Franchise awards highlights sector’s benefit to economy

THE Irish Franchise Awards attracted a larger than usual entry this year across its five main categories.

Due to be unveiled at a ceremony in Croke Park, Dublin, on February 25, the five main winners will be selected on the basis of their excellence and achievements in franchising during 2010.

Finalists for overall Franchise of the Year include The Zipyard, the Streat and Eddie Rockets.

The Service category shortlist features Fastway Couriers, Chem-Dry, Home Instead Senior Care, Cartridge Green, Tone at Home and Motivation Weight Management.

Retail category finalists include The Zipyard (Dún Laoghaire), Eddie Rockets (Dundrum), the Streat (Citywest), and Snap Printing (Sir John Rogerson’s Quay).

Finalists for Franchisee of the Year (Service) are Cartridge Green (Naas), Home Instead Senior Care (Rathfarnham), Kendlebell (Naas), Tone at Home (Cork, Kerry Limerick); Tone at Home (Waterford, South Tipperary and Kilkenny), and Fastway Couriers Midlands.

Best Emerging Franchise finalists are Car Medic, Tax Assist, Cartridge Green, the Zipyard, Hillbilly’s Friday Chicken, Tone at Home, Synergy Stocktaking.

According to its 2010 survey, there has been a marked increase in turnover for the sector to €2.4 billion, up 15% since the last survey in 2006. In total, the franchise industry contributes 4,086 operating units on the island of Ireland and offers 42,927 full-time jobs.

The judging panel for the 2011 Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association awards include former dragon and Newstalk presenter Bobby Kerr; Orna Stokes of Ulster Bank; Orla Nugent of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Greg Swift of Dublin County Enterprise Board and Cian Ó Mongain from the Sunday Business Post.

The association’s EXPO on February 25 and 26 is a showcase for franchisers, offering a chance for prospective franchisees to meet existing franchisers and seek out business opportunities.