The 2013 NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards winners for the VIC/TAS region were announced at a gala dinner in Melbourne on 30 August.

Angela Williams, the franchisee of Fernwood Women’s Health Club in St Kilda took out the Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff gong; meanwhile Ty Menzies from EFM Health Clubs was named Franchisee of the Year, less than two staff.

Menzies, who first invested in the EFM Health Clubs brand when he was just 21, said the awards process provided him with the opportunity to step back and look at all facets of his business, including his work/life balance.

“Understanding exactly where the business was financially, and being able to portray that to someone else was incredibly valuable.”

For the third year in a row Grill’d franchisees Matt and Brad Walker took out the Multi-Unit award.

The pair, who currently own stores in Camberwell, Knox and Southland, said they are passionate about both the brand and their team.

“We have two really clear objectives, financial growth for our family and the development of people. Everything we do in our business is a reflection of us through them. They’re the ones that deliver,” they said.

The co-founder and general manager of Appliance Tagging Services, Sarah Allen was named Franchise Woman of the Year.

She said the awards were important at a sector and broader business level. “They highlight to the broader community that franchising is a great sector, there is third party review that goes on, and these systems are found to be reputable and worthy of recognition.”

Clark Rubber, Niddrie franchisees Barry and Deb Ranson received The Franchisee Community Service Award.

All state winners qualify as finalists for the NAB FCA National Excellence in Franchising Awards, which will be held on 22 October at Jupiters Hotel and Casino on the Gold Coast.