Franchise champions in NSW and ACT recognised by Franchise Council of Australia

The Franchise Council of Australia continues the national 2010 Excellence in Franchising Awards, with the franchise advisory body this week announcing the winners of NSW and ACT regional awards.

A gala dinner was held at Doltone House, Pyrmont Point last Thursday to honour the recipients. MC for the evening was Mike Ramsay, director of FCA alliance partner Charter Security.

The franchise advisory body awarded the 2010 NSW/ACT Franchise Woman of the Year Award to Louise Curtis, founder, managing director and franchisor of Lollypots, a chocolate bouquet company/

Louise wanted to establish a business that would not only fill a niche, but be an attractive franchise opportunity for women, particularly those with children at home who have limited opportunities to run a standard format business.

So far, Louise has turned this vision into a successful 28 outlet strong business, and received two Telstra business awards for her efforts, all while raising a young family.

Tony Zoobi, franchisee with Hairhouse Warehouse, took out the NSW/ACT Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year Award.

Having received another Excellence in Franchising award from the franchise advisory body in 2008, Tony started a new period of growth, expanding his business so that now he owns 6 stores, employing 45 staff.

In a sign of his success and leadership in business, new Hairhouse Warehouse franchisees visit his stores for ideas and advice on running their own businesses.

Other winners announced by the franchise advisory board include:

• Leanne Maslen, Bakers Delight Tamworth (NSW/ACT Franchisee Community Service Award)
• Barry and Gayle Hill, Autobarn Maitland (NSW/ACT Franchisee of the Year - 2 or more staff)
• Stephen Jones, Minit Australia (NSW/ACT Franchisee of the Year - Less than 2 staff); and
• Alan Fardon, RAMS Financial Group (NSW/ACT Field Manager of the Year).