With that in mind, the search is now underway to find Britain’s top performing franchisees with the launch of the British Franchise Association’s (bfa) Franchisee of the Year Awards 2007, organised by the bfa and backed by HSBC Bank and Express Newspapers.

Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising for HSBC Bank, said: “Franchisees are fundamental to the success of the booming franchise industry, which now employs more than 370,000 people, and that is why HSBC has been supporting this exciting sector for over 20 years.

“We’re calling on the UK’s best franchisees to tell us why they should be named bfa Franchisee of the Year,” she added.

The theme for this year awards is ‘Customer Focus’, with entrants being asked to demonstrate to the judging panel how they are tracking consumer needs and responding through their systems, products and services in order to meet demand.

The finalists will be invited to attend a glittering black-tie event, which takes place during National Franchise Week at the International Convention Centre (ICC), in Birmingham on Thursday October 4.

The winners will be presented with their Awards in front of an audience of 250 guests drawn from the worlds of business, politics and the media.

Prize money of £10,000 is given by HSBC, with the overall winner walking away with the top prize of £5,000, followed by two runners-up who will receive £3,000 and £2,000 respectively.

In preparing their entries, applicants are being asked by the judges to demonstrate, in no more than 1,000 words, how they have achieved commercial success by focusing on customer care and following a proven business formula.

Brian Smart Director General of the bfa, said: “These unique Awards are an established showcase that honours the very best within the franchising industry and seeks to reward those who constantly strive for excellence and so achieve success both for themselves and their networks.”

Yvette Taylor, Classified Advertising Controller at Express Newspapers, added: “The Finalists of these prestigious Awards are outstanding ambassadors for the franchising industry and their achievements are an inspiration to anyone who is considering starting up their own franchise. We look forward to sharing their success stories with our readers.”

Entry forms for the Awards are available by post from the bfa, Thames View, Newtown Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 1HG, or online from the Members section of the bfa website www.thebfa.org/members.

The closing date for entries is Friday, June 29.