Successful franchisors understand the impact recruiting talented franchisees can have on their enterprises, so it is only fitting that exceptional franchise owners are acknowledged for their efforts. Aiming to do just that, the bfa has announced the 20 finalists for the 2016 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.
Carefully selected from a record number of entries, it is no overstatement to say that the shortlist is brimming with talent. Competing for the title of Young Franchisee of the Year are Luke Hodgson of Snap-on Tools Milton Keynes, Ben Witcomb of Metro Rod Newport, Hereford and Gloucester and Heather Ratcliffe of Swimtime West Midlands.
Barely a month after the NatWest EWIF Awards celebrated women in franchising, the bfa has announced that Tricia Craig of Metro Rod North East, Clare Jefferies of Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, Cherry Lewis-Taylor of McDonald’s Essex and Alex Scotchbrook of Tutor Doctor Surrey are all competing for the prestigious Female Franchisee of the Year award.
While those awards celebrate female and younger franchisees, it is equally important that more mature franchisees over the age of 55 receive their just deserts. Steve Brown of Rosemary Bookkeeping Newbury, Peter Eccles of Snap-on Tools Bridgwater and Charles Folkes of Caremark Redcar and Cleveland are all in the running to be named Olderpreneur Franchisee of the Year.
Acknowledging that franchisee excellence is not dependent on size, the bfa has nominated Richard Bryan of Wilkins Chimney Sweep Tyneside North, Mike Lethbridge of TruGreen Newbury and Basingstoke and Matthew Snell of Trophy Pet Foods Swindon and North Wiltshire for the Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year award, which is given to franchisees with a turnover below £100,000.
The finalists – who can be viewed in full on the bfa website – will present their case to a panel of expert judges in mid-July and the winners will be announced on a black-tie ceremony on September 29. “These are outstanding entrepreneurs that are leading the way in franchising and we’re set for an even more difficult task ahead in choosing the winners,” said Pip Wilkins, CEO at the bfa.
No matter who wins in September, all of the finalists are already winners in our book.
Eric Johansson
As web editor and resident Viking, Johansson ensures Elite Franchise is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific franchise writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness. Follow him on Twitter at @EricJohanssonLJ to catch up with his stream of consciousness.
Eric Johansson
As web editor and resident Viking, Johansson ensures Elite Franchise is filled with engaging and eclectic entrepreneurial stories. While one of our most prolific franchise writers, he has sharpened his editorial teeth by writing about entertainment and fitness. Follow him on Twitter at @EricJohanssonLJ to catch up with his stream of consciousness.
