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The Franchise Association of South Africa’s (FASA) annual Awards for Excellence in Franchising recognise the top achievers in the industry and highlight the success of franchising as a business model for growth and entrepreneurship. The awards were held during Franchise Week, which included a Franchise Convention and incorporated the International Franchise Expo.

FASA's Chairman Thulani Cele believes that franchising, which has weathered the economic storm far better than independent businesses, has turned the corner and is set for renewed growth. "Despite the economic downturn franchising continues to be a dominant business format as far as SME development is concerned. Across the globe small business is recognised as the safety net of any economy and franchising is proving to be quite resilient even in this economic climate."

The results of the FASA Awards reflects franchising's resilience and innovation with new concepts continually being launched and well- known franchises actively growing their brands and consumer footprint. The franchise sector contributes 12.57% to GDP, contributing R256-billion to the economy through its 28 620 outlets, which employs an estimated 460 000 people - the largest contributor to job creation. (Statistics courtesy of the Standard Bank Franchise Factor 2008)

Franchisee of the Year : Steven Dally of DoRego's

DoRego's has a target market in the LSM four to six categories and most of their outlets are in commuter areas and taxi ranks. It is suited to local entrepreneurs who are well known and respected in their communities. Because the black community associates strongly with the DoRego's brand, more black entrepreneurs are attracted as franchisees.

With 30% of their franchisees black and 10% women, DoRego's is committed to the creation and development of an enabling environment for effective black economic empowerment within the franchise. Their plans include helping develop and nurture rural communities by improving the communities and funding black franchisees in these areas. New franchisees are trained in-store with an appointed mentor, are helped in finding a site, given financial guidance, mentoring and provided with ongoing training.

This award, sponsored this year by ABSA, honours the franchisee's success in running his own business and contributing to the overall success of their franchisor. With close to 30 000 franchisees in South Africa, they form the backbone of the franchising sector.

CAPTAIN DOREGO'S, BLOEMFONTEIN IS CROWNED FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR
Johnny da Silva and Carlos Nunes have successfully developed a total of eight outlets in the Bloemfontein area serving around 102 000 people per month. Key to their success are strict control systems and cost effective buying on the one hand with effective marketing combined with extensive service to the community on the other.

According to co-owner Johnny da Silva, adhering to the franchise methods of operation is crucial to success. "Adding value through training" says da Silva "is also important. We realise that our staff are crucial to the business and therefore equip them with the skills necessary to not only add value to the brand, but for their own personal growth. After all, if a person feels successful, they will have the confidence to excel in life."

All the eight Captain DoRego outlets in Bloemfontein get involved in numerous community projects and events, from sponsoring charity events to getting involved in cleaning their city, from school and university sports events to feeding the hungry. This gives diverse meaning to their motto of "When people are hungry they need to think of Captain DoRego's."

This category, sponsored by The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), focuses on the need to empower the small business sector and encourages the franchise ethic in our emerging markets.

WINNER CAPTAIN DOREGO'S FORGES AHEAD WITH EMPOWERMENT PLANS

Captain DoRego's, with its 59 vibrant new look stores situated in high traffic areas is fast becoming the fast food of choice for the thousands of mostly black customers who flock to buy from their wide variety of food items ranging from chicken, fish & chips, burgers and sandwiches. As the black community strongly associates with the brand, it is attracting emerging entrepreneurs as franchisees who are well known and respected in their communities.
According to Gerald Brown, Managing Director of Captain DoRego's, the group is making strong inroads into the emerging market. "We are committed to empower and promote financial independence in the communities we serve - whether it be through job creation, the development of entrepreneurial skills and opportunities for self employment. As we expand into more and more areas, we identify the potential in the market and develop the entrepreneurial skills of potential franchisees through mentor driven training and strong financial and operations support."