With the awards’ season well under way it hasn’t taken long for ActionCOACH UK to register another significant milestone. At this year’s 30th birthday celebrations, the UK wing of this vast global network was once again toasting glory following another productive year.
At the franchise’s global conference, held this year in Thailand, ActionCOACH UK collected the coveted ‘Team of the Year’ award for the 15th successive occasion. This year’s three-day event took place at the picturesque Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa in Phuket.
The ‘Team of the Year’ prize is presented to the region which the judges believe have provided the greatest support to their local franchise network, as well as contributions made to the wider ActionCOACH community.
And that’s not all. ActionCOACH UK were recently shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Franchisor of the Year’ gong at the 2023 edition of the HSBC-sponsored BFA Awards. But more on this story later.
Regarding yet another success in the ‘Team of the Year’ category, UK co-founder Julie Wagstaff said: “This award is testament to the continued dedication of our team in the UK. They continue to lead the way and we’re reminded of their significant contributions through this award.
“Our team is able to help thousands of business owners every year, by empowering them to strive towards a more prosperous future, which also helps local communities to thrive too.”
ActionCOACH was established by Brad Sugars in 1993 – from his bedroom in Brisbane, Australia. Since then, this Queensland-based company has grown worldwide, with Ian Christelow and Julie Wagstaff starting the UK branch 22 years ago.
The pair has invested considerable time and money in the business, building an impressive support network of over 200 franchise partners. And this has laid the foundation for their success in the ‘Team of the Year’ category at every global conference since 2009.
The conference also recognises outstanding contributions made by individuals. At this year’s black-tie gala dinner, the UK’s Peter Boolkah was awarded the ‘Practice Premium Partner of the Year’ prize, selected from more than 1,000 coaches worldwide.
A delighted Peter explained: “It’s been a week of incredible conversations and invaluable insights shared by fellow colleagues. To have this week culminate in being awarded this title is such a thrill. This award has been a dream of mine since I joined ActionCOACH UK 18 years ago.
“I would like to thank the unwavering support of clients, peers and my family. As I reflect on this achievement, I’m reminded of the power of coaching and how it can transform both businesses and people’s lives. I’m delighted to have made a positive impact on the world of business coaching.”
Global boss Brad Sugars added: “The annual conference is about fuelling growth for our partners’ businesses. We celebrate excellence in our community and we are proud to have such extraordinary franchise partners across the world.
“These men and women help to spread our vision through business re-education. We celebrated our first global conference in Phuket, so it was great to revisit that tropical paradise 30 years later.”
And back in the UK, ActionCOACH were thrilled to learn that they had been shortlisted for a prize at the British Franchise Association’s annual awards’ ceremony. The HSBC-backed BFA Awards is the most prestigious of the ceremonies which take place every year to honour the UK’s leading franchises.
ActionCOACH are one of six nominations for the ‘Franchisor of the Year’ gong. Ian Christelow said: “This event is one of the highlights of the year for our industry. To be nominated for such a distinguished award is a wonderful achievement. It’s fantastic for our team to get the recognition they deserve.”
This event celebrates the UK’s leading franchisors and franchisees, with the winners collecting their awards at a black-tie dinner held at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham (B40 1PU) on Thursday, November 9th.
The ceremony takes place after the BFA’s annual conference at the same venue. This annual event, which celebrates excellence in UK franchising, is being staged for the 35th time.
