The Awards, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank, recognise the top performing franchisors in the UK across three separate categories; the Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year, the HSBC Award for Enterprise and, for overall achievement, bfa Franchisor of the Year.

But, franchise the School of Rock? It couldn’t be done, according to most people that founder and managing director Clive Brooks spoke to, but he has proved them wrong.

Receiving his award Mr Brooks said: “It really is a rock ‘n’ roll dream come true, and this award is a validation of my life’s work. I’d always been involved in music, but it was my wife Amanda who persuaded me to start teaching it. It took off very quickly, and through the growth of the franchise network many talented musicians now have the same opportunity to turn their dreams into reality.”

The pioneering concept was launched when Mr Brooks first started teaching in a back bedroom in 1981. Having developed the ‘Easylearn’ method, which gets children playing right from day one, he wrote hundreds of structured lessons, for guitar, bass, drums and keyboard, before exploring the possibilities of franchising.

His first franchise sold in 2002 and, since then, he has built a network with more than 60 outlets throughout the UK and Ireland, with a further 10 due to start this year. Network turnover for 2007 is expected to exceed £600,000.

The franchising concept has been key to the rapid growth of the business. The advantages of franchisees’ local knowledge combined with the business systems established by the founder and his small family-based team creates a partnership that benefits all concerned.

The system relies heavily on technology that is used to deliver staff training programmes and an administration system that is easily managed by franchisees, while providing valuable feedback to head office. Internet links and space on selected websites also helps promote the business within the target market.

“This is one of the most original ideas we have seen in the Awards this year, and an excellent example of the flexibility of franchising,” said HSBC’s Head of Franchising Cathryn Hayes. “Clive’s success shows how a small business with big ideas can grow and flourish by applying the rules of franchising effectively and imaginatively.

“HSBC has been supporting the franchise industry for 20 years. The achievements of Clive Brooks, along with the high standards demonstrated by all the finalists in the 2007 Franchisor Awards, underline the strength of the franchise market and encourage us to continue our commitment to this exciting sector.”