We’ve got winners! Top performers in the franchising sector were celebrated at the FCA NSW/ACT Excellence in Franchising Regional Awards for 2017 on 6 March.
Big congratulations to Beverley Taylor who scooped not one but two awards: named as the Single Unit Franchisee of the Year – less than two staff, and the NSW/ACT Franchise Woman of the Year.
“Winning an award like this is great recognition and it’s lovely to actually have the Franchise Council offer an award in this space. There are so many inspirational women that have driven me, like Natalie Brennan, who is such an inspiration…this will really drive me to help more women do more, not just in franchising but in business.”
Colleen Balfour, from Salts of the Earth Albury, was awarded the Single Unit Franchisee of the Year two or more staff; great recognition for someone who came to the business through personal experience. After nearly losing her husband to asthma, Colleen Balfour decided to give salt therapy a try and when she saw the positive impact it had on her husband’s pain decided to invest in the business.
“I empower my staff to make decisions, to have input in the way we market and the way we run the centre. We’re always asking them for ideas, if something is worthwhile pursuing, and we do everything as a team,” she said.
The owners of two Sydney-based Inspirations Paint outlets won the Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year Award – Matt McCarthy and Simon Hill.
In field support, Eric Celik, Pack & Send International, showed his approach pays off, taking out the NSW/ACT Field Manager of the Year award.
“I actually started in the stores, nine years ago, so I’ve been on their side of the fence, I understand their struggles. I’ve run multiple stores, so I always came in the role as a field manager with respect for the franchisees.
“That’s really important and that’s one of the skills that has led me to having a great relationship with the people I lead,” he explained.
The winners have all qualified as finalists for the FCA National Excellence in Franchising Awards at the RACV Royal Pines on 10 October.