It was a star-studded event as guests arrived to the HSBC Canary Wharf Headquarters yesterday evening to celebrate being listed on the Elite Franchise Top 100, as we honour the astounding achievements of the best in British franchising.
The evening kicked off with a speech by Scott English, Brand Director of Elite Franchise, who congratulated franchisors for their incredible success.
“It has been a very hard year in terms of EF100, we get a lot more applications of people who want to get in,” Scott said. “The applications are getting much stronger, but it’s still fantastic whether you are a small franchise brand or you are a massive international brand, it’s amazing how these brands can compete against each other and all have the same opportunity which is really good if you’re trying to make your name in the market. We love to hear about your successes, it actually gives us motivation.
“When we’re seeing all these great stories about what you achieved over the last few years… I’m a big fan about entrepreneurial stories, it keeps us going. We love watching and being a part of your journey over the last three years. The first time we launched EF100 three years ago, the companies are now massive or have over 40 franchises and we see that journey, and it’s really great to see that.”
Guests were served a lavish spread of food as the drinks kept flowing, and franchisers across different industries were given chance to mingle and network in a delightful setting beneath the dazzling city lights at the heart of Canary Wharf.
Andrew Brattesani head of HSBC Franchising was met with an astounding applause following his heartwarming speech about his involvement in the UK’s franchising industry, the growth of the sector and his commitment honouring the businesses who have achieved astounding success throughout.
“I know there’s some doom and gloom out there, but there’s still some brave souls out there starting a business and starting a franchise… We’re now seeing more customers of HSBC approaching us saying can I franchise my business.”
Finishing off his speech, Mr Brattesani said: “Why would I not want to be associated with success in the industry? I can’t think of a better reason for sticking round on this.”
As guests were served a delightful berry pudding, Alana Spencer took the front of the room to speak about her successful cake brand, Ridiculously Rich, and how she started her business selling chocolates at festivals and events as a young girl.
“Making chocolates and packing them into boxes and we managed to get it out, and that was my sort of first real insight into what having a business and what making money feels like. How people having your product feels like and how wonderful that can be,” Alana said.
The Elite Franchise 100 recognises the sector’s brightest businesses and ranks them according to a broad range of criteria, but it isn’t just about profitability or scale of the business. Whether they’re a flourishing franchise or a business paving their way into the industry, here at Elite we recognise the cream of the crop and honour their outstanding performance not just for franchising, but setting a high bar of excellence for UK’s budding entrepreneurial scene.
The EF100 celebratory evening was held in honour of the Elite Franchise TOP 100 (UK) franchises. The winners for 2020 were announced in December 2019. To view the TOP 100 winners for 2020. Please click here.
