PACK & SEND was announced Franchisor of the Year in the PricewaterhouseCoopers Excellence in Franchising Awards, Australian franchising's biggest award, at the gala finale to the National Franchise and Small Business Convention (NFC07) last night.

At only 14 years of age, PACK & SEND has 80 stores located in every state of Australia. To win this award, PACK & SEND triumphed over some of the best known and largest franchise systems in Australia and the world, including Just Cuts, Gloria Jeans, Bakers Delight, Boost Juice, Caltex, Mortgage Choice, Red Rooster, Fernwood Womens Health Clubs, ANZ Mortgage Solutions, as well as 12 other nominees.

This award places PACK & SEND at the top of more than 1,000 franchise systems. It has named PACK & SEND as a leader in a business sector employing 600 000 people with an estimated turnover of $128 billion, a business sector contributing equivalent to 14 percent of Australia's GDP.

Judged by an independent panel from across the franchising sector, including Professors of business, Business journalists and leading franchisees, the award was presented by Greg Hodson, Partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

After being awarded as the best retail franchise, PACK & SEND was judged against finalists across other franchise categories to win the overall honour as Franchisor of the Year.

The award is judged on seven main criteria: franchisor and franchisee relations; franchise system development; service to the franchisee; marketing; leadership; staff and franchisee development; business development.

PACK & SEND sets itself apart from the competition by having superior systems to ensure ethical and transparent business practice. In addition to a 40 page 'Trade Practices Act Compliance Guide', the company also has its own internal Code of Conduct.

One of the main factors behind PACK & SEND's attractiveness as a franchise is their low investment entry level for a retail business. "Franchisees can buy in to the PACK & SEND brand for around $170,000 including working capital. Well managed businesses have shown no limits to their growth, which has resulted in franchisees generating very high returns on their investment," comments Michael Paul.

PACK & SEND is experiencing record sales growth. "Last financial year PACK & SEND experienced average same-store sales growth of 18.3% and with this growth there has been an increasing trend for existing franchisees to buy their second, third and fourth stores. Currently, 26% of the network is now under multi-store ownership and this trend will grow" says Michael.

On receiving the award, Michael Paul praised the team of people behind the success of PACK & SEND – their franchisees. "Our franchisees have enthusiastically embraced our 'no limits' culture and are truly dedicated to going the 'extra mile' for their customers. Their commitment to the vision and mission of PACK & SEND is the reason we've won this prestigious award', says Michael Paul.