Franchisees' 3rd Place In National Contest

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Oct 20, 2004

A husband and wife business partnership from Newcastle (UK) who set out to challenge their neighbours in business have won third place in a national business competition.

A husband and wife business partnership from Newcastle (UK) who set out to challenge their neighbours in business have won third place in a national business competition.

Adam and Ruth Brenner, who operate the Prontaprint print-on-demand franchise in the north east of England, won the third place prize of ?2,000 in the 2004 British Franchise Association's Franchisee of the Year Awards, sponsored by HSBC and supported by the Daily Express.

Cathryn Hayes, HSBC's national franchise manager, presented the award to the couple at a gala dinner at the International Conference Centre in Birmingham.

Speaking after the awards, Adam Brenner said: "The strength of the Prontaprint brand and the support of the franchisor has played a big part in helping us expand the business.

I put our success down to this and our own hard work which has allowed us successfully to challenge some stiff competition locally, including an outlet right next door to us." The Brenner's both had successful careers in fashion before they took on the under-performing Prontaprint franchise in the city.

Now seven years on, the two have built a thriving business, despite facing stiff competition from their next-door neighbours, who happened to be their biggest business rivals.

In presenting the awards Cathryn Hayes, said: "Franchising gives people the opportunity to make the most of their entrepreneurial talent, but with fewer risks than starting their own business from scratch.

As a leading lender to the franchise sector, HSBC recognises that the hard work, enthusiasm and business nous of people like Adam and Ruth will help turn a good franchise into a great franchise.

They deserve their success, particularly in the face of such stiff competition." Since 1997, the new business the Brenner's have generated has created eight new jobs and has sustained growth of more than 20 per cent year-on year.