Drain Doctor franchisees were flown out to the five star Golden Bay Beach Hotel in Larnaca, Cyprus for the conference entitled 'Enhancing our Service in 2006'.

The highlight of the event was a Gala Dinner award ceremony where Drain Doctor Plumbing group founder and chairman Freddie Mitman presented awards to franchisees that had excelled during the year.

The Franchise of the Year award was split into three categories based on the size of the franchise areas. Winners of the award for an area with a population of more than one million people were Southampton franchisees Jacqui and Allan Rook, while the award for a franchisee with an area with a population of more than 500,000 people went to Cambridge's David and Sharon Spurrier. Lancastrians Nick and Lisa Birtles picked up the award for a territory with a population of under 500,000.

Three franchisees were presented with most progressive franchisee awards for their outstanding progress during within their first twelve months in business. These were Gary and Eleanor Wroe, based in Glasgow; Alex Thompson, who was deputising for Trevor and Alison Muir, owners of the Dundee franchise; and Keith and Diane Poole from Belfast.

The awards for special recognition and performance went to London-based franchisee Harry Daswani and Oxfordshire-based Tony Robinson for their outstanding contribution to the organisation over the past twelve months.

Franchisees Dave and Denise Baddeley of Redditch and John and Helen Rushforth of Leeds were presented with the chairman's club award, which is given to franchisees that have contributed to the overall Drain Doctor Plumbing organisation in a special way over the past year.

Ray Martin, a senior technician from Southampton, was presented with the golden service provider of the year award in recognition of excellent service attitude. Paul Griffin from Dublin was presented with the Irish shield award which is given to the highest producing franchisee in the Republic of Ireland.

Preston-based franchisees Kevin and Dawn Preston were presented with the long term success award, which is given to the franchisee that has been a shining light of the Drain Doctor Plumbing network over a number of years.

"We have a tremendous team of franchisees," said Freddie Mitman chairman of Drain Doctor Plumbing. "Everyone is always very enthusiastic about the work they do which reflects positively in how the group performs.

"It is important that everyone is recognised for their achievements and valued contribution to the Drain Doctor business - congratulations to everyone that was presented with an award."