These are the best franchises in the UK, according to the bfa

The UK’s most outstanding franchise brands have been recognised at the British Franchise Association’s (bfa) HSBC Franchise Awards 2017.

Judged by a panel of industry leaders including bfa CEO Pip Wilkins and Julia Waites of The Franchising Company, the annual awards – now in its 30th year – celebrates franchisors with the best company culture, franchisee support, innovative practices and commitment to franchising ethics.

Featuring businesses of all sizes and sectors, from logistics to swim schools, franchises were crowned at an awards ceremony held at the ICC in Birmingham.

Domestic homecare chain Bluebird Care took the gold prize for Franchisor of the Year. Started in 2004, homecare services provider Bluebird now has more than 200 franchises across the UK and Ireland and offers franchise packages at an average cost of £37,500.

The UK’s best franchises, according to the bfa, are as follows:

• bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Gold: Bluebird Care
• HSBC Franchisor of the Year Silver: Driver Hire
• HSBC Franchisor of the Year Bronze: Expense Reduction Analysts
• Emerging Franchisor of the Year: Heritage Healthcare
• The Brian Smart Award for International Development: Little Kickers
• Brand Innovation: InXpress
• Award for Franchise Support: McDonald’s Restaurants

Exceptional UK franchisees were also recognised at the awards, chosen for having gone “above and beyond” for their franchise network, innovation and providing exceptional customer service.

Franchisee winners included:

• People’s Choice bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year: Hannah Drury, Caremark (Sutton)
• Young Franchisee of the Year: Hannah Drury, Caremark (Sutton)
• Franchisee Innovation: Gary and Suzanne Horton, Puddle Ducks (Greater Manchester)
• Female Franchisee of the Year: Tamsin Brewis, Water Babies (Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire)
• Customer Focus Franchisee of the Year: Eliott Ray, Dyno (Surrey, Sussex, South West London and Middlesex)
• Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year: Ruth Morris, Creation Station (Aberdeen)

bfa CEO Wilkins commented:

“Every year the standard gets higher and we demand substantial evidence of success for both the franchisors and franchisees.

“Our winners truly showcase British entrepreneurial talent and pay testament to their sustained franchising excellence. Everyone should be extremely proud of themselves.”