The Awards, sponsored by HSBC Bank and Express Newspapers, celebrate the UK’s best performing franchisees in an industry now worth an annual £12.4 billion to the economy.

Angie Baynes, who started her photography studio franchise five years ago, impressed the judging panel by demonstrating how she has ‘managed change’ – the theme of this year’s Awards.

Angie shares her father’s passion for photography and has worked hard over the last five years to establish two successful Venture UK studios in York and Hull.

She started her career at the age of 18 when she began working at her father’s photography studio and just a few years later, Angie felt that she had gained enough experience to open her own studio.

The support network of a franchisor gave Angie the confidence boost she needed and in November 2003, she acquired the York based Venture franchise, opening its doors with a diary full of appointments!

Despite being only 22 years old, Angie faced the challenge of running her own business head-on and her first year was a great success.

However, it soon became obvious that she would not be able to keep working at such a pace and with the help of the franchisor, realised the importance in delegating responsibility to her team. Although it was initially hard to relinquish some of the control, her business could now continue to grow with a solid team behind her.

In 2006, after three successful years of running the York studio, Angie was able to buy a second studio in Hull town centre.

Her wealth of experience has driven her business from strength to strength and she is now the proud Managing Director of a successful £2 million turnover, multi site franchise business.  

HSBC’s Head of Franchising, Cathryn Hayes, said: “HSBC has been supporting the franchise industry for more than 20 years and we are delighted to present Angie with the 2008 Gold Award.

“Angie is an excellent example of how a new generation of franchisees are committed to driving this important sector forward. Her determination to build a successful business should be an inspiration to anyone thinking about franchising.”

Brian Smart, Director General of the bfa, added: “Judging these Awards is always a difficult task but we felt Angie epitomised the essence of franchising model working at its best.

“With nearly half of the British public preferring to use a franchise over a non-franchised business, Angie stood out as a pioneer in a sector that is home to some of the country’s most successful brands.”

Express Newspapers’ Franchise and Business Opportunities Advertising Sales Manager, Geraldine Haenow, said: “We hope being named the 2008 Gold Award Winner will add to Angie’s future success and we look forward to sharing her story with our readers.”  

Craig Harrison, of Pirtek Stoke, was named the Silver Award Winner and Lisa Tobias, of Domino’s Pizza (Kilmarnock, Ayr, Clydebank and Govan), walked away with the Bronze Award – each were presented with cheques for £3,000 and £2,000 respectively.