MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards - Winners Announced

The Franchise sector celebrated its night of nights at a gala dinner on Saturday evening, for the announcement of the national winners of the 2008 MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards held by the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) .

Over 500 people attended the dinner held in the "Big Top" at Sydney's Luna Park.

And The Winners Are...

7-Eleven Stores - Franchisor of the Year (Overall and Retail)

In 2007, 7-Eleven Stores launched a new business plan to their franchisees and staff called ‘Energising Everyone’ which will ensure they continue to set world class benchmarks in the Australian convenience retailing industry through state of the art franchisee and staff support systems, superior product marketing and cutting edge store design.

The Coffee Club Group - Food Franchisor of the Year

Since being founded in Queensland in 1989, the franchise model has enabled The Coffee Club to expand its presence in Australia and overseas - more than 200 stores in Australia and New Zealand -and increase its brand awareness as a stylish place to meet.

Hotondo Homes - Service Franchisor of the Year

Hotondo Homes has 111 franchisees spread throughout Australia who build dream homes for thousands of satisfied customers. The company has been a franchise model since 1993 and is committed to the development of the system and the growth of franchisees and the brand.

Mark Maumill and Jason Love of Banjo's Corporation - Franchisee of the Year

Mark and Jason are multi unit franchise owners at Banjo’s, a totally Australian owned company that offers their customers an innovative bakery service by combining top quality fresh bakery products, great coffee, professional service and a welcoming atmosphere.

Mr Rental - Emerging Franchise System of the Year

With the introduction of franchising, Mr Rental went from a well known local store in Bribie Island to an international network of 57 stores seven years later. Each new franchisee introduction is a deliberate decision by Mr Rental with a great deal of importance placed on maintaining the unique culture on which the company is founded.

Deb Shugg, CEO of Award Group - Franchise Woman of the Year

In 1998 Deb started Award Bookkeeping Company after recognising the potential for a bookkeeping industry at a time when few had the same foresight. Today, Award Bookkeeping Company has over 50 franchisees with a gross annual turnover of approximately $3 million a year. At the same time Deb is developing a ‘sister’ brand, Award Business Consulting, to improve Award Group Australia’s brand.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees "Gloria" - Franchise Innovation of the Year

With master franchise partners in 31 countries Gloria Jean's Coffees has addressed the need for a unified training and development program to deliver consistent results. The solution, "Gloria", is an internet based system with functionality designed to facilitate communication, deliver consistent training and provide a 24-hour-a-day resource of manuals and tools to all team members around the world.

Ecowash Mobile - Franchise Export of the Year

Ecowash Mobile is a waterless mobile car washing and detailing system founded in 2004 by Jim Cornish and Stewart Nicholls who recognised that car owners would look to smarter, greener and better ways to keep their cars clean while reducing their environmental impact.

Bakers Delight - Media Campaign of the Year

The Bakers Delight media campaign for "The Top Sports Grant" offers primary and secondary schools the chance to win one of 20 $5,000 grants to buy sporting equipment and uniforms, upgrade facilities, training or any other sports-related items schools may need. With very little mass media to drive awareness and subsequent results, the grass-roots program was an unprecedented success.

Pacnet - Supplier of the Year

Pacnet is a leading national Internet Service Provider delivering internet and communication solutions dedicated to enhancing the work and lifestyles of small business internet users. With a strong reputation for the delivery of business-grade internet and data solutions, Pacnet has extensive experience developing and tailoring technology solutions especially for franchises ensuring they gain maximum business benefits.