A former police community support officer, he currently operates three Cash Generator stores in the region, and is planning to open a fourth. It was a desire to ultimately own his own business that led him to start researching franchise opportunities. He was eventually drawn to Cash Generator by its business model and multi income streams, and he opened his first store in October 2006.

The discount high street retailer offers a selection of pre-owned and brand new items for sale at bargain prices, and provides instant cash for goods.

It also offers a range of competitive financial services, including cheque cashing, personal and asset-backed instant cash loans, and foreign currency exchange.

Mr Bourne, from Weymouth in Dorset, said: “I gave franchising my all from day one, and it has paid off handsomely. Winning the South West 2010 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award is simply amazing and comes just four years after starting my first Cash Generator franchise.

“The success of my first store and the subsequent others in Yeovil and Southampton, and soon to be in Poole, are down to everybody’s hard work. The award is recognition of all those who work with me to make this and future ventures as successful as the previous.”

Brian Smart, Director General, British Franchise Association (bfa), said: “Mr Bourne is an exceptional individual who has changed his life completely in the past few years. His successful business now employs 30 people, so he’s not only providing a successful service, but contributing to local communities by providing valuable jobs. He is a credit to the franchise sector and a worthy recipient of his award.”   

Guy Whittaker, who runs a Dairy Crest franchise in Guildford, Surrey, won the regional finalist award for the London and the South East region.