Pictured: Brian Smart (bfa) Afia Sirkhot (McDonalds) Cathryn
Hayes (HSBC) and Ben Nealon (Express)
Local businesswoman Afia Sirkhot, who runs two McDonald's
restaurants in Dudley and Birmingham, was last night crowned the
Midland's 2011 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year, and the overall UK
Silver Award winner in the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards,
supported by Express Newspapers.
One of 14 exceptional finalists, Ms Sirkhot was praised for her
dedication to supporting her local Birmingham and Dudley
communities, creating training and development opportunities for
local people and helping to drive prosperity in these areas through
her work with local schools and police.
Ms Sirkhot commented on receiving the award: "This is such a
wonderful time to be recognised, knowing the hard work all the
staff have put in to achieving successes not only for the business,
but also in support of the local community. It is not just a reward
for me, but for all our employees across both restaurants.
"Along with the commitment of the staff, I have also received
huge support from McDonald's Franchising. It is wonderful to be
recognised not only by the bfa, but also by McDonald's, which, I am
delighted to announce, has recently offered me a third franchise in
the region."
Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising, HSBC, commented: "Afia is a
businesswoman who took on a real challenge not only in terms of
starting as a new franchisee, but in gaining the support of the
community in which she operates. Her passion for delivering great
customer service and her commitment to her staff came across
strongly - she is a true credit to the franchising industry and an
inspiration to small businesses across the UK."
Seán Hammond, Head of Franchising, Express Newspapers,
stated: "These Awards continue to reveal the business talent we
host in the UK. Their success stories provide food for thought to
existing and potential franchisees, and I congratulate every
finalist on their enormous achievement."
Brian Smart, Director General, British Franchise Association
(bfa), said: "There were so many strong stories this year,
revealing the small businesses which have truly taken advantage of
the franchise model to deliver success. We are thrilled to announce
the winners of the 2011 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards and
are particularly pleased to see the level of commitment the winning
franchisees have placed on supporting their communities and
adapting their businesses to reflect the challenges of the economic
environment."
Also celebrating wins last night for their efforts were:
• Gold Award - Mike and Catharine Chalton, Home Instead
Senior Care (Moreton, Wirral)
• Bronze Award - Ian Cain, NBC Bird and Pest Solutions
(Edinburgh)
Along with the overall Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners,
four other regional winners were selected:
London and the South East
• Asad Hamir, Amar Radia and Adarsh Radia, O2 (London
W1)
Scotland
• Ian Cain, NBC Bird and Pest Control (Edinburgh)
The North
• Mike and Catharine Chalton, Home Instead Senior Care
(Moreton, Wirral)
The South West and Wales
• Lorraine Thompson, Driver Hire (Oxford)