Fastway Couriers, Ireland’s leading independent parcel collection and delivery service, has beennamed Franchise of the Year (Service) at the Irish Franchise Association Awards.
The awards, which are an established and anticipated event in the Irish franchise calendar,recognise excellence in franchising in Ireland, the company announced.
Fastway said it won the title in the service category following its most successful year todate. The franchise, in partnership with Home Delivery Network Limited, the UK’s largest dedicatedhome delivery and collection service, secured a two and a half year contract for all Irish parceldeliveries of Littlewoods Ireland, moving Fastway into the B2C market.
Other highlights for Fastway last year included a 22% increase in courier franchisees, bringingthe total number of franchisees to 173, and 66 new jobs created in Ireland. The company increasedparcel volumes 14% despite a 30% market decline, and generated a 30% increase in customeracquisitions.
Commenting on the award, Andy Hennessy, Joint National Master of Fastway Couriers (Ireland),said: “We are delighted to win this award which recognises excellence in franchising as well assuccess in the courier industry. We had a tremendous year in 2009, particularly in the context of a30% decline in the parcel delivery sector last year. Apart from our business success and service toour customers, we also take pride in the support we provide to all our franchisees throughout the32 counties. In 2009, the Franchise Support Office provided over 500 on-site support visits to allregions.”
Gerry Riordan, Joint National Master, added: “The award also reflects our strong positioning interms of our strategic plan for growth for the next three years. We aim to become the ‘Courier ofChoice’ for home delivery retailers. This plan reflects our ability to build on our presence inthis emerging market and this award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of all our staff andfranchisees.”
