The South Australian MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards were held in Adelaide earlier this month, celebrating what minister for small business, Paul Holloway, described as one of "the most progressive business sectors in the economy."

Karmen Wakelin and Kylie Leopold were awarded the South Australian Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year Award. The duo own three Endota Spa franchises in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide CDB and Hyde Park. Their success makes them back-to-back winners, after taking out the Franchisee of the Year Award in 2008.

"It's fantastic," said Wakelin. "It's a great opportunity for us to reflect on all the work that we have done over the last six years, and everything that we've achieved during that time."

The pair believe that their focus and strong business ethic helped them in claiming the Award. Wakelin said "Kylie and I both come from multi-national corporate backgrounds so we have a really strong understanding of business. Also, we are very process-driven so we follow the franchisee guidelines really consistently and carefully and we make sure that we utilise everything that the franchise provides for us."

Wakelin and Leopold also pay a lot of attention to staff morale. Staff members get a day off on their birthdays, receive personalised birthday and Christmas presents, enjoy a flexible work-life balance and quarterly social outings.

There are currently 45 Endota Spa franchises nationally, making it the largest day spa franchise in Australia.

The Franchisee Community Service Award was awarded to Greg Campbell, franchisee for Mortgage Choice. His success was due to his contributions to children's cancer charity group, Camp Quality. For every loan that Campbell settles, a monetary donation is made to the charity, and Camp Quality marketing material is distributed to clients to help raise awareness of the group.