The theme for this year's awards is Customer Service. Franchisees wanting to enter have until the 29 June to demonstrate in no more than 1,000 words how they have achieved commercial success by focusing on customer care and following a proven business formula.

A panel of judges will choose the top franchisees. The finalists will then be invited to attend the Awards in Birmingham on 4 October. The overall winner will receive a prize of £5,000 and two runners-up will win £3,000 and £2,000 respectively.

Entry forms are available by post from the bfa, Thames View, Newton Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 1HG, or online from the Members section of the bfa website www.thebfa.org/members.