Franchisors are now able to nominate their most enterprising franchise owners for the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2010. The awards, supported by Express Newspapers, highlight the outstanding efforts, achievements and stories of leading franchise owners across the country.

The awards, which is now in its 21st year and has a new regional format, recognise franchise owners that have demonstrated the highest levels of quality and best practice. As the UK moves into economic recovery, the awards offer franchise owners the opportunity to showcase how they have harnessed innovative ideas and initiatives to create business opportunities and overcome the challenges of the recession.

New to the 2010 awards will be a regional winner for each of the five regions, which are: London and the South East, the South West, the Midlands, the North and Scotland. Franchisors are able to enter up to five franchise owners for the awards, one nomination per region.

In addition to this Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be handed out to franchise owners. The Gold Award winner will receive £5,000 from HSBC, as well as a commemorative trophy and the title bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year. The Silver and Bronze Winners will receive £3,000 and £2,000 respectively, courtesy of HSBC. The five regional winners will each receive £500.

2009 Gold Winner, Sandra Redmond of Molly Maid, said: "It was a great honour to be named bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year in 2009. The award has added so much to my business, increasing awareness locally and making everyone connected to the business proud to be a part of it. On a personal level, it was great to be recognised for the hard work that had been put in, during what was a challenging year for all types of business."

Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising, HSBC, said: "HSBC is proud to support franchise owners across the country. We work with some of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs, and it's great to see them rewarded for their achievements. As well as being a huge boost to morale, the awards are an important opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication for franchise owners."

Kieron Summerhayes, Deputy Group Advertising Controller, Express Newspapers, said: "Express Newspapers is delighted to once again be supporting these highly prized awards, which celebrate the best in UK franchising. They provide a chance for increased prominence and customer awareness for franchise owners, and with the new element of regional finalists, we hope to see this amplified locally for those companies involved."

Brian Smart, Director General, bfa, said: "The bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards, provide businesses with an opportunity to be recognised for excellence in franchising. I look forward to receiving the entries and speaking with the top franchise owners across the UK to hear their success stories."

The deadline for entries is 30 June 2010 and finalists will be invited for interview with the judging panel on 15 July. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner, being held at the NEC in Birmingham, on 30 September 2010.

Published: 19 May 2010

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