Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs has been voted the UK’s top franchisor by The British Franchise Association at its annual Franchisor of the Year Awards.

This theme of this year’s awards, sponsored by the Daily Express and HSBC, was Support for Success – with companies having to demonstrate how they deliver strength to their franchisee network through an ongoing programme of help and advice.

Launched as a franchise business in 1993, training is a major feature of the Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs franchise package. An initial four-month programme qualifies franchisees to teach exercise to music classes, while they must also obtain a certificate in Applied Nutrition and Weight Management. This is followed by training events, choreography days, first aid courses and employee training sessions, ensuring each franchise keeps up with a rapidly changing and competitive industry.

Other features include an annual convention and a number of internal awards, as well as a new training and development convention which is being held for the first time this year.

Last year saw the launch of a website, a new programme of Salsacise classes and a Slim Salsacise DVD which includes a special promotion for the Diet and Fitness Clubs.

There is also an extranet for RCDFC franchisees, which improves communications and encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences.