Gardener Matthew May has been chosen as one of three finalists in his category of the bfa HSBC Franchisee Awards which received a record number of applicants this year.

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If successful, Matthew stands the chance of winning a £10,000 prize.

Matthew, 43, an Ed’s Garden Maintenance franchisee has been shortlisted in the category ‘Microbusiness of the Year’, for franchise businesses turning over less than £100k with an emphasis on lifestyle.

Matthew said, “Before joining Ed’s I worked in fencing manufacturing, I was tired and stressed, working long hours and hardly seeing my family. It was a joyless period of my life. Joining Ed’s has far exceeded my expectations both in terms of work life balance and in terms of income.“

Matthew will attend a panel interview in London in July and the Awards will be announced at an Awards dinner in London on 2 October.

Matthew said, “I’m delighted to have been short-listed. I feel enthusiastic and inspired about what I do now and feel in control of my destiny. My goal now is to grow the business further, to take someone on and expand into another area.”