Irish Franchise Awards winners announced

The winners of the Irish Franchise Awards 2008 have been announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin last night.

The awards, which were sponsored by Ulster Bank, went to The Streat, Home Instead Senior Care, Abrakebabra Investments, Pristine.ie, O'Briens Sandwich Bars, David Zebedee and a special award for outstanding contribution to franchising to Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association.

The Irish Franchise Awards reward outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the growth and development of the franchise industry in Ireland. The franchise sector has shown spectacular growth over recent years and according to the latest Irish Franchise survey, there has been a marked increase in turnover for the sector to €2.1 billion representing an increase of 69 per cent since the last survey with currently 270 active systems in Ireland providing 25,461 jobs.

This black-tie award ceremony is also an important occasion for the Irish Franchise association as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Continued membership growth underlines strength of the franchise sector in spite of uncertain economic times. According to Chairman John Green, the association has maintained strong growth with a membership increase of almost 10 per cent over the past 18 months.

Orna Stokes, Senior Manager, Specialist Sectors, Ulster Bank, said: 'Ulster Bank is delighted to be associated with the Irish Franchise Awards in which innovation, entrepreneurship and real business passion are recognised and rewarded. Congratulations to all the winners who have shown great enterprise and innovation against the backdrop of a more competitive and challenging market environment. On its' Silver Jubilee, 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.'