Smartline Wins Top Franchise In Australia Award

July 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Smartline achieving the number one ranking – for the second survey running – comes as it focuses on continued growth by recruiting quality franchisees, providing high levels of support and offering diversified income streams for its franchisees.

In addition to taking out the number one spot overall, Smartline was ranked number one in three of the seven specific categories:

  1. Lifestyle – whether franchisees are satisfied with the lifestyle their franchise affords them – Smartline ranked number one
  2. Passion – how passionate franchisees are about their customers, brand, product or service they offer – Smartline ranked number one
  3. Support – the levels of support offered by the franchisor – Smartline ranked number one
  4. Renewal – intention of franchisees to renew their agreement beyond their current term – Smartline ranked number two
  5. Recommendation – willingness to recommend a franchise to friends and colleagues – Smartline ranked number two
  6. Rewards – the financial and social rewards franchisees feel they receive– Smartline ranked number two
  7. Opportunities – whether franchisees feel there are opportunities to expand their business within the system

Head of Intelligence at 10 THOUSAND FEET and topfranchise.com.au Ian Krawitz said Smartline’s achievement was even more noteworthy considering Smartline undertook a merger with Mortgage Force during 2009 and managed to successfully integrate the two businesses.

"Mergers can be a challenge for any business and the fact that Smartline’s franchisees are some of the most satisfied and engaged out of any franchise system in Australia is testament to the group’s culture,” Mr Krawitz said.

Smartline Managing Director, Chris Acret, said the survey result reflected Smartline’s focus on ensuring franchisees had the tools and support to build successful businesses. "The most important role of management in a franchise group is to provide whatever support the franchisees need,” Mr Acret said. “We have invested heavily in giving our franchisees a range of tools and systems to assist them to deliver a superior level of advice and service to their clients."

"That is hugely rewarding for our franchisees as they get to focus on developing relationships with their clients and becoming ‘trusted advisers’ to them, while building successful businesses that offer a range of financial and lifestyle rewards."

"While there are some challenges currently associated with being a business in the finance sector, we are continuing to develop and offer industry leading support mechanisms and new income opportunities for our franchisees.”

Now into its second year, more than 2000 franchisees across 65 systems have been surveyed by 10 THOUSAND FEET. Each franchisee was asked 35 questions in key areas, with the feedback used to benchmark performance in comparison to other franchise systems. Franchise systems in a range of industries were included in the survey. Smartline has more than 200 franchise owners throughout Australia, has assisted over 100,000 clients and has a loan portfolio exceeding $10 billion.

For more information about becoming a Smartline Mortgage Adviser visit: http://www.smartline.com.au/about-smartline/franchiseoppo...

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About Smartline: Established in 1999, Smartline is a multi award winning franchised mortgage broking group, having built a unique reputation for advice and client care.

The group’s 200 franchise offices have assisted over 100,000 Australians arrange their home finance to date. 85% of Smartline's business comes from a personal recommendation. As part of every loan Smartline arranges, the company donates $10 to charity.

Smartline’s Managing Director is Mr Chris Acret and its Executive Director is Mr Joe Sirianni.