Aptech Worldwide, the international business wing of Aptech Ltd. won the award for Indian Global Franchisor of the Year for attaining excellence in overseas franchising operations. Aptech Worldwide's international operations encompass countries across Africa, Latin America, South East Asia, China, Middle East, APAC and SAARC, with a strong presence in China, Vietnam, Nigeria, Russia, Iran, Sudan and Fiji.

Aptech Computer Education, the IT Training giant, received the Win-win Franchising Partnership of the Year Award. Aptech's franchise model has been designed in a manner where both parties can leverage benefits from each other and creates an environment of shared destiny with its business partners.

Ms. Preeti Malik, Head - Avalon Aviation Academy, Aptech's Aviation training venture received the Franchising Woman of the Year Award, which is a recognition accorded to a woman Franchisor who achieved significant success in franchising operations. Avalon which started it's franchising journey towards end of 2006, has fast expanded to a 50 centre figure spanning India, with innovative products designed to meet the needs of the Aviation Industry.

The Franchisee of the Year Award was won by Arena Animation's South Extension Centre, which was adjudged for excellence in Franchising across several parameters. Arena's South Extension centre, which was one of the first centres to be opened up in 1996, has maintained high standards in animation and multimedia training for over a decade.

Says Mr. Pramod Khera, CEO & MD, Aptech Ltd. "Over the years Aptech has successfully evolved a robust and healthy franchising System that is working across multiple brands, industries and geographies. The 'Shared Destiny Approach' adopted by Aptech in franchising has nurtured hundreds of entrepreneurs who have made a mark in education in their respective territories. It's heartening to have Aptech getting it's due recognition year after year from the industry & it's peers.'

Franchising Association of India organises annual awards for the franchising community, for more information please visit www.fai.co.in

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The Franchising Association of India is a Membership Organisation of Franchisors, Franchisees, Vendors, Consultants, Financial Institutions and Students and others. Our services are dedicated to provide a one-stop shopping experience for franchising business and with membership of the prestigious World Franchise Council we have ongoing access to knowledge of the World accepted best practice related to Franchising in different areas of business activity as also networking contacts with the WFC member Franchising Associations in different parts of the world for generating new business opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs.

In recognition of the increasing role of franchising in the market place and the very beneficial positive contributions of franchising to the Indian economy, the franchisor and franchisee members of the FAI believe that franchising must reflect the highest principles and standards of fair business practices.

Mission
Tap the vast entrepreneurial energy available in the country by promoting the concept and practice of franchising in India.

Objectives
- Exchange and safeguard the business environment for franchising, both with regard to franchisors and franchisees
- Act as the resource centre for current and prospective franchisors, franchisees, the media and the Government.
- Disseminate knowledge to promote the concept of 'franchising' and propagate it as a healthy business practice.
- Establish a forum for discussion and deliberation on Franchising related matters and problems and help promote the interest of members by organising seminars, conferences and meetings.

Activities
To work towards achievement of the above mission and objectives our activities will include:
- Creation of appropriate forums for discussion of issues and problems related to Franchising.
- International linkages to promote - bringing in of foreign frachisors and best practice for doing business in India through Marketing India at International Expos and otherwise.
- Make representations to the Government with regard to legislative and other measures affecting the promotion of concept and practice of Franchising.
- Encouraging Bank and Venture Capital funding for franchisees.
-Publication of Franchising Successes
- Creation of India's most comprehensive Online Franchise Directory - which helps franchisors promote their business's and attract new franchisees.

For more information about FAI, please visit www.fai.co.in