This category is open to all franchises whose core business involves serving food directly to consumers. Eligible formats include dining, casual dining, take-away, drive-through, and mobile operations. This category is not open to trade suppliers or retail businesses operating in the food sector.

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This category is open to all franchises whose primary business is not food-related, including sectors such as retail, services, health and wellness, education, or home and lifestyle. Eligible franchises can operate through multiple formats, including physical locations and mobile operations.

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This category recognises franchisors, in both food and non-food sectors, whose business has been established for more than five years. Eligible franchisors should demonstrate strong business performance, effective support to franchisees, and a proven track record of growth and innovation. This category is not open to newer franchises under five years old.

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This category recognises franchisors, in both food and non-food sectors, who are actively expanding their network. Eligible franchisors should demonstrate successful growth strategies, strong support for franchisees, and evidence of recent or planned expansion into new locations or markets.

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This category recognises franchisors in the start-up phase, within the first two years of their franchise journey. Our judges want to see businesses that are working towards being structured as ethical business format franchises by implementing the key components of a best practice franchise system and who are performing strongly across all areas of the business, including people, finance, operations and communications. 

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Has your franchise expanded beyond the island of Ireland for the first time or is your expansion accelerating year on year? This award category is for all Irish franchisors operating at an international level and who are successfully operating in the UK, Europe and beyond. 

This category is open to all franchise concepts originating in Ireland and operating in at least 1 additional international market.

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This award celebrates franchisees in non-food sectors who have shown outstanding achievement in running their business. Eligible candidates will demonstrate strong operational performance, dedication to the brand, and a positive impact within their franchise network.

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This franchisee category was established to recognise the contribution of an individual franchisee in the food and beverage. This category is open to all franchisees whose business is centred around serving food and beverages to consumers including dining, casual dining, take-away, drive-through and mobile formats and to suppliers or retailers in the food and beverage space

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This category recognises franchisees who operate three or more units within a single brand. Eligible candidates should demonstrate exceptional business performance across all units, strong leadership, and a commitment to maintaining brand standards. This award celebrates franchisees who successfully manage multiple locations while driving growth and operational excellence. 

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Leadership is defined as the ability to influence, guide, or direct individuals or groups to achieve a common goal. It involves setting a vision, motivating and empowering others, guiding decision making, and taking responsibility for outcomes.

Key elements of great leadership include:

Vision: Having a clear idea of what needs to be achieved.
Influence: Inspiring and motivating others to follow. 

Communication: Communicating and sharing ideas clearly and listening effectively.
 Integrity: Acting with honesty and consistency.

Responsibility: Taking ownership of actions and results of their team.

Good leadership is an essential ingredient to the continued success and expansion of franchisors and franchisees at home and abroad. The Leadership in Franchising Award recognises someone who satisfies the above elements. Please describe below how your nominee demonstrates the key characteristics described above.

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Did your team conceive, plan and execute a game-changing campaign for your business in 2023/2024? This award is for a brand who developed and implemented a campaign to target a specific business objective and, through purpose marketing, has shown measurable success in meeting this objective.

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Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focus for businesses in 2026. Every business has a responsibility to consider their green footprint and to take action towards achieving greater sustainability practices within their business. This award is to celebrate the sustainability pioneers in the franchise community. Those who have taken action to make sustainability a measurable part of their everyday operations and values while also integrating it into their long-term business strategy. 

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This is a special recognition award for an employee who has stood out this past year for their superior dedication, exceptional performance and team contribution. For example, this is a person, at any level within the company, who has made a difference or who has shown considerable professional growth and personal development in 2023/2024. The award is open to any employee of an operating franchise in Ireland, (either franchisors or franchisees). 

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This award is open to all suppliers to enter. The award recognises a supplier who has demonstrated outstanding service, innovation, and partnership with franchise businesses in Ireland. The ideal candidate will have gone above and beyond in supporting franchise operations, contributing to their growth, efficiency, and overall success. This supplier should exemplify reliability, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of franchise networks.

Franchisees and Franchisors are invited to put forward a supplier for the Supplier of the Year category. Please send the company name and contact email details to awards@irishfranchiseassociation.com. The IFA will contact the nominated supplier directly with the entry form.