City rental store takes award

Mr Rental country manager NZ Rachel Lum-On (left), Mr Rental Tauranga operator Stephen Warne and franchise co-founders Glen and Kerrianne Hickman. Photo / Supplied

The Tauranga Mr Rental store has been named New Zealand's most-improved performer in the Australasian franchise operation's annual awards in Surfers Paradise, Queensland.

Stephen Warne, who operates the Mr Rental Tauranga store in Chapel St, accepted the award at the gala dinner concluding the group's two-day annual conference, attended by around 150 franchisees, support office team members and business partners from across New Zealand and Australia.

Mr Warne, who has run the Tauranga franchise for a decade, said he was delighted with the award.

"We've seen consistent growth with more people moving into the Bay and more short-term rentals," he said.

"We're also seeing a lot of repeat business.

"People are choosing flexibility over having the hassle of buying stuff, then perhaps having to sell it when they move out."

Mr Rental country manager New Zealand Rachel Lum-On said Mr Warne had been rewarded for his efforts in going above and beyond for his customers and local community.

"We are extremely proud of Stephen's achievement and look forward to his success in the year ahead," she said.

John Beckley, of Mr Rental Invercargill, won the New Zealand awards for Franchisee of the Year and Operational Excellence.

Franchisees were judged on a number of criteria including customer service, sales performance and business reviews which were conducted throughout the year.

A franchise group servicing all regions of New Zealand and Australia, Mr Rental offers a wide range of technology, furniture, white goods and fitness equipment for home, lifestyle or business for rental.

The annual Mr Rental Excellence Awards celebrate the work of franchisees and team members across both countries.

"It is important for us to reward those who have put their best foot forward and continually strive to provide exceptional customer service and leadership in our network, shown dedication to growing the brand and demonstrated outstanding commitment to their local community," said Ms Lum-On

Mr Rental co-founders Kerrianne and Glen Hickman, who began the company in 1991 before it franchised in 2001, hosted the event.