Chris Gillam, UK Managing Director of Mail Boxes Etc. (MBE), has announced that London franchisees KKJ Ltd. have been awarded the coveted MBE 'Franchisee of the Year' award in recognition of their progress and success. It was presented at MBE's recent national conference to two of KKJ's directors, business partners and brothers-in-law Murli Mulchandani and Rikesh Nichani.

Also at the event husband and wife team Russell and Christine Sykes received an award for 'Outstanding Customer Care' to mark their dynamic approach to business development and for maintaining exemplary customer care standards.

Murli and Rikesh opened their first franchise in January 2002 in an unusual location - inside an internet cafÉ in The Strand. A year later they opened a second outlet in Shepherds Market, Mayfair and they are now looking for a site for a third London centre.

Portsmouth franchisees Christine and Russell opened their centre in December 2003 and had to overcome a major set-back when serious illness struck just two months later. They survived the crisis and went on to build an exceptionally strong business.

Chris Gillam said: "These awards celebrate franchisees who have gone the extra mile to develop their businesses and to really look after their customers. In addition, the awards recognise the contribution that Murli, Rikesh, Christine and Russell have made to the overall dynamic growth and success of MBE in the UK and Ireland."

The award winning franchisees were chosen from MBE's network of over 100 high street, 'one-stop-shops' across the UK and Ireland. MBE in the UK is part of a global network of almost 5,900 outlets.

Unique in UK franchising, MBE offers local companies and members of the public a wide range of quick, easy and cost-effective business services that include parcels packing and delivery all over the world, mailbox rental, digital copying, document finishing services, stationery, office supplies and online facilities.

Murli and Rikesh commented: "Although we offer the complete range of services, the two largest parts of our business are courier and mailbox services, both of which are very popular and much in demand in central London. Our sales are very strong and growing all the time."

Similarly, Christine and Russell provide the whole suite of products for their substantial and growing base of regular customers. Russell said: "We offer flexible and friendly cost-effective solutions for businesses, large and small. Our business grew by 50 per cent in the second year and we decided we could be even more efficient and profitable by dividing responsibilities. This policy has really paid off."

Your future in your hands...

People from all walks of life have become successful Mail Boxes Etc. franchisees. Your Mail Boxes Etc. centre will offer a wide range of services including, Worldwide Parcel Delivery, Packaging Services, Digital Copy and Print, Mailbox Rental and Mailing services to local businesses and the general public.

We offer a fully comprehensive franchise package, inlcuding training and marketing as well as help with site selection, lease negotiation, financial planning and unrivalled ongoing support.

MBE is looking for new franchisees to join its network of over 100 centres in the UK and Ireland. MBE I nc. is part of the UPS group with 600 centres worldwide.