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 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. Brian Smart, Director General of the bfa, says: "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 while 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 says: "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 year's 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. HSBCs Head of Franchising Cathryn Hayes says: "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."

Franchise Marketing Awards proving to be a sell out

Tickets for the annual Franchise Marketing Awards dinner are rapidly selling out. Frankie Boyle, a well known TV comedian and BBC Mock the Week panellist, will announce the winners at a ceremony and dinner on 4th April 2008 at the Royal Lancaster in Lancaster Gate, London.

The Awards evening will attract the leading names in the industry and takes place on the first night of The British & International Franchise Exhibition. More than 400 leading figures in the franchise industry are expected to attend making this the industry's networking highlight of the year.

Now in their third year, the Franchise Marketing Awards recognise the industry's most innovative and effective marketing campaigns for products, services and franchisee recruitment. They attract entries from many British franchise companies, both large and small, from a wide variety of sectors. Judged by an independent panel of experts, the Franchise Marketing Awards recognise and reward companies that have raised their public awareness and, as a result, achieved sustainable growth through excellent marketing.

David Tuck, Franchise Sales Manager at Venture Marketing Group, organisers of The Franchise Marketing Awards, comments: "The Franchise Marketing Awards are now well established as the benchmark of franchising excellence. They play a huge part in recognising, nurturing and inspiring up-and-coming talent as well as recognising individual achievements in our industry."

The Awards recognise outstanding achievements in the following areas:

Products & Services:

• Best Overall Marketing Campaign
• Best Website
• Most Innovative Marketing Campaign
• Best Brand Management
• Best Franchisee Marketing Support

Franchisee Recruitment Awards:

• Best International Franchise Expansion Programme
• Best Recruitment Literature
• Best PR Campaign
• Best Advertisement
• Most Creative Exhibition Stand
• Franchisee Recruitment Team of the Year

The Franchise Marketing Awards are held in association with The Daily Mail, sponsored by Lloyds TSB, and supported by the British Franchise Association (bfa).