A fledgling Newcastle West business established just over two years ago has been short-listed for a prestigious national award.
Ameo Alterations Ltd, the brainchild of local business-man Richard Collins which holds the licence for the Zip Yard store in Newcastle West, are in line for Ulster Bank/Sunday Business Post Franchise of the Year.
The Zip Yard store in Newcastle West was established in June 2011, employing four full time and two part time staff. Since opening the Newcastle West store Ameo Alterations have expanded the business, acquired a licence and opened a second store in Athlone in June of this year, and in September they acquired the Zip Yard store in Ennis. In all the company now employs 13 people with 5 part time/casual staff.
The company was recently appointed by the Zip Yard Franchising Group Ltd to supply the training and support for all new store openings for the group in the Republic of Ireland from the Newcastlewest store as well as any up-skilling training that may be required by existing stores.
In recognition of its strong growth and development the Zip Yard, Newcastle West, were asked to submit a proposal to the Irish Franchising Association for consideration to be entered in the Ulster Bank/Sunday Business Post Franchise of the Year awards competition and were contacted last week to confirm they are one of the small number of finalists for the Franchisee of the Year (Retail) award. The awards night is in Dublin on Friday 11th October and the judging panel includes Bobby Kerr formerly of Dragon’s Den and others from Ulster Bank and Sunday Business Post.