On Friday May 19 th, the Irish Franchise Association (IFA) held their annual Irish Franchise Awards 2017 ceremony (in association with AIB) at the Radisson St Helen’s Hotel in Dublin. The awards recognise excellence in franchising, and reward the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the Irish franchise franchise industry. Over 200 guests attended the black-tie event, hosted by broadcaster Jonathan Healy. The evening was filled with eager anticipation, as many familiar faces from the industry were entertained by musicians and digital fire as they waited for the prize-winners to be announced.
The winners were as follows:
- 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
- Franchisee awards: Byrdan Ltd trading as McDonalds, Paul Fagan of ActionCOACH and David O’Hanlon of Fastway Couriers
- Best Support to the Franchise Sector: Let's Operate
- Best Supplier to the Franchise Sector: Zeus Packaging
- Best New Franchise Business Model: AIL Group for Oasis of Taste
- Outstanding Contribution to Employment in Ireland: Supermac's
- A special lifetime achievement award was also awarded to Andy Hennessey, formerly of Fastway Couriers
The judging panel for the awards featured Newstalk Business Presenter and former Irish Dragon Bobby Kerr; Greg Swift, head of enterprise at the Dublin Local Enterprise Office; Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association, and Elaine O’Regan of the Sunday Business Post. Speaking at the ceremony, Bobby Kerr commended the very high standard of the entries and presentations received, and remarked on the huge numbers of people employed in Ireland through the various franchise systems. All finalists received a framed Certificate of Excellence, and winners received a bespoke crystal award and personalised branded video footage with highlights from the evening.
Over 28,000 people are now working in the Irish franchise industry, which operates 2,975 different franchise units across a wide range of sectors including traditional franchise sectors such as retailing and food service, but also an interesting selection of business-to-business and business-to-consumer services.
The ceremony was an impressive event reflecting the strength of the franchise sector over the past two decades. David Killeen, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association 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. 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: Business World, Media HQ