NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Award winners 2013

NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards 2013

NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards 2013 Winners 1. Established Franchisor of the Year – Specsavers 2. Emerging Franchisor of the Year – Plus Fitness 3. Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year – Caroline and Paul Attard, PoolWerx 4. Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff – Anthony Hamod, Fastway Couriers Wollongong 5. Franchisee of the Year, less than two staff – Tim MacKinley, Appliance Tagging Services Aspley 6. Franchise Woman of the Year – Debb Meyer, Narellan Pools 7. Field Manager of the Year – Adam Moody, Wendys Supa Sundaes 8. Contribution to Franchising – Derek Sutherland, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers 9. Franchise Innovation – Bartercard International Group 10. Supplier of the Year – FC Business Solutions 11. Excellence in Marketing – Specsavers 12. Excellence in International Franchising – G.J Gardner Homes 13. Franchisor Social Responsibility – Battery World Australia 14. Franchisee Community Service – Bendigo Bank, North Perth Franchise Hall of Fame Inductee 2013 - Denis McFadden, Just Cuts

The Franchising Industry’s Night Of Nights The Franchise Council of Australia honoured franchising’s best and brightest at the NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards Gala Dinner on the 22nd October at Jupiters on the Gold Coast.

Optometrist franchise Specsavers took home two major prizes on the evening – Established Franchisor of the Year and Excellence in Marketing.

Global Retail Director and GM for Australia and New Zealand, Derek Dyson, was very proud of the win.

“To win Established Franchisor of the Year will mean an incredible amount to our (franchise) partners who work so hard each day in their own businesses,” he said.

“The award criteria were focused on systems and franchise leadership as well depth of support levels for franchisees, so to win this is also a great testament to how well we work with our partners. The Excellence in Marketing award is a perfect example of the lengths we go to in our support role.”

Health and fitness franchise, Plus Fitness took out Emerging Franchisor of the Year at the event. Franchisors John Fuller and Nigel Miller, who are opening four new clubs this week, said the awards process helped them understand where their focus needs to be in a rapidly growing business.

“We have 82 franchisees with 69 clubs open – which will actually be 73 as of tomorrow. Our franchisees will be just over the moon about this award,” they said.

There were 15 awards presented on the evening, proudly sponsored by NAB. Successful individuals and businesses were recognised across a range of functions including franchisees, support staff and franchise innovators.

The awards also included the induction of a new member into the Franchise Hall of Fame – Denis McFadden from Just Cuts, along with the annual Contribution to Franchising award which went to Derek Sutherland from HWL Ebsworth for his tireless work on the FCA Legal Committee.

FCA Chairman, Michael Paul said the awards are a terrific opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing work being done in the franchise sector.

“The finalists, regional winners and national winners acknowledged tonight showcase what a truly robust and thriving sector Australian franchising really is. Despite economic hardship and political uncertainty in recent times, ours is a sector that continues to grow, and with proven systems, established brands, and constant innovation, franchising continues to be the intelligent choice for small business owners across the country,” Mr Paul said.

Established Franchisor Of The Year NATIONAL WINNER Specsavers The Specsavers Partnership is the largest optometry led retail optical network in the world with almost 30 years of continuous business growth and a network of 1500 stores across ten countries. We operate a franchise business – we call it a ‘partnership’ – which in each store pairs an optometrist with a retailer as ‘partners’ in their own store.

Since 2008 we have grown our sales systematically, year on year. Over the past year to 28 February 2013, our stores recorded $533 million in revenue, up from $437 million in 2011/12; this equates to a total of 22% annual growth and like-for-like store sales growth of 17%.

Emerging Franchisor Of The Year Award NATIONAL WINNER Plus Fitness Plus Fitness 27/7 is a proudly Australian owned company that launched its 24hr Gym Franchise in 20122 and to date has already achieved 120 franchises across Australia.

Plus Fitness puts its success down to its industry experience, opening their first gym 16 years ago. It also attributes this success to its hard working team, passionate and committed franchisees and its quality ongoing Franchise training and support.

Add to this proven operating systems, a business model with fast breakevens, low staffing and an impressive ROI then there is no surprise that Plus Fitness 24/7 continues to expand at such a rate.

Multi-Unit Franchisee Of The Year Award NATIONAL WINNER AND REGIONAL WINNER QLD/NT PoolWerx - Caroline & Paul Attard Caroline and Paul Attard are multi-unit Franchise Partners with Australia’s leading pool and spa care network PoolWerx. They entered the franchise system in 2005 through PoolWerx’s ‘man-in-a-van’ model and now boast two retail stores and six mobile vans across their territories Mt Gravatt, Balmoral, Rochedale and Carindale.

Caroline and Paul used their early years as a mobile operation to master client service delivery before investing in their first retail store in 2006 through a partnership with another Franchise Partner. Following significant business growth, in 2009 they opened their second retail hub in Balmoral and took over full ownership of the entire operation the following year.

Their business is currently one of the highest performing franchises in the PoolWerx network and they were subsequently awarded PoolWerx’s National Franchise Partners of the Year in 2012.

Franchisee Of The Year- Two Or More Staff NATIONAL WINNER AND REGIONAL WINNER NSW/ACT Fastway Couriers, Wollongong - Anthony Hamod Anthony Hamod is the Regional Franchisee of Fastway Couriers, Wollongong.

He has more than 15 years’ experience in the courier industry, having worked with the Franchise Support Office prior to purchasing the Wollongong region in April 2004.

Anthony previously worked in a training and area manager role in the franchise industry.

Anthony has been an avid supporter of the Fastway franchise system and has been involved in the Fastway Franchise Advisory Council since 2009.

Since becoming a Regional Franchisee in 2004, Anthony has spearheaded several internal programs that have benefited Regional Franchisees across the country.

Franchisee Of The YearLess Than Two Staff NATIONAL WINNER AND REGIONAL WINNER QLD/NT Appliance Tagging Services, Aspley Tim MacKinley Tim, an ATS franchisee since January 2010, provides outstanding service to businesses in the greater Brisbane area.

Tim and his team are committed to providing first class electrical appliance safety solutions, and they pride themselves on their level of professional service, reliability, great value and accurate and efficient work.

Having previously worked in the IT industry, and as a Workplace Health and Safety officer, Tim’s goal is not only to eliminate the risk to you and your employees in the workplace but to also remove any confusion regarding the safety and compliance of your portable, electronic equipment.

With a solid understanding of Australian Standards and Queensland Electrical Safety Legislation, Tim and his team will give you advice on your electrical safety obligations, and will speak to you in plain English - no confusing jargon!

Franchise Woman Of The Year Award NATIONAL WINNER AND REGIONAL WINNER NSW/ACT Narellan Pools - Debb Meyer Debb Meyer has a colourful and accomplished career. Having held senior leadership roles with McDonald’s, Foodco and Krispy Kreme, to an Associate with the Franchise Relationships Institute, where she gained a reputation for straight shooting and a true commitment to her clients’ success, to now; leading a global brand, Narellan Pools with her husband Chris.

Debb is a sharp business woman, engaging speaker, exceptional facilitator, writer and passionate advocate for women in leadership, but most importantly; a wife to Chris and mother to Xavier and Eliza.

After the devastating death of her son Xavier, Debb became a voice for thousands of women who suffer the loss of a child. She is proof a devastating loss in life can be the fuel to truly live life with passion, conviction and happiness.

Field Manager Of The Year Award NATIONAL WINNER AND REGIONAL WINNER NSW/ACT Wendy’s Supa Sundaes - Adam Moody Having started in franchising over 17 years ago on the ground working in store, Adam progressed through various roles up to working as a Business Consultant at Wendy’s, where he has been for more than five years. Since starting in food franchising Adam left for only a few years to be involved in an accountancy cadetship.

Whilst he moved quickly through the ranks of the firm, he couldn’t deny his real passion for the food industry and franchising and quickly re-entered. This experience, along with his current studies (Bachelor of Business) and working on the franchise side of things, gives him a great insight into what support is required by franchisees.

Contribution to Franchising Each year the board of the Franchise Council of Australia recognise the contributions of the wider membership of the FCA. This award serves to recognise an individual who has gone above and beyond in their service to the sector.

Derek Sutherland Derek is a special counsel at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and a highly regarded specialist in the area of franchising. He has a proven reputation built on a long track record of representing a significant number of successful franchisors, master franchisees, and franchisees in all areas of business.

Derek is currently an active committee member of the Franchise Council of Australia Queensland State Chapter, Former Chair and longest serving member of the Queensland Law Society Franchising Committee and a Member of the Small Business Committee of the Law Council of Australia.

He is regularly involved in government and regulatory policy development and consultation in franchising, including the most recent review of the Code.

He also is a long standing representative member of the ACCC Franchising Consultative Committee that comprises key government and sector stakeholders and meets to discuss franchising issues and reforms.

Derek is a sought after speaker at regular FCA events and has been a valuable and consistent contributor to the Franchise Council of Australia for more than 15 years. He is also an inaugural member of the FCA Ethics Committee and the current Chair of the FCA Legal Committee. In 2004, Derek was awarded the FCA Contribution to Franchising Queensland Award for services to the QLD

Chapter, as well as being recognised for his contributions to the franchising sector and the FCA by being awarded the 2011 National FCA Contribution to Franchising. He was recognised as one of the leading Australian franchise lawyers in the 2012 Edition of Who’s Who of International franchise lawyers.

Franchise Innovation NATIONAL WINNER Bartercard International Group Bartercard was founded in 1991 on the Gold Coast and has grown to become the world’s largest trade exchange. Bartercard assists its 55,000 cardholders worldwide to barter their goods and services as a way to effectively manage their business’s cashflow and increase their overall profits.

Through the use of modern technology Bartercard is striving to go paperless to decrease our carbon footprint, whilst making it faster and easier for our members to transact. As Bartercard moves forward with new technology, our goal is to increase our cardholders to 100,000 and increase operations to 15 countries by 2015

Supplier Of The Year NATIONAL WINNER FC BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FC Business Solutions is a boutique franchise business consultancy headed

by Directors Corina Vucic and Andrew Kelly who work operationally in the business as well as leading a young, vibrant team of dedicated industry professionals that collectively have more than seventy-five years’ experience in the Australian franchise industry.

Located in Melbourne’s south east, FC Business Solutions is a fully integrated consultancy specialising in strategically and sustainably developing, growing and marketing Australian franchise businesses. Servicing the franchise industry since 1999, the recently re-branded FC Business Solutions is committed to fostering ongoing relationships and achieving results that deliver relevant and timely solutions to their valued clients.

Excellence In Marketing NATIONAL WINNER Specsavers Originally from the UK, the Specsavers partnership opened its first Australian stores in 2008. Since then we have grown our sales systematically and in 2012/13 our franchisees recorded $533 million in revenue, representing 22% annual growth and like-for-like sales growth of 17%. Marketing has played a central role in enabling this growth to occur.

Offering high quality products, great prices and incredible value is an important starting point for any business; it is great marketing that brings an offer to life, cutting through to customers.

Specsavers prides itself on using marketing to land a range of consumer messages simply and effectively.

Excellence In International Franchising NATIONAL WINNER G.J. Gardner Homes Established in 1983, G.J. Gardner Homes has grown to become one of the largest and most trusted franchised homebuilders in the world. The company has built more than 25,000 custom homes in Australia, New Zealand and the United States and generated a combined turnover of $600 million in the last 12 months.

With an international network of 110 franchises and almost 1000 staff, the G.J. Gardner Homes franchise model empowers small builders to become successful business leaders by providing them with the skills, systems and resources of a leading building group.

Franchisor Social Responsibility NATIONAL WINNER Battery World Australia Battery World is Australia’s largest battery retailer with now 80 stores nationally – serving hundreds of thousands of customers every week. The network understands the importance of contributing to the environment and health and wellbeing of Australian’s by providing commitment to our communities through sponsorship of a number of events.

From schools to retirement villages, we volunteer to change smoke alarm batteries, collect disused batteries for recycling then give the money back to pro9vide shade at a kindy or sponsorship of junior footy teams.

Collectively through recycling alone, our Franchisees have given back over $1 million raised through recycling initiatives over the last five years, back to community and schools and fundraised more than $200,000 for camp Quality.

Franchisee Community Service Award NATIONAL WINNER AND REGIONAL WINNER WA Bendigo Bank, North Perth It is the belief of Bendigo Bank North Perth that businesses should “feed into prosperity, not off it�.

Bendigo Bank North Perth is committed to involvement within the local community. As such a significant percentage of the branch profits are shared with the local community by way of various direct financial contributions.

The bank assists local community groups in many ways including donations, sponsorship, grants and volunteering time to assist with the organisation of various local area events.

The directors of the franchise and the staff are proud to have donated over one million dollars in community contributions since the commencement of their franchise.

Finalists And Regional Winners Established Franchisor of the Year NATIONAL FINALIST Foodco Group Pty Ltd The Foodco Group is an established international food and coffee franchise business retailer. With over 20 years of experience, the story began back in 1989 with the opening of the first Muffin Break bakery cafe in Coolangatta QLD. The network now includes 400 franchise business retail outlets trading across seven countries through the Muffin Break bakery café franchise, Jamaica Blue contemporary café franchise and Dreamy Donuts premium donut and coffee franchise. Foodco’s success comes from the key principles of commitment, leadership and return on investment to partners, all of which deliver a profitable and relevant model that exceeds expectation and drives customer loyalty to the brands.

NATIONAL FINALIST Snap-on Tools Australia Snap-on Tools Australia is a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated, a developer of innovations and technologically advanced tools with an established network of franchise operations across the globe. Known for its innovation towards new technology, Snap-on is a world leading manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics and equipment solutions for professional users in Australia, New Zealand and all over the world. Operating locally since 1988, Snap-on Tools Australia is a mobile franchise operation, putting high quality tools into the hands of mechanics, engineers and technicians across the country. It is one of the longest running and most successful franchises in Australia and the world.

Emerging Franchisor of the Year NATIONAL FINALIST Total Tools The Total Tools brand promise is to have the broadest range of superior tools available on the market. This, backed by the unrivalled retailing standards in the tool industry and experienced staff offering professional advice and service, has firmly established Total Tools as the market leader in professional tool retailing for the people who use tools for a living. Since implementing our franchise model in 2010 Total Tools has expanded to 35 stores trading throughout five states. Strategic expansion plans will see Total Tools double its franchise stores over a five year period.

Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER NSW/ACT Boost Juice & Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill - Anthony Stahl & Daniel Mesiti Anthony Stahl and Daniel Mesiti started with Boost Juice in 2004. Since that time they have grown from one store to five and have been inducted into the Boost Hall of Fame and won many awards within the group. They became part of the Salsa’s family in 2011 (another brand owned by Boost). Anthony and Daniel are members of the Partner Advisory Team and are also Partner Trainers, helping induct and train new franchisees entering the network. Anthony and Daniel both live in Sydney and have three and two children respectively.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER SA Bakers Delight - Richard Whittaker Richard Whittaker is a multi-site operator within Bakers Delight. He owns and operates Bakers Delight Victor Harbor and Happy Valley with his wife Najat and is about to open a third bakery in Sefton. Richard and his team pride themselves on their community involvement and contribution. Having taken over Happy Valley in October 2011, Richard and Najat have enjoyed the challenge of multi-site operation and developing key staff to assist them with day-to-day operations. Richard believes that staff development and training is key to operating a successful multi-site business.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER VIC/TAS Grill’d - Matt & Brad Walker Brothers and business partners, Matt and Brad Walker are the franchise owners of Grill’d Southland, Knox Ozone and Camberwell. With 35 years of experience between them, they were the proud first Grill’d Franchisees in 2006. In 2011, 2012 and 2013 they have won the state FCA finals for a multi-unit franchisee. Matt and Brad are both heavily committed to their local community devoting time and money to a wide variety of worthy local causes. They have two clear business ideologies--the success of their family and the growth and development of young people in their business.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER WA Signarama - Craig Mason Brothers and business partners, Matt and Brad Walker are the franchise owners of Grill’d Southland, Knox Ozone and Camberwell. With 35 years of experience between them, they were the proud first Grill’d Franchisees in 2006. In 2011, 2012 and 2013 they have won the state FCA finals for a multi-unit franchisee. Matt and Brad are both heavily committed to their local community devoting time and money to a wide variety of worthy local causes. They have two clear business ideologies--the success of their family and the growth and development of young people in their business.

Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER QLD/NT Shingle Inn, Mt Ommaney - April Carnie & Nicki Nesbitt Best friends April Carnie and Nicki Nesbitt are the first to admit they’ve learnt a lot in the past three years since becoming Shingle Inn’s first franchisees. The strong family culture inherent in the Shingle Inn brand was one of the critical factors in April and Nicki’s selection of Shingle Inn as the realisation of the dream the long-time friends had of owning a business together. In time they hoped both their partners would join them in the business, working together as a partnership more akin to family than friends. In the past 12 months they’ve realised that dream and many more as they’ve driven themselves to continuously improve.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER SA Narellan Pools, Northern Suburbs - Peter, Marty and Paul Webb Peter, Marty and Paul Webb have etched a successful Narellan Pools franchise in South Australia’s Northern Suburbs. With decades of experience in the pool building industry, the family owned franchise offers in-depth knowledge of the region, providing expert advice on the right pool for the South Australian climate. The team have a passionate commitment to client satisfaction which has seen them build a solid reputation. Their qualified team’s eye for design and detail have seen them bring countless clients’ dreams to life by transforming backyards with Narellan’s stunning range of swimming pools. The family-led business makes an effort to connect with other family business groups in the region, working closely with the Family Business Network in South Australia and attending Fam Biz conference. They are also active members of the Swimming Pool and Spas Association (SPASA).

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER VIC/TAS Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs, St Kilda - Angela Williams For the past 15 years, Angela’s involvement with Fernwood Women’s Health Clubs has progressed through various roles of management and franchise support, to owning her own club for the past 10 years. She says that the fitness industry has allowed her to meet many positive and passionate people, who provide quality support and advice. This has helped to keep her balanced and push her and her club to be successful. Angela feels that being involved with such a progressive organisation that makes such a positive impact on women’s health Australia-wide, has been an extremely rewarding and enriching experience.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER WA Bendigo Bank, North Perth Bendigo Bank North Perth has regularly been the highest performing franchisee of the year for WA since beginning the franchise in 2001, and is used as a benchmark for other franchisees within the system. The franchise is managed by a board of directors committed to involvement within the local community. As such a significant

percentage of the branch profits are shared with the local community by way of various direct grants, sponsorships, donations and volunteering of time. The directors are also committed to development of the franchise system and brand as a whole with the opening of WA’s first 100% business-focussed branch later this year.

Franchisee of the Year, less than two staff NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER SA ActionCOACH, Torrensville - Mark Carn Mark Carn has been in Business for more than 15 years and has been a Business and Executive Coach with Action COACH for eight years. He has qualifications in Accounting and Administration, plus undertaken courses in coaching, business, leadership, management, NLP, planning, time management, training & assessment and personal development. Prior to coaching Mark’s professional experience was in the Banking, Accounting and Administration Services sector. He has been honoured with several awards for his coaching success from his industry, as well as winning the Franchise Council of Australia, Franchisee of the year (less than two staff) for South Australia for the last four years. Mark’s passion is making a difference in Businesses and assisting individuals to improve, grow and reach their full potential.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER VIC/TAS EFM Health Clubs, Frankston - Ty Menzies In 2007 at age 22 Ty Menzies bought and started his first EFM Health Clubs Franchise in Frankston. Quickly building this club, Ty won the Victorian Franchise of the year in its second year of operation and recently went on to win National Franchise of the year in 2011. Ty now also owns and operates two other businesses within the fitness industry, one being his private health club The Urban Fitness Club located in Blackburn Victoria, as well as Ty Menzies Sales Training, a sales and marketing training business specifically focussed on helping fitness business owners increase their profits through sales systems. Ty is an avid fitness professional who trains regularly and believes the key to a successful life is to stay in control of all elements of your health and fitness, as the dedication required flows through into all aspects of your life including business.

Franchise Woman of the Year NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER QLD/NT Cariblue - Sarah Cobb Sarah has had more than 30 years’ experience in business management and strategic growth and development in the private, franchise, not-for-profit and government sectors. Sarah is Managing Director of Cariblue, a management and franchise consultancy company, delivering services nationally and Director of BforB Australia, Australian franchisor of an international referral marketing company. Prior to establishing Cariblue, Sarah’s experience includes board member of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, CEO of First Class Accounts, Executive Director in her family’s business in the Caribbean in retail, manufacturing, import and export, and roles in business and industry development. Sarah has an MBA, a BA in Accountancy and Finance, is a Certified Developer of Enterprise, a Graduate member of the Australian Institute

of Company Directors, Associate Fellow of Australian Institute of Management and a Member of Family Business Australia. Sarah is currently the Australian Institute of Management’s Management Excellence Awards “Owner Manager of the Year” for the Gold Coast.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER VIC/TAS Appliance Tagging Services - Sarah Allen Established by Sarah and her husband Ainslie in 2006, Appliance Tagging Services is Australia’s premier electrical test and tag service provider. ATS have featured on BRW’s Fast Franchises list for five years running, and took out Smart Company’s Top Franchisor Award in 2010 and the FCA Emerging Franchisor of the Year in 2011.

Sarah is directly responsible for developing and implementing ATS’s marketing and sales strategies and oversees the ongoing development of the franchise system and operational teams.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER WA Clark Rubber-Geraldton - Carole Creed Carole Creed has been the Franchise Owner of Clark Rubber Geraldton since September 2005. In just seven and a half years Carole has grown her franchise to become a leading business within the Clark Rubber network as well as establishing the store as a prominent, award-winning small business within regional Western Australia.

Passionate about empowering her staff, Carole leads by example and prides herself on creating a fun, trusting and hard-working workplace.

Supplier of the Year NATIONAL FINALIST WHIRLWIND PRINT Whirlwind Print has been delivering definitive marketing solutions to franchises for more than 11 years. We use leading edge technologies and equipment to guarantee a first class product and service to our clients. We have developed a customised online print management system, which allows franchisors to provide franchisees with local area marketing material online, printed to order, personalised to store and location, cost effective and on time delivery. We pride ourselves on our people, they are an enthusiastic and dedicated bunch, working together helping Whirlwind become Australia’s favourite printer.

Field Manager of the Year NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER QLD/NT Clark Rubber - Craig Russell Craig Russell has been in retail management in Queensland for over 20 years and has worked for both the Coles and Woolworths Groups and four national specialty retailers in a variety of in-store and field, state and regional management roles. Craig has an intimate knowledge of the Queensland market and has been a part of

several major expansion projects in the state with Howards Storage World and Big W, opening many new stores and training both corporate management teams and new Franchisees. Craig has been the Business Development Manager with Clark Rubber for the past four years.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER WA PoolWerx - Darrell Doust Darrell Doust is the Regional Manager supporting West Australian Franchise Partners of leading pool and spa care franchise, PoolWerx. He has 15 years’ experience in the franchise and pool industries including founding and operating his own pool business for five years. He sold that business to PoolWerx after recognizing it had the systems and processes necessary to capitalise on the Western Australian market. His current regional development role has seen him manage up to 20 Franchise Partners. Darrell is currently responsible for PoolWerx Western Australia’s $15 million operation. Darrell is responsible for PoolWerx’s success in the Western Australian market, and plays a vital role in the development of systems that have been adopted by the franchise nationally.

Excellence in Marketing NATIONAL FINALIST BAKERS DELIGHT Over the past 33 years, Bakers Delight has grown to 700 bakeries across three countries. In Australia, Bakers Delight has built a strong brand with a distinctive image and has fostered loyal customers in local communities across the country. Easter is the busiest time at Bakers Delight selling over 13 million Hot Cross Buns. To capitalise on this opportunity, an integrated marketing approach was implemented that resulted in an increase in Hot Cross Bun sales of over $500,000 in 2013 compared to the previous year.

NATIONAL FINALIST RAMS FINANCIAL GROUP RAMS evolved a strong brand thanks to an eye-catching logo and the charming RAMbassador, Raymond A Ram. After 18 years of building excellent customer relations, RAMS realised that there could be opportunities for expansion beyond their traditional mortgage realm. Research proved that RAMS could leverage their brand to introduce new services in areas such as insurance and banking. The master franchisor embarked on a journey to create a fresher, bolder, less restricting identity and brand. The result has been customers who now engage with them like never before and a smooth transition into new service offerings.

NATIONAL FINALIST TOTAL TOOLS The Total Tools brand promise is to have the broadest range of superior tools available on the market. This, backed by the unrivalled retailing standards in the tool

industry and experienced staff offering professional advice and service, has firmly established Total Tools as the market leader in professional tool retailing for the people who use tools for a living. Since implementing their franchise model in 2010 Total Tools has expanded to 35 stores trading throughout 5 states. Strategic expansion plans will see Total Tools double its franchise stores over a five year period.

NATIONAL FINALIST WENDY’S SUPA SUNDAES Wendy’s Supa Sundaes is one of the most recognised and well-loved Franchise brands in Australia, delivering treats and special experiences to people of all ages across their 225 stores. The success of Wendy’s has come from the unwavering commitment by their Franchisees to deliver delicious tasting products and great customer service. Last year Wendy’s undertook a major relaunch of one of its key product categories – smoothies. Understanding the growing focus on health and wellness by consumers, Wendy’s wanted to shift customers’ perception of this category by improving the taste and kilojoule content of its smoothies and start to increase market share and deliver improved sales to their franchisees. The Wendy’s smoothie relaunch was officially in market on 19th November 2012.

Excellence in International Franchising NATIONAL FINALIST Foodco Group Pty Ltd The Foodco Group is an established international food and coffee franchise business retailer. With over 20 years of experience, the story began back in 1989 with the opening of the first Muffin Break bakery cafe in Coolangatta QLD. The network now includes 400 franchise business retail outlets trading across seven countries through the Muffin Break bakery café franchise, Jamaica Blue contemporary café franchise and Dreamy Donuts premium donut and coffee franchise. Foodco’s success comes from the key principles of commitment, leadership and return on investment to partners, all of which deliver a profitable and relevant model that exceeds expectation and drives customer loyalty to the brands.

Franchise Innovation NATIONAL FINALIST Battery World Battery World’s national Marketing Team identified the need for introducing a system for Local Store Marketing (LSM) the Franchisees could see would provide them with tangible and readily available tools. Many years working with retailers large and small convinved the management team if they could be innovative in content, engagement and delivery, then the return on investment would be long-term improvement rather than a short-term boost on the sales line. This took their thinking outside of the normal franchise model delivery box and the “ICE” local store marketing (KSM) delivery platform was created. It is an LSM delivery platform that continues to be flexible to expand to franchisees growing usage and demands for new content.

NATIONAL FINALIST Keen to Clean Group Since 2008 the Keen to Clean Group has been the fastest growing and best performing cleaning services provider across multiple states in Australia and India. Offering security and growth options to franchisees in an industry notorious for its transient workforce the group has changed the way cleaning and franchises interact. In 2013 the Group has rolled out their most audacious franchise option yet with the ‘Flexi-franchise’: super low cost and short turnaround franchise units bridging the investment gap between contractors and franchisees and opening a new world of possibilities for franchisees to embrace the industry like never before.

NATIONAL FINALIST OPSM OPSM is a leading eye care and eyewear retailer and has been looking after the eyes of Australians for 80 years. OPSM has over 380 stores in Australia and New Zealand and helps more than one million Australians see more clearly each year. OPSM started franchising in 2008 and has gone from strength to strength. Through our optometrists, world class technology and exceptional service, our goal is to raise the standard of eye health and eye care. In addition to our eye care services, OPSM is renowned for its advances in technology and innovation. Our Accufit system is an example of what we were able to develop and implement to provide our Franchise Partners with a better experience for their customers.

Franchisor Social Responsibility NATIONAL FINALIST Zambrero Zambrero is a quick-service Mexican restaurant by trade and a humanitarian, socially responsible organisation by values. Founder, Dr Sam Prince implemented social responsibility in the center of Zambrero’s business with the establishment of ‘plate4plate’ and the Emagine Foundation, as well as offering Volunteer Leave in employee contracts. The plate4plate initiative pays it forward where every burrito/bowl purchased at Zambrero helps provide a plate of food to someone less fortunate. Zambrero partnered with Action Against Hunger to distribute nourishing meals to those in need. Zambrero believes it is our responsibility to do more than make the best burritos.

Franchisee Community Service NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER NSW/ACT Narellan Pools, South Coast Illawarra - Danny & Fiona Harvey Danny and Fiona Harvey have owned and operated the Narellan Pools Illawarra franchise for over two decades. During this time, their extensive experience in the pool

building industry, coupled with their astute business acumen has seen the Harvey’s amass an abundance of industry awards including Narellan Pools Most Improved Franchise in Territory Sales Growth 2011, SPASA 2011 Metropolitan and State Awards, Narellan Pools Chairman Choice Award 2010 and 2013 NSW FCA Franchise Community Service Award. Having lived in the Illawarra community their whole lives – and enjoying great success - the Harvey’s have focused on giving back to the community who have supported them during their 20 years in business. With a passion for children’s health and wellbeing charities, they have helped raise over $100,000 for Camp Quality Illawarra and contributed to Para Meadows School, as well as national charities, Bears of Hope, Relay for Life and Movember.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER QLD/NT Grill’d, Chermside - Elton Berrange Elton has owned Grill’d Chermside for more than five and a half years and each year has provided wonderful new experiences and exciting challenges.

Elton says: Being part of a franchise like Grill’d is not just business, it is a lifestyle that I love. After being involved in Franchising with Boost Juice for almost five years before Grill’d, I’m pleased to say I’m starting to feel like a franchise veteran. Franchising and Grill’d in particular has provided me with so many opportunities for personal growth, business development and of course wealth creation.

NATIONAL FINALIST AND REGIONAL WINNER VIC/TAS Clark Rubber, Niddrie - Barry & Deb Ranson Barry and Deb Ranson have been the Franchise Owners of Clark Rubber (Niddrie, VIC) since 2001. In only 12 years, Barry and Deb have helped grow and establish the Niddrie franchise into one of the most successful in the Clark Rubber network. Through their endless hard work and dedication, Barry and Deb have seen their franchise grow year on year, and helped their store become a leading business in the area. Extremely passionate about the Clark Rubber brand and their community, Barry and Deb continue to do everything in their power to ensure Niddrie is a safe and positive environment for their family to live within.