NIC Local is celebrating the outstanding achievement of franchisee Maria Mestre, who has been named a winner at the WhichFranchise.com Great British Franchisee Awards 2026, recognising her exceptional business growth, outstanding customer service and commitment to her people.
Maria, who has spent 11 years building her NIC Local business, has earned industry recognition for her determination, commercial success and people-first approach to leadership. Her achievement highlights not only her own success as a business owner, but also the strength of the wider NIC Local franchise network.
The judges were particularly impressed by Maria’s ability to combine strong business performance with exceptional customer relationships, staff development and a commitment to supporting fellow franchisees.
In their comments, the judges said:
“Maria is an exceptionally deserving winner of a Great British Franchisee Award, having demonstrated impressive business growth, outstanding customer service and a genuine commitment to developing and supporting her people. Over 11 years with NIC Local, she has built a thriving business, combining strong commercial performance with exceptional customer retention and a people-focused approach that has been central to her success.”
A standout achievement was Maria’s remarkable customer retention, reflecting the quality of service delivered by her team and the lasting relationships she has built with her clients.
The judges also praised her ability to develop a strong management team, create a culture of trust and communication, and overcome challenges while adapting to changing business circumstances. Her willingness to share her experience and support other franchisees was highlighted as further evidence of her value to the NIC Local network.
They added that Maria’s enthusiasm, professionalism and genuine passion for people made her “a truly worthy winner”.
A team achievement
Reflecting on the award, Maria expressed her gratitude to WhichFranchise.com and emphasised that the recognition belongs to the people who have contributed to her business success.
“Winning the Great British Franchise Award for 2026 is an incredible honour, and it serves as a powerful validation of our team’s daily dedication. Starting and scaling a business comes with a unique set of demands, and receiving this industry recognition is a profoundly humbling milestone for our entire network.”
Maria also shared a heartfelt message about the importance of teamwork and the support available through franchising.
“What a fantastic surprise! I have to say a huge thank you to WhichFranchise.com and the Great British Franchise Awards for honouring us with this recognition.
“Whilst the award might have my name on it, I’m just a link in the chain. It is a chain that starts with great people delivering exceptional results on the frontline but connects right back to dozens of other individuals behind the scenes at NIC Local who each do their part to make this success possible.”
Her comments reflect a key benefit of the NIC Local franchise model: combining the independence of running your own business with the backing, expertise and support of an established organisation.
Will Bedford (BDM), Maria Mestre, and Jamie Whiteley (Area Manager for Maria)
The power of franchising
Maria is passionate about the difference that the right support network can make when building a business. She recognises that running an independent business can mean juggling multiple responsibilities, from sales and finance to IT and customer relationships.
She explained:
“And that’s ultimately one of the greatest benefits of franchising. Running your own independent business can be a lonely, daunting game sometimes. You are the CEO, the Financial Director, and the Sales Director all at the same time, and that’s only half of it. It’s an immense number of plates to spin.
“Having experts on your side who aren’t just supportive, but are true experts of their respective fields, isn’t just a morale booster, it’s a total game changer.”
For Maria, the support provided by a franchisor goes beyond encouragement. Having experienced professionals available to help navigate complex issues and customer challenges allows franchise owners to concentrate on developing their businesses, supporting their teams and delivering excellent service.
She believes this practical, hands-on support can make a significant difference to a business owner’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
Concluding her reflections on the award, Maria said:
“Receiving this award is a wonderful reflection of what our network can accomplish. I am deeply grateful for the recognition, and I look forward to building on this shared success in the years to come.”
Celebrating success at NIC Local
Maria’s award is a fantastic achievement for her, her team and the wider NIC Local network. Her journey demonstrates what can be achieved through determination, strong leadership, exceptional customer service and a commitment to developing people.
Her success also showcases the opportunity available through franchising: building and growing your own business while benefiting from the knowledge, systems and support of an established network.
At NIC Local, franchise owners focus on developing client relationships, winning and managing commercial cleaning contracts, and building teams to deliver consistently high standards. They do not need to carry out the cleaning themselves, and they benefit from ongoing support as they develop their businesses.
Maria’s recognition at the Great British Franchisee Awards 2026 is a proud moment for NIC Local and a powerful example of what can happen when entrepreneurial ambition is combined with the right people and support behind you.
Congratulations to Maria and everyone who has played a part in this outstanding achievement.