Back in October 2007, the PricewaterhouseCoopers Excellence in Franchising Awards were announced at a gala affair at Melbourne's Sofitel Hotel.
Closing the National Franchising and Small Business Convention (NFC07), the night was truly representative of this country's 'best of the best'. Four months on, The Franchise Review asked several winners to reflect on the big night and the experience of taking out one of the prestigious awards.
Howards Storage World Being named Australian Export Franchise of the Year 2007 at the prestigious PricewaterhouseCoopers Excellence in Franchising Awards has been a rewarding experience for Howards Storage World at both a local level and in the global business arena.
In 1997 co-founders Les Howard and Dirk Spence began franchising the concept from a shop selling
storage products owned by Les in the Sydney suburb of Northbridge. Alex Dobrin joined forces with Les & Dirk in 2001 and the stores have since grown and developed into the successful
retail chain that exists today.
After master franchising South Australia and Western Australia, a similar niche in the international market was identified to the Australian niche and the master international model was then developed.
Today over 60 Howards Storage World stores operate domestically and
Master Franchisees are in place in several countries including Singapore, New Zealand, Spain, The Middle East, Ireland and the Philippines.
"Since winning the award we have received franchising enquiries from all over the world. This award adds further credibility to Howards Storage World's international franchise model. It's a positive acknowledgement at an international level that we are being recognised as a successful global brand" said Dirk Spence.
The award win has been included on all international advertising and marketing materials and also at international franchise fairs that Howards participates in worldwide.
Dirk Spence believes the award has also had a positive effect at a local level for Howards Storage World.
"The award has had encouraging implications and outcomes for our staff and Australian franchisees. They are not only proud of the company's achievement but feel a strong sense of contribution to the success of the brand's international expansion" added Dirk Spence.
27-Mar-2008