January 18, 2008 - The Franchise Marketing Awards have, since their inauguration in 2006, rapidly become one of the most highly coveted prizes by franchisors throughout Great Britain.

Following the resounding success of the previous two years, entries are now open for the prestigious Franchise Marketing Awards 2008. The closing date is 29 February 2008.

The Franchise Marketing Awards recognise the industry’s most innovative and effective marketing campaigns for products, services and franchisee recruitment.

Judged by an independent panel of experts, they reward companies that have raised their public awareness and, as a result, achieved sustainable growth through excellent marketing.

The Awards are open to all UK franchise companies, both large and small, from all sectors, and cover a range of categories for both product and service marketing and franchisee recruitment.

Frankie Boyle, well known TV comedian and BBC Mock the Week panellist, will announce the winners at a glamorous ceremony and dinner on 4 April 2008 at The Lancaster in Lancaster Gate, London. The Awards evening will attract all the leading names in the industry, and takes place on the first night of The British & International Franchise Exhibition.

Sandra Marchetti, Director of Gymboree, winner of the Most Innovative Marketing Campaign in 2007, said: “Gymboree was so pleased to win this award for marketing creativity and innovation. It was an incredible campaign involving loads of hard work and to have it recognised in this way means so much to our team. The award was also successful in building pride within our existing franchisee network and in recruiting new franchisees to join Gymboree.”

Brian Smart, Director General of The British Franchise Association (bfa), commented: “The Franchise Marketing Awards are held in recognition of excellence and innovation within the franchise industry. We are delighted to support the Awards, which further raise the public profile of ethical franchising in the UK.”

The Awards recognise outstanding achievements in the following areas:

Products & Services:

- Best Overall Marketing Campaign

- Best Website

- Most Innovative Marketing Campaign

- Best Brand Management

- Best Franchisee Marketing Support

Franchisee Recruitment Awards:

- Best International Franchise Expansion Programme

- Best Recruitment Literature

- Best PR Campaign

- Best Advertisement

- Most Creative Exhibition Stand

- Franchisee Recruitment Team of the Year

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.franinfo.co.uk/awards or by calling +44 (0)20 8394 5287. Entries can be submitted via email to franawards@vmgl.com or sent by post to The Franchise Marketing Awards, Venture Marketing Group, 111 Upper Richmond Road, London SW15 2TJ.

For further information visit www.franinfo.co.uk/awards

The Franchise Marketing Awards are held in association with The Daily Mail, sponsored by Lloyds TSB, and supported by the British Franchise Association (bfa) and Business Franchise Magazine.

Ends.

For further press information or photography, please contact

Alex Shephard or Chris Lewis at

Clareville Communications on 020 7736 4022

e-mail alexshephard@clareville.co.uk or chrislewis@clareville.co.uk

View Company Website: http://www.franinfo.co.uk