Former PM at Price Attack Conference

[Tue 07/09/2010 11:07:45]

Speaking about his personal success and hardships at Price Attack's national conference in Fiji, former Prime Minister Mr Howard drew an instant connection with the 180 conference attendees and launched the week-long business-building event with admirable thought and clarity.

Former Prime Minister of Australia John Howard speaking at the Price Attack national conference

 "I was delighted to be a guest of and address the Annual Conference of Price Attack. It brought together numerous men and women who are competitive small business operators. Their mood was optimistic. They were great believers in private enterprise. I really enjoyed the occasion. If the spirit I encountered at the conference is reflected throughout the franchise it should be very successful," he said.

His words rang true, as the overall conference theme was to take control of your business with Matrix the major sponsor of the inspirational event.

The week’s schedule included a supplier trade show, educational presentations and the highly acclaimed business awards event that acknowledges the key drivers of the Price Attack brand.

Price Attack multi-unit franchisees Simon and Leanne Finlay drew emotion out of the strongest of hearts as they took out the prestigious Franchisee of the Year award.

The Finlay husband and wife team have three stores in total; two South Australian stores located in Tea Tree Plaza and Ingle Farm and the Northern Territory store of Casuarina Square.

Tears welled in Simon eyes as he bowed his head to receive Price Attack’s top award in front of the traditional Fijian warriors and peers who were under a beautiful chandelier-lit marquee.

Simon and Leanne Finlay with Carol and Barry Jarred

Managing Director Barry Jarred said: “Simon and Leanne Finlay consistently strive for the highest standards and achieve excellence in all areas of the business.

Getting one business system right is a challenge and here we have a family that is operating three stores in a hard retail environment and it’s simply outstanding.”

On what was a perfect full-moon and idyllic 20 degree evening, Simon shared the pride with his wife and spoke of his involvement and commitment to the Price Attack brand.

Salon basin-partner Matrix will provide the couple with a $1000 marketing solutions voucher to further maximize their business potential.

Price Attack’s category award winners included:

Outstanding franchisee: Simon & Leanne Finlay - Casuarina Square NT, Tea Tree Plaza & Ingle Farm SA.
Ruth & Phil Swan ACT; Greig & Katrina Bishop SA; Simon & Leanne Finlay SA/NT
Most Improved: Charlestown NSW- Craig Headland.
Nominations included: Grand Central QLD; Broadway on the Mall QLD; Charlestown NSW; Mandurah WA.
People Development: Russell Taylor - Albany, Barrack St, Booragoon, Karratha, Murray St, Whitford City WA
Nominations included: Russell Taylor WA; Craig Headland QLD/NSW; Suzanne De Pinto-Smith QLD
Customer’s Choice: Wagga Wagga NSW

Fiji

Among those gathered on the beach front at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, Denarau to witness the gala awards evening, was the 2009 FCA Franchise Woman of the Year award winner and Price Attack co-owner Mrs Carol Jarred.

Price Attack’s annual conference aims to educate, empower and provide a networking opportunity for those associated with the nation’s longest living hair care franchise.

Major announcements included a new and exclusive professional hair care label, the biggest investment in a Christmas promotion yet, and the introduction of a Trade Card for home hairdressers.

Barry said: “This is undoubtedly the most exciting period for our brand yet –with Matrix on board to help develop the salon wing to our 120 stores nationwide we have been able to announce further investment in Price Attack’s business development.”

“CLUB PA, Price Attack’s loyalty program has been a huge success and the Trade Card has been strategically held off until now to ensure the systems and tools are in place to offer even greater service to our customers.”

“As the “authority in hair” we have a firm commitment to our customers to deliver the best - professional advice and the greatest prices in a friendly and consulting matter.”

Guest speakers for 2010 included the master of customer loyalty research Mr Craig Cherry, financial management strategist Mr David Campbell from AVATAR and the doctor of retail Mr Brian Walker.

Price Attack’s PR Manager Victoria Lloyd said: “The tools were provided, the opportunities were presented through personalised store research data and the conference really highlighted how exciting the future looks for Price Attack as the leader in hair care.

“The idea to take the company’s biggest event of the year offshore was to immerse attendees in a warm, friendly and culturally enlightening destination.

“Everyone was able to relax and in order to fully absorb what was presented in a refreshed and objective mind frame the choice of location proved a huge success. To see so many people share the same passion for the brand that my family do, is just terrific and there is no hiding the fact that the Price Attack brand is stronger than ever.”

The Fijian experience included a poolside bula party, traditional kava ceremony, Royal Fiji military band performance, fire twirlers, meke dancers, and a Bollywood themed night which saw many immerse in lavish jewels and sari attire.

Attendees also spent a day enjoying relaxation massages, water sport activities and an extensive buffet feast on a private island - one of Fiji’s 333 islands.

Price Attack donated hair care products and reading resources to the Fijian communities as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.

www.priceattack.com.au