Double delight for Sandler Training franchisee

Berkeley Harris has been recognised for going the extra mile for his customers and the local community

Berkeley Harris (pictured), managing director of Sandler Training (UK) in Bristol, has been recognised for going above and beyond when it comes to his customers and the local community.

Not only has he won Sandler’s annual Franchisee of the Year award, he’s been shortlisted in the customer engagement category of the British Franchisee Association HSBC Franchise Awards.

A franchisee since 2014, Berkeley works with business owners and entrepreneurs across Bristol and the south west to help them grow their companies.

He also sets time aside each quarter to deliver pro bono talks and support young people, while helping other franchisees in the Sandler network too.

Last year he ran a mentoring and training programme with Colston’s Girls School in Bristol and regularly offers free training seats to students on entrepreneur accelerator programmes at the University of the West of England.

To be shortlisted for the bfa award, Berkeley had to provide evidence of customer loyalty, retention and growth, as well as commitment to successful community and relationship management strategies.

He says: “I’m very humbled to receive two such amazing accolades in such quick succession.

“I have always been passionate about giving back and having a business with an authentic customer-centric culture.

“I believe that having a positive relationship with customers and peers makes for a better experience - I want my clients to enjoy working with me, as I believe it increases the learning opportunities.”

Fiona Thomson, operations director at Sandler Training (UK), believes Berkeley is “richly deserving of these recognitions”.

She adds: “As his business has grown and he has become busier, he still made it a priority to give back.

“He is always the first to put out the hand of welcome and assistance to new franchisees in the network and his customer feedback demonstrates he is someone that genuinely cares about making a difference by always going that extra mile.

“He is an asset to the Sandler network.”