Search begins for UK’s top recession busting franchisee

The search is on to find the UK’s top recession busting franchisees with the launch of the annual British Franchise Association’s (bfa) Franchisee of the Year Awards, sponsored by HSBC Bank and Express Newspapers.

This year’s judging panel will be looking for dedicated franchisees whose businesses have out-performed competitors and demonstrated ‘Success in Challenging Times ‘ – the theme for this year’s Awards.

The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie event at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, on Thursday 1 October.

The overall winner will walk away with the top prize of £5,000 followed by two runners-up who will win £3,000 and £2,000 respectively – all courtesy of HSBC.

Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: “Despite tough trading conditions the franchise industry continues to flourish, with twice as many people preferring to buy from a franchised business than a non-franchised business, in an industry worth an annual £11.4 billion to the economy.

“This year we are looking for examples of franchisees, supplemented by the support of a franchisor, committed to developing their own business during a cold economic climate.”

Geraldine Haenow, Express Newspapers’ Advertising Group Head, added: “The bfa Franchisee of the Year Awards showcase the very best within the franchising industry and provide an inspiring and invaluable insight to anyone considering starting up their own franchise.”

Entry forms are available from the bfa Offices, A2 Danebrook Court, Oxford Office Village, Langford Lane, Oxford, OX5 1LQ. Alternatively, copies can be downloaded from the Members Only section of the bfa website www.thebfa.org

Closing date for all entries is Friday 26 June 2009.

Subscribe to email updates of new stories on Business Cornwall – Enter your email address below: