The British Franchise Association Franchisor of the Year Awards, which also recognises outstanding Brand Building and Enterprise, is organised by the British Franchise Association and sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank plc.

Being recognised and rewarded by industry peers can pay huge dividends, as last year's winners, Domino's, the £142 million pizza home delivery group, will testify.

Franchise sales manager Andy Cooke says: “The BFA Franchisor of the Year Awards is an industry showcase that recognises high standards within this increasingly important market sector and rewards those who are constantly striving for success.

“As a direct result of the award, franchise enquiries to Domino's increased by 30.5 per cent in 2004, from 2,270 to 3,269, without compromising on the quality of franchisees. This record of success is impressive and makes Domino's one of the major players in a highly competitive sector.”

Cooke adds that winning the award has also highlighted the quality of the Domino’s franchising concept and aided recruitment across the company.

“It reflects well on the franchisees, who proved that Domino's are beating the competition - as the theme of the awards suggested,” he says. “The entry process for the competition is very thorough and allowed us to undertake an in-depth review of practices and achievements and ensure that we work to the highest possible standard.”

This year the theme for the top title, BFA Franchisor of the Year, is "Support for Success" and is designed to highlight how franchisors are delivering strength to their franchisee network through an on-going programme of help and advice.

Director General of the BFA Brian Smart says: "The British Franchise Association Franchisor of the Year Awards is an industry showcase that recognises and promotes outstanding professionalism within this increasingly important market sector and seeks to reward those who are constantly striving for excellence, both for themselves and for the success of their networks."

Entries are also being invited for the category, Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year, which seeks to show how franchisors have both supported and added value to their brands during the past 18 months.

Business advertising manager Louise Cribbs says: "Building great brands is something we understand at Express Newspapers and we look forward to sharing the winner's story with our family of over four million readers."

The third category for national recognition is the HSBC Award for Enterprise, which aims to demonstrate how franchisors have used creative business strategies to increase profits and turnover.

National franchise manager, Cathryn Hayes says: "Enterprise is at the heart of every successful business and HSBC, who has supported the franchise industry for almost 20 years, is delighted to honour the innovators who lead and inspire within their chosen marketplace."

The winners of the BFA Franchisor of the Year Awards will be announced at a gala luncheon, which will take place at London's Savoy Hotel on Thursday May 26.

Entry forms are available from the BFA Offices, Thames View, Newtown Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 1HG. Alternatively, copies can be downloaded from the members' section of the BFA website at www.british-franchise.org.uk. Closing date for all entries is Friday February 18 2005.