Australian freight and packaging franchise Pack & Send is one of six finalists in the International Franchisor of the Year 2008 Award.

The company was nominated as the Australian representative of best practice franchising by the Franchise Council of Australia for the annual awards run by the Singapore based Franchising and Licensing Association. The association invites a single nomination from each of the 36 member countries of the World Franchise Council.

The judging committee evaluate finalists on their strategy, franchising system, marketing, franchise relations and financial performance. The five other finalists are: Auto Bridal (Indonesia); BBQ Chicken (Korea); Clara International (Malaysia); Inner Mongolia Little-Sheep Catering Chain (China) and Two Men and a Truck (USA).

The award recognises the most outstanding franchisor for its success and performance in its own country and for establishing a benchmark for all franchising businesses. Winners are recognised as international leaders in the development of franchise businesses.

“Pack & Send is honoured to be the Australian representative, and even more so to be a finalist in this award. It is a great opportunity to showcase our award winning business system and the Ôno limitsÕ services of our franchisees to international markets,” said Pack & Send founder and CEO, Michael Paul.

“Our emphasis is on the investment in quality business systems, a strong culture and brand integrity. We are reaping significant benefits as a result of adopting these principles,” he added.

Pack & Send is the 2007 winner of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Franchisor of the Year award and has just signed master franchise agreements for the establishment of its branded retail network in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

The winner will be announced in Singapore on 17th October. Gloria Jeans Coffees is the only other Australian franchise business to win the International Franchisor of the Year Award (2006).