A businesswoman from Morpeth has been named bfa HSBC Female Franchisee of the Year.

Tricia Craig who co-founded and singly runs business Metro Rod, received the prestigious award at the British Franchise Association’s 2016 bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards ceremony, held at Town Hall Birmingham last night (September 29th).

Tricia, 51, runs the £1m-plus turnover drainage business Metro Rod Newcastle which she co-founded in 1999 and took overall control of in 2013 by buying out her business partner. Now branded Metro Rod North East, the business incorporates Sunderland and Middlesbrough and employs 19 staff.

Tricia said “I am thrilled and proud for the whole team; we pride ourselves on our high level of service, whoever the customer is. Long may it continue.”

Pip Wilkins, bfa chief executive, said: “As judges we felt genuinely inspired by Tricia’s ability to adapt and grow throughout all market conditions, while maintaining a focus on her team throughout. To have expanded her business through good times and bad over 17 years shows a rare resilience and tenacity which is why she excels as an entrepreneur.”

Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchising for HSBC, commented: “The standard of our four finalists in this category was exceptional so to win highlights how impressive Tricia’s business is. Her continual reinvestment, development of services and understanding of her marketplace are examples any business owner would do well to follow.”

Tricia has faced some trying times in her personal life, but despite this she attended to business every day and made sure her team were well equipped to carry out work normally.

During the recent recession the business continued to grow, employing additional staff and investing in new equipment. Tricia’s no-nonsense approach has seen Metro Rod North East enjoy a dramatic upturn in turnover of over 30% each year since 2014.

The British Franchise Association (bfa) recognises the UK’s most exceptional operators in a range of categories, for their business growth and development, service excellence and ethical franchising practice.

The awards are the oldest and most prestigious in the franchise sector, running for nearly 30 years, and recognise franchising at its best across the UK’s £15bn franchise sector.

The 2016 awards has six categories:

• Young Franchisee of the Year
• Female Franchisee of the Year
• Olderpreneur Franchisee of the Year
• Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year
• B2B Franchisee of the Year
• Customer Service Franchisee of the Year

About the bfa

The British Franchise Association (bfa) is the only voluntary self-regulatory body for the UK franchise industry, with a standards based approach to membership. Its aim is to promote ethical franchising practice in the UK and help the industry develop credibility, influence and favourable circumstance for growth.