Annual franchise Awards show diversity

Says Peter Moyanga, Chairman of FASA, "In celebrating 25 years of operation this year, FASA enters a new and very exciting phase in our history. Government has come out in strong support of franchising and has accepted our proposal for legislation of the industry. The next step is Parliament's stamp of approval which should happen early next year. With this we will be able to consolidate our sector and move into a new era of growth. The FASA Annual Awards have become our industry's highest accolade and the vehicle through which we show the world how successful franchising can be."

The finalists in the five categories are:

FRANCHISOR OF THE YEAR: Vodashop
Sponsored by ABSA Bank, this award celebrates the success of the franchisor which has made a significant impact in the marketplace and which has, through effective business management and marketing, achieved outstanding financial results and a significant growth in his sector.

FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR: Vodashop, Menlyn, Pretoria
This award, sponsored this year by Standard Bank, honours a franchisee's success in running their own business and contributing to the overall success of their franchisor.

FRANCHISOR - LEADING DEVELOPER OF EMERGING ENTREPRENEURS: Butterfield (bakery franchise)
This category, sponsored by Khula Enterprise Finance, focuses on the need to empower the small business sector and encourages the franchise ethic in our emerging markets.

NEWCOMER FRANCHISOR OF THE YEAR: Natal Wholesale Jewellers
This category, sponsored by First National Bank, is for all franchisors which entered into their first franchise agreement on or after June 30, 2001 and who joined FASA before June 30, 2004 and have shown unprecedented growth during since then.

BRAND BUILDER OF THE YEAR: Wimpy
Sponsored by Old Mutual, this Award honours those companies who have, through advertising, promotional campaigns and consumer awareness, taken their brands to new heights.