Australia’s top performing franchisees and franchisors for 2013 were recognised at the NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards gala dinner on 22 October.
The state winners across each category were in the running for the awards, which were held at Jupiters on the Gold Coast.
The Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff award went to Anthony Hamod of Fastway Couriers in Wollongong; meanwhile Tim MacKinley of Appliance Tagging Services Aspley took out the Franchise of the Year, less than two staff award.
The Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year title went to PoolWerx franchisees Caroline and Paul Attard, and the Franchisee Communtiy Service gong was presented to Bendigo Bank in North Perth.
Optometrist franchise Specsavers was named Established Franchisor of the Year, and it also took out the Excellence in Marketing award.
The brand’s global retail director and GM for Australia and New Zealand, Derek Dyson said the win is evidence of Specsavers great working relationship with its franchisees.
“To win Established Franchisor of the Year will mean an incredible amount to our (franchise) partners who work so hard each day in their own businesses.
“The award criteria were focused on systems and franchise leadership as well depth of support levels for franchisees, so to win this is also a great testament to how well we work with our partners. The Excellence in Marketing award is a perfect example of the lengths we go to in our support role,” he added.
The Emerging Franchisor of the Year award went to Plus Fitness, a health and fitness franchise that is rapidly expanding – franchisors John Fuller and Nigel Miller are opening four new clubs this week.
They said the awards process helped them understand where their focus needs to be. “We have 82 franchisees with 69 clubs open – which will actually be 73 as of tomorrow. Our franchisees will be just over the moon about this award,” they said.
Building and construction franchise G.J. Gardner Homes received the Excellence in International Franchising award.
CEO Darren Wallis said the award is a major achievement for the business and highlights the importance of developing a sustainable growth strategy, particularly in the US market.
“Our approach to international expansion isn’t just focussed on selecting the right location, it’s about finding the right people to grow the business and provide plenty of support and resources.
“The G.J. Gardner Homes model in Australia and abroad is based on giving small builders the skills, resources and systems to take their building business to the next level,” said Wallis.
The evening also saw Just Cuts founder Denis McFadden inducted into the Franchise Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to the remaining award winners:
- Contribution to Franchising – Derek Sutherland, HWL Ebsworth
- Franchise Woman of the Year – Debb Meyer, Narellan Pools
- Supplier of the Year – FC Business Solutions
- Field Manager of the Year – Adam Moody, Wendys Supa Sundaes
- Franchise Innovation – Bartercard International Group
- Franchisor Social Responsibility – Battery World Australia
FCA Chairman, Michael Paul said the awards are a terrific opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing work being done in the franchise sector.
“The finalists, regional winners and national winners acknowledged tonight showcase what a truly robust and thriving sector Australian franchising really is.
“Despite economic hardship and political uncertainty in recent times, ours is a sector that continues to grow, and with proven systems, established brands, and constant innovation, franchising continues to be the intelligent choice for small business owners across the country,” he said.