Top franchisors shortlisted for 2013 Best Franchise Awards

SWINDON, U.K. - Nov. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- Smith & Henderson today announces the finalists for The 2013 Best Franchise Awards, sponsored by Lloyds Bank and supported by Franchise World. The shortlisted franchisors were selected based on feedback from thousands of actual franchisees, gathered through an industry-wide study of franchisee satisfaction.

Franchisees were invited to complete the anonymous Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark survey and rate the training and support provided by their franchisor, the franchise system and their overall franchise ownership experience.  The top franchisors have then been shortlisted for The 2013 Best Franchise Awards, supported by Lloyds Bank.

There are three award categories and the finalists are highlighted below:

Best Growing Franchisor (open to franchisors with less than 25 franchisees or franchising less than two years):

·         Cloud Bookkeeping

·         Diddi Dance

·         Wilkins Chimney Sweep

Best Overall Franchise (open to franchisors with 25+ franchisees):

·         ActionCOACH

·         Home Instead Senior Care

·         Little Kickers

·         McDonald’s Restaurants

·         Puddle Ducks

·         TaxAssist Accountants

Best Training & Support

All nine above finalists are also shortlisted for Best Training & Support.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 5^th December at The Best Franchise Conference.  This includes nine best practice seminars designed to help franchisors improve their support, franchise systems and network performance.

The shortlisted franchisors will present to a judging panel on 26^th November.  The panel includes:

·         Richard Holden, Head of Franchising, Lloyds Bank

·         Graeme Payne, Partner, Bird & Bird LLP

·         Carl Reader, Partner, Dennis & Turnbull Accountants

·         Derrick Simpson, Director, Franchise Resales

·         Suzie McCafferty, Franchise Consultant, Platinum Wave

·         Gary Rigby, Franchise Consultant, Franchise Development Services

Richard Holden, Head of Franchising at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said “We are delighted to be supporting the Best Franchise Awards once again, which recognise outstanding franchisors and help drive up industry standards. Sharing best practice and recognising excellence are valuable contributors to promoting ethical franchising in the UK, and Lloyds Bank is committed to assisting franchise brands that demonstrate the highest levels of support to their network of franchisees.”

Steven Frost, Smith & Henderson, which coordinates the programme, said, “The Best Franchise Awards are based on what really counts – the experience of thousands of actual franchisees. These shortlisted franchisors therefore represent an elite group of franchisors that provide first class support to their franchisees.  We should congratulate them for their achievements.”

More information about the awards can be found at www.smithhenderson.com/franchising

Notes for Editors

Smith & Henderson is a leading independent research company, specialising in franchising.  They are also proud British Franchise Association members.

For information about Smith & Henderson please visit www.smithhenderson.com. For further information please contact Steven Frost on tel: 0845 8620454 / 0790 3489 877 or email: info@smithhenderson.com.