The Irish Franchise Awards 2015 were celebrated at the Clyde Court Hotel in Dublin 4 on Friday. The awards aim to recognise excellence in franchising and reward the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry.
There were 250 guests at the black tie event which was hosted by Newstalk's Jonathan Healy and officiated by Minister Kevin Humphreys TD.
The judging panel included Newstalk Business Presenter and former Irish Dragon Bobby Kerr, Orla Nugent, Director Executive MBA, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, Greg Swift, head of enterprise at Dublin Local Enterprise Office, Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association and Elaine O'Regan of the Sunday Business Post.
Franchise of the Year (Retail) went to The Zipyard, Franchise of the Year (Service) went to Home Instead, Excellence in Innovation went to O'Briens Sandwich Bars, Outstanding contribution to employment in Ireland went to Fastway Couriers, Best Newcomer was thebestof, Best Emerging Franchise went to Sasta, Best Marketing Campaign went to Supermacs, Best Franchise System and Business Practice went to Chem-Dry Ireland, the Outstanding Growth Award went to Apache Pizza, Best Indigenous Irish Franchise was Eddie Rockets, Franchising Woman of the Year was awarded to Allison McGinley of TaxAssist Accountants, Franchisee of the Year (retail) went to Amir Afsar of McDonalds, Franchisee of the Year (Service) went to Conor Smith of SNAP Sandyford, Best Irish Franchise Trading Internationally went to Butlers Chocolate Café and Subway scooped the Outstanding Contribution to Franchising in Ireland Award.
Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association, David Killeen said,"The awards are an opportunity for us to formally recognise and celebrate the excellent work being done by all franchise operators in growing our sector, consolidating existing businesses and protecting sustainable jobs.
We look forward with excitement to sharing the results of the current all-Ireland Franchise Survey underway in partnership with AIB. On behalf of the Association I would like to congratulate all entrants and winners and special thanks to our Sponsors which include Rialto Motors, Home Instead, TaxAssist Accountants, Comans Wholesale, Fastway Couriers, Rialto Motors, JBM & Merit Solutions, McDonalds and Skillnet."
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