Passion for helping the franchise sector to grow has seen Griffith University’s Asia-Pacific Centre for Franchising Excellence Director Professor Lorelle Frazer receive national recognition.

Professor Frazer was awarded the Franchise Council of Australia’s national Contribution to Franchising Award, at the National Franchise Convention Gala Dinner, held last night on the Gold Coast.

Professor Frazer said she was honoured by the award.

“Receiving national recognition for doing something that I love is a huge honour,” she said.

“I’d like to thank the FCA for their support with funding for research, and I’d also like to thank the franchisors and franchisees who have participated in our research.

“Without their support by completing surveys, participating in interviews and being so open and honest about their experiences it would have been impossible to collect the data required to conduct such extensive research.”

Professor Frazer has been actively involved in franchising research and sectoral policy initiatives for more than a decade.

She is one of the world’s leading franchising researchers and co-author of the Franchising Australia surveys, conducted biennially since 1998. (Findings of the Franchising Australia 2010 research were launched at the Convention).

Professor Frazer also lectures in Franchising and is a member of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Franchising Consultative Panel.

Her research is used to drive positive policy reform and her latest initiative – free, online pre-entry franchise education to better inform prospective franchisees – connects research outcomes with practical solutions for business.

Professor Frazer was also the first person in Australia to complete a PhD in franchising, and also mentors franchising PhD candidates, to enhance understanding of issues faced by the sector.

Professor Frazer also thanked her colleagues at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Franchising Excellence for nominating her for the award.