Gerard Nicholas's franchise group, NNA Ltd, which operates the KFC restaurant in Hereford, has been recognized as the number-one UK and Ireland partner for 2023 by KFC. NNA Ltd won the Partner of the Year and Operational Excellence awards in the franchise awards ceremony. The KFC franchises are graded on standards such as product quality, speed of service, and customer satisfaction. NNA's restaurants are ranked among the very best in the UK. The awards recognize NNA's commitment to excellence, including food safety, health and safety standards, cooking procedures, store cleanliness, and investment in up-to-date décor. NNA Ltd has outlets in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Evesham, and Cirencester. The owner, Gerard Nicholas, started his career in a KFC in London in 1975 and has been building his franchise empire for over 40 years. The awards come as NNA marks its 42nd year. KFC operates over 1,000 retail outlets across the UK and Ireland, with 86% in England. [9a03565a]