John Key to officiate

• The world's largest courier franchise
• Established in 1983 in New Zealand. First franchised in 1984
• The first transport company in the world to franchise.
• Winner of over 38 franchise and industry awards.
• Winner of the ‘Franchise System of the Year’ 3 times, in New Zealand and Australia.
• Has over 1600 franchisees
• Franchised in New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Germany, Spain and South Africa.
• Opening in South Africa in 2009
• Turnover $441 million
• Economic.Reliable.Easy

Group Managing Director Brem Ellingham said that international Fastway franchisees will be coming from as far afield as Germany, the UK, South Africa and Australia to attend. Other guests include shareholders, suppliers, customers and staff.

Fastway mobile franchise was established in Hawkes Bay in 1983, to provide low cost courier services to local businesses. A franchise model was adopted the following year, making Fastway the first transport company in the world to franchise. With a turnover of $441 million last financial year, Fastway currently services around 95,000 customers worldwide.

Friday’s celebrations will also acknowledge subsidiary company Fastway Post, which notches up 10 years trading this year. Fastway Post was the first franchise business company to compete with New Zealand Post when the postal market was deregulated in 1998.

In a recent interview Mr Ellingham said, “That this global operation stems from New Zealand is significant, given our small population, the minor part that New Zealand plays on the world economic stage, and the relatively low value of our dollar.”

He went on to say, “Kiwi ingenuity is a key factor in many successful New Zealand companies exporting their products or services, and I believe our business certainly fits the bill on that score.”

Media representatives are welcome to attend the function on Friday 15th August at 5 p.m. Further details are available from Joanne Adams, Ph 06