Irish Franchise Awards 2016 finalists announced
#FranchiseAwards #backedbyAIB
The Irish Franchise Association has announced that entries received for this year’s Franchise Awards in association with AIB have been reduced to a list of finalists from which the overall winner in twelve categories will be chosen. The Irish Franchise Awards celebrate 21 years this year and it is one of the longest running business award ceremonies in Ireland. The awards recognise excellence in franchising and reward outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry. The judging panel for the 2016 Irish Franchise Awards include Newstalk Business Presenter and former Irish Dragon Bobby Kerr; Orla Nugent, Director Executive MBA, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Greg Swift, head of enterprise at Dublin Local Enterprise Office; Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association and Elaine O Regan of the Sunday Business Post.
The award categories represent both retail and service industries across twelve categories. Finalists this year include Eddie Rockets, Supermacs, TaxAssist Accountants, PSI (Pet Sitters Ireland) Ltd, Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide, Snap, Insomnia Coffee Company, AIL Group, Right at Home, Smarter Surfaces Franchise Ltd, O’Briens Irish Sandwich Café, BCM Business Cost Management Ltd, Boston Barber Bars, Fastway Couriers, Home Instead Senior Care, Chopped, ROCKET’S by Eddie Rockets and thebestof.
According to recent research carried out between March and May 2015 by Ipsos MRBI for AIB and the Irish Franchise Association, the Irish franchise industry is now poised for strong growth over the coming years with over 28,000 people now working in the Irish franchise sector. The survey also notes that these employees are engaged in the operations of 2,975 different franchise units across a wide range of sectors ranging from retailing and food service right through to an interesting selection of business-to-business and business-to-consumer services.
AIB Sector Specialist, Alan Makim, said: “AIB is delighted to support the Irish Franchise Awards, as the thriving franchise sector is an important contributor to the recovery of the Irish economy. I would like to congratulate the finalists and wish them the very best of luck in the final.”
The Irish Franchise Awards will be presented at a formal black-tie awards ceremony at The Radisson St Helen’s Hotel in Stillorgan on April 22nd 2016 hosted by Newstalk’s Jonathan Healy with exciting entertainment and strong production values. This event was shortlisted in the category of ‘Best Award Ceremony’ at the National Event Industry Awards last year and is anticipated to, once again, be an impressive business event reflecting the strength of the franchise sector over the last two decades. All finalists receive a framed Certificate of Excellence on the night and winners receive a bespoke crystal award and personalised branded video footage with highlights from the night.
David Killeen, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association said “The awards are an opportunity for us to formally acknowledge the excellent work being done by all franchisors and franchisees in growing the sector and contributing significant new sustainable jobs. I’d like to personally thank AIB, our co-sponsors, and wish all of the finalists the very best of luck.”
ENDS
Press Contact: Helen O Dwyer | PR1 | 086 2332725 | Helen@pr1.ie
