A national search is launched this week to find Britain's top performing franchisors operating in an industry now worth more than £9.65 billion per annum to the economy.

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.

Last year's winners were Domino's, the £142 million pizza home delivery group, who claim to have created 15 millionaire Franchisees, the youngest still being in his late 20's.

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, said: "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, said "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 4 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, said "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 glittering gala luncheon to be held at London's Savoy Hotel on Thursday 26th May 2005.

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; www.thebfa.org.

Closing date for all entries is Friday 18th February 2005.

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For more information, please call Katie Ellerker or Jo Oliver at Aspect Communications on 020 8673 2020.