ChipsAway franchisee named as finalist in national award for transforming lives through second chances

ChipsAway franchisee Shawano Crichton has been named as a finalist in the ‘Community Impact’ Award category at the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards, recognising his outstanding commitment to creating opportunities for disadvantaged young people, ex-offenders and individuals facing hardship.

The award, sponsored by HSBC UK and presented by the British Franchise Association (BFA), celebrates franchisees who use their businesses to make a lasting, positive impact in their local communities. It recognises those whose contribution extends beyond commercial success, demonstrating leadership, compassion and a genuine commitment to positively impacting the people around them.

For Shawano, who owns ChipsAway Dulwich and the Guildford Car Care Centre, community impact has always been the driving force behind his business.

His own story makes that commitment all the more remarkable.

When Shawano joined the ChipsAway network in 2023, aged just 29, he was rebuilding his own life after serving more than seven years in prison. Just six days after his release, he suffered the devastating loss of his mother. Faced with grief, uncertainty and limited opportunities, he made a conscious decision to forge a different future.

"I had every reason in the world to go off the rails," he said. "But I chose to honour my mother and knuckle down."

Although he had no previous experience in automotive paint repair, Shawano was drawn to the structure, support and opportunity that franchising offered. Despite concerns that his past might prevent him from being accepted, he found trust, encouragement and belief within the ChipsAway network.

Starting with a single mobile franchise in Dulwich, Shawano immersed himself in training and quickly built a thriving business. Within just 18 months, he had expanded by acquiring the Guildford Car Care Centre while continuing to grow his original franchise.
Today, however, he measures success less by business growth than by the opportunities he has created for others.

Over the past year, Shawano has partnered with a special educational needs school in Brixton to provide work experience and practical training for sixth-form students who may otherwise struggle to access employment. One young man who joined the programme has developed so significantly in confidence and ability that he has now accepted a full-time role within Shawano's business.

For Shawano, the impact extends far beyond learning a trade.

The Car Care Centre has become a place where young people can build confidence, develop relationships and feel a sense of belonging.

"We can combat isolation in young men as well, which is a super plus," he said.

Alongside supporting young people, Shawano has become a passionate advocate for rehabilitation. He regularly works with probation services and offers employment and training opportunities to ex-offenders determined to rebuild their lives. From mentoring individuals leaving the criminal justice system to supporting bail applications by confirming future employment opportunities, he is committed to giving others the same chance that helped transform his own life.

"Someone gave me a chance, so I'll always try to do the same for others," he said.

Looking ahead, Shawano hopes to establish a London-based ChipsAway Car Care Centre dedicated to supporting disadvantaged young people, ex-offenders and individuals experiencing isolation or hardship. The centre would combine technical training, mentoring and meaningful work experience within a safe, supportive environment, embedding community impact into the heart of the business.
"A huge barrier for the guys I want to help is travel. Once the London centre is up and running, I'll be able to do so much more."

Suzi Nicholson, ChipsAway Franchise Recruitment, said:

"Shawano's story is one of resilience, determination and extraordinary generosity. He has transformed his own life through hard work and commitment, and has chosen to use that success to help others do the same. "At ChipsAway, we believe franchising can be about much more than building successful businesses. It can create opportunities, strengthen communities and change lives. Shawano embodies everything we value in our network, and we're incredibly proud to see him recognised as a finalist for this prestigious national award. We wish him every success at the BFA HSBC British Franchise Awards."

Shawano's journey, from rebuilding his own life after prison, to becoming a successful multi-site business owner, employer and mentor, demonstrates the transformative power of opportunity, trust and determination. By creating pathways into employment, tackling isolation and helping people believe in themselves again, he has shown how business can be a genuine force for good.

“Congratulations to all the finalists of the British Franchise Awards. Reaching this stage is a real achievement, especially after such a tough and competitive shortlist, and it speaks volumes about your resilience, ambition and the quality of your businesses. As proud sponsors, HSBC UK has seen first-hand the energy and innovation that franchising brings to communities and the wider UK economy. We’re delighted to recognise your success, and we wish you the very best for the awards.” Gillian Morris, UK Head of Franchise at HSBC

“This is my tenth year judging the awards as CEO and it’s truly one of my favourite times of the year. Franchising is all about people, and it is my honour and privilege to read about the wonderful work brands and individuals are doing in our industry, constantly pushing the needle, stepping out of comfort zones and putting their shoulder behind the wheel of success. From franchisors embracing new technology, to franchisees grasping the mettle and supporting their local areas; the stories have been inspiring, and I can’t wait for us to share them online over the next few weeks. A huge congratulations to everyone who has made this year’s finals and, as ever, my enormous thanks to Gillian and to all our judges, for making these awards possible. Good luck everyone.” 
Pip Wilkins, CEO of the BFA

Finalists will be announced on 12 November at an awards dinner to be held at the Telford International Centre.