ELITE FRANCHISE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR AWARD
About the Supplier of the Year Award
Over the years, we’ve had the great privilege of covering some of Britain’s best franchises, and they continue to exhilarate us with their ingenuity. We believe it is also important to highlight the suppliers who fuel the growth and innovation of these franchise brands.
The Elite Franchise Supplier of the Year Award is open to a wide range of businesses that provide essential support and services to the franchising industry. For this award, the term ‘supplier’ encompasses any business or individual that contributes to the success and operation of franchise businesses
At Ashtons Franchise Consulting, supporting the UK franchise community is at the heart of everything we do. We work alongside both new and experienced franchisors – helping them achieve success, raise standards, share knowledge, and strengthen the sector long term.
Active contributors to the British Franchise Association through membership, panels, industry leadership, and articles for their regular magazine
Deliver 14 free masterclasses and exhibition seminars each year, helping hundreds of founders understand franchising responsibly
Proud supporters of Encouraging Women into Franchising, with three clients winning the “New Woman Franchisor of the Year” award
Champions of ethical, transparent franchising aligned with the bfa’s Code of Ethics.
Supporting franchising means strengthening the whole ecosystem, as well as our individual clients. We champion ethical, transparent practices and provide practical guidance to help new franchisors succeed. Our personal, consultant-led approach ensures founders get hands-on mentoring and advice tailored to their business, long after launch.
We support clients from the very start – before they even become an Ashtons client – through to onboarding and training their first franchisees and beyond.
Free “Franchise Your Business” masterclasses, guides, and video resources for informed decision-making
Collaboration with the bfa, industry bodies, and exhibitions to share best practice
Thought leadership and articles, in print and online, that maintain trust in the UK franchise sector.
Innovation at Ashtons is about making franchising simpler, smarter, and more effective. We combine digital tools, interactive learning, and hands-on expertise to help franchisors build strong networks.
Modernised systems with CRM, project tools, and shared online workspaces for real time visibility
Interactive masterclasses with live Q&A and real case studies, driving record attendance
Expanded post-launch mentoring to strengthen networks and long-term performance
Video content, articles, and social media channels (Instagram/TikTok) for first-time franchisors
Ongoing consultant development ensures up-to-date guidance on trends, compliance, and best practice
Overall, we’re evolving to be more connected, transparent and forward-looking.
Our vision is growth with purpose: helping franchisors not just start, but thrive. Our goal isn’t to be the biggest consultancy – it’s to remain the most trusted, helping shape the future standards and success of UK franchising.
Expand “Clients for Life” mentoring, aiming for 75% of new clients to continue with our ongoing support programmes
Grow consultant team by 20-25%, adding specialists while maintaining hands-on expertise
Champion ethical franchising via bfa and EWIF, aiming for client recognition at awards
Invest in digital tools and interactive learning to reach early-stage businesses
Build Ashtons as the UK authority on franchise development while prioritising sustainable, trusted growth.
Why enter the EF100 Supplier of the Year Award
This is your opportunity to showcase why your business is among the UK’s best suppliers to the franchising community. Gain recognition as one of the sector’s leading suppliers and demonstrate to the wider franchise industry what your business is truly capable of. Winning or being shortlisted not only highlights your expertise and commitment to supporting franchise brands, but also helps build credibility, trust, and market appeal through the use of prestigious Supplier of the Year logos across your marketing and business communications.
The HSBC Elite Franchise Top 100 Celebratory & Awards Evening
Celebrate your achievements at our annual black-tie awards evening with a 3-course dinner and entertainment. This is your moment to congratulate your team and the franchise partners you work with, as you are recognised as one of the UK’s top suppliers. Additional awards for franchise brands will be presented to acknowledge exceptional performance and success.
Take a look at the photos from the 2026 event held at The Leanardo Royal, St Paul’s, London.
The process...
The process for determining the Top 10 shortlisted suppliers is decided via the editorial team of Elite Franchise. If you are successful, you will then be featured within the EF Supplier of the Year shortlist, which is then voted for by the UK franchisor community. The winner will be announced at the Elite Franchise Celebratory Awards Evening.
Entering for 2027?
Entries for EF100 2027 open on the 7th September.
If you’re considering entering or would like to be part of the EF100 awards, as a partner or sponsor and would like more information