Silver place was awarded to TaxAssist with bronze going to Wiltshire Farm Foods. The awards demonstrate that even during an economic downturn there are still many business success stories to be told, with this year's theme focused on 'Today's Foundations for Tomorrow's Success'.

The winner was selected from nine finalists; all strong contenders, but Countywide Grounds Maintenance's commitment in investing time and money into securing the future of their business and the many franchisee businesses making up their entire network, shone through.

Sir Bernard Ingham, president of the bfa and chairman of the judges for the awards said: "Franchisors today are under many pressures. They hold in their hands the livelihoods of many individual business owners and the means to secure their future demands, foresight, acumen and investment. This year the awards were conducted during a very difficult economic climate and the winner, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance has clearly demonstrated that the work it is doing will ensure the future success of its business."

Simon Stott, managing director at Countrywide Grounds Maintenance says, "It is a magnificent honour to win the bfa franchisor of the Year Awards, it is also testament to the hard work and dedication of all the head office support staff and franchisees. We have developed new and exciting initiatives over the last 18 months with our franchisees, to ensure that Countrywide Grounds Maintenance remains the market leader and the business drives its turnover and profitability forward during these challenging times."

bfa Franchisor of the Year:
Gold: Countrywide Ground Maintenance
Silver: TaxAssist
Bronze: Wiltshire Farm Foods

Alongside the bfa Franchisor of the Year Awards are the highly-prized Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year and HSBC Award for Enterprise. Both sought after in the industry, these awards reward exceptional levels of insight and investment in core areas of business.

The winner of the Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year: Green Thumb Geraldine Haenow, advertising group head at Express Newspapers explains, "This year's winner for the Express Newspapers Brand Builder of the Year Award, Green Thumb has shown real credence and has successfully built a reputable brand within the franchise industry over the last 12 months. Through ambitious planning and successful promotion Green Thumb has constructed a reliable platform for success and I'm sure this will accelerate its business to tackle the current unstable economic market head on."

The winner of the HSBC Award for Enterprise: Home Instead Senior Care Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising at HSBC says, "The HSBC Award for Enterprise finalists stand out from the crowd as franchisors. However the winner, Home Instead Senior Care has clearly developed creative business strategies to overcome some tough challenges, which otherwise would have hindered growth and development. It has also demonstrated perseverance and determination, establishing more effective ways of running its business."