Martin and Debbie Beanlands and their £1 million Chem-Dry business scooped the accolade, along with nd an HSBC cheque for £3,000, at last week’s awards ceremony held at Birmingham’s Motorcycle Museum.

Before joining the company Mr and Mrs Beanlands had spent 18 years in the Royal Air Force, travelling the world. On rejoining Civvy Street in 1997 they invested in the Chem-Dry franchise. Initially sensing it was a leap into the unknown, they signed the documents, attended a training course, and launched their business from their garden shed.

Within a year the couple had exceeded their projected financial forecasts by 50 per cent, an achievement they attributed to following the Chem-Dry plan and calling the business development team for help and advice, sometimes on a daily basis.

Today they operate out of a 10,000 square foot purpose-built industrial unit in Earby, on the Yorkshire/Lancashire border, running nine vans, eight franchise areas, and employing 14 members of staff.

Their plan for the future is to consolidate what they have achieved and focus on maintaining their existing domestic and commercial accounts, as well as securing new business wherever possible.

The bfa/HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards were launched in April as a celebration of the best-performing franchisees in an industry now worth £10 billion annually and employing over 360,000 people in the UK.

The theme was Success Through Support, with the judging panel looking for franchisees who could show how their franchisor’s support structure has been instrumental to their success.

HSBC head of franchising Cathryn Hayes said: “Martin and Debbie have demonstrated drive and commitment to making their business a success, working closely with the franchisor and following the system.

“They have invested in staff, premises and equipment to enable them to grow and we are delighted to recognise their success in these awards.”

bfa Director General Brian Smart added: “These awards recognise the very best franchisees and how their focus and drive, supplemented by the support of a franchisor, grows sustainable, powerful businesses.

“Martin and Debbie are an inspiring example of such a partnership working at its very best, and we congratulate them on their win.”