CouriersPlease, one of Australia’s largest franchised courier services, has taken a major step to ensure its trajectory continues to track upwards with the implementation of its 'Franchise of the Future' program led by CEO Richard Thame. Richard’s efforts in revitalising the franchising model, and in a fully sustainable manner – as well as his progress in promoting sustainability, mental health and workforce diversity – has just earned him the #1 ranking in the Franchise Business’ Top 30 Franchise Executives awards.
Richard oversees a national network of more than 1200 Franchise Partners and delivery partners, 400-plus freight handlers and 15 major depots across nearly 850 active territories. He is also a director of the Franchise Council of Australia. A major focus for Richard in the last year has been to revitalise and future-proof the franchise model at CouriersPlease.
The 'Franchise of the Future' program is a key part of CouriersPlease's commitment to reducing its environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices. It includes electric delivery vehicles – currently being trialled – and a carbon calculator to measure emissions across the delivery journey. Richard has also led the opening of a 5-star green-rated Gold Coast depot and initiated a switch to franchisee uniforms made from recycled materials.
As well as his vision of how franchises should look in the future and implementing a strategy to deliver on that vision now, Richard was also recognised by the award judges for driving a $5 million investment in a multi-year program called ‘Digital Futures’ that will transform business communications and operations.
Richard's commitment to mental health and diversity has resulted in a more skilled and diverse network of Franchise Partners, comprising older and young Australians, migrants, and women. The CouriersPlease leadership team today is 59 per cent women, including the COO, Janine Zammit, and three (out of five) State managers – a testament to Richard’s commitment to grow women into leadership roles in what is a traditionally male industry. Richard was commended for directing improvements to the company’s People Assist program, which helps CouriersPlease staff, Franchise Partners, contractors, and families access free mental health support.
Richard said: "I am proud to lead initiatives that promote sustainability, mental health, and diversity within our business. Our Franchise Partners and employees are integral to our success, and it is crucial that we create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive."
Recognising the critical role that CouriersPlease’s network of Franchise Partners play in the overall success of the business, Richard created the new role of Head of Franchising – which advocates for, and champions, Franchise Partner businesses. James Hucker, who recently stepped into this role, also made the top 30, coming in at number four. It’s the second year in succession that James has made the list for his work at CouriersPlease.
James has been with CouriersPlease for more than 22 years. The relationships he builds with the company’s Franchise Partners is second to none, and it was his efforts in growing CouriersPlease’s Franchise Partner network during the pandemic and eCommerce boom, as well as his deep understanding of Franchise Partner needs and delivering upon those, that helped earn him the recognition by the award judges.
Additionally, James’ great work in boosting operational practices, particularly around managing driver fatigue, has been instrumental in improving franchisee safety under heavy workloads, and helped secure his position as one of the leading lights in the franchise industry.
“In my role, success is defined by two critical components - one is achieving the overall business objectives, and the second is ensuring a reasonable work-life balance for myself and the Franchise Partner/employee teams that I manage,” he said.
For more information, please contact:
Lydia Spooner | 02 9279 3330 | 0402 232 042
theideassuite.com.au
About CouriersPlease
CouriersPlease is a leading courier and freight service that delivers tens of millions of parcels each year through over 800 Franchise Partners. CouriersPlease offers a network of pick up and drop off locations comprising more than 1300, often 24/7 parcel collection locations. Owned by Singapore Post (SingPost], a leader in E-Commerce logistics which provides innovative mail and logistics solutions in Singapore and around the world, with operations in 19 markets. CouriersPlease is a multi-award-winning courier service. Among its many achievements, in 2021 CouriersPlease took out top spot in the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers ranking for small business courier services. Visit couriersplease.com.au