Perth-based accounting firm Walker Wayland WA has been named for excellence for its work in the franchise industry sector.
The firm is a national finalist as Supplier of the Year in the Franchise Council of Australia MYOB FCA National Excellence in Franchising Awards.
The Franchise Council of Australia is the peak body in Australia representing franchisees, franchisors and service providers to the $130 billion industry sector.
According to John Dorazio, Director of Walker Wayland WA, the firm has been active in the sector for about 20 years and is one of the few Chartered Accounting firms in the region specialising in the sector.
Mr Dorazio cited the firm’s work with health insurance giant HBF in its acquisition of the Friendlies pharmacy franchise as an example of its activities
“Our role was to value the franchise before the acquisition,” he said. “Our firm is one of the few in Australia accredited by all major banks to provide health industry valuations. This meant that the Boards of both HBF and the Friendlies were comfortable with our valuation.
“The benefits for both parties and the franchise sector have been significant. It now gives HBF a direct involvement in the franchise sector. The benefits of HBF’s size and credibility is another positive for the Friendlies franchise, as they are already underway in expanding the network to around 60 stores from an initial 26.
“HBF can now provide more benefits to their members through the pharmacies therefore aligning HBF members with the Friendlies franchise.”
Mr Dorazio was until recently a long-standing committee member on the WA chapter of the FCA and was invited to give a presentation to the FCA State Conference in 2011.
MYOB FCA national winners will be announced at the FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards in Sydney on Tuesday, 28 October.
For more information about the award or about Walker Wayland WA, go to the Web site, http://www.ww-wa.com.au or call John Dorazio on 08 9364 9988.