THE British Franchise Association (BFA) has hailed a business trading in Ramsbottom and Bury as Britain's best franchise.

Dave Chapman, who operates the Rainbow International Franchise from Victoria Street, Ramsbottom, is part of the Rainbow International network recently named Franchisor of the Year 2001.

And so too is Steve Smith, who runs his company franchise from premises at Waterside Road, Summerseat.

The accolade has come from the British Franchise Association in its Franchisor of the Year awards.

Rainbow was launched in 1990 and in just more than a decade, the company has developed into one of the UK's most sought after franchise opportunities.

It is now established as a leading provider of carpet and upholstery care and fire and flood restoration services to both domestic and commercial markets. Melvin Lusty, who originally acquired the master licence for the company, said: "Dave Chapman and Steve Smith have each made a significant contribution towards Rainbow's success and is, indeed, an important part of our winning team."

The award was a tribute to the company's demonstration of maximised opportunities in the face of change together with other business aspects.

The annual competition is organised by the BFA to promote ethical franchise practice.