Mum to two shortlisted for Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year award

Mum to two and businesswoman, Ruth Morris, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Microbusiness Franchisee of the Year category at the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017.

Ruth set up her Aberdeen North and Shire Creation Station franchise is 2013. She wanted to find a career she could feel really passionate about, and that allowed her to make a difference, while also having the flexibility to spend more time with her two children, Connor and Lexie.

Since its launch, Ruth’s Creation Station franchise has delivered creative art and crafts classes, parties and events to over 18,000 children in the local area.

Ruth’s hard work has been recognised previously, when she won Creation Station’s Franchisee of the Year 2017 award and the Gold Creation Station Pin for exceptional work from the franchisor. Outside of the business, Ruth was shortlisted in the Working Mums Top Franchise awards in the Franchisee of the Year 2017 category.

Running for nearly 30 years, the bfa HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards 2017 celebrate franchisees across the nation who show dedication, commitment and a passion for both their brand and the franchising industry.

The category highlights the benefits of becoming a franchisee to achieve a better work-life balance. Ruth was shortlisted due to her enterprising nature and determination to succeed – making her stand out from the crowd amongst other small business owners.

Commenting on the award nomination, Ruth said: “I’m passionate about making a difference to my community through the arts and crafts experience because it’s so beneficial and great fun. I never dreamt that my Creation Station franchise would be recognised by being named a finalist in such a prestigious award. I’ve been so fortunate to find a flexible franchise, doing something I love that allows me to be there for own children. I’m just so thrilled and this means so much to me and my family!”

Pip Wilkins, CEO at the bfa said, “With so many inspirational stories from our members’ franchisees, it’s always a tough task to narrow it down to our 15 finalists. These outstanding business owners have so many different reasons for taking control of their business lives, and to hear the diversity in these stories is always so empowering. All of our finalists this year are excellent examples of how the franchisor’s collaborative approach, combined with the go-getting attitude of the franchisee, generates success at both individual and network levels.”

Andrew Brattesani, UK Head of Franchise at HSBC, added, “Judging is a hard task at the best of times, which only becomes harder every year when the difference in best in class is paper thin. Each franchisee highlights how focus and drive, when supplemented by the support of a franchisor, results in the growth of a sustainable and profitable business. HSBC is delighted to play a pivotal role in meeting the financial challenges of this dynamic and important market sector.”