The country’s top franchisees have been named by the British Franchise Association (bfa) at the 2016 HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.
Recognised at a gala dinner at Birmingham Town Hall last night (September 29th), the UK’s six “most exceptional franchisees” included entrepreneurs from a host of franchise brands big and small, including Metro Rod, Minster Cleaning Services and Rosemary Bookkeeping.
The overall prize of Franchisee of the Year was awarded to Adam Holmes, Nathan Holmes and Andrew Blackhurst, from Revive! Auto Innovations, Cambridge.
From small beginnings in 2007, the trio has evolved Revive! into a vibrant customer-centric business, now employing 14 people, operating from a fleet of eight vans and a static workshop. The company specialises in repairing scuffs and scrapes to vehicle paintwork and alloy wheels.
On their overall win, Adam Holmes said: “We are absolutely delighted; this award is testament to our fantastic staff, top quality training and the very high standard of work on which we pride ourselves.”
The trio received £10,000 from HSBC as part of the prize while the other category winners each received £1,000.
Zak Patel, from O2 in Leeds, received a special judges’ award for his pioneering campaign to provide access to technology for visually impaired people.
Pip Wilkins, bfa chief executive, said: “Every year the standard gets better and it gets harder to make our decisions. Our winners showcase the diversity found in franchising. They’ve truly demonstrated their flair for business alongside a local focus and we’re proud to recognise them with the highest honours in the sector.”
Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchising for HSBC, added: “These business owners are outstanding examples of British entrepreneurial excellence. Each has excelled for their vision, growth and community work, maximising the advantages of the franchise model by adding their own drive and ambition. Congratulations to them all.
The bfa Franchisee of the Year winners are:
- Young Franchisee of the Year: Ben Witcomb, Metro Rod
- Customer Service Franchisee of the Year: Adam Holmes, Nathan Holmes, Andrew Blackhurst, Revive! Auto Innovations
- Female Franchisee of the Year: Tricia Craig, Metro Rod
- B2B Franchisee of the Year: Kevin Lawley, Minster Cleaning Services
- Olderpreneur Franchisee of the Year: Steve Brown, Rosemary Bookkeeping
- Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year: Richard Bryan, Wilkins Chimney Sweep
- Judges special award: Zak Patel, O2
The British Franchise Association (bfa) recognises the UK’s most exceptional operators in a range of categories, for their business growth and development, service excellence and ethical franchising practice.
The awards are the oldest and most prestigious in the franchise sector, running for nearly 30 years, and recognise franchising at its best across the UK’s £15bn franchise sector.
See www.the bfa.org/franchise-awards for more details.
Published: 7 October 2016
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