A young entrepreneur from Ebbw Vale has been named Young Franchisee of the Year at the 2016 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards, which took place last night (September 29th) at Town Hall Birmingham.
Ben Witcomb, 26, oversees the Metro Rod franchise covering Newport, Hereford and Gloucester, which he joined as a teenager, at the age of 16. Ben became part of his dad’s business, and went on to become a full-time drainage engineer at 18, appointed as a director just four years later in 2012.
Ben soon became the driving force behind the business, enabling his father to semi-retire, and ultimately took over in recent years. Ben was responsible for the company growing in size from three staff to 14, including Ben’s brother-in-law.
Since becoming director, turnover has risen by 209% to over £1m in 2015/16.
Ben said: “I’m delighted for the whole team, who have helped me grow this business and make it a model for other Metro Rod franchises.”
Pip Wilkins, bfa chief executive, said: “Ben is a remarkable young businessman. The vision, skills and ambition he’s shown to implement new initiatives and growth strategies since taking over would have impressed the judges from someone much older. But to have tripled turnover to well over a million pounds in just four years, while still in his 20s, is an incredible achievement.”
Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchising for HSBC, commented: “I’m lucky to have mentored a lot of young entrepreneurs and Ben is right up there with the best of them. He’s got a rare ability to seek out opportunities and seize them, but always while growing sustainably and with complete control. He’s a shining example of how franchising offers a business education for young people with the drive and determination to succeed.”
Amongst the innovations he has introduced, Ben has changed the on-the-road management style to an office-based set-up, which includes a daily meeting with all staff present.
One of his biggest successes to date has been securing a major deal with Powys County Council.
The British Franchise Association (bfa) recognises the UK’s most exceptional operators in a range of categories, for their business growth and development, service excellence and ethical franchising practice.
The awards are the oldest and most prestigious in the franchise sector, running for nearly 30 years, and recognise franchising at its best across the UK’s £15bn franchise sector.
The 2016 awards has six categories:
- Young Franchisee of the Year
- Female Franchisee of the Year
- Olderpreneur Franchisee of the Year
- Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year
- B2B Franchisee of the Year
- Customer Service Franchisee of the Year
About the bfa
The British Franchise Association (bfa) is the only voluntary self-regulatory body for the UK franchise industry, with a standards based approach to membership. Its aim is to promote ethical franchising practice in the UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence and favourable circumstance for growth.
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