THE search is on to find the UK’s top performing franchisees.

The British Franchise Association’s Franchisee of the Year Awards 2005, backed by HSBC Bank and Express Newspapers, recognise entrepreneurs who have built a successful business by using a proven formula in a sector worth £9bn a year.

Franchisors are asked to nominate their best franchisee by the June 17 deadline.

The winner will receive £5,000, with the runners-up netting £3,000 and £2,000. The results will be announced at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham in October.

Cathryn Hayes, national franchise manager for HSBC Bank, said: “Franchisees make a powerful contribution to the economy and to local communities through the creation of businesses, jobs and wealth, which is why HSBC has been supporting this exciting industry for 20 years. “

The judging panel, led by Sir Bernard Ingham, president of the BFA, is looking for franchisees whose businesses have outperformed competitors and excelled at managing change.

BFA director general Brian Smart, said: "These awards are an established industry showcase that demonstrate through practical example how becoming a franchisee can lead to professional success and personal fulfilment.

"They also demonstrate how taking on a franchise, with all its built-in support, can be a real and viable alternative to starting up an independent business from scratch."

Entry forms 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.british-franchise.org.uk.