The BFA releases first details of 2024’s British Franchise Awards

This will be the 35th year that the annual industry awards have taken place, and applicants have until 12th June 2024 to enter

The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards will go ahead for another year, marking the event’s 35th anniversary.

The awards aim to recognise the achievements of franchisors and franchisees across the UK in several areas. This year welcomes two new awards categories which include the ‘International Expansion’ award for franchisors and the ‘Business Builder’ award for franchisees.

Other categories at this year’s awards include:

Franchisor award categories

• Franchisor of the Year – Established
• Franchisor of the Year – Expanding
• Franchisor of the Year – Emerging
• Franchisor of the Year – Lifestyle
• Leadership and Culture
• Brand Awareness
• International Expansion
• Trailblazer

Franchisee award categories

• Lifestyle
• Next Generation
• Community Focus
• Business Builder
• HSBC Best in Class, multi-unit, single brand
• HSBC UK Best in Class, multi-unit, multi brand
• Trailblazer franchisee
• Franchisee of the year – People’s Choice

The awards are exclusive to members of the British Franchise Association and entries close on 12th June 2024. Those hoping to enter will be able to access a printable entry guide on the BFA website.

Applicants will be judged against a set of criteria by a panel of industry expert judges which include Pip Wilkins, CEO at BFA; Gillian Morris, UK head of franchise at commercial banking at HSBC UK; Natalia Shvarts, partner at Excello Law; Adam Lovelock, director at Coconut Marketing;  Alan Wilkinson, head of franchise development at The Franchising Centre; and Roz Goldstein, partner at PartnerWise Franchise.

Pip Wilkins explained the organisation’s reasoning behind its latest categories, citing an uptick in franchise resales.

“Franchise resales are a growth area for franchising and when you see the results, it’s not hard to understand why,” she said. “When you invest in a franchise territory that is already operational, you hit the ground running with a very big head start, meaning the entrepreneur can achieve impressive growth results within a short space of time.

“This new category will give us the chance to shine a light on people investing in these resale territories and making huge successes of them.  The new ‘International Expansion’ award for franchisors is going to make for fascinating reading too as we examine the international success of some of the larger franchise brands.

“Many franchisors who have built firm foundations with their UK operations are now looking to expand abroad. ‘Brand Britain’ is still a valuable commodity in the export market and our franchise brands are taking advantage of this like never before. We are looking forward to hearing about their journeys to international franchise success.”

Gillian Morris, the judge representing sponsors HSBC UK, also commented: “In the 35 years we have been sponsoring the British Franchise Awards the entries have never failed to impress.

“Every year we read stories of good strategy, great planning and, sometimes, enormous bravery. People in the franchising world are invariably totally committed and their passion for their businesses shines through.

“I know we’re all looking forward to reading this years’ entries, hearing how they are supporting their brand, their franchisees, their local communities, and the franchising sector as a whole. I send my best wishes to you all and wish you the best of luck.”