The winners of the 2008 bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards were announced at a glittering Awards luncheon held at London's Sheraton Park Lane Hotel last Thursday, 22nd May.

The Awards, sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC Bank, seek out the top performing franchisors in the UK, rewarding individual excellence and highlighting the increasing influence of a market sector now worth £12.4 billion a year.

This year, entries were accepted 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 where the theme was 'now and then, five years on'. Short listed companies for the bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards had to demonstrate the developments they have brought to their businesses in the past five years.

Taking home the Gold Award and the much sought after title of "bfa Franchisor of the Year 2008" was Autosmart International. The Silver Award went to TaxAssist Accountants and the Bronze Award was scooped up by Oscar Pet Foods.

The Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year - which recognises franchisors that have both supported and added value to their brands during the past 12 months - was awarded to Dream Doors.

The HSBC Award for Enterprise acknowledging franchisors that have used creative business strategies to overcome unusual odds, or to find success where, perhaps, others have failed was taken home by O2 UK.

Director General of the bfa, Brian Smart, said: "This year's competition was extremely difficult to judge, with high quality contributions from many of the entrants. All the winners deserve recognition for their outstanding achievements. They have continually developed their business models to support their network of franchisees, ensuring maximise growth whilst building sustainable and profitable businesses"