The British Franchise Association (bfa) & HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards 2010, supported by Express Newspapers, are inviting inspirational stories of achievement and examples of excellence from franchisors that have beaten the odds in the last year.

Now in their second decade, the awards celebrate the best in ethical franchising, and this year looks set to be more interesting than ever, as competing franchisors demonstrate how they have risen to the challenge of managing, securing and growing a franchise network in a recession.

As well as raising the profile of the franchise to customers, suppliers and potential franchisees, the winner’s accolade provides an opportunity to motivate staff and franchisees by recognising their hard work.

Applications are invited for three awards; the bfa & HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award supported by Express Newspapers; the HSBC Franchisee Support Award and the Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year Award.

Brian Smart, Director General of the bfa, said: “The bfa & HSBC Franchisor of the Year Award, open to full members of the bfa, provides a platform for businesses to truly shine and demonstrate that they are leading the way in franchising best practice.”

The deadline for entries is March 31. National finalists will be invited for interview with the judging panel on April 29 or 30, with the winners being announced at a gala dinner on June 2.

bfa members should be receiving entry forms in the post, and additional entry forms can be downloaded from the Members section of www.thebfa.org

For more information call the bfa on 01865 379 892.