New industry developments and opportunity, electric and hybrid vehicles and Hollywood glamour were just a few of the themes at this year’s ChipsAway annual conference and awards ceremony held at the 5* Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales. Taking place this past weekend, a contingent of around 200 ChipsAway franchisees, members of staff, sponsors and suppliers gathered to explore the latest in industry developments and opportunities that would help to grow their businesses.
ChipsAway Managing Director Tim Harris opened the conference with a keynote address highlighting the industry’s challenges and opportunities, followed by ChipsAway Technical Director Simon Kings, who highlighted the exciting progression of electric and hybrid vehicles. The delegates were also provided with a marketing update, reviewing key trends in the industry for 2018, and a look forward to an evolution of business message and support in pace with industry advances, by Head of Marketing Ella Pugh. Thereafter, all attendees had the opportunity to explore the expo hall which played host to a number of industry suppliers, interactive areas (including a virtual spray competition) and driving simulators.
The highlight of the day most certainly lay within the prestigious black-tie awards ceremony which, this year, took on the theme of Hollywood Glamour – complete with enough sequins, paparazzi-style photographers and hairspray to make even the Oscars pale in comparison. A drinks reception kicked off the evening’s spectacular ceremony where attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow-franchisees, sponsors and suppliers. But the climax of the evening certainly lay within the awards ceremony paired with an exquisite 3-course dinner.
Tim Harris, comments: “As always, the ChipsAway awards ceremony chooses to focus and celebrate individuals and businesses who not only exemplify the ChipsAway brand, but are being recognised in the industry as those who are going above and beyond the call of duty to service their customers. We were delighted this year to award Newcomer of the Year for 2018 to Michael Penderis. Tan Likiliki took home the Customer Service Award for 2018, while Phil and Cas Clifford-Wareham walked away with the Marketer of the year award for 2018.
Michael Penderis enthuses, “Tim, Simon and Ella’s presentations were informative and very motivating. The expo was packed full of useful equipment and certainly gave some ideas to better improve productivity. Natalie and I enjoyed meeting the other franchisees and swapping tips and stories. The awards dinner was incredibly well planned – fab tables and delicious food. In short, I’d like to thank ChipsAway Head office for all the hard work put in behind the scenes to make the 2018 Conference the success that it was and for their continued help and support year-round. To have the ChipsAway machine behind my business is invaluable and the team are all hugely appreciated.”
Additional award winners included the Franchisee’s Unsung Hero Award for 2018 which was awarded to Andrew Bushell, Mobile Franchisee of the year, which was awarded to Marcin Kaminski, and Car Care Centre Franchisee of the year, which went to Brian and Amanda Palmer. The prestigious ChipsAway Recognition Award, a new addition for 2018 supported by leading sponsors West Mids / Greenhous, was awarded to both Simon Kings and Rob Belding for their faultless dedication to ChipsAway and their continued commitment towards growing the 24-year strong brand and network.
Tim concludes: “A huge thank you to everyone that attended this year’s event and for your ongoing support of ChipsAway, and special congratulations to all our winners who walked away with awards this year. We look forward to seeing you all back in 2019!”
