Fastway MD named Hawkes Bay BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR

November 2012 - Long time franchisor Brem Ellingham has been recognised for his achievements.

Fastway Couriers group managing director, Brem Ellingham, has been recognised as 2012 Business Person of the Year at the Westpac Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce 15th annual business awards.

More than 450 people convened at the Hawkes Bay Opera House in Hastings for the black-tie event, which saw Ellingham honoured for more than 20 years of dedication to the Fastway Couriers brand, his entrepreneurial spirit and his continued support of the Hawkes Bay community.

‘In 2013, Fastway Couriers will celebrate thirty years in business and during that time, we've come a long way from our beginnings here in Hawke's Bay.’ said Mr Ellingham. ‘We may be a global company, but our headquarters remain located where it all began. I'd like to thank all of the Fastway team and I'd like to thank the Hawke's Bay community.’

After stepping into the role of New Zealand CEO in 1993, Brem played an integral role in the expansion of Fastway Couriers operations within New Zealand and the launch of the franchise in Australia. In 1998, he was appointed to the Fastway board. After further expansion of the franchise in the late 1990s, he took control of Fastway operations in both Australia and New Zealand. In 2009, Brem became Group Managing Director, a position he holds today.

Fastway Couriers New Zealand Executive Director, Jason Windhager, says Brem has proven an invaluable asset for Fastway Couriers.

‘Brem's ability to cultivate international growth while ensuring the satisfaction of each franchise partner has been key to the continued success of the franchise. There is no part of the company not touched in some way by Brem's influence and positive contribution,’ says Windhager.

Brem Ellingham's experience in franchising has seen him become a prominent leader in the promotion of franchising in New Zealand. He was an elected board member of the Franchise Association for more than 13 years and served as vice chairman during that time.