Organisers of the Franchisor of the Year awards have announced several changes in an attempt to improve this year’s ceremony, which is due to take place in June.

The 2003 event, which is organised by the British Franchise Association (BFA), will see several new award categories and modifications to existing sections following a lengthy consultation period with representatives from across the franchise industry.

From this year, the awards ceremony will only be open to full BFA members. Nominees will also have to explain to the judging panel, which will be chaired by Sir Bernard Ingham, details of their initiatives to increase revenue streams and their motivational techniques to improve franchisees’ results.

Two new categories will be introduced for the 2003 ceremony - the Daily Express Brand Builder of the Year and the HSBC Award for Enterprise.

The Brand Builder award, which will also be open to provisional BFA members, will go to a business that can demonstrate sustainable growth and network building, while the Award for Enterprise will be presented to a franchisor who has created a new market or service, expanded overseas or overcome severe business difficulties.

Brian Smart, director general of the BFA, said: “It is particularly fitting in our 25th year that we continue to deliver the clear message that franchising, which is worth almost £10 billion to the UK economy, is a sector that offers a safe a viable route for businesses to expand.

“These awards demonstrate the special benefits that franchising presents by giving the first class role models within our industry an opportunity to bring franchising to a wider audience.”

The awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London on 4 June. The nominees for the three main categories are:

2003 BFA Franchisor of the Year – Domino’s Pizza, Drain Doctor, Durham Pine, Martin & Co., O’Briens Irish Sandwich Bars, Recognition Express, Signs Express, Stagecoach Theatre Arts and Toni & Guy.

Daily Express Brand-Builder of the Year – Cartridge World, Riverford Organic Vegetables and Snap-on Tools.

HSBC Award for Enterprise – Metro Rod, Property Search Group and Swisher Hygiene.