We are very proud to be shortlisted as the British Franchise Association’s (bfa) ‘Emerging Franchisor of the Year’ in their 2019 Franchise Awards, held on 27th June in Birmingham! Today is the day of our interview and presentation with an expert panel of judges and we are very excited to tell everyone about our amazing franchise!
What does it mean to be a bfa finalist?
To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award in the franchising industry is a massive achievement, as the bfa sets the standard for franchising in the UK. Pip Wilkins, CEO of the bfa, stated: “This year was particularly tough, as so many franchise brands presented excellent cases for being put forward, so for those that have been shortlisted, they really have gone above and beyond in helping their network.”
Pip goes on to congratulate us: “Award Leisure presented a business model that works and benefits the entire network, and I look forward to hearing more from the company in the next stage of the awards process – our panel presentation and Q&A.”
We are very proud of our achievement as a franchise, with Andrew Brattesani, Head of Franchising for HSBC, recognising our commitment to our high standards: “Award Leisure has kept family run business values at heart, and has shown a real commitment to its franchisees and growing its brand since becoming a franchise in 2016.”
We have taken advantage of every opportunity the bfa have presented to us, attending events, seminars and training days to learn as much as we can about implementing a successful franchise strategy. We are committed to sustainable growth, taking on 1 franchisee for every year we have been accredited by the bfa.
What about our franchisees?
Our first franchisee to join the Award Leisure family in 2017, Simon Baggaley of Award Leisure Birmingham, enjoys the benefits of our accreditation and experience gained from the bfa: “We really hit the ground running in the hot tub business thanks to the outstanding team at Award Leisure. It would have taken us years to build the supply chain, product range, website, marketing materials and proposition without the franchise. We also hit our year 2 targets in the first year which would have been impossible without the superb support from Jessica.”
Simon has also been recognised by Coast Spas Hot Tub Manufacturers for his outstanding performance, being awarded the ‘New Dealer of the Year’ at the 2018 Coast Spas awards.
The Award Leisure family also extends up North with Adrian Lee of Award Leisure Cheshire. Adrian has also benefited from unparalleled support and experience: “Since joining the Award Leisure franchise in 2017, we have seen our hot tub & outdoor leisure business grow from strength to strength. The support from Jessica and the team at Award Leisure has been second to none, and are always ready to help. The people we meet and the products we sell really make every day as an Award Leisure franchisee exciting!”
What would it mean to win?
Obviously, it would be fantastic to go all the way and win this amazing award in June – but the success goes deeper than this! It will be such a testament to our high standards, integrity and passion that goes into what we do every day. Not only will it honour us, it will show the sheer blood, sweat and tears that our staff and franchisees put in every day to make the Award Leisure brand so successful.
Moving forward, winning this award will be amazing for building confidence in potential franchisees looking to invest in Award Leisure, as well as making it easier than ever for dealers to become Brand Ambassadors for Coast Spas.
We are very excited for the bfa Awards on the 27th June, and no matter the outcome, the only way is up for Award Leisure Franchise! If you want more information about joining as an Award Leisure Franchisee, you can get a Free Prospectus and book your Discovery Day to get started on your exciting journey.
