Four factors that make a difference
Many skills and abilities go into the making of an outstanding franchisee, but this year’s awards highlighted four of them: people skills, passion for business, active business development and using your franchising edge.
People skills
Successful franchisees prioritise relating to people. In the increasingly technical world of business, sometimes entrepreneurs feel that success lies solely in tech systems – but that’s only half the story. The other half is communicating with people.
Good people skills lead to more sales, even in these days of buying online, so many successful franchisees combine these skills with business savvy. The best franchises help you do that.
With a franchise the business model and systems are already in place, which takes a lot of the admin and more technical tasks out of the hands of the franchisee. That leaves them more time, and many use it to relate to people. People buy from people. It’s an old cliché, but it’s still true, and successful franchisees never forget it.
It’s almost certainly why personal services franchises are booming.
The value of personal services
Of the 18 winning franchises in the awards, 66% were from the personal services category.
What’s more, according to the 2024 British Franchise Survey, sponsored by NIC Local, franchises in the personal services category, such as domiciliary home care, education, pet care, and fitness brands, saw a 53% growth from the previous survey in 2018, eclipsing growth across all other franchising sectors.
Other awards went to franchises in transport and vehicle services, business and communication services, and hotel and catering, but in all of them, people skills are fundamental to success.
A passion for the business
The route to success is matching your passion to your franchise. If you’re considering investing in a franchise, see the list of around 300+ franchises that are members of BFA (British Franchise Association).
Since 1977, the BFA has championed ethical business practices and high standards in franchising, working hard to ensure franchisees choose the right franchise for them. There are franchises in many business sectors, whatever your passion, there is likely a franchise for you, even if you have no experience in that area.
Choosing a franchise that aligns with your values gives you an extra edge and a belief in your business that translates into rewarding results.
Franchisees who love their business attract customers and staff and see the results in increased growth.
Business passion fuels growth
Marlene Meyer, just named as the BFA HSBC UK – Star Performer and chosen by award attendees as the recipient of the BFA HSBC UK Franchisee of the Year – People’s Choice Award,has been the West and Southwest London franchisee with Mini First Aid, teaching first aid skills to parents, carers, and families, since 2022. Bubbling over with enthusiasm for her business, Marlene said: “I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey… it’s been a real whirlwind, but I’ve loved every minute!”
The whirlwind has included Marlene and her team delivering 298 first aid classes to 4,946 attendees in the last 12 months, including baby and child classes for new parents, plus workplace and school-based sessions across West London. Their partnership with John Lewis sees them delivering regular in-store classes, and they have built strong, ongoing relationships with organisations including Baby and toddler development classes Hartbeeps, Hounslow Council, youth clubs, nurseries, SEN schools and independent parent groups.
Business development powered by values
If you believe in your services, advocating for them is easy. Scott Stevenson is the Exeter, Torquay, North Devon and Plymouth franchisee for Oltco, a UK leader in sustainable resin-bound surfacing solutions, specialising in driveways, patios, pathways, and flooring.
Oltco’s innovative Recycle Bound system is the world’s first resin-bound solution to incorporate recycled plastic from straws, plastic bottles and food packaging, helping to reduce carbon emissions – which chimes with Scott’s values.
Scott, who became an Oltco franchisee in 2020 after a career in the Royal Navy and offshore renewables, said:“Winning the Young Guns award is a huge moment for us. Growing the business with my brother Cam… has been an incredible journey, all while staying true to our values and commitment to sustainability. We’re proud of what we’ve built in Devon and we’re grateful to be recognised for it.”
Franchising gives you the edge
Could Marlene and Scott have achieved the business growth they have in such a short time, if they had been independent start-ups? I doubt it, and one of the reasons is that they have used the support and systems they invested in when they bought into their franchises.
However, being a star franchisee takes more than that. What they have added is their commitment to people and belief in values. Combining those with business support from a carefully chosen franchisor, is what makes an outstanding franchisee.
To find out more about the winners of the 2025 British franchise awards
BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards – Winners
Franchisor of the Year – Established
- Caremark (Gold)
- Premier Education (Silver)
- Speedy Freight (Bronze)
Franchisor of the Year – Expanding
- GoodOaks Homecare
Franchisor of the Year – Emerging
- CareYourWay
Leadership & Culture Award
- Premier Education
Research & Development Award
- Snap Fitness
Franchise Support Award
- Pink Spaghetti (Winner)
- Aspray (Highly Commended)
Marketing Award
- Stagecoach Performing Arts
Franchisee Awards
HSBC UK Best in Class Multi-Unit
- Roger Khoryati, McDonald’s Restaurants
HSBC UK Best in Class Multi-Brand
- Angelina Mouralidarane, Iceking Group
Customer Focus Award
- Sajda Parveen, Imran Bashir & Rizwan Bashir, Snap Fitness
Dynamic Duo Award
- Neil and Melodie Watson, Tutor Doctor (Winner)
- Jinesh and Reena Patel, Revive! (Highly Commended)
BFA Star Performer Award
- Marlene Meyer, Mini First Aid
Community Impact Award
- Vicky and Paul Butler, Right at Home
Young Guns Award
- Scott and Cam Stevenson, Oltco
The BFA HSBC UK Franchisee of the Year – People’s Choice Award
- Marlene Meyer, Mini First Aid
