Member Article

Call to enter 2012 bfa HSBC Franchisee awards

The British Franchise Association (bfa) today urges franchisors to nominate their most inspiring franchisees as the 2012 bfa HSBC Franchisee of The Year Awards, supported by Express Newspapers, opens for entries. The Awards highlight the exceptional accomplishments of franchisees across the UK who excelled in 2011.

Now in their 23rd year, the Awards offer franchisees the opportunity to showcase their achievements which ‘set the standard’ for best practice in the industry. Franchisors have an opportunity to put forward franchisees that demonstrate the passion and professionalism that is pivotal to their brand’s success.

This year’s awards will include Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, as well as winners across five regions – London & South East, South West & South Wales, Midlands & North Wales, North, and Scotland & Northern Ireland. Franchisors are able to enter up to five franchisees for the awards, with one nomination per region.

2011 overall winners, Mike and Catharine Chalton of Home Instead Senior Care in the Wirral, said: “Winning this award was fantastic recognition of the lengths our whole team has gone to to make a positive change in the community we live in. To be named as the 2011 bfa HSBC Franchisees of the Year is a great honour and a very exciting reward for everyone at Home Instead Senior Care. We are extremely proud of this achievement which also helps to raise awareness of the company and its vision to change the face of elderly care in theUK.”

Nominations close on 29th June 2012 and finalists will be invited for an interview with the judging panel on 15th or 16th August 2012. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner held at the NEC in Birmingham, on 4thOctober 2012.

The 2012 Gold Winner will be named bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year and receive £5,000 from HSBC, together with a commemorative trophy. The Silver and Bronze Winners will receive £3,000 and £2,000 respectively, courtesy of HSBC. The five regional winners will each receive £500, again courtesy of HSBC.

Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising, HSBC, said: “HSBC is delighted to support these awards, giving the opportunity to showcase the very best franchisees across the country. Despite today’s economic climate, the franchise sector is home to some of theUK’s most successful brands and there is plenty to be optimistic about. Franchisees are fundamental to the sector’s continued success and we are looking forward to hearing their stories of determination and achievement. The Awards present a great opportunity to highlight the very best of these inspiring individuals, as well as to recognise and highlight today’s high standards in the franchising arena.”

Brian Smart, Director General, bfa, said: “We strongly encourage franchisors across the country to nominate their most enterprising franchisees and provide a unique opportunity to showcase their inspirational stories of success and contributions to the franchise industry. The 2012 Franchisee of The Year Awards are an important spotlight for the UK’s top franchisees - which have motivated and inspired others with their stories of success - to be praised. We look forward to reviewing this year’s entries and sharing some of the success stories at the gala event in October.”

Sean Hammond, Head of Franchising, Express Newspapers, said: “We want to highlight the passionate individuals driving brands across the country. The Awards not only increase customer awareness for successful franchisees, but also reward them for the outstanding practices and systems they have put in place to achieve growth and success in a challenging business environment. Express Newspapers is thrilled to be a part of these industry leading awards and celebrate the best in UK franchising every year.”

bfa members will receive entry forms in the post, but additional entry forms can be downloaded from the Awards section of www.thebfa.org. For any assistance please call the bfa on 01865 379 892.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by British Franchise Association (bfa) .