Shuttercraft recognised at BFA awards’ ceremony for transforming the way franchise partners can now do business.
Shuttercraft have ended the year by collecting one of UK franchising’s most prestigious awards. Just a few weeks after being granted full membership of the British Franchise Association (BFA), the Hampshire-based company has been named Business Transformation Franchisor of the Year. And Shuttercraft, which specialises in high-quality interior shutters and blinds, collected this illustrious prize at the BFA‘s virtual awards’ ceremony.
The BFA awards is considered to be ‘The Oscars’ of the franchising calendar, with nominees and winners carefully selected on the basis they operate an ethical business, which works in the best interests of franchisees and staff alike. In addition to significant recent investment aimed at supporting its franchise partners, the company’s business model has evolved considerably and now provides franchisees with even greater scope for growing and developing their enterprises.
This award recognises the important changes implemented by Shuttercraft which has enabled franchisees to develop a managerial model for their businesses, rather than rely on the original ‘man-with-a-van’ style franchise. Lisa Stead, Shuttercraft‘s franchise manager, said: “The team has worked so hard over the last two years, pushing boundaries, stepping out of their comfort zones, and striving for change in order to provide the very best service to and for our network.
“Winning the Business Transformation award, among such fantastic competition, has been a massive recognition of the team’s dedication to the development of the franchise. We are incredibly proud of everyone who has played a part in getting us to this point.”
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association, acknowledged the changes made by the business in recent years: “The transformation of this business has been outstanding. There has been a clear shift from an operator van franchise to a managerial franchise model. Formerly, it was very difficult for franchisees to successfully scale up the business.
“But since the new model was launched, 12 new franchisees have joined the network and feedback shows that the change has transformed the business. Shuttercraft deserves this award as they’ve led the way for others to take the new franchise model and follow a route to success.”
And Andy Brattesani, the UK Head of Franchising at HSBC – the company which sponsored these prestigious awards – added: “Shuttercraft impressed the judges with its heightened focus on bespoke technology, an increase in marketing, a larger head office and more opportunities to engage as a network. It’s been a difficult year for all businesses, so we are pleased to see members of the franchise community thriving, despite the difficulties thrown their way.”
