Smart formula for success

Autosmart International, the UK’s largest manufacturer of vehicle cleaning products, is celebrating after winning the bfa Franchisor of the Year Gold Award 2012. This is their 5th top award from the bfa in the last 7 years.

Commenting on their success, managing director, Sophie Atkinson said, “this is the OSCAR of the franchising world and winning it is a huge compliment to our commitment to every franchisee. I am thrilled that we have been chosen as Franchisor of the Year by some of the UK’s leading authorities in franchising. It is especially rewarding as last year we won the top bfa award for Franchisee Support.

 “We’ve been franchising for over 30 years now and are very motivated by helping franchisees to build their own successful and profitable businesses. As the market changes, we have adapted our business model to meet the needs of both franchisees and customers, ensuring that we always provide the highest quality products and services and the best possible value.”

Cathryn Hayes, HSBC's head of franchising and a judge on the 2012 bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year Awards panel said, "the decision this year was even harder than ever, with such a successful and impressive group of companies on the shortlist - the team at Autosmart should be very proud to win the Gold award!"

Keith Ellwood,

BFA Franchisee of the Year 2012

Autosmart franchisee for Edinburgh, Keith Ellwood, has been crowned bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year 2012. This win means that Autosmart has achieved the unique double, having also being chosen as the bfa HSBC Franchisor of the Year for 2012.

Keith, who also awarded the title of Best Franchisee for Scotland and Northern Ireland, has been an Autosmart franchisee for 15 years and already had the 3rd highest sales in the network. The judges were impressed with how, after 5 years of relatively steady sales, Keith found new motivation and drive to grow sales by over 40%.

He achieved this by investing in a new on-board computer system, which reduced administration dramatically, a larger showroom to improve merchandising and by introducing credit card payments using a mobile terminal, making it easier for customers to purchase Autosmart products from him.

Keith said: "Winning this award and receiving the recognition from the industry is a fantastic feeling. I really enjoy running my franchise, this year more so than ever, and I'm looking forward to driving my business still further forward." 

Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising at HSBC, said: "Keith demonstrated how tenacious customer relationship management can help shape business growth. His enthusiasm for his business is clear and his work over the past 12 months has propelled his business towards a phenomenal future."