Acorn winner 2007: Antony Tagliamonti

Age: 28
Position: Franchisee of four Domino's Pizza outlets in Essex

Career to date

Tagliamonti has worked hard to progress from a 17-year-old delivery driver to the position he holds today. His big break came when, aged only 19, he bought into his first Domino's outlet in Woodford Green, London. Four years later he acquired a second store in Gants Hill, adding a further two last year in Chingford and Borehamwood. He now oversees a business with 120 staff and a turnover of £2.5m and has his eye on further openings.

Why is he a winner?

Having seen huge potential in the franchise model while a young delivery driver, Antony has pursued his goal to become a franchisee with passion and zeal and he now operates some of the best-performing stores in Europe. Such progress naturally comes at a price: while friends were out socialising as a teenager, Taglimonti was regularly clocking up long hours. But he believes it was a sacrifice worth making and admits to being a bit of a workaholic. And last year his hard work was recognised by the British Franchise Association (BFA), which awarded him the title of Franchisee of the Year.

In addition to being a fervent believer in promoting best practice in the quick-service restaurant industry, Taglimonti likes to nurture talent and promote from within: in fact, he has never recruited an external manager. He has even offered a share in the business to one hard-working manager. He is also active in promoting not just Domino's but the franchise model as a whole. He works closely with the BFA and has done a lot of media work.

He is also active in building relations with local schools and the wider community and fundraising for local charities.