Donald McClymont, owner of Driver Hire Ayrshire & Dumfries, is into the final round of the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC ‘Franchisee of the Year’ awards, nominated in the ‘Customer Focus’ category.

Donald initially bought the business as a joint franchisee in 2005. He became sole franchisee in 2013. Under his leadership, working alongside Gordon Hyslop, Sales Manager since 2005 and a director since 2014, Driver Hire Ayrshire & Dumfries has gone from strength to strength. A strong performance in 2015/16, when sales exceeded the £2.5m turnover mark, continued in 2016/17 when revenue grew by 4.81%.

“Gordon and I have created an exceptionally successful franchise business,” says Donald. “We trade with major national companies and locally based businesses. In addition to ourselves, we now employ six additional members of staff. Our success is based on one simple principle – great customer service, 24/7.”

Donald adds: “To be nominated as a finalist and have our efforts recognised at a national level is fantastic. I have a great team working for me and this nomination reflects as much on them as it does on me. And of course, Driver Hire’s proven business model and excellent support has played its part in our success.”

Pip Wilkins, the bfa’s CEO, commented, “With so many inspirational stories from our member franchisees, it’s always a tough task to narrow it down to 15 finalists. These outstanding business owners have so many different reasons for taking control of their business lives, and to hear the diversity in these stories is always so empowering. All of our finalists this year are an excellent example of how the franchisor’s collaborative approach, combined with the go-getting attitude of the franchisee, generates success at both individual and network levels.”

Commenting on their award, Chris Chidley, Driver Hire’s Chief Executive officer said: “Donald, Gordon and all the team at Ayrshire & Dumfries continue to deliver the goods. Their commitment and hard work has ensured that they have been one of our top performing offices for several years. They are a great advert for franchising. This recognition is well deserved.”

Category winners will be named on 28th June 2017 at the newly combined bfa HSBC Franchise Awards, a black-tie ceremony held between day one and two of the bfa Annual Conference, at the ICC in Birmingham. The overall UK Franchisee of the Year 2017 will be named from one of the five category winners by an audience vote on the night.