The British Franchise Association (bfa) has revealed the 28 finalists for the 2012 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year awards.
The aim of the awards is to celebrate excellence within the franchising community, highlighting the dedication, enterprise and professionalism of franchise owners from a wide variety of business sizes and sectors from across the UK.
The first round of judging has seen nominees for each of the five bfa regions progress to compete for the opportunity to be a regional finalist, from which the overall bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year will be selected. The high standard of entries this year has seen two regions retaining more than the traditional five entrants at this stage of the competition.
Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising at HSBC, said: “I think we are going to have a challenge ahead of us in judging with so many inspirational and passionate individuals at this semi-finalist stage. At HSBC we are lucky enough to work with some of the UK’s best franchise owners every day. It is always a pleasure to see this brought to life in the diverse entries we receive each year, reflecting the rich vein of talent and determination that empowers the franchise industry.”
Sean Hammond, Head of Franchising at Express Newspapers, which sponsors the awards, said: “The success of these franchise owners are the products of their own dedication, customer care and professionalism. However, this sits on top of a solid foundation of ethical franchising from their franchisors. This collaboration is a powerful combination and these franchise owners are a testament to what can be achieved.”
A second round of judging at the end of July will see up to three regional finalists selected in each area, with interviews in August by a judging panel determining the destiny of the accolades. Award winners will be announced during a black tie gala dinner held on 4 October at the NEC in Birmingham.
Prizes this year, courtesy of HSBC, include £5,000 to the winner of the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Gold Award; £3,000 for the Silver Award; and £2,000 given to the Bronze Award winner. The five regional finalists will each receive £500.
The semi-finalists are:
London & South East
Antal International - Liz Dillon
Belvoir Lettings – Carl Belle
Dyno-Rod Plumbing and Drains – Daniel Bowyer
McDonald’s Restaurants – David Padmore
Reeds Rains – Gareth McLean
Driver Hire – Gurpreet Bains
WPA – Daniel Wade
South West & South Wales
Barking Mad – Robert Schuler
Caremark – Janis Anderson
Dairy Crest – Steve Hunter
McDonald’s Restaurants – Ron Mounsey
Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Clubs – Sedge Gooding
Driver Hire – Lorraine Thompson
Midlands & North Wales
Esquires Coffee Houses – Steven Prime
Merry Maids – Ian & Barbara Roberts
Home Instead Senior Care – Mark Darnell & Elaine Lomax
Dyno-Rod Plumbing and Drains – Iain Stewart
Belvoir Lettings – Simon Bell
North
Home Instead Senior Care – Luke Norbury
Jo Jingles – Eve Kay
Signs Express – Malcolm Lant
Belvoir Lettings – Dave Roberts
Little Kickers – Joanne Temple
Scotland & Northern Ireland
Autosmart International – Keith Ellwood
Card Connection – Gabriel McGeown
Driver Hire – Richard Good & Thomas McClymont
McDonald’s Restaurants – Andy Gibson
Jo Jingles – Leigh Duke
Published: 23 July 2012
Back to news