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l-r: Sir Bernard Ingham (bfa President), Yvette Taylor (Express Newspapers), Cathryn Hayes (HSBC) and Brian Smart (bfa Director General) launching the Franchisor of the Year Awards at the bfa's Chairman Dinner

The ethos of the British Franchise Association’s Franchisor of the Year Awards is about recognition and reward for effort and achievement in building and maintaining a strong, successful network; one that fulfils the mutual needs and objective of both the franchisor and franchisee.

They are organised by the bfa and backed by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank.

The 2007 theme for the top title is Customer Focus - with franchisors having to demonstrate to the judging panel how they are tracking consumer needs and responding with new systems, products and services to meet demand.

Also up for grabs are the ‘Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year Award’ and ‘HSBC Award for Enterprise’ which look to showcase the UK’s best performing franchisors within these two categories.

Last year, Driver Hire – who supply commercial drivers - won the title ‘bfa Franchisor of The Year 2006’ – with SUMO Services scooping the Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year Award and VIP Bin Cleaning winning the HSBC Award For Enterprise.

This year will also see the introduction of Gold, Silver and Bronze within the bfa category. Winners will be announced at a glittering gala luncheon to be held at London’s Savoy Hotel on Thursday 24th May 2007.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, Click here to sign into the members area and download your booking form today.

For many who have considered Escaping the 9 to 5 and running their own business, franchising as a route to business start-up could be a very realistic option.

But many people are unsure how to get the ball rolling or what to expect.

This year, the British Franchise Association presented another highly successful National Franchise Week. The aim was to raise the level of awareness, particularly amongst the franchise unaware, about the advantages of the franchise model.

The week included educational Discover Franchising events, the bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards and the National Franchise Exhibition, enabling the public to explore the world of franchising, the success stories and the variety of opportunity available.

You can read more about National Franchise Week, its supporters and the events which took place here.

The winner of the 2006 Franchisee of the Year Awards was recently announced at the at a glittering black tie event on Thursday 5th October at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham.

The awards, sponsored by HSBC and Express Newspapers, were one of the highlights of National Franchise Week (2-9 October).

The theme for this year was ‘Success through Support’. Judges were be looking at the unique relationship that creates and sustains the most successful franchise operations – a relationship that promises help when needed, but also rewards individual flair and personal excellence.

Domino’s franchisee, Antony Tagliamonti, scooped the top prize and was crowned bfa Franchisee of the Year 2006. Beating off stiff competition Antony Tagliamonti - who lives in Woodford Green and runs stores in his home town, Gants Hill, Chingford and Borehamwood - was presented with the Gold Winner’s trophy and an HSBC cheque for £5,000.

The Silver Prize went to Martin and Debbie Beanlands who run a Chem-Dry franchise in Earby. They went home with a cheque for £3000 courtesy of HSBC.

The Bronze Prize was scooped by husband and wife team, Peter and Abigail Atkinson, who are the Belvoir Sleaford franchisees. The couple were awarded a cheque for £2000, again courtesy of HSBC.

The 2006 NatWest/bfa Survey is now available.

In its 22nd year and remains the leading study of franchising in the UK. Sponsored by NatWest, the survey provides a detailed in-depth analysis of franchising in the United Kingdom.

See the bookshop for more details.

What makes so many ex­postmen, ex­chauffeurs, ex­farmers, returning mothers to work etc. such successes in running their own business? Why should they deserve any different from you? Most importantly, why do these entrepreneurs choose franchising as their route to success?
There are over 60 case studies on this website for you to read.