Already recognised in the industry as the number one franchise of its type, Cartridge World has been named Franchisor of the Year in Australia's top awards. Cartridge World won in the very competitive 'Retail and B2B' (Business to Business) category for a franchise with over 100 stores under Australian management.

Presented by the peak industry body, the Franchise Council of Australia, the prestigious 'Excellence in Franchising Awards' are the pinnacle of the year in Australian franchising. They recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations in the growth and development of their businesses and their contributions to franchising in Australia. And that's a noteworthy achievement - with over 700 franchise systems, Australia is one of the most franchised countries in the world and competition for recognition is strong. Franchising is regarded as a solid and growing part of the business sector. It makes a significant contribution to Australia's economy, with the sector employing 500,000 people and having an annual turnover of Aus$80 billion.

In assessing Cartridge World's entry in the awards, judges commented: "Cartridge World is not only a market leader in its industry but within the concept of franchising. It is extraordinary that a 'tin shed' concept can be shared with over 1,200 personnel who are now a part of the global Cartridge World family."

The turnover of Cartridge World in Australia was Aus$39.7 million in the year to April 2004. With the continuing growth in home computing and the popularity of digital cameras, the growth potential of this money-saving and environmentally positive business is limitless, according to company director and co-founder Bryan Stokes. "We believe the company's growth has the potential to reach a minimum of 5,000 shops globally, while still enabling individual franchisees to make a great income and managing a profitable business."

Commendation for Craig

On the opposite side of the globe, UK franchisee Craig Collins was shortlisted in the Franchisee of the Year category of the British Franchise Association's 2004 Franchise Awards.

Since the February 2001 opening of its pilot UK operation in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Cartridge World has rolled out a further 240 stores across the country. Riding on the wave of success, Collins has three franchises in Devon - in Exeter, Plymouth and Exmouth. With the Exeter and Plymouth stores both currently making the 'top three' listing based on net turnover, his businesses are thriving.

In addition to the strength of the Cartridge World brand, Collins attributes his success to strong marketing and exemplary service which are paying dividends in attracting customers and bringing repeat business. "Locally we have gained a very loyal and growing customer base," Collins says. "By focusing on efficiently servicing our business and retail customers we are able to remain ahead of competition. This is demonstrated by providing an in-store, while-you-wait service for the public and our free 'same day' delivery service to our business customers which sees orders typically arrive within two hours of them being placed."

Collins has nothing but praise for the training he received from Cartridge World initially, and the local support that keeps him up to the mark. "The two week training course we attended in Adelaide, Australia, was excellent and gave me the start I needed when opening my first store," Collins says. "Ongoing visits from my regional manager enable me to discuss marketing initiatives and technical procedures that see my business retain a competitive edge. Added to that, being part of a franchise network has certainly given me the opportunity to grow my business at a level that could not have been achieved without the brand."

Success Breeds Success

The success of the Cartridge World network's growth can, in part, be attributed to the franchisees who continue to expand their own ownership of stores. Nowhere is this better illustrated than by Martin Bell who operates eight Cartridge World stores in Tyne & Wear, NorthEast UK.

After opening his first store in Gosforth in September 2001, Bell has now successfully opened stores in Sunderland, Team Valley, Whitley Bay, Jesmond, Newcastle Central, Morpeth and Low Fell, with plans for at least a further two stores before the end of 2004.

Concentrating on good store locations and proactive marketing initiatives, Bell has seen his business grow from strength to strength. Like compatriot Craig Collins, Bell believes in quality customer service: "It is a simple concept to convey to the customer, however it does require high levels of customer service supported by strong technical ability."

With trusted managers in place for the stores, Bell is able to concentrate on growing the number of stores and marketing the business generally to Tyne & Wear. Looking towards the future, Bell says: "I would not be investing in further stores if I didn't see the potential and longevity of the market. With the Cartridge World brand becoming increasingly more recognised, I feel well placed to realise the huge potential of the business in Tyne & Wear."