York Photographer Wins Top Franchise Award

The Press:

Photographer Angie Baynes, 27, of York, is the Franchisee Of The Year.

The businesswoman was named gold winner of the 2008 British Franchise Association’s (bfa) Franchisee Of The Year awards at the International Convention Centre, in Birmingham.

Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising for HSBC Bank, which sponsored the awards, said: “Her success story is not only representative of hard work and commitment, but is also a testament to the support provided by a successful franchising business model.”

Angie, who established her £2 million turnover Venture Studios, in Micklegate, York, and in Hull, won a cheque for £5,000 The awards celebrate the UK’s best performing franchisees in an industry now worth an annual £12.4 billion to the economy.

Angie, who started her photography studio franchise five years ago, impressed the judging panel by demonstrating how she has “managed change” – the theme of this year’s awards.