Following the publication of our Elite Franchise Top 100 (EF100) league table, it is now time to shine a spotlight on the outstanding brands shortlisted in our specialist award categories.
The EF100 Awards recognise excellence, innovation and impact across the franchising sector. Established in 2017, the awards have become a firm fixture in the franchising calendar, bringing together the industry’s leading brands for a standout celebration of achievement. Alongside the rankings, these awards honour businesses demonstrating exceptional performance across a broad range of criteria.
HSBC Exceptional Performance of the Year Award
Presented by HSBC UK, this award recognises the franchise brand demonstrating the most exceptional performance across the judging criteria.
Finalists: Stagecoach Performing Arts, Right at Home UK, Dyno-Rod, The Creation Station, Water Babies, easyStorage, Home Instead, Revive! Auto Innovations (UK) Limited, McDonald’s, Autosmart International, Chicken Cottage and Caremark.
EF100 Emerging Franchisor of the Year Award
This category celebrates an emerging franchisor excelling across all eight EF100 criteria while demonstrating strong growth potential.
Finalists: Black Sheep Coffee, Canopy Nurseries, Football Fun Factory, Kitchen Makeovers, Pacifica Local, Pass the Keys, Pimlico Plumbers, Rise, The Cat Butler®, Townhouse and Your Man With A Van.
BusinessesForSale.com Innovation of the Year Award
Recognising outstanding innovation in franchise marketing, with a particular focus on franchisee recruitment and resale strategies.
Finalists: Caremark, Driver Hire, easyStorage, FASTSIGNS, Home Instead, McDonald’s, Right at Home UK, Stagecoach Performing Arts, The Creation Station and Water Babies.
Natalia Shvarts Community Builder of the Year Award
Awarded to the franchise brand that has made a significant and positive impact on its franchise community.
Finalists: Anytime Fitness UK, Caremark, Good Oaks Home Care, Home Instead, Puddle Ducks, Revive! Auto Innovations (UK) Limited, Right at Home UK, Snap-on Tools, Walfinch and Water Babies.
AdSmart from Sky Sustainability of the Year Award
Honouring excellence in environmental and social responsibility, this award recognises brands combining commercial success with meaningful sustainability initiatives.
Finalists: Ableworld, Autosmart International, Driver Hire, easyStorage, Greensleeves Lawn Care, InXpress, McDonald’s, Speedy Freight, TaxAssist Accountants, The Creation Station.
Knights PLC Diversity and Inclusion of the Year Award
Recognising organisations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Finalists: Banana Moon Day Nursery, Bluebird Care, Bright & Beautiful, Explorer Franchise by Hays Travel, Harmony at Home, Merry Maids, Mini First Aid, Puddle Ducks, Visiting Angels and We Love Pets.
Elite Franchise Top Supplier Award
Celebrating the suppliers that play a vital role in supporting and strengthening the UK franchising sector through outstanding service and innovation. Voting is open exclusively to brands featured in the EF100 ranking.
Finalists: Ashtons Franchise Consulting, Atlas Mapping, Chantry Group, Coconut Marketing, Denfield, Franchise Fame, Franchise HQ, Franchise Resales, Platinum Wave Franchising, Rev PR Ltd.
People’s Choice Award
Our subscribers once again have the opportunity to vote for their People’s Choice Award, celebrating the businesses that have made the greatest impression on the franchise community. To cast your vote, visit
https://elitefranchisemagazine.co.uk/ef100-winners, where you can explore detailed brand profiles before selecting your favourite.
The winners of each category will be announced at our annual EF100 Awards Ceremony on Thursday 12th March 2026, hosted at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s, London.
