The British Franchise Awards was held in a virtual ceremony on November 30
With coronavirus restrictions still in place, the British Franchise Awards has taken place virtually for the first time ever, honouring outstanding individuals in UK’s franchising sector who have gone above and beyond to deliver outstanding achievements.
The annual awards take place every year in June at the Vox in Birmingham, but this time, the prestigious ceremony was held online on November 30 in a virtual event. Due to the pandemic, organisers had to adhere to social distancing measures and were forced to carry out the event online, but the ceremony spread some positivity and delight to all those involved. All finalists and winners were recognised for their hard work and dedication in bringing excellence to franchising. HSBC works closely with the BFA and its members to encourage successful and ethical franchising.
“It has been a strange and difficult year for all businesses, but we are pleased that we’ve been able to bring some positivity to our finalists and winners to round off 2020,” Pip Wilkins, CEO of the British Franchise Association said. It has been a strange and difficult year for all businesses, but we are pleased that we’ve been able to bring some positivity to our finalists and winners to round off 2020. There are more franchise systems than ever before, showing that businesses are choosing franchising as an ideal model for them. Each winner should feel very proud of what they’ve achieved.”
There were 11 categories up for grabs including “Franchisor of the Year”, with Home Instead Senior Care clinching the “Gold Franchisor of the Year” title. Revive! Auto Innovations was awarded silver, and Snap-on Tools went home with the bronze trophy. “We are honoured to have been named as Gold Franchisor of the Year,” said Ruth Brown, Business Development Director at Home Instead Senior Care. “This award is very special, but to win it in 2020 feels extra special as it’s such an extraordinary year. This accolade is down to the hard work and commitment of so many people – from the team of experts here at National Office to our franchise owners and their key players and, of course, our amazing CAREGivers. We could not accept this award without also thanking the many clients and their families who entrust their care to us. Thank you to the BFA for bestowing this honour on us.”
In the other categories, the Franchisee Transformation title went to Siva Kugathas Service Master, Franchisee Lifestyle was awarded to Katherine Watmough from Monkey Music and Franchisee Local Focus was given to Aaron Doherty from Footlights. Raja Adil from The Adil Group was awarded the Franchise Multi-Unit title, James Burke from ActionCOACH won the Franchisee Next Generation award while Water Babies clinched the top spot for Franchisor Leadership & Culture. MyWindowCleaner won the spot in Franchisor Emerging, Shuttercraft clinched the Franchisor Business Transformation award while Little Kickers scored the Franchisor International Superbrand
“It’s been a difficult year for all businesses, so we are pleased to see members of the franchise community thriving, having adapted to operate successfully despite the difficulties thrown their way,” Andy Brattesani, UK Head of Franchising at HSBC, said. “It’s been a difficult year for all businesses, so we are pleased to see members of the franchise community thriving, having adapted to operate successfully despite the difficulties thrown their way. I’d like to congratulate all finalists and winners and hope to see them all thrive in the months ahead.”
