British Franchise Association hosts virtual award ceremony

The HSBC British Franchise awards celebrated the best brands during an unprecedented year.

The HSBC British Franchise awards took place last night (30 November, 2020), and were held virtually for the first time ever.

Typically taking place in June at The Vox in Birmingham, this year’s event was adapted for a virtual setting to put the health and safety of finalists and the events team at the forefront.

“It has been a strange and difficult year for all businesses, but we are pleased that we’ve been able to bring some positivity to our finalists and winners to round off 2020,” said Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa. “There are more franchise systems than ever before, showing that businesses are choosing franchising as an ideal model for them. Each winner should feel very proud of what they’ve achieved.”

There were a number of big winners on the night, with Home Instead Senior Care taking home the coveted Gold Franchisor of the Year award. The Silver winner was Revive! Auto Innovations, with Snap-on Tools taking home Bronze.

“We are honored to have been named as Gold Franchisor of the Year,” said Ruth Brown, business development director for Home Instead Senior Care. “This award is very special, but to win it in 2020 feels extra special as it’s such an extraordinary year.

“This accolade is down to the hard work and commitment of so many people – from the team of experts here at National Office to our franchise owners and their key players and, of course, our amazing CAREGivers. We could not accept this award without also thanking the many clients and their families who entrust their care to us. Thank you to the bfa for bestowing this honor on us.”

Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchising at HSBC, reflected on this year’s especially unique awards: “It’s been a difficult year for all businesses, so we are pleased to see members of the franchise community thriving, having adapted to operate successfully despite the difficulties thrown their way. I’d like to congratulate all finalists and winners and hope to see them all thrive in the months ahead.”

The full list of this year’s winners were as follows:

• Franchisee Transformation – Siva Kugathas, Service Master

• Franchisee Lifestyle – Katherine Watmough, Monkey Music

• Franchisee Local Focus – Aaron Doherty, Footlights

• Franchise Multi-Unit – Raja Adil, The Adil Group

• Franchisee Next Generation – James Burke, ActionCOACH

• Franchisor Leadership & Culture – Water Babies

• Franchisor Emerging – M yWindowCleaner

• Franchisor Business Transformation – Shuttercraft

• Franchisor International Superbrand – Little Kickers

• Franchisee of the Year (People’s Choice Award) – Aaron Doherty, Footlights

Franchisor of the Year:

• GOLD – Home Instead Senior Care

• SILVER – Revive! Auto Innovations

• BRONZE – Snap-on Tools

Want to be in with the chance of taking home a coveted Global Franchise Award, of which Pip Wilkins from the bfa is the chair of judges? Make sure to head over to globalfranchisemagazine.com/awards for more information, and enter your brand by 14 January, 2021!