Emerging Franchisor of the Year
It’s been quite a busy (and exciting) season for Express Retail Group, parent company to both the Salon Express and Barbershop Express brand.
Not only has ERG expanded its team internally, but externally both the Salon Express and Barbershop Express brand are growing. Just last week another dual-site Salon Express and Barbershop Express opened, marking their first location on the Gold Coast and fourth in Queensland.
And that’s not all. In addition to growing franchise locations, ERG has also grown its list of accolades. Just this year three members of the ERG team, pictured to the right, came home with awards from the Franchise Council of Australia – as well did ERG brand, Barbershop Express.
Bianca Panozzo, COO of ERG and dual-site franchisee, took home the title of FCA 2019 WA Franchise Woman of the Year. Brett Higgins, ERG Franchise Consultant, was awarded the Paddy Thompson Award in recognition for his contributions to franchising. Dean Franks, ERG Franchise Director, was awarded with the Franchisee Community Responsibility and Contribution Award. And finally, ERG brand, Barbershop Express was awarded Australian Emerging Franchisor of the Year at the MYOB FCA Excellence in Franchising Awards of 2019
The ‘Australian Emerging Franchisor of the Year Award’ is a coveted award that recognises the best new franchise system launched to market in the past 5 years.
Bianca Panozzo, Express Retail Group (ERG) COO and lead creator behind the Barbershop Express brand, accepted the award alongside ERG CEO, David Boyd, sharing, “It is a privilege to have been recognised by the industry for the establishment and subsequent growth trajectory of Barbershop Express. Winning this award affirms our decision to launch a new business concept to the market place and for our operating group ERG, recognises the journey from the initial vision to a commercial reality.”
Both grateful for the win, David Boyd stated “we would also like to recognise the significant support that we have received from industry professionals across the franchising sector. It is their willingness to share, guide and collaborate that has significantly contributed to our success. It is the culmination of these peoples expertise, aligned with a tremendous Franchisor team that delivers Barbershop Express’s success”.
Barbershop Express continues its journey of expansion, having recently opened at Robina Gold Coast in October 2019 and will also welcome to their network Barbershop Express at Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore in late November 2019.