Sponsored by Express Newspapers and HSBC, the awards set out to acknowledge those franchisors that can clearly demonstrate how they have secured ‘today’s foundations for tomorrow’s success’; the theme of this year’s awards.
TaxAssist Accountants is the UK’s largest network of accountants, and business development director Sarah Robertson said that everyone within the organisation was delighted to have received the silver award. 
She said: “It sends out a clear message to our existing franchisees and staff, as well as potential recruits, that TaxAssist Accountants is fully committed to supporting the growth of our franchisees.”
In response to the current recession, she explained how TaxAssist Accountants had continued to build on the strong model it already had in place.
“We’ve also communicated frequently with the franchise network to ensure that we continue to be ‘fleet of foot’ and able to adapt where necessary. To date, we have not experienced any serious impact from the recession and sales growth remains comparative to last year,” said Ms Robertson.
With the UK now in recession for the first time since 1991, 2008 has proved to be a testing time for many businesses. However, this year’s award winners have all remained resilient, proving that the franchising industry, which encompasses various sectors, is certainly weathering the proverbial storm.
Director General of the bfa Brian Smart said: “TaxAssist have worked hard to make the whole business of accountancy more exciting and accessible, and they have done so with the mix of sound business sense and creativity that we’ve come to expect from our top franchisors.
“Communicating with franchisees on a regular basis and remaining quick on their feet, they can adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, helping reduce the impact of the economic downturn. This is a business that has successfully identified a specific need - and delivered it in a carefully targeted manner that sets it apart from its competitors,” he added.
Nine franchises had been shortlisted as finalists, with Countrywide Grounds Maintenance taking the Gold Award and Wiltshire Farm Foods taking Bronze. All had proven that as franchisors they have invested time and money into securing the future of their business and the many franchisee businesses making up their entire network.