The awards, organised by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and backed by Express Newspapers and the HSBC Bank, have a theme of customer focus.

Entrants have to show the judges how they track customer needs and respond to them through their systems, products and services.

The overall winner will scoop £5,000, while the runner-up receives £3,000, and £2,000 goes to the franchisee in third place.

Entries close on 29 June and the entry form can be downloaded from the BFA website.