Cash Converters, a retail franchise that buys and sells pre-owned goods, has celebrated 20 years’ operating in the UK.
To celebrate the company, which was founded in Australia and has stores in 21 locations worldwide, took its annual UK franchise conference to Portugal to thank each franchise owner who has contributed to the success of the business.
A record number of franchise owners turned out to the two-day event, which was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Algarve. As well as celebrating a remarkable 20 years in the UK, the company also celebrated the growing success of the franchise network, which consists of more than 220 stores across the UK and almost 700 worldwide.
David Patrick, Chief Executive of Cash Converters UK, said: “Each year we bring together our growing franchise network to celebrate their achievements, this year we took the event to an international stage to further endorse the large part of the UK business plays in the development of the international brand. The event was a resounding success, franchise owners, corporate staff and international directors were able to share experiences and learn from each other to help each store continue to achieve great things in their local communities.
“We are pleased to have celebrated such a milestone success among friends and are already planning great things for the 40th anniversary in another 20 years. Retail is a tough sector to continue to excel in, but our network of stores continuously rise to the challenge to deliver consumers with fresh modern retail outlets, high standards of customer service and excellent products, ensuring that we are a business that will continue to thrive despite the economic climate.”
The two-day event kicked off with a corporate golf day, followed by a networking BBQ evening with friends and family rounded off with an all-day conference with keynote speaker and founder Brian Cumins.
Patrick added: “As is traditional with our franchise conference we take the opportunity to celebrate the success across the network with a Gala dinner awards ceremony. The standards of nominations that we are receiving each year continue to impress.”
Winners included Andy Sedgall as Employee of the Year from the Portsmouth store; the Telford store won the accolade for the best personal finance operation; the training award went to Janet Cox, the franchise owner of a number of stores in the Yorkshire area; David Thomson won Franchisee of the Year; and the Swindon store was crowned Store of the Year.
Peter Cumins, International Managing Director of Cash Converters, added: “The people behind our international brand are vitally important. Their impeccable high standards and commitment to customer care has helped us to open nearly 700 stores worldwide and ensure that we remain number one retailer of pre-owned goods and financial services worldwide.
“We had two wonderful evenings and made the most of the sunshine before jetting back to the UK. The golf and barbecue were fabulous and our glamorous Gala Dinner and awards ceremony topped off the two day celebration.”
Patrick added: “I would like to personally thank all of our franchise owners and particularly those recognised during the awards ceremony. It was great to see so many present and really shows their commitment to the brand. Here’s to another year of continued growth and success.”
Published: 14 November 2012
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