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by Simon Lord

last updated 25/10/2013


Australian Franchise Awards – 2013 Results

by Simon Lord

last updated 25/10/2013


Franchise Council of Australia names tops members, recognises importance of field support staff in annual awards

It’s that time of year again when the franchise organisations on both sides of the Tasman recognise their members. The Franchise Council of Australia announced winners of the NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards Gala Dinner earlier this week, while the Franchise Association of New Zealand awards take place on 16 November.

The big winners in Australia were optometrist franchise Specsavers, which took home two major titles on the evening – Established Franchisor of the Year and Excellence in Marketing. The British-based franchise is also familiar to New Zealanders, having grown rapidly here since its launch in 2008.

Derek Dyson, Specsavers' Global Retail Director and GM for Specsavers Australia and New ZealandGlobal Retail Director and GM for Specsavers Australia and New Zealand, Derek Dyson, was very proud of the win. ‘To win Established Franchisor of the Year will mean an incredible amount to our [franchisees] who work so hard each day in their own businesses,’ he said. ‘The award criteria were focused on systems and franchise leadership as well as 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.’

Australian health and fitness franchise, Plus Fitness, took out Emerging Franchisor of the Year. Franchisors John Fuller and Nigel Miller, who are opening four new clubs this week, said the awards process helped them understand where their focus needs to be in a rapidly-growing business. ‘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.’

Winners list in full

There were 15 awards presented on the evening, proudly sponsored by NAB. Successful individuals and businesses were recognised across a range of functions including franchisees, support staff and franchise innovators.

Established Franchisor of the Year – Specsavers

Emerging Franchisor of the Year– Plus Fitness

Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year – Caroline and Paul Attard, PoolWerx

Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff – Anthony Hamod, Fastway Couriers Wollongong

Franchisee of the Year, less than two staff – Tim MacKinley, Appliance Tagging Services Aspley

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

Excellence in Marketing– Specsavers

Excellence in International Franchising– G.J Gardner Homes

Franchise Innovation – Bartercard International Group

Franchisor Social Responsibility – Battery World Australia

Franchisee Community Service – Bendigo Bank, North Perth

Contribution to Franchising – Derek Sutherland, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers

Franchise Hall of Fame Inductee 2013 – Denis McFadden, Just Cuts

Field Manager of the Year

One area that the Australian awards recognise which has not yet been introduced in New Zealand is the importance of good field managers. This year, Adam Moody of Wendy’s Supa Sundaes was named as Australia’s Field Manager of the Year. The criteria for this important award included:

  • Current role and responsibilities
  • Business acumen
  • Making a difference
  • Commitment and empathy
  • Influencing and negotiation
  • Personal integrity
  • Training and facilitation
  • Business development
  • Coaching
  • Organisation and follow through
  • Professional and personal development

Unfortunately – or rather, happily – Adam was unable to accept the award in person as his wife had gone into labour the same day! We’re sure even the most demanding franchisees would let him off for that.

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