A 27-year-old who started out as a Domino’s pizza delivery boy has won top prize in the 2006 HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.
Antony Tagliamonti, who now owns four stores worth £1.5m, was presented with the Gold Winner’s trophy and an HSBC cheque for £5,000 at a ceremony in Birmingham last week.
The awards, which form part of National Franchise Week, celebrate the most successful franchisees in the industry.
Tagliamonti, the youngest ever recipient of the prize, impressed the judges with his staff redemption, ‘mystery shopper’ programmes and efforts to get his stores involved with community activities.
He currently runs Domino’s outlets in Woodford Green, Gants Hill, Chingford and Borehamwood.
According to Cathryn Hayes, head of franchising for HSBC Bank, Tagliamonti’s age was a factor.
“The judges felt that Antony showed determination and commitment to building a successful business at an age when most of his peers are busy enjoying an active social life.”
Franchising is a fast-growing industry, worth £10bn a year and employing 360,000 people in the UK. It is responsible for some of the UK’s best-known brands, according to Brian Smart, director general of the British Franchise Association.
“These brands have been built on the fusion of a franchisor driven to build and support a network and franchisees who are committed to developing their own business,” said Smart.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2006
