Ireland's top franchises were recognised at this year's Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association Awards 2011. At a black-tie awards ceremony, which was presented by TV and Newstalk radio personality Síle Seoige, Eddie's Rockets picked up the award for Franchise of the Year (Retail) and Home Instead won the Franchise of the Year (Service) award.

Also on the night The Zipyard Dun Laoghaire franchise owner won the Franchisee of the Year (Retail) award and franchise owner for Fastway Couriers Midlands won the Franchisee of the Year (Service) award.

Other winners include The Zipyard for Best Emerging Franchise and AIL Group, which own O'Briens, Abrakebabra, Yo Sushi, The Bagel Factory and Gourmet Burger, won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Franchising in Ireland.

Irish Franchise Association Chairman David Killeen said: "We are delighted with the response to the awards this year. There was a significant increase in the number of entries submitted reflecting the growing appreciation of the awards within the franchise community. A sincere thanks to our independent judging panel who gave up their time voluntarily to adjudicate on the awards. The panel commented very favourably on the quality of the submissions and the remarkable achievements of so many franchisors, Master Franchise Owners, and franchise owners despite the current difficult trading environment. Congratulations to the winners, the shortlisted companies and indeed all the entrants. Finally I would like to thank Ulster Bank for their continued association with this prestigious event and their ongoing support of the franchise sector here in Ireland."

Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank said: "Ulster Bank is proud to be associated with the Irish Franchise Awards and Expo; Our Association with these events reaffirms our long standing commitment to the franchise sector in Ireland. Congratulations to all the winners who have shown great enterprise and innovation against the backdrop of a more competitive and challenging market environment. We would also like to recognise the great work done by the Irish Franchise Association in encouraging and supporting the growth of franchising across Ireland."

Ulster Bank Irish Franchise Association Awards 2011 winners:

Franchise of the Year (Retail) - Eddie Rockets
Franchise of the Year (Service) - Home Instead
Franchisee of the Year (Retail) - The Zipyard
Franchisee of the Year (Service) - Fastway Couriers
Best Emerging Franchise - The Zipyard
Judges Special Merit Awards in the Best Emerging Category - Car Medic and Boston Brand Bars
Outstanding Contribution to Franchising in Ireland - AIL Group