A FRANCHISEE near Reading was rewarded for promoting franchising as a means of expanding a business.

Gordon Patterson, of Franchise Development Services (FDS), in Maple Grove, Bradfield, grabbed the title of Franchisee of the Year at the International Franchise Association convention.

As a FDS franchise consultant for the South of England since 1984, Mr Patterson helps businesses develop through franchising.

Mr Patterson, who went all the way to San Antonio in the United State to pick up his gong last month, said: "It's great fun working closely with professional clients and building long term business relationships. It's a joy helping regional clients to apply franchising to grow their businesses nationwide and even internationally."