Finalists announced for Irish Franchise Awards 2008
The Irish Franchise Association announce that the large number of entries received for this year’s Franchise Awards has been reduced to a shortlist of finalists from which the overall winner in the six categories will be chosen. The Irish Franchise Awards , sponsored by Ulster Bank, reward outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the growth and development of the franchise industry in Ireland. The franchise sector has shown spectacular growth over recent years and according to the latest Irish Franchise survey, there has been a marked increase in turnover for the sector to €2.1 billionrepresenting an increase of 69% since the last survey with currently 270 active systems in Ireland providing 25,461 jobs.
Finalists for Franchise of the Year 2008 (Retail ) are Abrakebabra Investments; O’Briens Sandwich Bars and The Streat
Finalists for Franchise of the Year 2008 (Service) are Fastway Couriers; Chem-Dry Ireland Ltd; Home Instead.
Finalists for Franchisee of the Year 2008 (Retail and Service) are Derek O’Dwyer from Mentor Action Ltd; Piers White from Pristine.ie; John Walsh and Pat O’Dwyer from The Docklands Partnership; John Sullivan from O’Briens Sandwich Bar IFSC Dublin and John Dawson from Snap Printing Sir John Rogersons Quay
Finalists for Best Emerging Franchise 2008 are Chick King; The Streat; Kids Party Club
Finalists for Franchise Person of the Year 2008 are David Zebedee of Abrakebabra Investments and John Green of Chem-Dry Ireland Ltd
The Irish Franchise Awards will be presented at a formal black-tie awards ceremony at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin on Thursday November 20 th 2008. The awards will be particularly special this year as the Association celebrates its Silver Jubilee and continued membership growth underlines strength of the franchise sector in spite of uncertain economic times. According to Chairman John Green, the association has maintained strong growth with a membership increase of almost 10% over the past 18 months.
Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank said; “ Ulster Bank is delighted to be sponsoring the Irish Franchise Awards which recognise creativity, drive and commitment to excellence in franchising. Congratulations to all the finalists who have shown great enterprise and innovation against the backdrop of a more competitive and challenging market environment. On its’ Silver Jubilee, we would also like to recognise the great work done by the Irish Franchise Association in encouraging and supporting the growth of franchising across Ireland.”
ENDS
Press Contact: Helen O Dwyer | PR ONE | 086 2332725
Editors Notes : John Green is available for comment at 01 8303940