| |
 AUSTRALIA
FRANCHISE NEWS ARCHIVE
|
| | | :
: Jan - Jun 2008
|
Franchise banking attract planners. The franchising industry may seem worlds apart from financial planning but Commonwealth Bank has found a way to tap into the franchising model to better serve the banking needs of dealer groups. .... [more]
30 Jun, 2008
Franchisors see red on black and white detail. Some of the recent changes to the Franchise Code may be difficult to implement and lead to higher costs, say franchise law specialists who represent leading retail brand franchises. .... [more]
28 Jun, 2008
Start off on the right footing with new franchisees. Franchisors need to lift their game in the recruitment of new franchisees, according to Jason Gehrke, director of Brisbane-based consulting firm Franchise Advisory Centre. .... [more]
27 Jun, 2008
Qld fast food outlets hunt foreign staff. Fast-food outlets in Queensland faced with labour shortages are turning to the controversial section 457 visas to recruit overseas workers. Both KFC and McDonald's have used the visas to combat a shortage of workers caused by the state's resources boom. .... [more]
24 Jun, 2008
Franchising code flawed: experts. Some of the new changes in the Franchise Code may be difficult to implement and lead to higher costs, say franchise law specialists representing some of the leading retail brand franchises. .... [more]
23 Jun, 2008
Retravision Southern sells first McKnights store. Retravision Southern has confirmed it has sold the Moorabbin store of the former McKnights group to an unknown owner, and also said it is in negotiations for all remaining stores. .... [more]
19 Jun, 2008
Metcash wins Video Ezy contract. National grocery and liquor wholesale distributor Metcash Ltd has won a preferred supply agreement with movie and DVD rental franchise, Video Ezy. .... [more]
19 Jun, 2008
When franchisors fail. The current implosion of the retail jeweller Kleins has again brought into sharp focus the tied destinies of franchisees with their franchisor. .... [more]
17 Jun, 2008
First Bloomtools Franchisee Hits the Ground Running. Businesses on the Gold Coast can now find a world-class website developer in their own backyard, with Bloomtools Gold Coast Central now open for business. .... [more]
17 Jun, 2008
The incredible disappearing retail franchises. The champagne bubbles died fairly quickly at the awards celebrations for Clark Rubber franchisees this month. The Townsville Queensland franchisee was recognised as the store owner with the highest sales growth in the chain which deserved a clinking glass or two. But the dampener on celebrations was the placement of the store in receivership on the same day it picked up the award. .... [more]
16 Jun, 2008
Kleins chain to close. Kleins, the budget jewellery and accessories retail chain that is in receivership, will close its Australian operations over the next few weeks after attempts to find a buyer failed. .... [more]
13 Jun, 2008
Blow to push for good faith clause. Small Business Minister Craig Emerson has shut the door on moves to introduce a "good faith" provision that would protect franchisees when contracts are due for renewal. .... [more]
12 Jun, 2008
The Federal Court of Australia declares decision in Ketchell's 'plainly wrong'. In a decision which will only fuel more uncertainty in the franchising industry, Justice Rares of the Federal Court of Australia has refused to follow the decision of the Court of Appeal in Ketchell's case, declaring that it was 'plainly wrong'. .... [more]
11 Jun, 2008
ACCC Bags Godfreys For Sucking In Customers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has found Godfreys Franchise Systems guilty over irregularities in the advertised price of its Nilfisk A100 vacuum cleaners. .... [more]
11 Jun, 2008
Kleins chain goes under in Australia. Debt-laden jewellery and accessories retail chain Kleins will close its operations in Australia and New Zealand in coming weeks, leaving more than 100 employees redundant. .... [more]
11 Jun, 2008
Allphones may face class case. Allphones faces a damaging backlash from its franchisee network and could be slapped with a class action suit just over a week after it was found guilty of "calculated dishonesty" and "continuing deceit" against franchisees. .... [more]
7 Jun, 2008
Allphones rejects federal court criticism. Embattled mobile phone retailer Allphones, which is under investigation by the competition regulator, has hit back at findings in the Federal Court that it engaged in "calculated dishonesty" and "continuing deceit" against its retailers. .... [more]
6 Jun, 2008
Success story ends at home. It is a success story that started in the United States and has stretched all the way across the globe to Melrose. And it is this history that makes Over The Edge Sports so unique. The destination bike store is now the epicentre of the cycling tourism in the southern Flinders Ranges - a strong market that has flourished. .... [more]
5 Jun, 2008
RAMS franchisees threaten to sue. Westpac snapped up a stricken RAMS on the cheap six months ago after the abortive public float of the mortgage group, but the acquisition appears to be backfiring with a large group of the RAMS franchisees threatening to sue the bank. .... [more]
3 Jun, 2008
Fraudulent franchisee in court win over dishonest Allphones. A judge has slammed both the dishonest conduct of mobile phone franchise Allphones and the dodgy actions of a franchisee in a Federal Court decision relating to withheld commission payments. .... [more]
3 Jun, 2008
OPSM owner opens franchise chain in Thailand. OPSM owner Luxottica Group, the world's biggest eyewear company, has spread its tentacles to Thailand, opening a chain of franchise stores under its Sunglass Hut brand. .... [more]
30 May, 2008
Kleins franchisees attempt to buy back collapsed jewellery chain. A group franchisees of embattled jewellery chain Kleins is set to join with an unnamed company to make a bid for the company, which was placed in administration earlier this month with $20 million of debts. .... [more]
27 May, 2008
Wizard up for sale after losing magic. Wizard Home Loans will be put up for sale this week after the corporate watchdog rebuked owner GE Money over debt collection and insurance practices. .... [more]
26 May, 2008
Potential franchisees looking for stimulation and flexibility. A survey has found the challenge and stimulation of running a franchise is the biggest attraction for potential franchisees, just ahead of flexibility and income potential. .... [more]
21 May, 2008
Franchising still on a journey to perfection. The two recent inquiries into franchising conducted by the governments of Western Australia and South Australia have again raised the prospect of further legislation for franchising, with both inquiries suggesting improvements that would require Federal Government endorsement. .... [more]
20 May, 2008
Hungry Jacks boss pushes for franchisee clause. One of Australia's largest franchise operators is pressing the Rudd Government to introduce a good faith clause as he fights to stop the forced closure of three fast-food outlets outlets. .... [more]
19 May, 2008
Franchisors: How to deal with your ‘ex’ factor. Much like a disgruntled former lover, an ex-franchisee can cause no end of problems for a franchise owner once the relationship ends. Yet an ex-franchisee does not have to be a negative influence when the relationship ends, according to Lorelle Frazer from Griffith Business School. .... [more]
15 May, 2008
Pizza Capers launches growth plan - 100 stores in 2 years. Brisbane owned Pizza Capers has announced an ambitious growth strategy to operate a network of 100 stores in the next two years and establish a presence in New South Wales and Victoria. .... [more]
15 May, 2008
Weight Watchers to make store pitch. More than 50 years after McDonald's made fast food more convenient, the weight-loss industry has cottoned on. Weight Watchers will launch two mini-shopfronts inside Myer department stores offering 15-minute consultations to help people work on their weight loss. .... [more]
13 May, 2008
Harvey Norman sales growth slows. Electrical goods and furniture retailer Harvey Norman said total sales for the four months to April 30 rose 6.4% as consumers eased back on big-ticket purchases. .... [more]
13 May, 2008
Betta Sales Solid In Softening Market. National franchisor BSR, the owner of the Betta Electrical brand, has reported that trading across the company’s network in 2008 has been solid, despite a general softening of retail conditions. .... [more]
13 May, 2008
Chink in the chain. Customers who shopped with costume jewellers Kleins were well aware of the saying "all that glitters is not gold". ... But while there has never been any misrepresentation about the stock on the shelves, many of those close to the company were stunned when it went into voluntary administration last week. .... [more]
12 May, 2008
Franchisors hit back at SA inquiry report. Franchisors and their advisers have reacted angrily to the recommendations from a South Australian parliamentary inquiry into the sector, claiming that no amount of disclosure will guarantee a franchise won’t fail. .... [more]
8 May, 2008
Two main trouble spots identified in franchising relationships. Two main trouble spots have been identified in the franchisor/franchisee relationship, reveals new research by Griffith University. .... [more]
8 May, 2008
Industry must educate franchisees. The strong educational focus of the Western Australian franchise inquiry report released last week underlines the importance of franchisees knowing what they are in for before buying a franchise. .... [more]
6 May, 2008
Kleins jewellery in administration. Australian jewellery retailer Kleins has been placed into voluntary administration after the company collapsed owing more than $20 million. .... [more]
5 May, 2008
Franchisees to back Rudd's bully brief. BIG business bullying is a worthy row to hoe for the Rudd Labor Government and sorting out predatory pricing is a good place to start. However, don't get too excited, as bullying is widespread and the small business champion - the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission - is no world-beater. .... [more]
30 Apr, 2008
‘Hungry Jack’ Cowin slams WA franchise report. Jack Cowin’s company Competitive Foods has labelled a Western Australian inquiry into franchising a “failure” and has promised to continue its fight for reform of the sector. .... [more]
29 Apr, 2008
Europcar commences first direct operations outside of Europe. Europcar has entered into an agreement to acquire the Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries of ECA Car Rental, which operates its "Master Franchise" within the Asia-Pacific region. .... [more]
29 Apr, 2008
Franchise inquiry report finds room for improvement. Small Business Minister Margaret Quirk today released the report of an inquiry into the operation of franchise businesses in Western Australia. .... [more]
28 Apr, 2008
Cuts company that just grows and grows. What does a franchisor do once he has a network of almost 175 outlets across Australia and New Zealand under his banner? Head to India, of course. .... [more]
25 Apr, 2008
ACC clears Bakers Delight of decieving franchisees. Bakers Delight has been cleared of allegations it engaged in misleading, deceptive and unconscionable conduct towards franchisees, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced today. .... [more]
23 Apr, 2008
Now for the intrapreneur. In observing franchising in Australia and after visiting the United States, I have noticed a difference in the approach to the franchise relationship taken by the franchisors of both countries. .... [more]
22 Apr, 2008
Landmark appeal to test ruling. The Franchise Council of Australia will pay for a High Court appeal against a ruling it believes will throw the sector into chaos. .... [more]
14 Apr, 2008
Put out to grass. Most company directors are intensely protective when it come to their personal mobile phone number. But Jim Penman is passionately different. He gives his personal details away at will, combined with the staunch promise that his cherished franchisees can contact him at any time, about any subject. .... [more]
14 Apr, 2008
Ketchell case not without precedent. The decision announced by the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) to fund the appeal in the High Court of the Ketchell case should come as no surprise to the franchise sector given the amount of publicity the issue has received recently. .... [more]
8 Apr, 2008
Franchise closes its doors. Employees at Hargreaves Mall franchise Banjo's Bakehouse were yesterday considering their futures as the reality of the store's weekend closure began to sink in. .... [more]
8 Apr, 2008
Franchise Council to fund Ketchell High Court appeal. The main franchise industry body, the Franchise Council of Australia, has announced it will fund an appeal to the High Court in the controversial Ketchell case on behalf of the franchisor. .... [more]
4 Apr, 2008
Jim’s Mowing is a growing concern. Jim’s Group founder Jim Penman says the secret to successful franchising is good recruiting, tough leadership, developing a strong brand and keeping franchisees happy. .... [more]
1 Apr, 2008
ACCC begins proceedings against Allphones Retail. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court in Sydney against communications retailer Allphones Retail Pty Limited, which has allegedly breached the Franchising Code of Conduct. .... [more]
27 Mar, 2008
Franchisees join for lifestyle but they leave for (lack of) money. Almost a third of franchisees joined a franchise in order to have more flexibility and balance in their lives, according to a recent research report by the Franchise Relationships Institute that surveyed existing franchisees. .... [more]
25 Mar, 2008
Franchising code changes 'weak'. Recent changes to the Franchising Code of Australia have been labelled ``weak and inadequate'' by state MP Tony Piccolo. .... [more]
18 Mar, 2008
Franchisors find slim pickings. The hunt for franchisees has become a battle of the big spenders, with franchisors plunging tens of millions of dollars a year into recruitment. A study by market research firm 10 Thousand Feet found the sector spent $44.4 million on marketing to franchisees in the year to September 2007. .... [more]
16 Mar, 2008
Code confusion causes compliance concerns. The introduction of amended disclosure provisions to the Franchising Code of Conduct from 1 March will provide greater protection for franchise buyers, but it is causing confusion among franchisors. .... [more]
11 Mar, 2008
Franchise Council wins extension of time to gather funds to fight Ketchell case. The franchise industry’s peak body has won a month-long extension of time to raise funds to fight the Ketchell case in the High Court. .... [more]
11 Mar, 2008
Franchise industry backlash over new disclosure law grows. Franchisors are becoming increasingly frustrated by the additional red tape created by the new disclosure laws that came into effect on last Monday. “It has been discussed and it is an emerging issue,” says Steve Wright, the chief executive of the industry’s peak body, the Franchise Council of Australia. .... [more]
7 Mar, 2008
Specsavers brings new competition to Queensland's optical industry Thursday 06 March 2008. Specsavers, the world's fastest growing optical retailer, has revealed plans to open eight new stores in Queensland in the coming fortnight, with a further nine planned to open by the middle of the year. .... [more]
6 Mar, 2008
Raine and Horne franchises fail. A major real estate company says it is concerned at the impact the financial failure of three of its Sydney agencies will have on its name, but will not intervene. .... [more]
5 Mar, 2008
Queensland OH&S provider plans six new franchises. SafetyQuip, Australia’s only franchised full scope OH&S provider is planning to add a further six franchisees to its national network of thirteen in the next twelve months to meet rapidly growing demand for safety supplies and services in the small to medium enterprise sector. .... [more]
5 Mar, 2008
Court hears of Banjos blackmail bid. A former Banjos franchisee made a blackmail threat to the bakery company's chief out of bitterness, a court has heard. .... [more]
4 Mar, 2008
Franchise Council likely to fund Ketchell case alone. The Franchise Council of Australia looks unlikely to receive any financial assistance from the competition watchdog or the Federal Government to fund the High Court appeal in the Ketchell case. .... [more]
29 Feb, 2008
Code changes put buyers in the box sea. Some budding entrepreneurs about to take the leap and buy a franchise may view looming amendments to the Franchising Code of Conduct as an iron-clad insurance policy. They should think again. .... [more]
29 Feb, 2008
Harvey Norman books 27.5% profit surge. Electronics distributors Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd says it is in strong position to seize on emerging opportunities after booking a 27.5 per cent increase in its interim net profit. .... [more]
29 Feb, 2008
Franchise bruised reputation causing recruitment pain. The bruised reputation of the franchise industry is causing franchise chains big recruiting headaches in a slowing economy. The industry’s peak body, the Franchise Council of Australia, is currently battling to promote the industry’s credibility on several fronts. .... [more]
28 Feb, 2008
RFG profit up after acquisitions. Retail Food Group Ltd (RFG) has reaffirmed its annual earnings guidance after boosting first half net profit on the back of recent cafe and bakery acquisitions. .... [more]
28 Feb, 2008
Call for federal parliamentary inquiry into franchise industry. A franchisee group is calling for a federal parliamentary inquiry into all aspects of franchising. .... [more]
25 Feb, 2008
Franchisors raising money to fight franchisees in High Court. The Franchise Council of Australia is attempting to raise money from franchisor members to fund a High Court appeal against a significant court decision in favour of franchisees’ rights. .... [more]
22 Feb, 2008
Franchise industry unrepresented on Government IR working group. The Franchise Council of Australia has missed out on a seat at the table with Small Business Minister Craig Emerson on the Government’s Small Business Working Group on industrial relations announced yesterday. .... [more]
21 Feb, 2008
Domino's lifts net profit over $6 million. Australian owned and operated pizza maker Domino’s Pizza has today announced a $6.1 million half year net profit after tax, up 75.8 percent on the previous corresponding period. .... [more]
20 Feb, 2008
New COO for Allied Brands. Franchise owner and manager Allied Brands has confirmed the appointment of Shane Radbone as the company’s chief operating officer. .... [more]
13 Feb, 2008
Flight Centre opts out of fuel surcharges case. Flight Centre has become the latest travel franchisor to opt out of a class action seeking to recover up to $80 million from six airlines for allegedly using fuel surcharges to underpay commissions. .... [more]
8 Feb, 2008
Damian, Damien score double hit. Building one multi-million dollar telecommunication company is impressive. Building two is almost unthinkable. But this is exactly what the founders of telecommunications franchise Telcoinabox, Damian Kay and Damien Gould, have done in the space of five years. .... [more]
8 Feb, 2008
WA franchise inquiry has kicked off. Public hearings for the West Australian Government’s inquiry into franchising started on Monday in Perth. About 40 franchisors and franchisees attended the hearing but all but two of those who made an oral submission was a franchisee or former franchisee. .... [more]
6 Feb, 2008
Wokinabox a jack-in-a-box. Adelaide-based noodlebar company Wokinabox is one of the nation's fastest growing franchises. The chain of 34 stores turned over $15 million in 2006-07, up 47 per cent from the previous year. .... [more]
5 Feb, 2008
Franchisees call for conduct code change. Angry franchisees have called on the West Australian Government to independently pass state legislation that works to tighten the Franchise Code of Conduct on the first day of the state’s public inquiry into franchising, saying that existing laws do not protect them from bully franchisors. .... [more]
5 Feb, 2008
Planning the key to franchise success. Any franchisor will attest that an unexpected email from China or India offering US$250,000 for the right to sell franchises in one of those countries is tempting, particularly when overseeing the expansion on your own is such hard work. But signing over a master franchise agreement for a big cheque is rarely the money spinner it appears to be. .... [more]
4 Feb, 2008
Top 50 franchises 2008. Fifty franchises stand as glowing examples of what franchising can achieve, but higher costs and tough competition are making an increasing impact on the model’s success. .... [more]
29 Jan, 2008
Franchising 2008 – crunch time: Challenges and opportunities. This year could be crunch time for the $125 billion franchising industry. .... [more]
29 Jan, 2008
Ikea's new outlets are costing it heaps. The Australian arm of Swedish cut-price homewares giant Ikea is throwing off cash like never before but the "big box" operator's bottom line is suffering from the high price of financing its move into larger new premises. .... [more]
29 Jan, 2008
Harvey rings up sales record. The nation's
biggest electronics and furniture retailer is set to post a profit
of up to $180 million for the first half of the year, after achieving
record sales for the six months to December 30. .... [more]
23 Jan, 2008
Profit
rise projected for RFG. Retail Food Group, the owner
of Michel's Patisserie, Donut King and the BB's cafe chain, yesterday
reported profit for the first half was expected to hit at least $4.5
million, at least 15 per cent up on the same period last year. ....
[more]
18 Jan, 2008
Franchisor BSR says Xmas trade excellent. National franchisor BSR Australia Ltd says it has had an "excellent"
Christmas and that a continuing strong appetite for electronics should
boost sales in 2008. .... [more]
15 Jan, 2008
Questions grow over business dealings of Lenard’s pair. The Federal consumer watchdog is believed to be investigating millionaire Perth businessman Gerardus Gerrit Heijne and his dead lover Frank Cianciosi over the way they dealt with franchisees of their chain of chicken shops. .... [more]
8 Jan, 2008
OPINION - Minister needs to address franchising. There has been a festering sore on the rear end of small business for far too long, and Labor's new Minister for Small Business, Craig Emerson, could do a lot to heal the ailment. .... [more]
8 Jan, 2008
Lenard's grieves death of WA franchisee. Nationwide chicken store chain Lenard's has expressed its condolences to the family of its West Australian master franchisee who was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his East Perth home. .... [more]
6 Jan, 2008
Westpac to expand RAMS franchises. Westpac has officially taken control of the RAMS home lending brand, yesterday completing its $140 million acquisition of the troubled mortgage company's franchise distribution business. .... [more]
5 Jan, 2008
 |
| | |
Registration
Some sites require first-time users to register. Once you've done this you're typically given unimpeded access to the news provider's site.
Get the news fast - while it lasts!
While some remain active for a longer period, many links last only a week, and others expire in a day. If you're serious about franchising, visit Franchise-chat daily.
|
|
