Fiona Ibbetson, director of Get Ahead Leeds, York & Harrogate, and Yorkshire Businesswoman member, is delighted to have been selected as a finalist in the bfa HSBC British Franchise Awards 2021.
These prestigious industry awards are designed to recognise the diamond standard in franchising, acknowledging brands that have gone above and beyond to build a franchise community based on strong ethics and business success.
Fiona has been shortlisted in the Lifestyle Franchisee Award. Franchisor Get Ahead has also been shortlisted in the Franchise Balance Award, one of just a few franchises to secure two category finalists.
“The standard of this years’ applicants has been outstanding. We have seen incredible displays of commitment, dedication and passion across a multitude of sectors throughout the franchise industry.” says bfa CEO, Pip Wilkins.
The awards received a record number of entries this year, making the competition for finalist places even more fierce. The winners will be announced at the Vox, Birmingham, on November 30.
Commenting on her finalist achievement, Fiona said, “I am delighted to be shortlisted in these national business awards. A better work-life balance was the reason I bought my franchise. Though I loved my corporate career, I knew my life had to change. I wanted to be a greater part of my children’s lives as they were growing up, not rely on grandparents. The flexibility of running my franchise means that I now get to spend much more time with my children, as well as realise my dream of running my own business.”
Along with the work-life balance benefit, Fiona has created a successful, growing business, delivering consistently strong growth since her launch in 2018. She recently expanded her territory of Leeds and Wakefield into the neighbouring areas of York and Harrogate, to enable her to welcome new clients on board and invite new virtual assistants to join her team. Fiona was recently crowned a winner at the first-ever Great British Franchisee Awards 2021.
Awards recognition continues for Fiona’s mentor and Get Ahead founder Rebecca Newenham, who has been shortlisted in two categories for the Best Business Women Awards 2021, for Most Inspiring Businesswoman and Best Business Woman in Business Services. The winners of these awards will be announced at the Best Business Women Awards Gala Final at the Hilton Wembley on 15th October. Rebecca has also been shortlisted in two categories for the National Business Women’s Awards 2021, for Business Owner of the Year and Southern England Business Woman of the Year. The winners of these awards will be crowned at the Grand Awards Celebration on Friday 19th November 2021.
