The Irish Franchise Awards 2017 took place last Friday at the Radisson St Helen’s Hotel in Dublin.
The awards recognise excellence in franchising and reward the achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry. Two hundred and thirty guests attended the black-tie gala event hosted by Newstalk’s Jonathan Healy.
Over 28,000 people are now working in the Irish franchise sector engaged in the operations of 2,975 different franchise units across a wide range of sectors ranging from retailing and food service right through to an interesting selection of business-to-business and business-to-consumer services.
The judging panel for the 2017 Irish Franchise Awards included Newstalk Business Presenter and former Irish Dragon - Bobby Kerr, 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.
The winners on the night included:
Franchise of the Year (Retail): Eddie Rockets
Franchise of the Year (Service): Sherry FitzGerald
Best Indigenous Irish Franchise: Insomnia Coffee Company
Best Marketing Campaign: Snap
Best Franchise System and Business Practice: Home Instead Senior Care
Outstanding Growth Award: Chopped
Best Emerging Franchise: Camile Thai
Outstanding Contribution to Employment in Ireland: Supermacs
Special Lifetime Achievement Award: Andy Hennessey, formerly of Fastway Couriers
Best Pilot Franchise Business Model: Oasis of Taste
Best Live Tweeting for Abrakebabra
All finalists received a framed Certificate of Excellence on the night and winners received a bespoke crystal award and personalised branded video footage with highlights from the night.
Speaking on the night, 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."
He added, "On behalf of the Association I would like to congratulate all entrants and winners with special thanks to our co-sponsors AIB and award sponsors which include Home Instead Senior Care, TaxAssist Accountants, Snap, The Irish Franchise Show, Eddie Rockets, McDonalds, Lets Operate, Comans Beverages, JBM & Merit Solutions, The Sunday Business Post and Skillnet."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
