Shipping firm in line for award

A ROCHDALE-BASED shipping franchise has been shortlisted for a top industry award.

InXpress, whose head office is at Blueberry Business Park in Kingsway, is in the running for the Brand Innovation category, at the HSBC Franchsisor of the Year Awards.

Founded in 1999 the firm now has more 300 franchises across the world, with offices in Utah, America and Brisbane, Australia.

Ben Kirby, franchise sales director at InXpress, said: “This is an extremely prestigious accolade and we are proud that the continuous development of our franchise operation has been recognised by such an important industry body. We work extremely hard to make sure our franchisees have everything they need to succeed, so this is testament to the ongoing hard work of the team at head office.”

Pip Wilkins, CEO at the bfa said: “Looking through the entries made us very proud and humbled to be part of such a successful industry, and those who are just starting their franchising journeys can take inspiration from what these brands have achieved.”

Andrew Brattesani, UK head of franchise at HSBC, added: “This is the third year I have been involved in picking the finalists and it is one of the jobs I dread most during the year. Comparing excellence with excellence is never easy and I can honestly say that the standard of entries we receive continues to amaze me.”

The awards ceremony takes place at the ICC in Birmingham on June 29.