In order to independently assess each franchise across the country, franchise owners were invited, by Independent research company and event organisers, Smith & Henderson, to provide anonymous feedback about their franchise ownership experience and rate the training and support provided by their franchisor. Franchises that scored highly were then shortlisted for the final awards and were interviewed by a panel of experienced judges that included FDS Southern Consultant, Gary Rigby and Head of Franchising at Lloyds Bank, Richard Holden.
In the category for ‘Best Overall Franchise’, domiciliary care franchise, Home Instead Senior Care continued its stellar year by taking the prize. TaxAssist Accountants came runners up for this award. Chief Operating Officer at Home Instead, Martin Jones, said: “We are delighted to be the recipients of this award and to be acknowledged as industry leaders, especially as these awards are based on the satisfaction feedback from our franchisees, combined with the opinion of the expert panel of judges. At Home Instead, we understand the value of our teams, both at national office and those in our franchise offices, working together supporting each other in making Home Instead such a success story.”
This award provided further recognition for the excellent work that Home Instead is doing in the care sector, the brand having topped a recent independent league table of ‘Best Home Care Providers’.In the Best Training and Support category, accountancy franchise, TaxAssist was the clear winner. “We’re delighted to get this recognition from our franchisees,” said David Paulson, Senior Manager for Franchise Recruitment with TaxAssist Accountants. “It means they score us highly for our franchise system, the training and support we provide, our culture and relationship with them, stewardship and leadership and general satisfaction. That’s great news for our team and the whole network.”
In the final category of Best Growing Franchisor, Cloud Bookkeeping, a franchise that provides clients with the latest technology-driven method of online accounting services, took the title. Earlier in 2013, the business received more notable recognition as an Encouraging Women Into Franchising (EWIF) Awards finalist.
Richard Holden added: “The entrants to this year’s Best Franchise Awards were exceptionally strong and the finalists really are the cream of UK franchising. It came as no surprise to me and my fellow judges that the brands presented at the judging day are so successful, which is largely down to the focus they provide in supporting and nurturing their franchisees. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners who have demonstrated why franchising can be an exceptionally successful development model. Lloyds Bank is proud to support the Best Franchise Awards 2013 and demonstrate our own commitment to supporting quality franchise brands and the franchisees that invest in them.”
The winners were announced on Thursday 5th December at The Best Franchise Conference in Birmingham. This included nine best practice seminars designed to help franchisors improve their support, franchise systems and network performance, including a lecture delivered by FDS Anglia Consultant Nick Williams.
Published: 24 January 2014
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