Hosted at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, St Paul’s, the evening brought together some of the most respected names in franchising to celebrate the achievements highlighted in this year’s EF100 rankings.
Since launching the EF100 in 2017, our annual ranking has become a recognised benchmark for success within the franchising community. Each year, we spotlight brands demonstrating exceptional performance across key areas including growth, innovation, leadership and community impact. With another highly competitive year of entries, the 2026 awards once again showcased the organisations and individuals setting the pace for the industry.
Anita Roberts, Franchise Director at HSBC UK and one of the EF100 judges, reflected on the strength of the sector: “Franchising drives growth in the UK economy, and we’re proud to back an initiative that champions excellence while fostering the continued advancement of the franchise sector.”
The evening saw outstanding achievements recognised across several categories:
HSBC Exceptional Performance of the Year Award: Stagecoach Performing Arts, recognised for outstanding business growth and franchisee support.
EF100 Emerging Franchisor of the Year Award: Black Sheep Coffee, celebrated for its strong growth trajectory and potential to make a significant impact on the franchising sector.
BusinessesForSale.com EF100 Innovation of the Year Award: easyStorage, honoured for its forward-thinking and innovative strategies within the franchise space.
Natalia Shvarts Community Builder of the Year Award: Caremark, recognised for making a meaningful and positive impact within its franchise community.
AdSmart from Sky Sustainability of the Year Award: McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd, acknowledged for demonstrating commercial success alongside a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Knights PLC Diversity & Inclusion of the Year Award: Bluebird Care, recognised for their dedication to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across their network.
EF100 Highest New Entry of the Year Award: NIC Services, making an impressive debut within this year’s EF100 rankings.
EF100 Rising Star of the Year Award: Banana Moon, recognised for their continued growth and leadership within the franchising sector and for climbing the highest in the EF100 since last year.
Franchisee Outstanding Achievement of the Year Award: Tamsin Brewis, franchisee at Water Babies and Charity Director at Children’s Alliance, honoured for her exceptional contribution and dedication to the franchise community.
People’s Choice Award: Molly Maid UK, retaining the title for a second year.
Elite Franchise Supplier of the Year Award: Platinum Wave, voted for by this years top 100 winners.
One of the evening’s standout moments saw Stagecoach Performing Arts recognised as the EF100 Top Placing Franchise for 2026, taking the number one position in this year’s rankings and highlighting the brand’s exceptional performance and leadership within UK franchising.
Reflecting on the evening, Jodie Marsh, Commercial Director of Elite Franchise, said:
“Hosting the EF100 Awards is an incredible honour. This event is all about celebrating the very best in franchising, recognising the hard work, dedication and innovation that drives the industry forward.”
