Contempo Lettings (Franchising) Ltd, the highly successful Scottish residential letting and property management company, has named Judith MacDonald as its first ever Franchisee of the Year.

Judith, who established her Aberdeen-based franchise almost five years ago, received her Contempo Lettings’ Award at the weekend from Andy McCarroll, Northern Business Development Manager of the British Franchise Association (BFA.)

The Contempo Lettings’ Award takes into account branch growth, marketing innovation and testimonials with each branch also assessed by a mystery shopper to rate its customer service.

Located in Rosemount Place, this franchise regularly receives excellent feedback from both landlords and tenants alike as Judith, originally from the Black Isle, strives to maintain a first-class reputation.

"Judith was Contempo Lettings' first pilot franchisee in 2007, so it fantastic to now see her win their first ever Franchisee of the Year Award," said Andy McCarroll.

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"Judith is a great example of someone who has found the right franchise for her. Through that partnership and with incredibly hard work, she has created a successful and growing business in an uncertain economic climate.

"I was delighted to have been asked to present the award to Judith who is a truly, worthy winner."

Judith, who undertook a business studies course at Robert Gordon’s University in Aberdeen and had a marketing career before becoming a franchisee, now has two members of staff.

"I am surprised but very pleased indeed to win this award," said Judith. "I’ve had great support from Contempo as well as the BFA and, of course, my excellent staff.

"Franchising has been great for me and it offered a way of life business opportunity I thought I might never have – I’d highly recommend it.'

Today, Contempo Lettings, one of the very few franchisors based in Scotland in any industry sector, is engaged in an expansion programme to boost its Scottish market share.

Currently it has five offices, four of which are in Glasgow, but it is aiming to set up another 30 throughout Scotland over the next three years, a seven-fold increase.

"We face a real challenge but we are determined to grow, building on our extensive experience of letting and property management, and a wide client network," said managing director, Carolyn Donaldson.

"I am so pleased that Judith has won our first award – she is a real star and there’s no doubt her franchise will go from strength to strength as Contempo Lettings continues to grow.

"Our plans for growth offer two major benefits – to meet the rising need for rented property and to offer an alternative way for people losing their jobs, in the public sector for example, to earn and start their own business.

"We look forward to further announcements on new franchisees opening offices early in the New Year."

(GK)