Baby and Child First Aid Trainer Mini First Aid wins at British Franchise Awards

British Franchise Association

At a glittering ceremony in Telford last week, Marlene Meyer, franchise owner of Mini First Aid (West and South West London) won two awards, firstly ‘Star Performer’ and then, in a vote from guests at the awards event, ‘The BFA HSBC UK Franchisee of the Year - People’s Choice Award at the 2025 BFA (British Franchise Association), HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

Founded in 1977, the BFA is the UK’s self-regulatory body for franchising, providing members with training, education and a voluntary framework of standards for ethical franchising, which they pledge to uphold and abide by.

Founded by Kate Ball in 2014, Mini First Aid is now one of the leading voices in first aid training and education. In 2021 they secured investment from Sara Davies MBE on Dragon’s Den. They now have over 70 franchisees and over 150 trainers delivering over 2,000 classes a week to adults and children in basic and lifesaving first aid.

The judges were very impressed with the passion and drive Marlene brought to the London-based business she bought in 2022. 

Before owning a Mini First Aid franchise, Marlene had a career as cabin crew, roles she combined for a while, until finally giving up her wings to concentrate full time on the business. Since then, she has seen extraordinary growth, with attendance up 80% from 2024 to 2025 driven by connections with high street stores, corporate bookings, youth clubs and charities. 50% of her bookings now come from word of mouth. 

She also delivered speaking slots on behalf of the franchise at national events such as the Baby and Toddler Show. Marlene says she is keen to grow the business further, to expand the team and develop into more corporate locations and adult training.

Known as the ‘Oscars of franchising’, a British Franchise Award is highly regarded in the industry, identifying the best of the best in a sector which contributes £19.1 billion to the UK economy and has had a ‘forced failure’ rate of less than 6% for over 20 years.

Of her win Marlene said: “This is just so amazing to have won these two awards; I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey it means so much. It’s been a real whirlwind, but I've loved every minute of it!”

Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the BFA said: “Our huge congratulations to Marlene and her team at Mini First Aid (South and South West London). It is businesses like this that are leading the way in British franchising; making it the hugely successful sector that it is. They are shining examples of successful, ethical franchising in the UK and look forward to seeing them achieve even more in 2026.” 

Gillian Morris, UK Head of Franchise at award sponsors HSBC UK said: “I’d like to extend my sincere congratulations to Marlene and her team at Mini First Aid (South and South West London) and all the winners at this year’s British Franchise Awards. Franchising makes a major contribution to the UK economy, and these awards are a brilliant way to recognise the dynamism, commitment and hard work of the amazing businesses leading the way in the franchise sector. It was an inspirational evening and a fitting way to celebrate the innovation and passion that define the sector.”

To find out more about franchising in the UK please visit our website www.thebfa.org