Cash Flow is King

May 3, 2017, 8:57 pm

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Steve Seddon | Senior Business Development Manager | Westpac

Cash Flow is King

Cash Flow Management Education - helping businesses succeed and grow

Don’t get me wrong, profit is important. It is why people go into business, however, it’s also important to understand that profitable businesses can and do go broke!

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Bakers Delight

May 4, 2017, 5:33 pm

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Q&A with Bakers Delight: Delivering on the Delight

Following a ‘changing of the guard’ at Bakers Delight, which saw founders Roger and Lesley Gillespie stepping down from their roles, while daughter Elise and her husband David Christie step up to become CEO s, Business Franchise magazine were keen to find out what the future looks like for this large, family owned franchise.

Narellan Pools Unveil New State-of-the-Art Facility Factory in Queensland

May 8, 2017, 5:50 pm

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Just two months after a devastating fire swept through Narellan Pools’ Stapylton factory, the company has revealed a new state-of-the-art facility in Queensland. Working in conjunction with Narellan Pools’ NSW manufacturing plant, which was opened in Picton late 2016, the new facility takes the company’s production capability to over 5000 pools annually. The increased capacity will continue to support growth for the company both nationally and internationally. “With three consecutive years of double-digit growth, Narellan Pools is experiencing an aggressive period of acceleration,” says Narellan Pools Managing Director Chris Meyer. In the weeks following the fire, production at the NSW facility was scaled up to ensure no client delays. With the Stapylton facility now restored, immediate focus for the company is to recruit franchisees in order to keep up with demand. “We’re on a mission to recruit and develop builders to service all remaining markets across Australia,” says Meyer. This period has seen the company add to its traditional recruitment strategy - pool builders and landscapers - by also recruiting experienced business people. In particular, Narellan Pools is interested in recruiting people with a leadership skills and a strong sales background, who are then enrolled in an internal training program - Narellan Pools’ Pool School. “During an immersion course that runs over a number of weeks, new business owners learn everything from the sales process through to installing a pool. Covering everything from access and excavation considerations to scheduling, Narellan Pools Pool School is designed to ingrain new recruits with all of the knowledge necessary for success. “Over the past 40 years we have come to know that our clients expect a premium level of service and we understand how important it is to boast a franchise network focussed on not only delivering a premium product but also delivering a world class client experience,” Meyer said. The recovery post fire is testament to Narellan’s commitment to its client service and supplying pool builders continuous fire. For more information about opportunities with Narellan Pools please visit: https://narellanpools.com.au/pool-building-franchise-business-opportunities

JUSTICE Professional opens NEW $3 million warehouse & international distribution centre

May 8, 2017, 6:01 pm

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JUSTICE Professional has just opened a new $3 million warehouse & international distribution centre to support 40% growth year on year since their 2013 launch. Opened 8 May 2017 the new JUSTICE Professional warehouse and international distribution centre (IDC) has been the key focus for Just Cuts CEO and Founder Denis McFadden for the last 18 months. ‘We launched JUSTICE Professional in 2013 with NIL sales and 14 products in the range. Today we stand in our new, custom-built, 400-pallet capacity warehouse (we outgrew the previous warehouse arrangement) in less than four years. Our range has grown to 23 products plus our new Professional Home Hair Colour range which features 20 fashion colours’. said Denis. Architecturally designed with a bold façade of timber with fire engine red accents and located in the new industrial development zone at Taren Point NSW, the JUSTICE Professional warehouse and IDC is the latest innovation for the Just Cuts brand. ‘We wanted to add value to the investment Just Cuts Franchise Owners have in the business.’ said Just Cuts General Manager, Amber Turnbull. ‘We have increased the buying power for 190+ salons across Australia and New Zealand overnight and will be able to support 2,500 Just Cuts Stylists and 100,000 Clients per week with a better end to end solution. It’s all about quality and value for the Just Cuts community. ‘she said. The JUSTICE Professional warehouse and IDC is a one stop shop to support the Just Cuts system. Stocking over 200 SKU’s from day one, the new warehouse and IDC has also created new jobs in the Sutherland Shire increasing the Just Cuts Franchising and JUSTICE Professional team to 18 people. All work out of the new Taren Point, NSW warehouse or the Just Cuts Academy office in Cronulla, NSW. ‘We always try to hire local. It creates a great culture within our team as working close to home is a great lifestyle benefit. Our vision for the JUSTICE Professional warehouse and IDC is to continually innovate our systems, technology, the team and the range of SKU’s available to the Just Cuts community. It’s a very exciting time, this has actually been the goal for 26 years.’ said Denis.

Domino’s Pays Penalty for Alleged Franchising Code Breach

May 8, 2017, 6:07 pm

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Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (Domino’s) is the first company to pay penalties for alleged non-compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct. Following the issue of two infringement notices by the ACCC, Domino’s has paid penalties totalling $18,000. The ACCC issued the infringement notices because it believed that Domino’s had failed to comply with the requirement in the Franchising Code of Conduct to provide franchisees with both an annual marketing fund financial statement and an auditor’s report within the time limits prescribed under the Code. “These are the first penalties for non-compliance with the Franchising Code,” ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper said. “Marketing fund contributions are often a significant expense and franchisors need to provide timely and accurate disclosure of the fund’s activities.” “Ensuring small businesses receive the protection of industry codes is an enforcement priority for the ACCC,” Dr Schaper said. If franchisees are required to contribute to a marketing fund, the Code requires a franchisor to prepare an annual financial statement to franchisees, disclosing the fund’s receipts and expenses, and to give a copy of the financial statement to franchisees by no later than four months after the end of the financial year.  The Code also requires the fund to be audited (unless 75 per cent of franchisees agree the franchisor does not have to comply with this requirement) and for the auditor’s report to be provided to franchisees within 30 days of the report being prepared. Domino’s confirmed to the ACCC that it had provided the 2015-16 marketing fund financial statement and auditor’s report to its franchisees in late February 2017, which for both documents was outside the timeframes prescribed by the Code. The ACCC can issue an infringement notice where it has reasonable grounds to believe a person has contravened certain requirements of the Franchising Code. The payment of a penalty specified in an infringement notice is not an admission of a contravention of the Code. Background On 1 January 2015, the Franchising Code of Conduct was updated to introduce court-imposed civil penalties for non-compliance with certain provisions of the Code, including those provisions requiring franchisors to provide franchisees with copies of marketing fund statements and reports. The ACCC can also issue infringement notices in respect of alleged breaches of these provisions. The current amount for each infringement notice for an alleged breach of the Franchising Code is fixed at $9000 for a body corporate.  For further information visit https://www.accc.gov.au/business/industry-codes/franchising-code-of-conduct

Faith in free markets dependent on stronger Competition and Consumer Act and high penalties for deterrence

May 8, 2017, 6:14 pm

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Australian Competition and Consumer Chairman Rod Sims addressed the 2017 Competition Law Conference in Sydney on Saturday. He spoke about the role of the Competition and Consumer Act in maintaining and restoring the faith of Australians in our market economy. “Many question whether open markets really work for the benefit of citizens, or whether open markets result in citizens being ‘ripped off’ by powerful companies,” Mr Sims said. “The current questioning of free markets, however, is more fundamental than concerns about the power of big business. A recent Harvard poll of young Americans revealed that the majority reject capitalism.” Mr Sims said that since joining the ACCC he has often heard competition lawyers and economists say, “Companies only succeed if they best satisfy the needs of consumers”. Mr Sims contests whether this is the only way in which companies endeavour to succeed. While many businesses endeavour to succeed by offering customers a ‘better deal’, many businesses also attempt to succeed by preventing their competitors from doing so. “As anyone with any commercial experience knows, businesses are at least as much focussed on reducing competition as they are on ‘satisfying the needs of consumers’,” Mr Sims said. “In essence, anti-competitive conduct is profit-maximising for firms, particularly those with a degree of market power. We should never be surprised that firms seek to handicap their competitors, push the boundaries to the point of misleading consumers or merge so they can raise prices.” Mr Sims said it is important that Australians believe that our market economy works to their benefit. This is more likely if we have the sensible changes to the law likely to flow from the Harper Review and the recent review of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), and if a then appropriate Competition and Consumer Act is enforced, and seen to be enforced, vigorously and fairly. “I believe that a sound Competition and Consumer Act, strongly enforced, is crucial to the proper functioning of, and people having faith in, such a system. Companies need to understand where the line is drawn; most importantly, consumers need to know that there is such a line, and that breaches have consequences.” Mr Sims concluded by saying that to achieve deterrence, the penalties imposed by the Courts under the Competition and Consumer Act need to be many times higher than they are now for larger firms. “The current ACL Review has recommended much higher maximum penalties for consumer law breaches, and we very much support this change. In addition, the ACCC must continue to strongly advocate higher penalties in competition law cases before the Courts, in order to bring about Parliament’s clear intention of a step change in penalties for larger companies which breach the competition law provisions,” Mr Sims said. “The point is not do companies seek to breach the Competition and Consumer Act; the point is how much does it matter to them if, in striving to maximise their profits, they do break the law,” Mr Sims said. The full speech is available at https://www.accc.gov.au/media/speeches

Australians lost nearly $300 million to scams in 2016

May 14, 2017, 4:34 pm

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The number of people reporting scam activity in Australia was at record levels in 2016 according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s annual Targeting Scams report, with a 47 per cent increase in scam reports to the ACCC compared to 2015. In 2016, the ACCC’s Scamwatch and the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) received a combined 200,000 reports about scams. Losses reported to Scamwatch, ACORN and other scam disruption programs totalled $299.8 million. Australians aged over 55 accounted for 45 per cent of reports to Scamwatch. Investment scams accounted for the most losses with combined reports to Scamwatch and ACORN totalling $59 million. Dating and romance scams accounted for the next highest losses, with a combined $42 million lost. The ACCC’s Targeting Scams report has been released to launch the Australasian Consumer Fraud Taskforce’s Fraud Week. This year’s theme, ‘Spot social media scams’, aims to create awareness among Australians about new social media scams that are being reported, what to look for and how people can avoid being scammed. “This Fraud Week, we’re asking the millions of Australians who use social media to be aware that scammers are increasingly using social media platforms as a way to contact, trick and prey upon the unsuspecting,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said. “We have witnessed a sharp increase in scams taking place through social media sites. It can be really hard to tell who’s genuine and who’s fake these days.” The two most common social media scams Australians reported to Scamwatch were dating and romance and fake trader scams. Around 30 per cent of dating and romance scam victims (1352 people) who reported to Scamwatch were contacted via social media sites, in particular Facebook. “Dating and romance scammers trick their victims into falling in love with them and then use their victim’s trust to deceitfully take their money,” Ms Rickard said. “If someone you’ve met through social media but you’ve never met in person asks you for money, your alarm bells should be ringing. Don’t ever wire transfer or send money to someone you don’t know because you won’t see it again.” Fake trader scams are also on the increase. Victims often report seeing advertisements for online stores on social media selling discounted products made by well-known brands. These online stores are fake and the products victims think they are buying don’t exist. Ms Rickard said this type of scam is even harder to spot, but there are some tips people can use. “Wherever you see an offer that seems more generous than normal, do your research on the company, where the product is coming from, check the company’s website and try and find any reviews about the business before making a purchase. Only pay using secure payment methods such as Paypal or a credit card,” Ms Rickard said. Ms Rickard said the majority of reports to Scamwatch about scams via social media were taking place on Facebook. “The ACCC is working with Facebook, as well as the major banks, MoneyGram, Paypal, Western Union and Apple to better tackle scams and reduce the harm experienced by consumers,” Ms Rickard said. The best defence against scams is education and awareness. Consumers concerned about scams should visit www.scamwatch.gov.au to keep up to date with scams to look out for, report scam activity, and get information about what to do if they become a scam victim. Here they can also read about Fraud Week 2017 and also check out two videos for the campaign. Follow @Scamwatch_gov on Twitter and subscribe to Scamwatch radar alerts. Consumers can also download the ACCC’s recently updated Little Black Book of Scams publication – a handy small guide that includes information on popular scams in the community and how to avoid them.

7-ELEVEN CELEBRATES ITS SUPPLIERS

May 14, 2017, 5:32 pm

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According to 7-Eleven Chief Executive Officer, Angus McKay, the contribution of suppliers has been a key part of the business’ market leading performance. “We are experiencing strong growth, driven by a range of factors. Our supplier partners’ willingness to work with us to innovate and continually evolve our offer is one of the foundations of our ongoing success,” said Mr McKay. As part of the event, the Supplier of the Year Awards celebrated those suppliers who provided outstanding support to 7-Eleven in 2016. “7-Eleven wants to be known for new and exclusive products, and famous for food on the go, and our suppliers are integral to helping us realise these ambitions,” said Julie Laycock, Head of Marketing. Coca-Cola Amatil was awarded Supplier of the Year, recognising a transformational year in partnership with 7-Eleven. “We set bold shared business goals to deliver growth, which has been achieved. The commitment from Coca-Cola Amatil at all levels of our business has been excellent – thank you so much to all of the CCA team,” Ms Laycock said. Luke Golding from Active Display was recognised as the Account Manager of the Year. “Luke works closely with our team to provide all of our in-store Point-of-Sale material, a hugely complex role. Luke tackles the daily challenge head on, with unbelievable responsiveness and professionalism. He always goes the extra mile to deliver great service, and proactively identifies better ways of doing things,” Ms Laycock said. The 7-Eleven Supplier Awards are judged against 7-Eleven’s four guiding principles of Better for Customers, Simpler for Stores, Quicker for Everyone, and Bang for Buck, along with a range of measurable indicators in each category. The winners for 2016 are: Supplier of the Year: Coca-Cola Amatil Account Manager of the Year: Luke Golding, Active Display Outstanding Branded Category Growth Initiative: Krispy Kreme Innovation Original Filled, Krispy Kreme Innovative Thinking: 7-Eleven Fuel App Product Development, Tigerspike Outstanding Service Non-Merchandise Services: Voice of the Customer Dashboard, The Realise Group Supply Chain Excellence: $2 Sandwich Campaign & Supply, Swire and Azura Fresh Best Customer Experience: Slurpee $1 Launch Campaign, Leo Burnett Best New Product Launch - 7-Eleven Brand: 7-Eleven Still Spring Water 600ml, Nu-Pure (QLD, NSW, VIC) and Aussie Natural Water (WA) Best New Product Launch: Powerade Silvercharge, Coca-Cola Amatil “I’d like to thank all of our suppliers for their tremendous support. We are looking forward to working together to grow our businesses throughout 2017 and beyond,” Mr McKay concluded.

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Gloria Jean’s Coffees Bolstering Talent from Within

May 14, 2017, 6:00 pm

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Australia’s leading speciality coffee retailer is inspiring career growth opportunities within its franchising network, with a commitment to empowering employees from the ground up. Recently appointed as the Head of Learning & Development for Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Melita Ferraro is a clear example of the Company’s dedication to nurturing internal talent, as exemplified through her thirteen-years of growth within the business. Starting her Gloria Jean’s Coffees journey in 2003 as a barista in one of the Gold Coast-based coffee houses, Melita turned her venture from a barista into store manager before joining the Queensland support office as an operations trainer. Proving her commitment to ongoing growth, Melita was then given the opportunity to relocate to Sydney to take on the role as head barista trainer, where she was focused on all things coffee and was heavily responsible for the training and development of all new Gloria Jean’s Coffees franchise partners. Gloria Jean’s Coffees General Manager, Damien Zivkovich, expressed that Melita is a golden example of the commitment to quality and innovative practice that the business exemplifies. “Melita’s transition into her current role has made an instrumental impact on the operations of the business and its focus on delivering innovative and world-class training to support franchise partners and their teams, across our Australian network,” he said. Having spent over a decade in the business and seeing it evolve, Melita said she looks forward to her new position within the Company and working collaboratively with the Learning & Development team. “I love the interaction with those I am training; the light bulb moments you see when they learn a new skill, it all finally falls into place and they enjoy it along the way,” she said. “I am inspired to see the journey unfold for Gloria Jean’s Coffees, and look forward to watching it pave the way for coffee brands in Australia. “The industry is ever-changing and there is always something new to experience and learn; the enjoyment from a perfectly brewed coffee can certainly incentivise great things,” she said. As Gloria Jean’s Coffees enters into its twenty-first year in Australia, the country’s leading speciality coffee retailer strives to maintain its leading position in the market and relevance to consumers through barista excellence, quality coffee and a compelling redevelopment strategy set to refresh the brand. For more information on Gloria Jean’s Coffees visit http://www.gloriajeanscoffees.com.au/ or follow them at https://www.facebook.com/gloriajeanscoffees/.

TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS HUNDREDS OF MOTHER’S DAY MEALS TO AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES IN NEED

May 15, 2017, 3:46 pm

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This Sunday, hundreds of Australian families in need were able to provide dinner for their Mum on Mother’s Day, thanks to a new initiative from Menulog and Red Rooster in partnership with Foodbank. As Australia’s largest online food delivery platform, Menulog, along with national restaurant partner, Red Rooster, delivered over 700 Red Rooster Family Roast meals to NSW and QLD families most affected by food insecurity. Launched in partnership with Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation, Foodbank, the initiative saw families across the two states provided with a free Red Rooster Family Roast meal, ordered and delivered via either the Menulog app or website. Menulog Commercial Director, Rory Murphy, says the initiative demonstrates how technological innovation can help to offer solutions to issues such as food insecurity. “One of the biggest benefits of Menulog is our reach; we deliver to more than 85 percent of Australians. We’re incredibly proud to be able to use the size and scale of our platform to help reach families in need, and by using Menulog technology, we are able to deliver hundreds of meals to deserving mums.” Foodbank CEO, Brianna Casey, said, “We know that at some point each year, two million Australians are in crisis, dealing with the anguish and despair of not knowing how they will feed themselves and their families. This pain can often be most felt on special occasions, like Mother’s Day, so we’re really pleased to partner with Menulog and Red Rooster to provide a special experience for families who need it most.” Red Rooster CEO, Chris Green, said: “We’ve been serving roast chicken to Australians across the country for 45 years and it’s fantastic that we can now offer customers home delivery. We believe every family deserves to celebrate special days like Mother’s Day and what better way to do this than by enjoying a family roast together. We’re delighted to be working with our key delivery partner, Menulog, and again with Foodbank, to play a role in easing the burden of food insecurity.” As part of the initiative, Menulog and Red Rooster also provided meals for Mother’s Day lunches at the Salvation Army Centre in Auburn, Sydney and A Touch of Compassion, Ellen Grove, Brisbane.

You're Invited: A Discussion on Misconduct Risk in Franchising

May 15, 2017, 5:45 pm

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PPB Advisory, Piper Alderman and Smart Franchise invite you to a multi-disciplinary panel discussion analysing the exposure faced by franchisors for the misconduct of its franchisee network and how franchisees can manage this risk and even make it a tool for success. The headlines over the last 18 months have consistently included allegations of wage underpayment, many in franchise networks. It has never been more apparent that franchisors, while they may not be the legal employer of the underpaid, can still be held accountable by the regulators, shareholders and importantly, consumers. The government has taken significant steps to change the landscape of franchising, including increasing regulator powers, the establishment of a taskforce and the proposal of The Vulnerable Workers Bill 2017 which could increase the exposure to franchisors for the conduct of their franchisees. In an increasingly complex industry, the stakes are now higher than they have ever been for franchisors when franchisees are involved in wage transgressions. The panel discussion will cover points including: Red flags for underpayment Accessorial liability - when is it triggered? What are the consequences for a franchisor if my franchisee does not pay his or her staff properly? What is reasonable monitoring of my network, what lengths does a regulator expect me to go to? What systems can I put in place to manage this risk and how can I turn this into a positive for my business to equip myself with invaluable commercial data? Event Details: Date: Thursday 25 May 2017 Time: 7:15am - 9:00am Venue: PPB Advisory, Level 7, 8 Chiffley Tower, Sydney NSW 2000 RSVP: Thursday 18 May 2017 (Places are limited) To RSVP, fill in this form to register your interest. For further information, contact Josephine Chow on +61 3 9269 4140 or jchow@ppbadvisory.com

Beyond Bank and IntegraPay partnership to transform banking solutions

May 16, 2017, 6:08 pm

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Payment specialist IntegraPay and Beyond Bank Australia have announced a unique collaboration which is set to deliver superior payment solutions to Beyond Bank’s business customers. IntegraPay’s integration with Beyond Bank’s payment system will offer e-commerce solutions including payments through websites, videos or phone transforming customers’ recurring and one off payment processes. In an Australian first, payments can also be accepted by video, which is particularly helpful to business and community organisations who rely on accepting payments in various methods. Importantly, the partnership between IntegraPay and Beyond provides customers with peace of mind knowing their transactions are secure. IntegraPay’s Chief Executive Officer, Chris Urry said the partnership was the first of its kind for the company and with the integration set to come into full effect this month, customers would start to notice the roll out of services immediately. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Beyond Bank to offer their business customers and community partners a raft of payment solutions including recurring and one-off payments,” Mr Urry said. “Beyond Bank is one of Australia’s largest customer owned banks and IntegraPay is honoured to support and align our branding with theirs,” Mr Urry said. Nick May, General Manager Customer Experience, Beyond Bank said the partnership is further proof of the bank’s commitment to the community. “IntegraPay allows us to offer a number of solutions for our business and community partners to accept payments through online channels making it easier to manage and administer recurring and one-off payments. “Payments through our customer’s website offer a seamless check out experience and can be easily integrated into their existing shopping carts or their accounting software. “We are always looking for innovative ways to make life easier for our customers and this will certainly improve business’ efficiency, increase revenue and reduce time spent on administration duties.” Whyalla Aged Care, has been trialling the technology integration with impressive results. “As you would expect, with any pilot program we have had some challenges along the way, however the benefits for our organisation will greatly help with our efficiencies, help us simplify our processes and allow us to get back to doing what we do best, caring for our clients,” said CEO, Juanita Walker.

Jamaica Blue Opens New Cafés Across Australia

May 17, 2017, 6:09 pm

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Australian café success story, Jamaica Blue has opened the doors to three new cafés in the last three weeks as it continues its growth across the country. The cafés in Toowoomba, Beeliar and Secret Harbour celebrated by offering $2 coffees for all customers for a limited time. Jamaica Blue plans to continuously expand the growing network of 130 cafés across Australia and seven in New Zealand. Owned and operated by the Foodco Group, Jamaica Blue credits its continued success to developing and empowering passionate franchise partners. Structured support and training programs are offered to franchise partners to give them the knowledge and skills required to set up an d run a successful café business. The company was recognised in 2016 at the 3rd Annual QSR Media Awards, winning the award for Best Innovation (Food and Beverage) and Best Franchise Network Support. Drew Eide, Brand Manager at Jamaica Blue says, “We are proud to support and develop our franchise partners and our consistent growth is a testament to their hard work and passion. Everyone from our franchise partners to their staff members can benefit from nationally recognised training programs and qualifications. This allows us to offer the best experience to each and every customer who visits Jamaica Blue.” Jamaica Blue’s commitment to local communities is a key component that sets it apart from other restaurant cafés. On top of sourcing ingredients locally and hiring locals, each café works with the local community to build relations and support growth. “Since we opened our first café in 1992, we have sought highly talented baristas to serve outstanding coffee across the country. We founded our business on two beliefs, sourcing the very best coffee and using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From our Signature Blend to our celebrated Single Origin coffee, we are focused on producing the best quality possible,” says Drew. The chain will celebrate 25 years of business this year and each of its franchise partners has the freedom to develop cafés with their own personalities and menu selection depending on local tastes and seasonal produce. The Signature Harvest Collection is the latest addition to Jamaica Blue menus providing customers with quality fresh, light and healthy meal options.

Effective leadership isn’t a solo pursuit

May 18, 2017, 9:02 pm

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Michelle Gibbings | Founder | Change Meridian

Sequel VCFO shortlisted for prestigious Australian Accounting Awards

May 18, 2017, 9:26 pm

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Sequel VCFO has been shortlisted for the prestigious Australian Accounting Awards, partnered by Thomson Reuters. A local Virtual CFO advisory firm,  with clients Australia wide, Sequel VCFO is in the running to take out one of Australia’s top industry awards. Sequel VCFO  has been shortlisted as a finalist to win the ‘’Innovator of the Year’’ category at the 2017 Australian Accounting Awards, hosted by Accountants Daily, Australia’s top publication for the accounting industry. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Australian Accounting Awards, which covers 26 categories, recognises individual excellence in accounting, from the profession’s most senior ranks to its rising stars. Winners in the individual categories will automatically be shortlisted for the coveted Accountants Daily Excellence Award. In addition, David Boyar will be in the running for the Editor’s Choice Award, which recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the Accounting Industry. “We broadened the awards program this year to better recognise the breadth and depth of the talent in this industry. For those who have made it to the finalist stage, congratulations, you have secured your place amongst Australia’s leading accounting professionals,” said Terry Braithwaite, head of partnerships at Accountants Daily. “We are set for a superb evening when the awards are presented. The judges have a tough job on their hands this year and there no doubt will be huge excitement to hear their verdicts.” David Boyar, CEO at Sequel VCFO said he was humbled by the nomination. ‘It’s a credit to our local and global team as well as the advisors who have chosen to work with us’ he said. The winners will be announced at a black tie awards dinner on Friday, 26 May at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

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ACCC takes action against Ultra Tune under Franchising Code

May 18, 2017, 9:41 pm

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The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Ultra Tune Australia Pty Ltd (Ultra Tune), a national motor vehicle repair franchisor, for a number of alleged failures to comply with the Franchising Code (the Code) and for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). The ACCC alleges that in 2015 Ultra Tune failed to act in good faith in its dealing with a prospective franchisee, and failed to provide this prospective franchisee with documents the Code specifies must be provided before accepting a non-refundable payment. The ACCC further claims Ultra Tune made false or misleading representations about the franchise site, in breach of the ACL. “A significant feature of the Franchising Code is that it provides that franchisors must act in good faith in dealings with prospective franchisees. In addition the Australian Consumer Law prohibits false or misleading representations,” ACCC Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper said The ACCC also alleges that Ultra Tune failed to provide marketing fund financial statements and audit reports for three financial years to its franchisees. The ACCC alleges that Ultra Tune failed to provide these documents for the 2015 financial year within the time period prescribed by the Code and that Ultra Tune also allegedly failed to update its disclosure document or provide it within the time prescribed by the Code. “Franchisees need accurate and timely information to help them make informed business decisions. For this reason, the Franchising Code requires franchisors to provide disclosure documents before accepting non-refundable payments from prospective franchisees, and to provide annual financial statements detailing receipts and expenses for any marketing fund to which franchisees are required to contribute.” “Franchising contributes significantly to the retail economy and all franchisors must comply with the Code and be transparent in dealings with franchisees. Ensuring that small businesses receive the protections of industry codes is a current ACCC compliance and enforcement priority,” said Dr Schaper. The ACCC is seeking a refund of the prospective franchisee’s payment, declarations, injunctions, pecuniary penalties, compliance and adverse publicity orders. The first case management conference is at 9:30am on 16 June 2017 before Justice Bromwich in Sydney.

RFG’s International Expansion Brewing Strong in Pacific Islands

May 18, 2017, 9:58 pm

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Global food and beverage company, Retail Food Group (RFG) Limited (ASX:RFG), is making waves in international markets, with expansion plans for some of the Group’s most well-loved Brand Systems brewing strong in the Pacific Islands. As part of the ASX-Listed Company’s aggressive global growth strategy, the Group has announced expansion within the Asia Pacific market through recently-acquired Master Franchise Partner (MFP) licences for Brumby’s Bakery Fiji and Gloria Jean’s Coffees Pacific Islands, including Vanuatu, French Polynesia, Samoa and New Caledonia. The MFP, Ariel De Asa, is an existing MFP of Gloria Jean’s Coffees Fiji and has been part of the RFG system since 2006, currently operating eight coffee houses in Fiji. Ariel’s motivation for expanding the brand across the Pacific Islands is to penetrate the market with quality products, the likes of which aren’t currently available in the region, and build awareness of RFG’s retail brands. “My ambitions for expanding into the other islands have been evident for some time and my aim is to build coffee awareness and culture,” he said. “I want to spread the well-established operations of Gloria Jean’s Coffees and bring in the Brumby’s Bakery brand to help supplement one another.” RFG’s international expansion model is based on recruiting MFP’s who purchase a licence to develop a Brand System in a defined territory. Ariel expressed that the support and ability to control the market is the biggest benefit of the partnership. “Support from RFG’s head office is absolute and allows you to plan out the whole market from a top level, so that you can control and establish how to successfully run your businesses,” he said. “I originally joined the Gloria Jean’s Coffees family because I was intrigued by franchising; I loved the people behind the brand, their values and of course the coffee.” As part of the MFP agreement, the expansion plan is slated to see multiple Gloria Jean’s Coffees outlets open across the Pacific Islands, and a minimum of four Brumby’s Bakery outlets within Fiji, over the initial licence term. “Price and variety are two trends facing the Pacific Islands currently; people want more food and drink variety in café establishments and the product’s affordability will determine survival within the market. “These brands offer something for everyone, and I strongly believe they will be well received across the islands,” Ariel said. RFG is a global food and beverage company, with a network of more than 2,550 outlets spanning 78 licensed international territories across 12 Brand Systems, including some of Australia’s most well-known and loved food retail brands - Donut King, Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Pizza Capers and Crust Gourmet Pizza.

Carbon Group shortlisted for prestigious Australian Accounting Awards

May 22, 2017, 6:15 pm

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Carbon Group has been shortlisted as a finalist to win six awards in the 2017 Australian Accounting Awards, hosted by Accountants Daily, Australia’s top publication for the accounting industry. The six categories are bookkeeper of the year, bookkeeping firm of the year, boutique firm of the year, diversified firm of the year, fast growing firm of the year, and marketing program of the year. Founded in 2014, Carbon Group has grown from just 14 staff in one location, to staff of over 70 across three locations in WA and one in Melbourne. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Australian Accounting Awards, which covers 26 categories, recognises individual excellence in accounting, from the profession’s most senior ranks to its rising stars. Winners in the individual categories will automatically be shortlisted for the coveted Accountants Daily Excellence Award. In addition, Carbon Group will be in the running for the Editor’s Choice Award, which recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the Accounting Industry. “We broadened the awards program this year to better recognise the breadth and depth of the talent in this industry. For those who have made it to the finalist stage, congratulations, you have secured your place amongst Australia’s leading accounting professionals,” said Terry Braithwaite, head of partnerships at Accountants Daily. “We are set for a superb evening when the awards are presented. The judges have a tough job on their hands this year and there no doubt will be huge excitement to hear their verdicts.” Nathan Hood and Jamie Davison, Founding Partners of Carbon Group said they were humbled by the nominations. “Carbon Group’s recognition for its excellent contribution to the business community reinforces the strength of the brand in connecting with our audience and engaging with our customers,” Hood added. The winners will be announced at a black tie awards dinner on Friday, 26 May at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

Franchise Simply to Run "Kickstart Franchise" Training Workshop

May 25, 2017, 6:59 pm

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A message from Franchise Simply managing director, Brian Keen: You know by building a franchised business you can attract franchise partners with capital to help you expand your business. But you’ve also heard franchising costs thousands, needs lawyers and accountants and takes a lot of work and, if you don’t get it right, it can fail – horribly. And yes, I have seen franchisors make some fundamental mistakes and fail badly and expensively. But I know failure need not happen. You simply need to know the tricks to getting it right, simply and cost effectively. After 30 years in the franchising business I’ve developed a system which has enabled me to turn small and medium-sized businesses into successful franchise operations. I explain the system at our Kickstart Franchise Training Workshops. Presented by me and our specialist team, this Workshop will give you the answers about exactly what is involved with building a franchise and when you are done, you will know what you have to do, the costs involved and whether you want to take this path at all. The Kickstart Franchise Training Workshop is run over a weekend and gives you an amazing overview of franchising. Understanding the big picture makes the whole process much simpler. Accredited by the Franchise Council of Australia and presented by Brian and his specialist team, this Workshop will give you the answers about exactly what is involved with building a franchise. When you are done, you will know what you have to do, the costs involved and whether you want to take this path at all. Participants will receive CFE Education Credits for completing this Workshop. The event will take place at the Luxurious Watermark Hotel and Spa. Book now for the best rates. If you have a Business Partner or Personal Partner (who is part of your success and whose support and endorsement is critical), then it makes sense to benefit from this Workshop together, so as a special gift Franchise Simply will provide your second ticket for free – just call 1300 960 136 to register your second guest. To ensure every Franchise Simply workshop delivers real value to all attendees, numbers are always heavily restricted – small group, small room – so tickets are extremely limited and at these prices they are sure to go quickly, so make sure you do book early secure your seat. Click here for more information and to register. Watermark Hotel & Spa Gold Coast QLD 8:30am Saturday 17th June 2017 to 4:00 PM Sunday 18th June 2017​ Phone Enquiries: 1300 960 136

High-profile franchise leaders to feature at 2017 Franchise Management Forum

May 28, 2017, 6:05 pm

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A prominent line-up of franchising leaders from across Australia’s franchise sector has been assembled for this year’s Franchise Management Forum to be held in Brisbane on Friday 23 June. The annual Franchise Management Forum, jointly organised by Griffith University’s Asia-Pacific Centre for Franchising Excellence and the Franchise Advisory Centre, has been running every year since 2009. This year’s Forum promises to be one of the best ever, with an impressive collection of speakers on show representing a diverse cross-section of franchise businesses, from food retailing to real estate and day spas. The franchise leaders to be featured at the 2017 Franchise Management Forum are: * Serge Infanti, Managing Director of Foodco (Muffin Break and Jamaica Blue) Serge’s address on ‘Multi-branding to maximise opportunities and growth’ will focus on the unique challenges of running a multi-brand franchise network, including business strategy, support resources and recruitment. * Melanie Gleeson, Founder and CEO of Endota Spa Melanie’s address on ‘Building a national wellness chain for women’ will focus on the inspiration for wellness and its emergence as a major trend, the trial and error in building scalable systems, and lessons in franchisee selection. * Tom Potter, Franchise Entrepreneur & Founder of Eagle Boys Pizza Tom’s address on ‘The rise and fall of Eagle Boys and the lessons for all franchisors’ will focus on the impact of pizza price wars and new technology, the early warning signs of a network in decline, and common mistakes made by franchisors and how to avoid them. * Karim Messih, CEO of Mexican food chain Zambrero Karim’s address on ‘How to build a major food brand with a social purpose’ will focus on the guiding humanitarian philosophy of Zambrero, managing rapid growth and developing systems, and maintaining an edge in the highly competitive Mexican QSR market. * Peter Camphin, CEO (QLD) of real estate franchise Ray White Peter’s address ‘Parallel franchising and the role of new brands in one of Australia’s oldest networks’ will focus on how to stay ahead of social and economic change, the impact of information in empowering the modern consumer, and integrating new franchise brands. As well as the quality of its speakers, the Franchise Management Forum also prides itself on providing an open and interactive environment for the sharing of ideas. The Open Exchange is always one of the most popular sessions at the Forum and encourages group discussion and problem-solving of the hottest issues in franchising. This year’s Open Exchange will examine: How to get franchisees to embrace new technology and IT systems; Benchmarking systems franchisors use to compare franchisees’ sales, costs and profits; How to recruit, retain, reward and motivate field support personnel; The role of an external board in improving franchisor governance, risk management and strategic planning; and a final topic to be determined by the audience on the day. There will also be a special panel discussion on proposed Fair Work changes relating to franchise businesses. This session ‘Managing joint employer risks if franchisors are to be held liable for franchisees’ workers’ will be chaired by Derek Sutherland, Special Counsel, HWL Ebsworth Lawyers and will also feature a panel of specialist commentators. This panel discussion has been added to the Forum program to address what is one of the most contentious issues in franchising at present. The Protecting Vulnerable Workers legislation, which has been drafted by the Federal Government, has the potential to substantially change the nature of the franchise relationship. Franchisors must be ready to manage the new emerging risks in this area and be aware of the mandatory systems and practices required for protection. This special session will examine the current state of play with these important regulatory changes, how they could impact on franchise networks, and the pro-active steps that can be taken to manage franchisees’ employment risks. Kerry Miles, general and business manager at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Franchising Excellence, said the Franchise Management Forum provides a unique opportunity to tap into the collective knowledge of some of the leading minds in Australia’s franchise sector, with practical outcomes for attendees to apply to their own franchise systems. “The chance to hear directly from some of Australia’s most highly-regarded franchise leaders, providing valuable insights into the highs and lows they have encountered throughout their franchising journeys, is not to be missed,” Ms Miles said. “The full-day program of keynote speakers, interactive exchange of ideas and networking is a must for anyone seeking to expand their franchise management skills and knowledge, with real-life learnings to take away for the benefit of their own business.” WHAT: 2017 Franchise Management Forum WHEN: Friday, 23 June 2017 WHERE: Griffith University, South Bank campus, Brisbane CONTACT: Tel: 07 3382 1401; franchising@griffith.edu.au For more information visit www.franchise.edu.au