With awards including Rookie of the Year and the top title of Franchisee of the Year, the shortlists were occupied by some of the biggest names within the network
Following a tumultuous year in education, UK franchisees with global tutoring franchise Tutor Doctor have dominated the company’s annual global awards evening. With awards including Rookie of the Year and the top title of Franchisee of the Year, the shortlists were occupied by some of the biggest names within the network.
Not only do these accolades demonstrate their commitment to their local communities, but also to that of the overall education industry. Held virtually on 19 August, the conference, named Dream, Believe, Achieve (DBA), recognises the network’s achievements and successes around the globe.
Attended by over 200 franchisees globally, the conference created a great opportunity for the network to come together and collaborate. To engage and entertain the attendees, 21 speakers gave inspiring talks on a variety of topics, including keynote speeches from best-selling author Rich Diviney, educator Mike Anderson and renowned brand expert Edward Leaman. These discussions helped warm-up for the main event with the awards ceremony.
Husband-and-wife duo Mark and Joanna Butler have consistently been the most successful UK office since their launch in Berkshire in 2014. On the night, they were announced the winners of the Top Producer Award, after an impressive annual turnover of $1m (CAD) (over £650,000).
“What a year it’s been,” said Mark. “But, once again, we didn’t let this get us down. We’re committed to our local community and supporting students and families with their learning. We continued our work with underprivileged children, including young offenders, and have still grown our business with private clients. It’s a very proud moment indeed!”
Joanna added: “Getting this recognition makes all our hard work worth it. We don’t do it for that, but it certainly helps to keep us on track and go bigger and better next year!”
Hot on the heels of this pair were fellow husband-and-wife team Rob and Lynne Kerrison, who operate within the Cambridge territory. After another successful year, they’ve shown true determination and passion to make a difference to local families. The duo were also nominated for the President’s Award but were pipped to the post by multi-unit franchisee David Boddy and his team.
Covering South West and Central London, David, Suzie and Victoria were handed one of the most coveted accolades of the night. The talented trio have worked with families across the capital to survive the pandemic, with the award given to those who possess a can-do attitude, makes things happen, are team players and work hard to accomplish the goals of both their business and Tutor Doctor as a whole – qualities that this team has in bucketloads.
David is thrilled to have received this recognition in the three short years since their launch. “It’s an honour to receive the President’s Award. Every person involved in the business, including Suzie, Victoria, and tutors too, should be proud of receiving this. We’ve come together even closer during the last year and made things happen,” said David.
Other UK offices showed the exact same commitment, appearing on several shortlists throughout the night. These include Julian Field for the Spirit Award, Jessica Abram for Rookie of the Year, Mark and Joanna featuring again for Franchisee of the Year and Piyush Gupta appearing on that list too. President Frank Milner is thrilled to see UK franchisees making their mark on the global network.
“Every country has had its challenges to varying degrees during the pandemic,” said Frank. “However, it’s clear that UK franchisees have taken matters into their own hands. Seeing them take control of the situation, supporting families when they needed it most and helping those who are disadvantaged is extremely inspiring. And to have successful businesses too after all of it makes their recognition even better!”
With the next academic year approaching, franchisees are equipped with the tools and experience to embrace the influx of demand and make the necessary steps to get back to business normality.