Franchisee of the Year 2015

Start-up name: Schmidt (Palmers Green)
Founder: Katerina Zaravinou
Started in: 2012
Based in: Palmers Green, London
Business description: Designer kitchen and interior solutions and installations

After opening in Palmers Green in December 2012, qualified architect Katerina Zaravinou’s Schmidt showroom has become the brand’s biggest location in London; which is why she walked away with Franchisee of the Year at the 2015 Startups Awards.

Originally started in France, kitchen and interiors chain Schmidt launched in the UK in 2010, offering full design, installation and project management services, as well as selling furniture and art accessories.

Zaravinou found early success with the entrepreneur gaining “Master Partner” status, her showroom chosen to showcase Siemen’s Studio Line Range and also winning the prestigious title of Elite Silestone Studio status.

With revenues expected to hit seven figures by next year, she is hoping to open a second showroom by 2017, alongside the launch of a targeted direct marketing campaign to drive sales.

Zaravinou beat second placed Tejwant Karir of transport and logistics brand Driver Hire Slough, and third placed Pamela Featherstone of business coaching chain ActionCOACH Hull to be crowned Franchisee of the Year.

Other contenders for Franchisee of the Year were Jameela Rangoowala, owner of homecare specialist Heritage Healthcare Cardiff; Hon Leung, who runs the Bournemouth branch of courier and logistics specialist Diamond Logistics; and Ravneet Bermi of baby and mother swimming academy Puddle Ducks West Hertfordshire.