NATIONAL AWARD NOMINATION FOR PRESTON DRAIN DOCTOR

Preston-based Drain Doctor franchisee Kevin Preston has been nominated for a major national British Franchise Association (BFA) award.

Kevin, co-owner of the North West Drain Doctor multiple area ‘mega franchise’ Drainage Investigations & Solutions, has been selected by the BFA as one of 20 of the UK’s best franchising entrepreneurs. He has been shortlisted in the B2B Franchisee of the Year category of the BFA HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2015, supported by Express Newspapers.

Following a record number of entries, the 20 business owners from across Britain had to demonstrate the highest standards to be in contention for the most prestigious honours available to individuals in franchising.

One of the six category winners will be named BFA HSBC Franchisee of the Year 2015.

Kevin and Dawn Preston formed the award-winning Preston-based Drainage Investigations & Solutions by pooling their resources with the neighbouring Drain Doctor franchise business owned by Nick and Lisa Birtles three years ago. This ‘mega franchise’ now covers a large part of the North West of England.

In July Kevin underwent a 30 minute judging interview that consisted of a 15 minute presentation and a gruelling Q&A with the panel of judges. His impressive performance secured him a place at the gala awards ceremony and dinner, which will be held at Birmingham Town Hall on 1 October.

Commenting on the quality of the entries in this year’s awards Andy Brattesani, head of franchising for HSBC and one of the awards judges, said: “The process to reach this shortlist proved very difficult indeed thanks to the calibre of entries and these 20 franchisees should feel extremely proud to have reached this stage.”

Kevin said: “The award is not just about me. This nomination is recognition of the hard work which the North West team – my wife Dawn, our partners Nick and Lisa Birtles and all our technicians – has put in to provide people throughout our operational area with dazzling plumbing and drainage service.

“This would not have been possible without us all working together and I am proud to have such a dedicated and loyal team.

“Success is the product of a national identity coupled with a proven system and the ongoing training and motivation of our technicians. We are emerging from a long recession and our new and returning customer base is increasing and we have expanded accordingly.”

Drain Doctor group founder and chairman Freddie Mitman said “Not only have Kevin and Dawn generated outstanding financial results related to the population of the area they serve but they have developed good customer relationships, are good Drain Doctor ‘team players’ and follow the Drain Doctor system to provide dazzling levels of customer service.

“It is always great to be recognised for our efforts in business. Kevin is one of our longest serving franchisees and is very much a part of the solid backbone of Drain Doctor Plumbing. This is a prestigious award and winning it would be great for Kevin and great for Drain Doctor. Everyone across the Drain Doctor network wishes Kevin Preston, his wife Dawn and all those involved in the North West franchise the best of luck.”

Image caption: Preston Drain Doctor Kevin Preston is a finalist in the national British Franchise Association (BFA) Franchisee of the Year award.