Australian Franchise News – 19-10-11
The franchise industry’s night of nights
The Franchise Council of Australia honoured the best of the best in the franchise sector at the 2011 Westpac FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards Gala Dinner on Tuesday night.
Hairhouse Warehouse won the major award of the evening – Established Franchisor of the Year. Cofounders Tony Lattouf and Joseph Lattouf believe the recognition proves the success of their business model.
“Our business has been recognised by the most credible authority in franchising,” the pair said.
“This award reinforces our leadership position in the Hair and Beauty Industry. It means that we can leverage the award to attract a greater team and greater franchisee prospects.”
The Coffee Club was also a big winner with awards in three categories including Excellence in Marketing, Multi-unit Franchisee of the Year and Franchisee of the Year – two or more staff. Nick
Vincent, General Manager Marketing at The Coffee Club said the awards built credibility for the team.
“The marketing award means more franchisee engagement in our marketing programs because we have been recognised as being marketing leaders within the franchise industry,” Mr Vincent said.
“The entire awards submission process was beneficial because it gave buy-in across all departments.
It reminded us too, on the efforts the marketing team put in to rolling out national promotions.”
The event, one of the most anticipated on the franchise calendar, was held in the Grand Ballroom at the Sebel Albert Park and attended by more than 500 people.
The awards held at state and national level each year represent the pinnacle of franchise achievement and are a celebration of the hard working teams and individuals in the industry.
FCA Executive Director Steve Wright said in difficult economic times the Australian franchise sector has outperformed the rest of the small business market.
“These outstanding businesses and individuals are great examples of the entrepreneurial skill and determination that has made the sector so resilient,” Mr Wright said.
Chair of the independent judging panel Professor Andrew Terry from University of Sydney Business
School said the caliber of this year’s award winners was extremely high.
“All of this year’s winners have certainly set the bar very high for others in the franchising sector to try and emulate. To all those that didn’t win, the awards process still enables people to have a very good look at their businesses and see where they can improve moving towards the coming year. In essence, everyone who enters these awards is a winner,” Professor Terry said.
The Franchise Council of Australia is the peak industry body for the $128 Billion Australian franchise sector representing franchisors, franchisees, suppliers and advisors.
The Winners
Established Franchisor of the Year
Winner: Hairhouse Warehouse
Runner-up: PoolWerx
Emerging Franchisor of the Year
Winner: Appliance Tagging Services
Runner-up: Mad Mex Fresh Mex Grill
Multi-unit Franchisee of the Year
Winner: Carolyn and David McManus – The Coffee Club, Qld
Runner-up: Irene and Ian Hughes – PoolWerx, WA
Franchisee of the Year – more than two staff
Winner: Kevin and Joanne Gooch – The Coffee Club Midland Gate WA
Runner-up: Anthony Smith – Mortgage Choice, Cheltenham Vic
Franchisee of the Year – less than two staff
Winner: Fiona Edis – City Farmers Dogwash, Como WA
Runner-up: Rosemary Harmata – Lollypotz, Chatswood and Sydney CBD NSW
Franchise Woman of the Year
Winner: Belinda Sugars, Mortgage Choice
Runner-up: Louise Curtis, Lollypotz
Franchise Executive of the Year
Winner: Cameron Graham, ANZ Mobile Lending
Field Manager of the Year
Winner: Andrew Walker, PoolWerx
Runner-up: Judd Sandwell, Chicken Treat
Supplier of the Year
Winner: Silver Chef
Runner-up: Whirlwind Print
Contribution to Franchising
Winner: Derek Sutherland, ICON Law
Runner-up: John O’Brien, PoolWerx
Excellence in Marketing
Winner: The Coffee Club
Runner-up: Hairhouse Warehouse
International Franchising
Winner: ActionCOACH
Runner-up: Keen to Clean
Franchisor Social Responsibility
Winner: Hairhouse Warehouse
Runner-up: Zambrero
Franchisee Community Service
Winner: Dean Mackie – McGrath Estate Agents, Mosman, Northbridge and Neutral Bay NSW
Runner-up: David and Belinda Clarke – Bakers Delight, Stirling SA
2011 Franchise Hall of Fame Inductee
Noel Carroll, Founder Michel’s Patisserie