Posted on: 12/08/2009 

THE State's top franchises will vie for the title of South Australian Franchise of the Year at the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards on Saturday night.

Last year's winners, Karmen Wakelin and Kylie Leopold from Endota Spa, will compete for the title again this year after making the finals in the multi-unit franchise category.

Ms Wakelin said the company had capitalised on last year's success, implementing many of the initiatives they committed to during the selection process.

``We opened a new store in december at Hyde Park,'' she said.

``Now we're striving to become the employer of choice in our industry for South Australia.
Ms Wakelin said the company had also made a number of internal promotions, including a manager that has been elevated to a business partner.

``I think it's really important from an employee perspective for them to be able see a future with the business,'' she said.

``If you create a great culture internally it really does reflect on the customer experience.''

Other finalists in the awards, which are organised by the Franchise Council of Australia, include Bakers Delight franchisees Ian and Michelle Faneco in the community service category and DLA Phillips Fox senior associate Fiona Gilbert.

Eleven other categories will also be decided on the night.