Autosmart franchisee for Edinburgh, Keith Ellwood, has been crowned bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year 2012. This win means that Autosmart has achieved the unique double, having also being chosen as the bfa HSBC Franchise of the Year for 2012.

Keith, who also awarded the title of Best Franchisee for Scotland and Northern Ireland, has been an Autosmart franchisee for 15 years and already had the 3rd highest sales in the network. The judges were impressed with how, after 5 years of relatively steady sales, Keith found new motivation and drive to grow sales by over 40%.

He achieved this by investing in a new on-board computer system, which reduced administration dramatically, a larger showroom to improve merchandising and by introducing credit card payments using a mobile terminal, making it easier for customers to purchase Autosmart products from him.

Keith said: "Winning this award and receiving the recognition from the industry is a fantastic feeling. I really enjoy running my franchise, this year more so than ever, and I'm looking forward to driving my business still further forward." 

Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising at HSBC, said: "Keith demonstrated how tenacious customer relationship management can help shape business growth. His enthusiasm for his business is clear and his work over the past 12 months has propelled his business towards a phenomenal future."