Best Franchise Awards: winners announced

Pet, PA, theatre school and home care brands recognised, while Home Instead CEO is named a ‘WorkBuzz Hero’

Four franchisors and a ‘WorkBuzz Hero’ won Best Franchise Awards on February 10.

At a virtual ceremony in partnership with Coconut Creatives, We Love Pets was named Best New Entry, Pink Spaghetti took Best Franchise - Under £2m Network Turnover, Razzamataz Theatre Schools won the Best Franchise - £2-£10m Network Turnover category and Right at Home picked up the Best Franchise - £10m+ Network Turnover prize.

What makes the Best Franchise Awards unique is that they’re based on feedback from thousands of franchisees.

Each one completes WorkBuzz’s confidential online Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark survey, rating their franchisor on everything from training and support to shared goals and how the experience of being a franchisee compares with their expectations.

As well as celebrating the UK’s best franchisors, Martin Jones, CEO of Home Instead, was named a WorkBuzz Hero. The award is designed to recognise individuals who have had a lasting impact on both their franchise networks and their industry.

During the pandemic, Martin formed a COVID task force to support Home Instead’s 200-plus franchise offices, its 17,000 clients and over 12,000 CAREGivers.

During this time, client satisfaction levels actually improved - a record 97 per cent of clients said they would recommend Home Instead and 98 per cent said their CAREGiver had helped keep them safe during the coronavirus crisis. 

Through a range of voluntary appointments, including chair of The Silver Line charity, Age UK trustee and member of the United Kingdom Homecare Association board, Martin has further demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of older people.

As a trustee of the Care Workers’ Charity, he’s also championing the role of CAREGivers.

Steven Frost, CEO of WorkBuzz, says: “During the most challenging of years, there has never been a more important time to celebrate how great franchisors have supported their franchise networks. 

“Every winner and finalist was significantly impacted by the pandemic, but demonstrated great leadership and innovation - some even launched brand new digital offerings when faced by lockdowns.

“Once the pandemic is over, these franchisors will bounce back quickly and their franchisees will not forget the leadership and support they provided when they really needed it. I would like to congratulate them all on what they’ve achieved and the difference they’ve made.”

Suki Dehal, head of franchising for awards sponsor Lloyds Bank, says: “The judging process has been different this year given the nature of 2020 as a whole. Nevertheless it was truly inspiring to hear how franchisors have adapted to the current climate to ensure their networks continue to thrive moving forwards.

“All categories remained highly competitive as ever and all nominees deserve immense recognition for what they have done during one of the most challenging years in recent memory.”

To register for this year’s Best Franchise Programme and Awards, visit bestfranchiseawards.co.uk