Right at Home and Diljit Brar of Costa Coffee head the list of award winners at this year’s ceremony in Birmingham.
The British Franchise Association (BFA) has published the list of winners from this year’s HSBC-sponsored BFA Franchising Awards. At the end of another difficult year for businesses across the UK, this was an opportunity for BFA judges to celebrate the successes of the franchising industry. Among those recognised on the night was Diljit Brar, who was named Franchisee of the Year. Diljit runs Costa Coffee in Dartford, Kent.
And at the black tie dinner and ceremony, held at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham, the prestigious gold award for Franchisor of The Year went to Right At Home whose head office is in Liverpool. Onestop, whose HQ is in Walsall, west Midlands, scooped the silver award, with Minster Services of Ramsgate, Kent taking bronze.
Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the BFA, commented: “There have been incredible displays of commitment to franchising over the last year. I have been overwhelmed by the resilience of the industry and how so many have come together to support one another and their communities.
“We have seen brands overcome adversity, demonstrate resilience and thrive not just survive. There were a record number of excellent applications, which illustrates the strength and depth that exists within UK franchising – despite the challenges it has faced during the pandemic.”
And a press release issued by the BFA read: ‘This was the 32nd year that these awards have been conducted and it is a flagship event for the UK franchising industry. This event recognised those who have gone above and beyond in their franchise business. We celebrated franchisors and franchisees who are committed to ethical franchising.
‘The franchise industry has adapted and evolved due to the challenging nature of the pandemic. And the BFA has adapted its working practice and is proud of the positive role it has played in supporting its members. We witnessed a demanding entry and judging process, which reflected the high standards the BFA encourages from its members. We have also seen new categories, as we celebrate diversity and triumph across the industry.’
Andy Brattesani, Head of UK Franchising at HSBC, told BFA members: “If ever there was a year to be proud of what you have achieved, then this is the one. It’s been all about resilience and adaptability in the world of franchising.”
List of Winners
Franchisees
- Resilient Riser: Puddle Ducks (Victoria Rowley);
- Local Focus: Right at Home (Alistair Shanks);
- Next Generation: Aspray (Jack Parkhouse);
- Lifestyle: Rainbow International (Andrew Moore);
- HSBC Multi-Unit: Costa Coffee (Diljit Brar);
- Franchisee of the Year: Diljit Brar (Costa Coffee).
Franchisors
- Business Resilience: Anytime Fitness (Gold), Water Babies (Silver), McDonald’s (Bronze);
- Leadership & Culture: Business Doctors;
- Franchise Balance: Get Ahead;
- Emerging: Co-op;
- Sustainability Warrior: Oltco;
- Franchisor of the Year: Right At Home (Gold), Onestop (Silver), Minster Services (Bronze).
The evening of celebration included a three-course meal, videos of all the finalists, a prize presentation, with the occasion ending with a disco.
