The best brands in British franchising take a virtual bow

On Thursday 11th February, franchisors and franchisees from across the nation logged on to celebrate being named one of the top 100 franchise brands over the last 12 months.

The best brands in British franchising take a virtual bow

On Thursday 11th February, franchisors and franchisees from across the nation logged on to celebrate being named one of the top 100 franchise brands over the last 12 months. The Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100), in association with HSBC, recognises the brightest franchisors, from long-standing brands to budding businesses paving their way into the sector. 

Now in its fourth year, the EF100 ranks those who have performed outstandingly well based on a broad selection of criteria including the mentoring and ongoing support of their franchisees, their position in the marketplace and future plans and strategy for the business. Entrants are also judged on innovative measures they’ve initiated to insulate their network of franchisees, along with ambitions and prospective growth targets in the next financial year.

“I’m so proud to celebrate the 100 incredible brands that made it into this year’s league table,” said Scott English, Brand Director for Elite Franchise. “To have witnessed the adaptive strategies they have put in place over the last year has been so inspirational to me, the judging panel and the industry as a whole. It’s a real shame that we couldn’t all celebrate their incredible achievements together in person, but it will just make our 2022 event all the more special. Well done to every brand that entered, placed and to the recipients of our three special achievements awards. I can’t wait to see what you will accomplish in 2021.” 

Domiciliary care provider, Home Instead, placed first in the 2021 poll, with global express logistics brand, InXpress, polled in second place and fitness brand, énergie Fitness, taking third. Coming in as the highest new entry is Pirtek, provider of hydraulic solutions and emergency hose replacement. And the highest climber from last year’s list is Drain Doctor, the UK’s number one emergency plumbing franchise. 

In response to the incredible ways in which franchise brands have pivoted their services and operational processes in 2020, the EF100 judging panel created a new award category. The inaugural ‘Exceptional Franchise Performance Award’ went to global automotive tool brand, Snap-on Tools – who placed at number six in this year’s poll. 

“At HSBC, we continue to be blown away by business owners’ ability to adapt in the face of adversity,” said Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising and one of the five EF100 judges. “Even without taking into account the recent economic challenges caused by the pandemic, Snap-on has truly demonstrated what it means to be an exceptional franchise. The support team continue to innovate and develop their model, for the good of their heritage that has been 100 years in the making. They go above and beyond for their franchisees, which really does show in their results. 

“The EF100 celebrates excellence across the entire industry and it’s an event I’m very proud to be a part of. Thousands of businesses around the country ceased to operate in 2020 but, in the months from March to December, HSBC supported 700 new franchisees to launch – that’s at an average of 16 per week. If that’s not a sign of the robustness of the industry, I don’t know what is? To see how franchisors, franchisees and suppliers have come together has been nothing short of remarkable. It’s now 30 years since we started a franchise division at HSBC – here’s to the next 30 years in franchising.”

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Lucy Archer
Lucy Archer
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