Promoted by the British Sandwich Association to recognise industry innovators and best practice, the winners of the national Sammies were announced at a gala dinner in London this May. Elaine, who joined O'Briens in 2000, was also a Sammies finalist last year on behalf of the hand cut sandwich and gourmet coffee franchise, which now has more than 300 outlets in 13 countries around the world. This year, she was one of five in the running for the marketing award, which throws the spotlight on a company that has initiated a successful and innovative marketing campaign to support the promotion of sandwiches within its business. "We pride ourselves on a marketing programme that not only builds awareness through strategic promotions, point of sales and advertising, all backed by an international, national and regional PR programme," said Elaine. "It is also designed to foster great loyalty, which is crucial in such a competitive industry. I was delighted that O'Briens was amongst the finalists in the Sammies once again this year and to represent our team at the awards ceremony in London." The nomination for O'Briens comes hot on the heels of the company's national award win for its website in the Franchise Marketing Awards 2006.