##Chaviaris Named National Franchise Award Finalist
Nic Chaviaris, owner of Driver Hire Gatwick, is into the final round of the British Franchise Association (bfa) HSBC ‘Customer Service Franchisee of the Year’ awards.

Chaviaris is relatively new to the [Driver Hire](/archive/driver-hire-nationwide/driver-hire-franchise.php) franchise network, having bought the Gatwick franchise in 2014. He originally worked in the office as a consultant, managed the business for a few years and then bought it outright when the opportunity came along.

Under his leadership the office has gone from strength to strength. After a strong performance in 2014/15 where year-on-year turnover was up by 68%, Gatwick got away to another flying start in the current financial year; currently trading 99% ahead of same time last year.

Chaviaris commented: “To be nominated as a finalist and have our efforts recognised at a national level is fantastic. Of course, I have a great team working for me and this nomination reflects as much on them as it does on me.”

Cathryn Hayes of the bfa, who chairs the judging panel, added: “This is welcome recognition of outstanding business people who have harnessed the support found in ethical franchising to achieve their self-employment goals. Our finalists have already demonstrated the difference they’re making in their communities across the UK, from northern Scotland to the south coast, and we look forward to hearing more from them at what is certain to be an extremely difficult judging process to find our winners.”

Finalists will present to a judging panel of franchising experts on 15 & 16 July The winners will be announced at a black-tie dinner at Birmingham Town Hall hosted by BBC business reporter, Steph McGovern, on Thursday October 1.