RAINBOW RESTORERS CLEAN UP AGAIN IN NATIONAL AWARDS

The Leicestershire branch of carpet cleaning and disaster restoration specialists, Rainbow International has won a national award only four months after its parent company was hailed as the UK's best franchise.

Achieving the double whammy for Rainbow were former teachers, Jill and Stuart Simpson, who were winners in the British Franchise Association's (BFA) Franchisee of the Year Awards, sponsored by HSBC and supported by the Daily Express. With over 27,000 franchisees in the UK, including well-known brands such as MacDonalds, Clarks Shoes and Prontaprint, the Simpsons beat off fierce competition to be placed in the final nine and then to win their third place award.

Award entrants were asked to demonstrate how, working within the framework of the franchise concept, they have managed change.

Jill and Stuart's entry highlighted a wide variety of both planned and unplanned changes, which they have managed since joining Rainbow four years ago. Going from teaching business to doing business, they have built a multi-personnel, multi-vehicle operation, which has consistently appeared in Britain's top five Rainbow Franchises and this year looks set to exceed a half million pound turnover.

Major changes for the business have involved the introduction of a state of the art truck-mounted cleaning system and adapting marketing strategies in response to changes in the insurance industry, climate and consumer expectations.

The most significant change was brought about at the end of last year, when Stuart had a near fatal accident. Jill had to manage the business, as well as home and family.

HSBC's national franchise manager, Cathryn Hayes, said "Jill is breaking the mould as one of the first women ever to own a Rainbow franchise and, it is believed, the first woman in Britain to obtain an NVQ in Cleaning. In the face of adversity, both she and Stuart have shown how truly committed they are to Rainbow and the Franchising concept."

Against all predictions, Stuart made a remarkable recovery and was back at work within two months. His accident prompted the couple to change the way the business is managed, by giving the team members more responsibility. This has enabled them to concentrate on strategic issues and the long-term development of the business.

Jill says "When Stuart had his accident, it illustrated the downside of running your own business. Work and home can become intertwined. But that's when I fully realised the benefits of franchising. I was given a tremendous amount of support from the franchisor, other franchisees in the network and, of course, our staff."

Presenting the award to the couple was Sir Bernard Ingham, President of the BFA and Margaret Thatcher's ex press secretary. Jill and Stuart also received a cheque for £2000 presented by HSBC, which they have shared amongst their team.

The Franchisee of the Year Awards, held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, were a highlight of National Franchise Week. The week is organised by the BFA to promote ethical franchising practice. This year it was officially launched by Rainbow International's managing director and reigning BFA Franchisor of the Year, Melvin Lusty.