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 announced at 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

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 billion representing an increase of 69% since the last survey with currently 270 active systems in Ireland providing 25,461 jobs. This black-tie award ceremony is also a momentous occasion for the Irish Franchise association as they celebrate their 25^th anniversary. 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 associated with the Irish Franchise Awards; in which innovation, entrepreneurship and real business passion are recognised and rewarded. Congratulations to all the winners 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."

Shortlisted Companies and Winners:

Finalists for Franchise of the Year 2008 (Retail) were Abrakebabra Investments; O'Briens Sandwich Bars and The Streat

Winner: Abrakebabra Investments

Finalists for Franchise of the Year 2008 (Service) were Fastway Couriers; Chem-Dry Ireland Ltd; Home Instead.

Winner: Home Instead Senior Care

Finalists for Franchisee of the Year 2008 (Retail and Service) were 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

Winner: Piers White Pristine.ie (service)
Winner: The Docklands Partnership (Retail)

Finalists for Best Emerging Franchise 2008 were Chick King; The Streat; Kids Party Club