Tag Archive for: bfa hsbc great british franchise awards

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ServiceMaster Clean By Deeland named as a finalist in the 36th BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards

The team at ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland have been announced as finalists in the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards for the second consecutive year.

Big things are happening at ServiceMaster Clean By Deeland.

Jane Pailsey and Andre Gottemaker are celebrating after being named one of 56 finalists in the prestigious 2025 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, in the hotly contested Customer Focus category, after being named finalists in the HSBC UK Best in Class Multi-Unit Multi-Brand Award last year.

Nick Dee Shepland bought a ServiceMaster Clean business, which provides expert commercial cleaning services, in 1991. In 2021, it became an Employee Ownership Trust, whereby 80% of the company shares are held in trust on behalf of the employees and has been run by Jane and Andre’s Senior Leadership Team ever since from their Newbury-based head office.

The BFA HSBC UK Franchise Awards

The BFA (British Franchise Association) is the UK’s leading authority on franchising, dedicated to upholding ethical business practices and high standards. Established in 1977, it empowers businesses and individuals through accreditation, education, and expert guidance.

The awards are sponsored by HSBC UK. UK Head of Franchise Gillian Morris said:

“My warmest congratulations to all the finalists in this year’s British Franchise Awards. It’s certainly not an easy task, but shortlisting the entries and choosing the finalists is one of the highlights of my year. As ever, there are some brilliant businesses amongst this year’s entrants. They really do represent the best of British franchising, and I look forward to seeing them all at the awards ceremony in November.”

Chief Executive of the BFA, Pip Wilkins, said:

“Our huge congratulations to Jane and Andre, and all our finalists this year. As ever, the entries were very strong, and we commend each and every one of them for their efforts over the past 12 months to do more and to do better. Our members and their franchisees are the backbone of the BFA, upholding the ethical values of the association, and we thank them for their commitment. The winners will be announced at our awards event in November, when the best in UK franchising come together to celebrate success. We look forward to seeing Jane and Andre there on the night and wish them the very best of luck.”

Winners will be revealed at a black-tie dinner in Telford on 6th November 2025, following the association’s annual conference.

Need award-winning cleaning?

If you’re in Newbury and the surrounding areas and would benefit from professional contract cleaning services from a multi-award-winning business, contact the team on 0845 155 1026 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

International Women’s Day: CJ Micallef from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester

ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester’s CJ Micallef shares how she navigates being a woman in business. 

CJ Micallef’s parents, Martin and Sarah Steinman, purchased ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester in the UK in early 1991.

Having now mostly stepped away from the business, which they began using their life savings, ServiceMaster Manchester is in the capable hands of CJ, who continues to oversee its growth into a thriving business.

Working regularly on charity initiatives, staff support and development, and having seen the business grow even during some of the toughest COVID-19 restrictions in the UK, CJ is a shining example of an everyday hero.

She says the key to her success is a willingness to get her hands dirty. After joining the business as a cleaner and performing every role within it subsequently, CJ knows what it takes to achieve success and growth in a cleaning business.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we spoke to CJ about what it means to be a successful woman in business.

What’s the best career advice you’ve been given?

“Believe in yourself, stand strong, and (most importantly) always be yourself.”

“Don’t give up at the first hurdle, there is always another chance or solution. Learn from your mistakes, this ultimately makes you a better manager, leader and person. Always ask for help. No one likes a know-it-all.”

What advice do you have for women looking to grow their own business? 

“Trust yourself. You have all the answers within you, make that leap. Why would you work for anyone else if you can do it better? Trust your instincts, all the while making time for you and your family, as the rewards will be greater all around if you make that space for yourself.”

What do you wish more people knew about being a woman in business?

“Women in business are not just one dimensional, we have many skills and talents, and often we give so much more commitment than is recognised as we often put others first.

Sometimes we feel that we are not experienced enough or assertive enough or passionate enough. But we can achieve anything we want and more.

Women can be as fierce as men in the boardroom, whilst remaining empathetic, we provide support and are team players as well as strong leaders. Women should not be overlooked for any position in a business as they often are the backbone. Without women, the world of business would be a very one-sided view with limited vision and perspective.”

What’s an accomplishment or win that makes you especially proud?

“Winning a Great British Franchisee and a BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Award, that’s a big one! We have been in business for 30+ years, and it’s the sort of thing you probably forget about because you do it all the time. This is what you do.

Achieving these things, particularly on the back of the last few years with COVID and the challenges that presented to the sector and our business, is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. These are for everybody. They’re recognised outside of our franchisor by independent people, so that’s an amazing success we’ll benefit from in the future.

We’re seeing more opportunities, more development, and are employing more people.

I can’t think. There are loads!”

What has been a big goal in your career?

“I want us to be a leader in housing and education. I want us to maintain the reputation we already have. But I want people to know when they want a commercial cleaner: ‘Well, let’s ring ServiceMaster.’

And that means employing more people and giving them opportunities. We’ve had cleaners that have worked for us, in terms of our direct operators out in the field, for over 15-20 years. A good majority have been here for 5 to 10 years. So that’s important. For me, it’s about promoting those people and giving them career opportunities. I don’t stand still. There’s no need.”

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Manchester and the surrounding areas and would benefit from professional contract cleaning services from a multi-award-winning business, contact the team on 0800 1958 490 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

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ServiceMaster Cleans up at BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024

CJ Micallef from ServiceMaster Clean Manchester won big at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024 in Telford.

 The BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards is one of the most prolific nights in the UK franchising calendar.

The awards, which this year celebrated their 35th year, recognise excellence in franchising from across the nation, rewarding the best of the best and the strides and growth of the sector from those living and breathing the reality of franchise ownership.

Four such people were the franchise business owners from ServiceMaster Clean’s three finalists this year, one of whom, CJ Micallef from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester, took home the coveted HSBC UK Best In Class Award on the night!

HSBC UK Best In Class Multi-Unit Single Brand Award

This category is for Multi-Unit, Single Brand franchisees.

The BFA describe the HSBC UK best-in-class multi-unit award as ‘like no other.’

It recognises business owners who have built empires in franchising.

The judges were blown away by ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester’s incredible 19 years of growth, comprehensive management and development structure, and robust plans to develop the business in economically and environmentally sustainable ways in the years to come.

Kind words

Pip Wilkins, CEO of the BFA and co-head judge, said:

“This year’s entries demonstrated well-thought-out strategies, forward-thinking innovation and growth for franchise brands. My enormous congratulations to all finalists and, of course, the winners. We hope this award will give you the recognition you deserve as the best in British franchising”. 

CJ was naturally overjoyed with the results, thanking her parents, who own and ran the business before handing her the reigns in recent years:

“I am thrilled to have won the award for Best-In-Class Multi-Unit franchising.

As a family business that has grown from working in a conservatory at home to an office where everyone feels like a part of that big family, it means so much to be recognised for what we do and have achieved over the years.

I want to say thank you to my staff, who have made it all possible and to the original owners, Martin and Sarah Steinman, for their support. Thank you!”

Congratulations to our worthy winners and all of the other finalists.

Need an award-winning cleaning service?

If you need an award-winning cleaner with nationwide coverage and limitless capacity, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

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BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024 Countdown and Sit-down: Siva Kugathas

We sat down with BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards finalist Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services AAA.

Siva Kugathas is ready for the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

Siva, the owner of ServiceMaster Clean Contact Services AAA, was named a finalist in the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024 in July after winning big last year.

Siva is being recognised in the Business Builder category for purchasing a profitable resale business and excelling by executing strategies that elevate it from good to great.

We sat down with Siva ahead of the awards finals this week to discuss the awards and see how it feels to be a finalist.

About Siva and ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services AAA

Siva purchased ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Guildford in 2017 as a resale from an existing franchisee.

At the time, the business turned over £50,000. In a matter of years, he has transformed it into a shining star in his multi-million-pound, multi-territory empire: ServiceMaster Clean AAA.

Using the ServiceMaster Clean model and thorough strategies that combat common hurdles in the cleaning industry, Siva has transformed a good business into something great.

What inspired you to take the plunge and enter the awards? 

“After winning last year, I knew the value that the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards bring to a business. I also didn’t want to rest on my laurels and recognise my business’s overall journey and how we’ve grown in the last year and prove that we can keep getting better and better.”

Why did you specifically choose the category? 

“The Business Builder category lets us tell the story of ServiceMaster Clean AAA from where we started to where we are today. I’m really proud of our journey, and I feel that this category allows us to share and be recognised for that.”

What does being a finalist signify for you and your business?

“Being a finalist means so much. For me, it’s about showcasing who we are and what we do, and it means a lot to be recognised by the BFA and HSBC UK alongside all the other great franchisees. And for my team, it means a lot as well. Not only do we all want to be a part of something great, but without them doing the day-to-day, we wouldn’t be able to grow as we have or do what we do, so any award that recognises the business is also for them.”

 Are you excited for the awards night?

“I am very excited; it is a great event, and it’s always such a fantastic atmosphere with so many accomplished members of the franchising world in the UK in one room.”

Need a new cleaner?

If you would benefit from professional contract cleaning services from a multi-award-winning business, contact the team on 0800 047 1747 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

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BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024 Countdown and Sit-down: ServiceMaster by Deeland

We sat down with BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards finalists Andre Gottemaker and Jane Paisley from ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland.

Andre Gottemaker and Jane Paisley are ready for the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

Andrew and Jane Paisley, the Senior Leadership Team from ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland, were named finalists in the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024 in July.

The business is being recognised in the Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand category for its passion for business across multiple brands and mastery of management strategies to enable success.

We sat down with Andre and Jane ahead of the awards finals next week to discuss the awards and see how it feels to be a finalist.

About ServiceMaster Clean by Deeland

The business was started by Contract Services franchisee Nick Dee Shapland in 1991 as a sole trader in Newbury and Reading.

In 2021, it became an Employee Ownership Trust, whereby 80% of the company shares are held in trust on behalf of the employees.

All this has contributed to their achievements in business success in the wider world and ServiceMaster’s franchise network.

What inspired you to take the plunge and enter the awards? 

“We’re incredibly proud of our journey so far and wanted to showcase what we have achieved to a wider audience and also let our team see how proud we are of them!”

Why did you specifically choose the category? 

“Our sustained growth achievements have been delivered through articulation and delivery of a clear strategy, underpinned by a strong company culture, so we believe this award category is most relevant.”

Are you excited for the awards night?

“We can’t wait for the awards night! It will be a fantastic celebration of all of the finalists’ achievements this year.”

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Newbury and the surrounding areas and would benefit from professional contract cleaning services from a multi-award-winning business, contact the team on 0845 155 1026 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

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BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024 Countdown and Sit-down: CJ Micallef

We sat down with BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards finalist CJ Micallef from ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester.

CJ Micallef is ready for the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

CJ, the Managing Director of ServiceMaster Clean Contact Services Manchester, was named a finalist in the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2024 in July.

The business is being recognised in the Multi-Unit Single-Brand category for its passion for business and mastery of management strategies to enable success.

We sat down with CJ ahead of the awards finals in November to discuss the awards and see how it feels to be a finalist.

About CJ and ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester

CJ is the daughter of ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Manchester’s original owners, who started the business in 1991.

Today, having taken the reigns of the family business and has been instrumental in expansion through the growth of the business’s turnover, capacity, and efficiency.

In 2019, CJ created a five-year plan to reach a £5 million turnover when turning over £2.5 million.

They have achieved above and beyond their goals and, with a current turnover of £5.2 million, are growing in line with their 37% growth in the last year and consistent growth in previous years.

What inspired you to take the plunge and enter the awards? 

“We wanted to showcase our business journey since 2019, with the success of our second-generation family leadership, as we have kept our values, ethics and integrity at the heart of what we do as we continue to grow whilst staying committed to the brand and history that has helped the business be what it is today.”

Why did you specifically choose the category? 

“It is the category that enables us to really tell our story – where we were, the challenges we’ve overcome and how, since 2019, we have developed the business further to continue to drive success, increase our expansion organically in all areas of business quality, environment, safety, and our people.”

What does being a finalist signify for you and your business?

“Credibility. It enhances the brand and our reputation locally to create new business opportunities.”

“It also supports our journey to continue to deliver business excellence, provides a platform for continued growth, and inspires our team members to feel proud, recognised and motivated. This vitally creates assurance and peace of mind for our committed customers.”

 Are you excited for the awards night?

“Very excited, it will be an honour to attend and meet the other well-deserving finalists across all award categories.”

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Manchester and the surrounding areas and would benefit from professional contract cleaning services from a multi-award-winning business, contact the team on 0800 1958 490 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to see how we can help you today.

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ServiceMaster Clean AAA wins multiple International Brilliance Awards

ServiceMaster AAA wins four prestigious awards at the International Brilliance Awards 2024.  

ServiceMaster Clean AAA is kicking off 2024 with a bang.

Continuing their winning streak after winning two awards at the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards,  being made a three-time finalist in the Customer Centricity World Series, and winning big at the UK Business Awards 2023, ServiceMaster Clean AAA has won a total of four awards at the International Brilliance Awards 2024.

About the International Brilliance Awards 2024

The International Brilliance Awards 2024 brought together industry leaders, professionals, and award-winning individuals for an evening of celebration and inspiration.

ServiceMaster Clean AAA and its owner, Siva Kugathas, won four awards categories, making this the fourth year in a row that they have won big at the event.

But what, pray tell, did they win?

The Awards Won

Entrepreneur of the Year – Brilliance Award

This marked Siva as an entrepreneur exemplifying drive, determination and exceptional abilities in creating and administering a successful business, evidenced by his proven record of leadership, ingenuity, tenacity and success.

CEO of the Year – Silver Award

As CEO of the Year, Siva consistently demonstrated clarity of vision, judgment and motivational skills to transform and empower his business.

This award recognises the ability to bring about real change for the better at a company level, in the industry as a whole and in the lives of employees.

Judges also considered entire track records, with extra attention to accomplishments since January 2017.

Having only just hit the ground running when taking over ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services Guildford in January 2017, Siva has turned his single territory operation into a 14-territory empire in this time, going from strength to strength in both business and community support.

Brilliance in Customer Services – Gold Award

This award recognises businesses constantly striving to exceed customer expectations with industry-leading service standards and innovation around customer experience.

Judges also examined how ServiceMaster Clean AAA measured customer satisfaction through NPS, our TellServiceMaster system.

As well as the effectiveness of complaint handling and how customer service improves their commercial performance.

Brand Brilliance (Small to Medium) – Silver Award

The Brand Brilliance Award was selected after heavy deliberation.

The winners are the star entries encompassing the best Business Brilliance over the year.

This award demonstrates consistent growth, strong financial performance, and Brand recognition.

Judges searched for exceptional delivery, site engagement and functionality, security, innovation and ethical practice.

They also examined how staff were engaged and developed, how strategic vision is led, managed and implemented, and evidence of a plan for sustained growth.

Want an award-winning cleaning service?

If you would benefit from cleaning services from a multi-award-winning business, call the AAA team today on 0800 047 1747.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more about our services in your area.

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ServiceMaster Clean AAA: Siva Kugathas wins prestigious leadership award

Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean AAA has been named Leader of the Year.

Just weeks after winning two awards at the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards and being made a three-time finalist in the Customer Centricity World Series, Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean AAA has won a prestigious leadership award.

Siva was awarded the Leader of the Year at the UK Business Awards 2023.

The UK Business Awards ’23 

The awards feature 20 categories designed to capture vital aspects of business in the UK.

Siva was nominated for his employee mentorship schemes and his dedication to his team.

The GOLD Leader of the Year award was the highlight of the night and celebrates exceptional leadership as a vital component of commercial success and celebrates the leadership of an inspiring, guiding and reassuring mentor – all of which Siva is in spades!

Award judge and Training Director for First Impression Training, Marie Cross, said of Siva and his accomplishment:

“Having chatted with him at the end of the day, and having heard his back-story (what a fascinating guy!), I’d like to give an extra high-five to Siva Kugathas of ServiceMaster Clean, who won GOLD for Leader of the Year.

What a total inspiration you are Siva, especially to other young, up & coming entrepreneurs who can learn so much from your incredible story of success!”

Siva joined ServiceMaster Clean in 2017 from a background in franchise business management and has grown a single unit in Guildford with 17 staff to a 14-territory empire with over 900 employees.

ServiceMaster Clean AAA’s Employee Experience Strategy

By introducing a rewards scheme and emphasis on team building, Siva has reduced staff turnover and has recruited over 150 new employees this year.

Through the mentorship scheme, senior-level staff have achieved prestigious accountancy, bookkeeping, admin and secretarial skills, and executive leadership qualifications.

Two of these included staff who received qualifications from Oxford University.

The mentorship of Siva’s staff has seen excellent results at all levels of his business.

Staff who initially began with us as cleaners have found ServiceMaster Clean AAA a great place to work and develop.

For example, all regional managers promoted or appointed this year have progressed internally from cleaning or area supervisor roles.

Over half of Siva’s sixteen area manager positions were promoted from cleaners – evidencing the success of his ability to mentor and support staff from an entry-level role to a role with more responsibility.

This is all highly unusual in the cleaning industry, not only because, often, cleaners do not progress within a company – usually due to the lack of internal structure to support their growth – but they also tend not to stay in any one company for too long.

Siva has created a stable workplace environment where his staff are happy to come to work and stay with the business for a long time, as they know that they are valued and will be supported should they aspire to develop their skills.

Want to benefit from an award-winning cleaning service?

If you are in Guildford, Bracknell, Heathrow, Slough, Woking, Luton, Watford, Canterbury, Dover, Colchester, Ipswich, York, Doncaster, or Lincolnshire and would like to benefit from a cleaning service from a multi-award-winning business as a client or employee, call Siva and his team today on 0800 047 1747.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more about our services in your area.

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ServiceMaster AAA cleans up at BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards

Double Award Winner Siva Kugathas Wins Prestigious BFA Trailblazer & People’s Choice Award.

Siva Kugathas from ServiceMaster Clean AAA received the coveted Franchisee Trailblazer Award and the People’s Choice Award during the prestigious BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards.

Siva received the Franchisee Trailblazer Award as a recognition of his work within our brand model and for showing what is truly possible with the collaboration of a franchise business.

But there was one more surprise award on the night, the People’s Choice award, where the attendees voted from the list of winners for who they thought was deserving of this new award for 2023.

Therefore, this award truly placed Siva as the best of the best!

This unexpected award added extra excitement to an already remarkable evening, making it an event to be remembered for outstanding achievements and the collaborative spirit of those who make the industry thrive.

Siva collecting the People’s Choice Award from judges and hosts Pip Wilkins and Gillian Morris

Judge’s Comments

Pip Wilkins, Chief Executive of the BFA, said:

Our huge congratulations to Siva, on these tremendous wins. We had some fantastic franchisee entries this year but his really stood out from the crowd. We would like to thank him for being such a great franchisee and for representing the very best in franchising.”

Judge, awards host and UK Head of Franchise, Commercial Banking at sponsors HSBC Bank, Gillian Morris said:

“The diversity of franchising on display at tonight’s awards ceremony – across so many brands and sectors – demonstrates the strength and reach of the industry. Choosing a winner is never easy and I’d like to join Pip in thanking everyone who entered and sending our warm congratulations to all the winners on these very well-deserved awards.”

Siva’s Accomplishments

Siva is the definition of a trailblazing franchisee.

His performance, growth, and transformation in 6 years have been awe-inspiring.

Turning a business with a £50,000 turnover into an empire of 14 successful territories, he has demonstrated success under the ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services model and in an industry with no ceiling.

Upon receiving his award, Siva said:

“It’s an honour to win the People’s Choice alongside the Franchisee Trailblazer Award. To receive the recognition of the judges and my peers in the franchising community is a huge validation for myself and my team, who have worked hard to help get ServiceMaster Clean AAA to where we are today.

Thank you to my team, ServiceMaster, and everyone who voted for me. And congratulations to all of my fellow winners!”

With the right attitude, ambition, and team spirit to move his focused staff behind his goal, he is on track to hit his goal of £10 million turnover by 2027.

We do not doubt that he will achieve this by following his unstoppable trajectory and utilising his close connection to the network, trust in the brand and passion for delivering a quality service.

Want an award-winning cleaning service?

If you are in Guildford, Bracknell, Heathrow, Slough, Woking, Luton, Watford, Canterbury, Dover, Colchester, Ipswich, York, Doncaster, or Lincolnshire and would like to benefit from a cleaning service from a multi-award winning business, call Siva and his team today on 0800 047 1747.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services business to learn more about our services in your area.