franchisors have both supported and added value to their brand over the last 12 months.
Express Newspapers’ Business Advertising Manager, Yvette Taylor, said: “Building high value brands is something that we at Express Newspapers fully understand – so we are extremely proud to have this opportunity of recognising brand building excellence within the franchising industry.
“Each year the standards for this important category become more impressive and we look forward to sharing this years winning story with our family of three million readers.”
The final category is the ‘HSBC Award for Enterprise’, which recognises how franchisors have used creative business strategies to overcome challenges or found success where, perhaps, others have failed.
HSBC’s Head of Franchising, Cathryn Hayes, said: “HSBC has been supporting the franchise industry for more than 20 years and is committed to encouraging enterprise and development. The HSBC Enterprise Award showcases some of the most innovative thinking in the industry which we hope will also be an inspiration to others.”
Entry forms are available from the bfa Offices, Thames View, Newtown Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 1HG. Alternatively, copies can be downloaded from the Members Only section of the bfa website; www.thebfa.org (or Express Newspaper website).
Closing date for all entries is Friday 7 March 2008.
