The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) recognised franchising’s best in Western Australia on Friday night at the Seek Commercial FCA WA Excellence in Franchising Awards for 2015, held at the Parmelia Hilton Perth.
It was a successful night for Poolwerx, who took home two awards, with Irene and Ian Hughes being named the WA Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year and Darrell Doust taking home the WA Field Manager of the Year Award.
The awards also recognised Marta Bailey of Price Attack, Morley, as the WA Single Unit Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff, and Brad Witheridge and Natalie Silvay of Pack & Send, Canningvale, as the WA Single Unit Franchisee of the Year, less than two staff. Tilly Millican and Rebecca Love of PRDnationwide Real Estate in Broome took home the WA Franchisee Community Responsibility and Contribution Award for 2015.
Also on the night, the Paddy Thompson Award, recognising contribution to franchising in the West Australian community, was awarded to Joe Lazzara of Borello Graham Legal.
Irene and Ian, who operate four Poolwerx retail outlets and five mobile vans across five territories in Perth, attribute their success to both hard work and the benefits that come with being part of the franchise system.
“No matter how big you become you still have to appreciate the fact the franchise system got you where you are today,” said Irene. “They train you well and if you follow the system you can achieve success. That’s what we’ve done.”
It’s a similar story for Pack & Send’s Brad Witheridge and Natalie Silvay. For Brad, who formerly worked as a security guard and in the juvenile prison system, and psychiatric nurse Natalie, the support of a franchise system was an important component of living Brad’s dream to become a business owner.
“Everything was set up. The support from head office, the marketing support, and having a brand name, rather than starting your own business and having to do everything from scratch made a real difference,” said Brad.
For Marta Bailey, who has been a Price Attack franchisee for eight years, the success of her business is also due to hard work. She also points out the importance of staff retention in a high turnover industry as being one of her biggest successes.
Being part of the awards process has provided Marta, and husband Dan, with the chance to reflect on their business and their achievements.
“It’s wonderful to be recognised for the hard work we’ve put in. We doubt ourselves, but we clearly do things right,” Marta said.
WINNERS
WA Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year: Irene & Ian Hughes, Poolwerx
WA Single Unit Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff: Marta Bailey, Price Attack, Morley
WA Single Unit Franchisee of the Year, less than two staff: Brad Witheridge and Natalie Silvay, Pack & Send, Canningvale
WA Field Manager of the Year: Darrell Doust, Poolwerx
WA Franchisee Community Contribution and Responsibility: Tilly Millican and Rebecca Love, PRDnationwide Real Estate, Broome
Paddy Thompson Award: Joe Lazzara, Borello Graham Legal
FUTURE AWARDS PRESENTATION AWARDS
Seek Commercial FCA VIC/TAS Excellence in Franchising Awards Thursday 20 August
Seek Commercial FCA SA Excellence in Franchising Awards Friday 28 August