Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited wins ‘Franchisor of the Year’ and ’Debutant Franchisor’ award

New Delhi, October 21, 2003:
 
Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Apollo Hospitals Group and the company behind ‘The Apollo Clinics’ has been honoured with the ‘Franchisor of the Year 2003’ Award, highlighting its leading role as a model franchisor across industries and various products/ services categories. The company has also bagged the ‘Debutant Franchisor’ Award, further reinforcing its credentials as a pioneer in franchising in the healthcare sector. The Franchise Awards were organized by Franchise India Holdings Ltd., publisher of India’s only magazine on franchising - Franchising World, and a leading services provider in the franchising industry.

These awards have been instituted to recognize excellence in franchise system and customer services. Honourable Chief Guest Mr P.N. Dhoot, President, Videocon International Ltd. and the man behind the success of various consumer durable brands such as Videocon, Akai and Sansui presented the award to Mr Ratan Jalan, CEO, Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ratan Jalan said, “We're delighted to be recognized for our efforts in the franchising industry as well as our role in the healthcare sector. These awards reinforce our position as a pioneer in the healthcare sector and also recognize the merits of our successful franchising model.” Elaborating on the business model, Mr. Jalan further added, “Franchising as a business model enables rapid market expansion while conserving capital, since it exploits the entrepreneurial potential of individual franchisees. The commitment of the entire team at Apollo Health and Lifestyle Limited and all our franchisees towards providing superior healthcare services and adding value to our customers has enabled us to achieve this milestone.”

The Franchise Awards, held for the first time in India, are a certificate of excellence in franchising and will play a very important role in franchise sales. These awards were given away as part of FranchiseIndia2003 - India’s first International Franchise Conference-cum-Franchise Awards’03 at Hotel Intercontinental Park Royale in New Delhi. FranchiseIndia2003 brought together International experts, leading franchisors and potential investors under one roof, with the objective of highlighting the efforts of organizations & individuals that have played an important role in the field of franchising in India.

The Awards were well received by the industry and saw participation from all leading franchisers and franchisees across various industries in the country. Commenting about the awards, Mr. Ratan Jalan said, “These awards will go a long way in creating and fuelling interest about franchising as a business avenue, helping it grow in the country. Indian market offers enormous potential for franchisee led businesses and these awards will certainly provide a big boost to the players.”

Leading personalities including Mr. Pramod Khera, CEO & MD of Aptech Ltd. who was the Honorary Chairman of the Awards Consultative Committee and Mr. John Foreman, Chairperson, Franchise Association of New Zealand Awards Committee were part of the selection process. The New Zealand Franchise Association are considered to be the most professional & organized awards in the world.

Mr Pramod Khera said, ‘AHLL was awarded the highest honours based on quite a few parameters including their focus on systems, processes, quality and the spirit of innovation. In a category such as healthcare, it is heartening to note that Apollo Clinic has achieved so much in such a short span of time.”

Mr John Foreman said, “It is really impressive to see the franchise industry evolving at such a rapid pace in India. These awards go a long way in enhancing credibility and promoting excellence.”