World Franchise Congress 2015 concludes on a high note

The leadership convention's aim was to explore and assess the impact of current and future franchise trends on businesses, investors, financial institutions, technology, government’s entrepreneurial drive, and at large on society.

While giving keynote address, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Union Minister of State (Independent charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent charge), said, “The biggest challenge is to get people skilled in a structured manner and since skill, entrepreneurship and franchise are linked, the franchise model becomes a great way to bring together entrepreneurs of the country. The government’s new model skill India will help young people build their skill and be future entrepreneurs and franchisors.”

From (left to right) Andy Williams, President, Global Franchise, Shiv Shivakumar, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo India, Samudra Bhattacharya, Vice Preseident and GM, India Franchise Commercial Unit, PepsiCo and Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India during the lighting of a lamp.

Shiv Shivakumar, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo India, in his address, said, "The franchise model is one of the most versatile and flexible business models. It is the most sought-after models in all categories from luxury goods retailing to distributing basic consumer goods. The franchise model helps build powerful ecosystems. The World Franchise Congress is an initiative supported by PepsiCo to help discuss and debate the best that this model offers."

While speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Marya, Chairman, Franchise India, commented, “With changing consumer behaviour our need is not only for more franchise models but also a sustainable franchise model. We need a mega franchise model in India which can create a greater brand out of India- which can go global. The need is to produce original concepts”.

World Franchise Conference 2015 brought together over 30+ thought leaders, investors and forecasters to engage in a business dialogue with 250+ franchisors, master franchisees, large retailers, entrepreneurs, channel partners, and CXO’s of consumer and service brands through keynotes, panel discussions, master classes, and networking. Some of the eminent speakers included Andy Williams, President, Global Franchise, PepsiCo, Rod Young, Chairman, DC strategy, Australia,  Ravi Jaipuria, Founder Chairman, RJ Corp, Vasanth Kumar, Executive Director, Max Retail, OP Manchanda, CEO, Lal Path Labs, K B Kachru, Chairman, South Asia, Carloson Rezidor Group, Alok Gupta, Chief Architect & CEO, Essar Retail, Sandeep Kulhalli, Senior Vice President-Retail & Marketing, Titan, Gaurav Mahajan, President, Raymond Group.

(In center) Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Union Minister of State (Independent charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent charge), while addressing the gathering.

The World Franchise Congress 2015 also recognised and felicitated achievers, innovators, smartest futurists and franchise leaders from all over the world, who have contributed significantly towards the development of current and franchise future trends in business, government and technology and society.

Processed by EY, the awardees at World Franchise Congress were:

·       Domino's Pizza India- Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, received the awards for Excellence in Customer Service

·       ICICI Securities for excellence in Relationship Management

·       Godrej Interio for Excellence in Marketing

·       KFC received the Corporate Social Responsibility Award

·       Shahnaz Hussain- CMD, The Shahnaz Hussain Group received the Women Entrepreneur of the Year in Franchise Business award

·       CK Kumaravel-  CEO & Co Founder, Groom India Salon & Spa Private Limited was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year in Franchise Business award

·       Rajeev Gopalakrishnan- Group Managing Director, Bata South Asia received the Franchise Professional of the Year award

·       Tea-Trails- Zone8 Tea World Private Limited received the Franchise Concept of the Year award

·       KB Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Group received the Franchise Leader of the Year award

.         The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, also received the Excellence in Human Resource Practices award