Lancashire firm Aspray receives recognition UK franchise award

At a glittering ceremony in Telford last week, loss assessor Aspray, based in Darwen, Lancashire, received a ‘Highly Commended’ in the ‘Franchise Support’ Award category at the 2025 BFA (British Franchise Association), HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

Judges were very impressed with the Darwen-based firm’s large 2:1 head office staff to franchisee ratio, their 95% overall satisfaction in the Workbuzz Franchise Satisfaction Awards and their investment in sales and marketing, including a steering group which provides a feedback loop from franchisees to the franchisor.

Aspray currently has 52 franchisees. They were crowned ‘Loss Assessor of the Year’ at the British Claims Awards in 2023 and 2024.

Founded in 1977, the BFA is the UK’s self-regulatory body for franchising, providing members with training, education and a voluntary framework of standards for ethical franchising, which they pledge to uphold and abide by.

Known as the ‘Oscars of franchising’, a British Franchise Award is highly regarded in the industry, identifying the best of the best in a sector which contributes £19.1 billion to the UK economy and has had a ‘forced failure’ rate of less than 6% for over 20 years.

Founder James Whittle said: “We are incredibly proud to receive a Highly Commended in the prestigious Franchise Support Award at the BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards 2025. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional support to our franchisees and to the strength, passion, and collaboration that defines the Aspray network. It’s an honour that reflects the dedication of our entire Darwen-based team and the trust our franchise partners place in us every day.”

Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the BFA said: “Our huge congratulations to James and the team at Aspray in Darwen. It is businesses like this that are leading the way in British franchising; making it the hugely successful sector that it is. They are shining examples of successful, ethical franchising in the UK and we look forward to seeing them achieve even more in 2026.”

Gillian Morris, UK Head of Franchise at award sponsors HSBC UK said: “I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to Aspray and all the winners at this year’s British Franchise Awards. Franchising makes a major contribution to the UK economy, and these awards are a brilliant way to recognise the dynamism, commitment and hard work of the amazing businesses leading the way in the franchise sector. It was an inspirational evening and a fitting way to celebrate the innovation and passion that define the sector.”