The BFA HSBC awards shine a light on outstanding franchisors and franchisees across the UK
Some of the best franchises in the UK have been honoured in one of the industry’s most prestigious awards, the BFA HSBC awards. Recognised as the ‘Oscars of Franchising’, the BFA HSBC Awards celebrates outstanding franchisors and franchisees regardless of their size or industry, honouring the cream of the crop across various sectors. Nearly 600 members of the franchising community gathered at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham on 9th November 2023 for a glitzy suit and tie ceremony as the winners were announced. The awards, which were launched by the British Franchise Association, champions hardworking and inspiring franchisors and franchisees in the UK who have gone above and beyond in their industries.
Eight franchisors snagged awards under the Franchisor Awards category. Agency Express won gold in Franchisor of the Year, followed by Driver Hire who was honoured with the silver award while InXpress won the bronze award. Extra Help was awarded Franchisor of the Year under the Lifestyle category, while Revive! was honoured with the Leadership and Culture prize. Water Babies went home with two awards – the Brand Awareness award and Trailblazer award. Canopy and Rise both jointly shared the Emerging award. There were eight franchisees who also took home prestigious awards as they were recognised for their various contributions to their franchises. Jen Fisher from Mini First Aid snagged Lifestyle award.
The Next Generation award was given to Brandon Akerman of Chips Away while the Community Focus title was honoured to Diljit Brar from Costa Coffee. Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean (Contract Services) snagged the Trailblazer award. The Single Brand, HSBC Best in Class, Multi Unit titled was given to Suhail Rehman, Director of Home Instead. In addition, the Multi Brand, HSBC Best in Class, Multi Unit was given to Raja Adil from The Adil Group. Angelina Mouralidarane of Iceking won the Special Judges Award and lastly, Siva Kugathas, ServiceMaster Clean (Contract Services) was honoured with the Franchisee People’s Choice award.
Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the BFA said: “Our huge congratulations to all the winners tonight. We had some fantastic entries this year and these winners really stood out from the crowd. We would like to thank them for being such great ambassadors of the BFA and for representing the very best in UK franchising.” UK Head of Franchise, Commercial Banking at sponsors HSBC Bank Gillian Morris also congratulated the winners for their outstanding achievements, adding: “The diversity of franchising on display at tonight’s awards ceremony – across so many brands and sectors – demonstrates the strength and reach of the industry. Choosing a winner is never easy and I’d like to join Pip in thanking everyone who entered and send our warm congratulations to all the winners on these very well-deserved awards.”
