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A shortlist of 16 franchisees has been drawn up for the prestigious bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.
A shortlist of 16 franchisees has been drawn up for the prestigious bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.
The finalists operate in sectors as diverse as automotive, fast food, home improvement and lettings, and the winners will be announced at the UK bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year at a gala awards dinner at The NEC, Birmingham, on Thursday 30th September.
Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising, HSBC, said: ”We have seen some truly inspirational franchisees through the nominations again this year and it just goes to show that British entrepreneurialism is most definitely alive and well – despite the recent challenges brought by the economic conditions.
”As a leading bank working with franchisees across the UK, we’ve seen innovation and revolutionary business problem-solving as a very positive theme. This has been reflected in the bfa HSBC Franchisee Of the Year award nominations, and the final 16 are a real credit to the franchise industry.”
The judging panel comprises: Sir Bernard Ingham, president of the bfa (British Franchise Association), Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising, HSBC, Paul Monaghan, director of the Franchise Development Centre, Hannah Poulton, associate of the franchise team, TLT Solicitors LLP.
Shortlisted franchisees:
London and the South East:
* Wayne Mearns, Belvoir Lettings, Southend-on-Sea and Basildon
* Guy Whittaker, Dairy Crest, Guildford
* Peter Sullivan, McDonald’s, London
Scotland:
* George Stewart, Apollo Blinds, Hamilton
* Frank Sutherland, Autosmart, Aberdeenshire
* Stephen McMurray, Signs Express, Falkirk
The Midlands:
* Chris Bird, Autosmart, Stoke-on-Trent
* Peter Morrison, Granite Transformation, Cambridge
* Glyn Pashley, McDonald’s, Coventry
The North:
* Pamela Schure and Colin Belton, Belvoir Lettings, West Cumbria
* Andy and Vicky Thompson, Card Connection, Gateshead
* Catharine and Mike Chalton, Home Instead Senior Care, Wirral
* Gerald Thompson, McDonald’s, Manchester and Oldham
The South West and South Wales
* Nick Bourne, Cash Generator, Weymouth
* Andy and Shelley Stewart, Dream Doors, Dorset and Taunton
* Claire Lamputt, LighterLife, Bridgend
Brian Smart, director general of the bfa, said: ”Having a strong and supportive franchisor is clearly important, however it is the drive and entrepreneurial spirit of the franchisee which can be the difference between a good and an exceptional business. This year’s nominations highlight the qualities needed to succeed, demonstrating innovation, creativity and the will to be as good as they possibly can.”
Franchising continues to defy the economic downturn. Last year the franchising industry contributed £11.8bn to the economy – an increase of £400m from 2008.
The awards are supported by Express Newspapers, whose classified advertising manager Ben Nealon said: ”The calibre of franchisees in the UK for this year’s awards is once again tremendous. Many are utilising the brand activity being undertaken by the franchisor, however many are also working hard to build local awareness as part of growing the business through difficult economic conditions. It’s very pleasing to see some of these tactics coming through in the finalists, demonstrating how important local awareness is for business success.”
HSBC’s Starting a Franchise Guide has more information on the planning and research required to start a franchise. Free copies are available to download from www.hsbc.co.uk/franchise or by contacting HSBC’s franchise team at [email protected]
To view current franchise opportunities, visit https://www.workingmums.co.uk/franchise-opportunities/