Sanlam-FASA Awards for excellence in franchising - Winners

Peter Moyanga, Chairman of FASA, addressing the guests, expressed his confidence that franchising was holding its own in the economy and playing a pivotal role in expanding the business format into the rest of Africa. "Following an initiative by the African Development Bank and the commitment by our government to expand franchising into all sectors and with pending legislation earmarked for early 2004, we are confident we are entering a new phase of franchise development within South Africa with encouraging prospects for expansion into the rest of Africa."

The Franchise Awards event will once again be sponsored by Sanlam and the five categories will be sponsored by companies who play a crucial role in the franchise industry; industry leader Pleasure Foods, Khula Enterprise Finance and three banking groups, namely ABSA, First National Bank and Standard Bank who have very active franchising divisions.

1. FRANCHISOR - LEADING DEVELOPER OF EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS - sponsored by Pleasure Foods

This category reflects the commitment that FASA and business in general has in encouraging entrepreneurs in the emerging sector and in making franchising accessible to all. The finalists in this category are:

Butterfield Bread - is a leader in the empowerment of the emerging entrepreneur and continues with its positive programme for the recruitment of black franchisees.

Nizams - the convenience retail concept has taken franchising to the people and continues to offer an excellent opportunity for the emerging sector.

SA Funeral Home - founded in 1970 has turned to franchising to expand its operations countrywide and offers a viable business opportunity in both rural and urban areas.

THE WINNER: BUTTERFIELD BREAD

2. BRAND BUILDER OF THE YEAR - sponsored by Khula Enterprise Finance

This category honours those companies who have, through advertising, promotional campaigns and consumer awareness, taken their brands to new heights.

Block Busters - in its quest to promote itself as the No 1 Home Entertainment premium brand, ran a successful co-branding campaign with Pringles - resulting in increased rental sales and value-added service.

Mugg & Bean's "Redeem a Dream" customer loyalty promotion saw not only sales turnovers increase by R2.1 million but satisfied customers winning daily prizes.

Spec-Savers - embarked on a series of promotional campaigns designed to add value, bring feet into their stores whilst building their brand.

Vodashop - embarked on a successful Birthday and Festive Cell-ebration campaign entitled "The Car - The Keys" with 3 luxury sports cars up for grabs.

THE WINNER: MUGG & BEAN

3. NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR - sponsored by Standard Bank

This category honours those that experiment, innovate and are not scared to take risks - these are the future successes in franchising.

Hot Dog Cafe - focuses on developing concepts for every retail environment - from diner to carts to sling trays and with 70 outlets, is becoming a leader in its market sector.

Lumber City - new to the Awards but established since 1981, it is enjoying strong expansion as a result of the demand that has arisen from a massive housing backlog in all sectors.

Wizard - a one-stop bond origination specialist offering value-added and financial service products offers a unique and viable franchise opportunity.

THE WINNER: HOT DOG CAFE

4. FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR - sponsored by ABSA Bank

The category Franchisee of the Year pays tribute to the hard working franchisees who make up the backbone of any franchise concept and who are ultimately the face of the franchise brand. The finalists are:

Master Maths - Witbank

Kim & Paul de Villiers gave up successful careers to fulfil their dream of owning their own business. Both passionate about teaching, they have successfully turned around the Master Maths franchise in Witbank.

Mochachos Chicken Village - Bloemfontein

Eben and Pierre Heppell have made their Mochachos franchise the strongest food brand in Bloemfontein through quality, service and a commitment to the community.

Mugg & Bean - Canal Walk, Cape Town (Western Cape Finalist)

Hugo and Rupert Van Wyk and their family are the star performers of the Mugg & Bean Group and have one of the most thriving restaurants in the country.

Spec-Savers - Randburg

Sibongile Kgaka was the first black female optometrist to open a Spec-Savers franchise and is a role model for other women in business.

Spur Steak Ranches - Kokstad, Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN Finalist)

Francois Rodgers' Rocky Ridge Spur in Kokstad draws customers from far and wide with his good food, excellent service and his commitment to the brand.

Vodashop - Fourways

Andre Maartens runs his Vodashop outlet in Fourways with passion, commitment and dedication, together with a strong staff team.

Wimpy - Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape Finalist)

Piet & Annette Kamfer, established Wimpy franchisees, took on the challenge of Port Elizabeth and through their commitment to the community and their brand, have made a success of their venture.

THE WINNER: HUGO & RUPERT VAN WYK OF MUGG & BEAN, CANAL WALK, CAPE TOWN

5. FRANCHISOR OF THE YEAR - sponsored by First National Bank

By far the most prestigious award, the Franchisor of the Year Award honours the franchisor who has made a significant impact in the marketplace and who upholds ethical franchising principles. The finalists in this category are:

Cash Crusaders

Since opening in 1997 as a traditional second hand dealer, Cash Crusaders has expanded into a national chain of 100 franchised value retail stores appealing to a wide but distinct market.

Coastal Tool Hire

Catering to the construction, building, plumbing, tiling and DIY market, Coastal Tool Hire has become one of the premier franchise brands over the past two years, offering a franchise opportunity with high margins and good returns.

RE/MAX of Southern Africa

International franchise brand Re/Max has enjoyed exceptional growth since it opened in South Africa 9 years ago. Today it has 112 franchised offices around the country, with 1 200 experienced estate agents and a projected turnover of R7.2 billion.

Spec-Savers

With 161 stores nationwide, Spec-Savers continues to be a leader in the eye-care market, introducing new concepts and driving down the cost of basic eye care for all with innovative marketing and incentives.

Vodashop

With 128 franchised outlets, Vodashop is the window to the world of South Africa's leading cellular network Vodacom and offers a viable turn-key franchise opportunity to the widest spectrum of South African entrepreneurs.

Wimpy

Wimpy has been the fast food leader for 35 years and its close to 350 franchisees have benefitted from a highly successful business formula built on strong volume growth, on-going support, team work and a brand that has gone from strength to strength.

THE WINNER: RE/MAX

Franchising globally has opened up opportunities in all sectors of the business community with franchises recognised worldwide as symbols of value, quality and consistency. South Africa leads the continent of Africa as having the most advanced and sophisticated franchise system - comparable to most first world countries - and through the Franchise Association of Southern Africa - will be spearheading franchise growth and promotion into the rest of Africa.