Owner of ChipsAway Exeter and Torbay, Brandon Akerman, has made it to the finals of the prestigious 2023 BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards, in the ‘Next Generation’ category.

Fighting for his position amongst two other entrants, Brandon is a finalist in the category which is showcasing the younger generation – specifically looking to highlight those who’ve achieved so much before even reaching 30 years old.

Brandon invested in his ChipsAway franchise in 2020, aged just 21, after completing university with a drive to work for himself. Brandon is hugely motivated having watched his father run his own successful business, and after just 6 months in business, he expanded into a Car Care Centre (fixed base workshop) to be able to better service the growing demand for car paintwork repairs locally. Soon after this he added a 2nd territory covering the Torbay area with a mobile operation, and has continued to excel ever-since. Firstly, as a winner of industry magazine Bodyshop’s annual ‘30 under 30 Awards’ in 2021, swiftly followed by becoming ChipsAway’s ‘Rising Star’ at their 2022 Awards evening, and now as a finalist in the BFA HSBA Awards 2023!

Commenting on the announcement, Brandon said: “Over the past few years I’ve given everything to grow a successful business. Watching my team grow as individuals and as a group together through some really challenging times shows that with perseverance you can achieve all your goals in life and more. Seeing a customer’s reaction when they collect their car once we’ve finished can be so rewarding and really makes the hard work worthwhile. The support of my outstanding team, my amazing family and fantastic customers has been beyond compare. Regardless of the outcome, the recognition from the BFA means so much, and I’m filled with pride.”

Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the BFA said: “We would like to offer our enormous congratulations to all this year’s finalists. We received a huge number of entries, and it was wonderful to read of all the amazing work being done in the UK franchising sector. We applaud our finalists for their enthusiasm, dedication and tenacity and for continuing to uphold the highest standards of the association.”

UK Head of Franchise, Commercial Banking at sponsors HSBC Bank Gillian Morris said: “Shortlisting candidates for the HSBC bfa Awards is one of the toughest challenges of the year, once more the candidates were a very high standard, and it was very tough to shortlist just a few entries.  I was really impressed at the diversity of entries across brands and sectors, which is a great testament of the strength and reach of the franchise industry.  I am looking forward to meeting the finalists and wish them all luck!”

Winners will be announced at a gala black-tie event following the BFA’s annual conference on 9^th November 2023.