Shop of the year UK, employee of the year UK and best multiple operator UK, has put O’Briens Sandwich Bar Swindon franchisees, Jason Cuthbert, Sean Donoghue and their staff on top of the world.

Beating stiff competition from O’Briens’ outlets around the world, the individual honours went to the team’s Great Western Designer Outlet Centre shop - which scooped the best in world accolade in 2003 and runner up this year – with the Kembrey Park outlet included in the best multiple accolade. The awards were made at the sandwich, coffee and juice bar franchise’s international conference in Dublin.

Jackie Williams (39), supervisor at Great Western, took the employee of the year UK title. Since jumping on board with the team four years ago, Jackie has been loyal to their business, with real eagerness shining through. Although over the moon with their win, Jason and Sean are even more delighted for Jackie and proud to employ such a talented team player.

“This is one hell of lady,” said Jason. “Jackie is completely 100% behind our high standards and work ethos and, indeed, everything O’Briens is about as a brand. She is a natural staff motivator with relentless enthusiasm that happily rubs off on everyone else, including all our customers.

“I’d actually go as far as saying that Jackie has a bit of a fan base going thanks to her spirit and great banter. Customers always ask where she is if they miss her in store one day. To us, that speaks volumes!”

Since Jason and Sean opened their first at Great Western Designer Outlet in December 2001, the operation has gone from strength to strength. The business partners added the second O’Briens store at Kembrey Park in 2003.

Jason said: “We have invested hard work and maintained high standards from day one. The importance placed on teamwork is also an influential factor, borne out by Jackie’s win of employee of the year. Our people, combined with location, are key ingredients to the success of O’Briens.”

O’Briens Sandwich Bars, which originated in Dublin 16 years ago, has shaped its reputation on its made to order sandwiches – Shambos^®, Wrappos^®, Toosties^®, Trippledecker - its range of healthy option and gourmet coffees.