An Oxford dessert shop has been awarded a major industry accolade.

Heavenly Desserts, based on London Road in Headington, picked up a Great British Franchisee Award, an honour run by the Whichfranchise company. 

These awards recognise the "outstanding franchisees" across the UK. 

Owner of Heavenly Desserts in Oxford, Muhammad Rafique, known as Sheraz, was previously an accountant but his first foray into the hospitality industry saw him open the dessert shop in 2017.

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The store was the first franchised Heavenly Desserts restaurant, which now has more than 50 restaurants in the UK and Canada.

He said: “Since then the brand has grown exponentially with more stores opening all the time.

“I used to be an accounting assistant and had zero experience in hospitality, but I’ve learnt a lot over the years including how to deal with customers in difficult situations.

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honour.

"It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who strive each day to create delicious desserts and provide exceptional service.

“This award reaffirms our commitment to sweetening the lives of our customers, and we’re humbled by the recognition.

“For most of our staff, this is their first job, so our team along with our head of learning and development try to enhance employee knowledge across a variety of skillsets used industry-wide in order for a business to run effectively from hospitality and franchising to customer service.”

Founded in 2008 by Mohammad Imran and Yousif Aslam, Heavenly Desserts started with a single restaurant in Birmingham.

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Co-managing director of Heavenly Desserts, Mr Aslam said: “Sheraz is every franchisor’s dream.

“Hospitality to us is all about making people feel at home through warm welcomes and smiles.

“When you enter a room in which Sheraz is present, you feel you’re speaking to a friend you‘ve known for years.

“He’s a natural when it comes to genuine hospitality – but what makes Sheraz a success is his ability to coach this into his team.

“Every visit to this restaurant is a delight, and both I and guests walk away with more energy than when we entered.”

The Great British Franchisee Awards are supported by Lloyds Bank, D&T, IBB Law, AMO Consulting and Chantry Group.

Johnny Sellyn, from Whichfranchise, said: “As someone who has been involved in franchising for over 25 years, I feel it's time the industry had awards where franchisees in the UK have the opportunity to be recognised for outstanding performance, regardless of the size of your business or the sector you work in.

“There is not one winner. This award can be achieved by any franchisee who can demonstrate the ability to perform exceptionally well in all areas of their business."