Brilliant franchise successes were celebrated at the Franchise Council of Australia’s 2019 QLD/NT franchise awards event in Brisbane.

FCA CEO Mary Aldred said “The outstanding effort by the franchisees who took out the awards, and their contribution as successful small to medium business operators, shows the positive impact franchising can have on employment, the economy and community.

“The businesses run by these franchise owners are fantastic examples of small to medium businesses achieving in a tough environment and setting the benchmark for franchising in Queensland and the Northern Territory,” she said.

QLD/NT franchise awards winners

QLD/NT Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year: Chris McIntyre, ANZ Mobile Lending, Gold Coast Central, Gold Coast North, Loganholme & Ascot

Chris McIntyre was one of the first ANZ Mobile Lending franchisees. He purchased the Gold Coast Central and Gold Coast North franchises in 2004. Since then he expanded to the Loganholme franchise in 2007 and the Ascot franchise in 2018. The four franchises now have over $1 billion in Funds under Management. Chris has been the network’s Franchisee of the Year and scooped a High Achievers Award in 2018.

QLD/NT Single Unit Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff:  Jason Hand, Wendy Hand & David Begg, InXpress, Narangba

Jason Hand, Wendy Hand and David Begg were the first InXpress franchisees in Australia. The three logistics professionals spotted a growth opportunity in their industry and started their business in a garage 10 years ago.

QLD/NT Single Unit Franchisee of the Year, less than two staff: Kate Davidson, EFM, Noosaville

Kate Davidson qualified as a personal trainer in 2012 and discovered the EFM model when she and her husband moved to Noosa. In 2015 Kate became the new franchisee, manager and head coach at EFM Noosaville. Since then, Kate has twice been voted one of the Top Ten Personal Trainers on the Sunshine Coast. Last year she was awarded EFM Health Clubs Eastern States Franchise of the Year.

QLD/NT Field Manager of the Year: Tim Spreadborough, Hire A Hubby

Tim Spreadborough’s experience as a high performing franchisee means he understands what Hire a Hubby franchisees need to succeed. Tim has been the brand’s Queensland operations manager since mid-2017, after being promoted from the role of field manager. He grew his fraanchise to be the second highest performing business in the network, with an annual turnover of $550,000 at the time of sale. He was the 2013 Hire A Hubby National Franchisee of the Year.

QLD/NT Franchisee Community Responsibility and Contribution: Joanne Heidke, Bakers Delight

Joanne Heidke has been a part of the Bakers Delight network for over 12 years and runs the Burleigh Heads bakery with her husband Rob. Joanne has tirelessly supported community groups in her local area during her past 12 years as a franchisee. In 2018 she ran a campaign to support Australian women in crisis through the homeless women’s charity Share the Dignity.

• The QLD/NT state winners have qualified as finalists for the MYOB FCA National Excellence in Franchising Awards. The Gala Awards Dinner will be the closing event of the 2019 National Franchise Convention on the Gold Coast on Tuesday 22 October.