The Franchise Marketing Awards, one of the most highly coveted accolades recognising marketing excellence across the UK industry, has called on the UK and international franchise community to submit entries for the 2009 initiative. The closing date for entries is Friday 13 February 2009. 

Now in its third successful year, the Franchise Marketing Awards have added to their established categories by launching Best International Marketing Campaign. This will offer franchisors from around the globe the opportunity to gain worldwide recognition for their superb marketing campaigns.

The Franchise Marketing Awards recognise the industry’s most innovative and effective marketing campaigns for products, services and franchisee recruitment.

Judged by an independent panel of experts, they reward companies that have raised their public awareness and, as a result, achieved sustainable growth through excellent marketing.

The awards are open to all UK and international franchise companies, both large and small, from all sectors, and cover a range of categories for both product and service marketing and franchisee recruitment.

Ed Byrne, well known TV comedian and ‘observational stand up’, will announce the winners at a ceremony and dinner on 20 March 2009 at The Marriott London, Grosvenor Square. The Awards evening will attract all the leading names in the industry, and takes place on the first night of The British and International Franchise Exhibition.

Mark Lemmon, CEO of Cash Converters, winner of the Best Overall Marketing Campaign in 2008, commented:

“Cash Converters was delighted to have won the Best Overall Marketing Campaign at the Franchise Marketing Awards 2008. It is excellent recognition of the expertise and effort that goes into raising the profile of the brand and supporting their franchisees in driving their business forward.”

Brian Smart, director general of The British Franchise Association (bfa), commented:

“The bfa is delighted to support these Awards that uniquely recognise the efforts of marketing within the franchise industry. The event highlights the outstanding achievements made by UK franchises and continues to raise the profile of ethical franchising in the UK.”

The awards recognise outstanding achievements in the following areas:

Products and Services:

• Best Overall Marketing Campaign
• Best International Marketing Campaign (new category for 2009)
• Best Website
• Best Online Marketing Campaign (new category for 2009) 
• Best Brand Management
• Best Franchisee Marketing Support

Franchisee Recruitment Awards:

• Best International Franchise Expansion Programme
• Best Recruitment Literature
• Best PR Campaign
• Best Recruitment Advertisement
• Most Creative Exhibition Stand
• Franchisee Recruitment Team of the Year

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.franchiseinfo.co.uk/awards. Entries can be submitted via email to [email protected] or sent by post to The Franchise Marketing Awards, Venture Marketing Group, 111 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 2TJ, England.