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Top franchises announced at Ulster Bank
Irish Franchise Association Awards 2010
On Friday, February 19th at Croke Park, Dublin the winners of the Irish Franchise Awards 2010 were announced at a formal black-tie award ceremony officiated by Mr Conor Lenihan, Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation and presented by popular media personality Tom McEnaney. The Irish Franchise Awards Sponsored by Ulster Bank recognises excellence in franchising and rewards outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry. The top honours this year went to The Streat, Fastway Couriers Ireland, Snap Printing, Signs Express, Caremark and John Green of Chem-dry Ireland. Other finalists for awards this year included Home Instead Senior Care, Abrakebabra Investment Ltd, O2, Subway, Action Coach, Eddie Rockets, Kendlebell, TaxAssist Accountants, Kids Party Club, Motivation Weight Management Clinic and Tone at Home.
This year, the Irish Franchise Awards ran in conjunction with the Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO which took place on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th of February. The purpose of the exhibition was to act as a showcase for Irish franchisors and the franchising sector displaying excellent franchise opportunities while maintaining a strong focus on business format franchising. The exhibition featured over 45 exhibitors and provided extensive information and advice for individuals interested in franchising. The EXPO also featured educational seminars covering all aspects of Franchising from legal matters to finance with interesting case studies and strategic management advice. Mr Samek Sen won the prestigious self employment & business coaching programs competition by The Entrepreneurs Source in partnership with Michael Gerber of E-Myth Worldwide. This is valued at over €6,000.
David Killeen, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association said “the success of this year’s EXPO is testament to the strength and popularity of franchising as a business model, particularly as a way of starting up a new business. This was the first year that the Association took on the management of the EXPO with the support of Ulster Bank and we are delighted with the response from both visitors and exhibitors. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our award entrants, especially the winners and to sincerely thank Ulster Bank for their ongoing support of the franchise sector.”
Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank added;
“Ulster Bank is proud to be associated with the 2010 Irish Franchise Awards and Expo; Our Association with these events reaffirms our long standing commitment to the franchise sector in Ireland. Congratulations to all the winners who have shown great enterprise and innovation against the backdrop of a more competitive and challenging market environment. 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.”
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Left to right: Orna Stokes, Senior Manager Head of Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank; Andy Hennessey and Gerry Riordan from Fastway Couriers, Michael McQuillan from the streat, John Green from Chem-dry Ireland, Tom Duke from Caremark, David Killeen Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association, John Damson from Snap Printing and Michael O Hara from Signs Express.
Editors Notes
Award winners 2010
Finalists for Franchise of the Year (Retail) Presented By: Orna Stokes of Ulster Bank were Abrakebabra Investments Ltd; The Streat; O2 and Subway
Winner: the streat
The Streat Franchising Ltd is one of Irelands leading café franchises offering fresh food, quality coffee and award winning service in comfortable surroundings. Born and bred in Belfast 11 years ago, the business has been franchising for over 5 years and there are currently 34 cafes in the network across Ireland and Scotland. Plans for the business include further growth in both countries as well as expansion into England. Recent acquisition of the company by the Henderson Group, best known for their Northern Ireland Spar franchise network, means that the streat is well positioned to develop both the existing café network and other exciting food and coffee franchise concepts.
Finalists for Franchise of the Year (Service) presented by: Robert Tyrrell of Campion Insurance were Fastway Couriers (Ireland); Chem-Dry Ireland Ltd; Home Instead Senior Care; Snap Printing; Action Coach and Signs Express
Winner: Fastway Couriers Ireland
Fastway Couriers (Ireland) is a multi award winning Franchise System which was established in New Zealand in 1983, in Ireland in 2002 and is the world’s largest courier franchise operator. The Fastway Couriers system prides itself on being economical, reliable and easy to use. Using unique pre-paid labels and satchels, Fastway Couriers (Ireland) offer customers a next day local and nationwide parcel collection and delivery service, including Northern Ireland. They also launched a new delivery service to the UK in 2009. 2009 was a record year for Fastway. They saw an increase of 22% in the number of Courier Franchisees who invested in Fastway, substantial growth in customer numbers, 14% growth in parcel numbers and positive sales growth over 2008.
Finalists for Franchisee of the Year (Retail) Presented by Hilary Haydon and Fiona Cottell of Haydon Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers were John Dawson from Snap Printing St John Rogerson’s Quay and Donnybrook; Catherine & Peter Wilson of Eddie Rockets Kilkenny and Derek and Aisling Mullins, The Streat, Citywest & Tallaght
Winner: John Dawson, Snap Printing
With 13 printers in Dublin and 11 regional printers in Galway, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Cork, Snap Printing have people and the technology to help you not only design and print your logo but also promote your business and create and print your marketing pieces.
Finalists for Franchisee of the Year (Service) Presented by: Cian O Mongain, Sunday Business Post were Noeleen Cronin of Home Instead Senior Care in Blackrock, Co Dublin; Michael O'Hara of Signs Express, Sligo and Tony Clarke from Kendlebell, Naas
Winner: Michael O Hara, Signs Express
Established for 20 years, Signs Express is the UK and Ireland’s leading signs and graphics franchise. Operating within the lucrative B2B market place, franchisees require no industry experience as full training and ongoing support is provided. Over the years Signs Express has gained an exceptional reputation within the industry as well as building an extensive network of 80 centres across both the UK and Ireland. Signs Express is currently recruiting new franchisees on a national basis. A number of key territories are still available throughout Ireland as well as the opportunity to take over an existing franchise.
Finalists for Best Emerging Franchise Presented by: Arthur Doran - Ulster Bank were Kids Party Club; Tax Assist; O2; Caremark; Motivation Weight Management Clinic and Tone at Home
Winner: Caremark
Caremark provide care for anyone who wishes to remain in their own home, regardless of their disability, illness or situation.
Caremark Ireland is owned and operated by Tom and Maeve Duke and includes two company owned and company operated units in Dublin South and Dublin North. As part of the franchise rollout strategy three highly qualified franchisees were selectively recruited between July and September 2009. Significant investment has been made in the engagement of external expertise in best practice franchising, HSE procurement procedures and additional training for all staff with the objective of providing the Caremark franchise and its franchisees with the optimum opportunity to succeed.
Finalists for Franchise Person of the Year Presented by Lisa Keating, head of emerging and partner channels of O2
Ed Murphy from Home Instead Senior Care and John Green from Chemdry Ireland
Winner: John Green, Chem-dry Ireland
John Green is master franchisor, Ireland, for Chem-Dry carpet & upholstery cleaning franchise. Together with his brother Pat, he acquired the licence in 1989 and currently has 47 franchisees operating across the country. John is chairman of the Irish Franchise Association and a member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland. He was voted ‘Franchise Person of the Year’ in 2005 for his work in promoting franchising in Ireland.
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Press Release
December 2009
Finalists announced for the Ulster Bank
Irish Franchise Association Awards 2010
The Irish Franchise Association announced today 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 six categories will be chosen. The Irish Franchise Awards recognise excellence in franchising and reward outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry. The judging panel for the 2010 Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association Awards include Orna Stokes, Head of Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank; Orla Nugent, Director Executive MBA, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Brian Davitt of Dublin County Enterprise Board; Conor Brophy, Business Editor, Newstalk; and Cian O Mongain from the Sunday Business Post.
The awards categories represent both retail and service industries and include Franchise of the Year, Franchisee of the Year, Best Emerging Franchise and Franchise Person of the Year.
Finalists for Franchise of the Year (Retail) are Abrakebabra Investments Ltd; The Streat; O2 and Subway
Finalists for Franchise of the Year (Service) are Fastway Couriers (Ireland); Chem-Dry Ireland Ltd; Home Instead Senior Care; Snap Printing; Action Coach and Signs Express
Finalists for Franchisee of the Year (Retail) are John Dawson from Snap Printing St John Rogerson’s Quay and Donnybrook; Catherine & Peter Wilson of Eddie Rockets Kilkenny and Derek and Aisling Mullins, The Streat, Citywest & Tallaght
Finalists for Franchisee of the Year (Service) are Noeleen Cronin of Home Instead Senior Care in Blackrock, Co Dublin; Michael O'Hara of Signs Express, Sligo and Tony Clarke from Kendlebell, Naas
Finalists for Best Emerging Franchise are Kids Party Club; TaxAssist Accountants; O2; Caremark; Motivation Weight Management Clinic and Tone at Home
Finalists for Franchise Person of the Year are Ed Murphy from Home Instead Senior Care and John Green from Chemdry Ireland
The awards will be presented at a formal black-tie awards ceremony at Croke Park on Friday February 19th 2010. The award ceremony is anticipated to be one of the most impressive business events of the year reflecting the remarkable growth of the franchise sector in these challenging times. The Awards ceremony is the highlight of the much anticipated Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO on February 19th and 20th. Tickets for the award ceremony are now on sale at €110 per person or €800 per table of eight. See www.irishfranchiseassociation.com for more details on both the EXPO and Awards.
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Press Contact: Helen O Dwyer | PR ONE | 01 5143000 | 086 2332725 | Helen@pr1.ie
If you would like to attend this year's award ceremony at Croke Park, Please click below for booking form.
Booking Form Irish Franchise Awards
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Franchise sector forges ahead
Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO and Awards 2010
Caption:
Pictured at the launch of the Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association EXPO and Awards 2009/2010 which takes place on February 19th & 20th 2010 at Croke Park Dublin were Declan Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Business Banking ROI, Ulster Bank, Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank along with David Killeen, Chairman of The Irish Franchise Association and Collette Pennick of the streat, winner of best Emerging Franchise 2008. See www.irishfranchiseassociation.com for information and to download entry forms and information on the exhibition and awards.
On Friday February 19th and Saturday February 20th the Irish Franchise Association host the Ulster Bank Franchise EXPO and Awards 2010 at Croke Park, Dublin. The purpose of the exhibition is to act as a showcase for Irish franchisors and the franchising sector. The Irish Franchise Awards, which will run in conjunction with the exhibition, recognise excellence in franchising and reward outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry. David Killeen, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association comments; “With the support of Ulster Bank we can promote franchising to a new level whilst delivering tangible benefits to our membership. The response from the sector to this initiative has been very favorable. The exhibition provides a cost effective opportunity in the current climate for franchisors to attract and recruit suitable franchisees”
The EXPO and Awards will be the highlight of the franchising calendar for 2010. The exhibition will take place from 10am to 6pm each day and will feature guest speakers, seminars on franchising, exhibitors from the franchise sector and extensive information and advice for individuals interested in the franchise sector. During these challenging times, many people take advantage of a redundancy package to start up their own businesses through franchising.
The awards will be presented at a formal black-tie awards ceremony in the Hospitality Suite at Croke Park on Friday February 19th 2010. The award ceremony is anticipated to be one of the most impressive business events of the year reflecting the remarkable growth of the franchise sector in these challenging times. The awards categories represent both retail and service industries and include Franchise of the Year, Franchisee of the Year, Best Emerging Franchise and Franchise Person of the Year. Declan Fitzgerald, Managing Director, Business Banking ROI, Ulster Bank said; “The importance of providing support to businesses in the current environment cannot be underestimated. It is our job to provide solid advice, appropriate financial support and a robust service to franchisees and indeed to all our business customers. We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Irish Franchise Association. The Expo and Awards provides us with a great opportunity to highlight our support in this sector and also to recognise and reward outstanding entrepreneurs.”
The franchise sector has shown significant growth over recent years and according to latest figures is worth over €2 billion with more than 270 active systems in Ireland providing over 25,000 jobs. Recessionary times have traditionally been good for franchising. All the advantages of considering franchising as a business start up are heightened somewhat in recessionary times with advantages such as availing of a proven business model, an established brand and some element of continuous and on-going support from the franchisor.
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Media Contact: Helen O Dwyer | PR One | 086 2332725 | Helen@pr1.ie
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Media Contact: Helen O Dwyer | PR One | 086 2332725 | Helen@pr1.ie
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CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES TO THE IRISH FRANCHISE AWARDS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 11TH 2009.
DONT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE 124306_IFA_Awards
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ULSTER BANK GROUP ANNOUNCES €1 BILLION FINANCE SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR BUSINESSES
3rd March 2009: Ulster Bank Group today announced a range of support initiatives and funding options for businesses that will bring the value of available finance to the sector to €1 billion. The initiatives will assist viable businesses through 2009 and include loans and overdrafts to support cash flow management for existing and new customers. This package of initiatives is Ulster Bank’s latest commitment to the business community and in particular SMEs as they manage their capital and cashflow through the current economic downturn.
Declan Fitzgerald, Managing Director Business Banking RoI, Ulster Bank said; “Now more than ever, businesses across the island need access to funds and the support of their bank. Ulster Bank is determined to ensure the credit needs of businesses are met in these uncertain times. Our €1 billion commitment to the business community is designed to enable Irish enterprises to carry on their business and to facilitate their growth and development by providing a number of working capital solutions.”
“These initiatives highlight Ulster Bank’s support and commitment to the business community and our dedication to maintaining last year’s level of funding to the SME sector. We will also be providing the benefits of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Fund and making these monies available to the market”, he added.
For start up and early stage businesses, Ulster Bank will offer customers loans at a reduced and lowest market rate of 4.95% Variable.* Additional start up support will also be available through Ulster Bank’s Franchising Support Unit and through the recently launched Ulster Bank Diageo Fund managed by NCB Ventures**. The €75million Ulster Bank Diageo Fund will invest in companies at early and expansion stages of development across a broad range of industrial sectors.
Welcoming the announcement, Dr. Aidan O'Boyle, SFA Chairman commented; "The Small Firms Association welcomes the range of supports announced today by Ulster Bank – cash flow is the life blood of any business and currently small businesses are facing financial pressures from all angles - restricted access to finance; extension of creditor days taken by customers and reduced spending. It is good news that Ulster Bank is reacting to the real problems which their small business customers are facing and their proposed actions should assist the small business sector with financial pressures to prevent business closures and job losses."
Cash Flow Management support options are available from Ulster Bank Invoice Finance*** and Lombard Asset Finance****. Asset and invoice finance facilities enable customers to better manage the flow of working capital. In addition, international trade finance and cash management solutions from the Ulster Bank Global Transaction Service Division***** for exporters and importers will optimise working capital and protect cash in the current environment.
Full details of Ulster Bank’s support initiatives are available from business advisers throughout the branch and Business Centre network.
Notes to Editor:
*New lower Start Up Loan Rate of 4.95% variable rate - Continuing to provide the best business banking package for start ups – with lowest start up business loan 4.95%% variable rate, 3 years transaction fee free banking (Charges for additional services still apply) and an unsecured lending facility up to €30,000.
**€75m Ulster Bank Diageo VC Fund – The Ulster Bank Diageo Venture Fund Limited Partnership will invest in companies at early and expansion stages of development across a broad range of industrial sectors.
***Working Capital Finance: Enhanced Invoice Finance to accelerate the availability of trade debtor cash and Supplyline to pay selected suppliers on your behalf with payment at a future date to match your cashflow. Ulster Bank Invoice Finance will provide immediate cash injection by freeing up funds tied up in debtors (up to 80% of the value of unpaid invoices).
****Lombard: Lombard is a leading provider of Asset Finance, providing a wide range of Finance options to meet business customers’ needs Lombard is part of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Asset finance from Lombard: Asset finance can release cashflow tied up in depreciating assets such as company cars, machinery and equipment. The finance is secured on the asset itself, freeing up other security (often property) to secure and raise other forms of finance. Installation, maintenance, servicing and insurance can all be included.
*****Global Transaction Services Trade Finance: Enhanced international trade finance and cash management solutions for exporters and importers to optimise working capital and protect cash.
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For further information please contact:
Debbie McCaughey, Ulster Bank Group, Tel: (01) 608 4344 / 087 654 9480
Sophie Clare, Fleishman-Hillard, Tel: (01) 618 8438 / 087 645 6243
Ulster Bank confirms commitment to the Franchise Sector.
Ulster Bank is delighted to confirm our commitment to the Franchise Sector. Ulster Bank offer Ireland’s Best Business Banking Deal in support to our Franchise Customers. Our package includes Ireland Best Start Up Business Loan rate.If you wish to discuss your franchise proposal with someone who understands the Sector please all Olivia Mangan on 01 608 4403, email: franchising@ulsterbank.com or log onto: http://www.ulsterbank.ie/ri_01a.asp?id=SMALL_BUSINESS/STARTUPS
Top Ten Tips for Aspiring Franchisees*
1. Am I suited to going into business for myself?
Can I commit myself to working hard and taking all the responsibilities of running a business? Am I healthy and able to work hard and long hours? Do I want to invest my hard earned cash/capital into a business? Will I have the support of my family?
2. Check finance available to invest
Setting up a business is a risk, although franchising should minimise it, but you must be aware that things can go wrong and if you borrow money you may well be left with debts to repay.
You therefore need to be very comfortable with how much of your own money you invest and how much you borrow.
Top franchises announced at Irish Franchise Awards 2008
On Thursday, November 20th at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Dublin, the winners of the Irish Franchise Awards 2008 were announcedat a formal black-tie award ceremony presented by the inimitable Marty Whelan. The Irish Franchise Awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, recognise excellence in franchising and top honours went to The Streat, Home Instead Senior Care, Abrakebabra Investments, Pristine.ie, O Briens Sandwich bars, David Zebedee and a special award for outstanding contribution to Franchising to Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association
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.
A taste of YoSushi Success at the launch of the Irish Franchise Awards 2008 Sponsored by Ulster Bank
The Irish Franchise Awards , sponsored by Ulster Bank, recognise excellence in franchising and are now open for entries until October 17 th 2008. These prestigious awards 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.
Top franchises announced at Irish Franchise Awards 2007
The winners of the Irish Franchise Awards 2007 were announced at a formal black-tie award ceremony presented by the inimitable Marty Whelan on November 22nd at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Dublin, The Irish Franchise Awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, recognise excellence in franchising and top honours went to Holohan Solicitors, Kendlebell, Chem-Dry, Quiznos, Snap Printing and Abrakebabra Investments which includes three franchises; Abrakebabra, The Bagel Factory and YO!Sushi.
New Franchising in Ireland survey reveals 2.1 billion euro turnover for Irish Franchises
The Irish Franchise Association today announced results of the latest all- IrelandFranchising in Ireland Survey conducted by Franchise Direct. This series of studies, conducted regularly over the past 20 years, charts the progress of the Franchise Industry in Ireland. The survey highlights a marked increase in turnover for the Franchise sector to €2.099 billion representing an increase of 69% since the last survey in 2004 and represents a five-fold increase in sales through franchised businesses over the last decade for business format franchises excluding the very significant turnover of retail symbol groups.
The Irish Franchise Awards 2006
The Irish Franchise Awards 2006, inaugurated by the Irish Franchise Association to recognise success and achievement in the franchise industry, were presented by Mr Frank Ryan, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, at the Davenport Hotel, Dublin, in November.
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