| |
 AUSTRALIA
FRANCHISE NEWS ARCHIVE
|
| | | :
: Current
|
Hobart franchisee wins Pack & Send honour. Andrew Goldsworthy and his wife Sharon have been named 2008 Pack & Send Franchisee of the Year. Owning the only Pack & Send store in Tasmania, the couple competed against the 92 other Pack & Send franchisees nationally to win the award. .... [more]
18/11/08
Cafes and restaurants hit hardest by downturn, supermarkets benefit. Research identifying greater concerns for the restaurant industry, as a result of a downturn in consumer spending, compared to other food industry sectors, appears to be on the mark. .... [more]
17/11/08
RAMS adds new UTM box for franchisee network access. RAMS Home Loans has bought a third unified threat management appliance from WatchGuard partner Harbour IT, this time to enable franchisees to securely access its corporate network. .... [more]
12/11/08
Know what you're getting into, ACCC warns. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has called for Western Australian small businesses to ensure they are fully informed about their rights and responsibilities. .... [more]
10/11/08
Australian hydraulic hose firm says G’day to Houston. PirTek, a Sydney, Australia-based industrial franchise company that entered the United States a decade ago is now targeting Houston. .... [more]
10/11/08
US burger chain heading down under. The Counter, a rapidly expanding American burger chain that enables consumers to build their own burgers, is coming to Sydney in December. .... [more]
5/11/08
7-Eleven crowned Franchisor of the Year. Convenience retailer 7-Eleven has been named as 2008 Franchisor of the Year by the Franchise Council of Australia. The retailer was awarded for its continued product and store innovation, strong franchisee partnerships and consistent growth in recent years. .... [more]
5/11/08
How to expand overseas. Lack of capital and insufficient cash flow are never the real reasons why businesses fail when they expand overseas, franchising experts told a recent conference. .... [more]
3/11/08
No dough blow. Holes have appeared in the pay cheques, as well as in the donuts, at Donut King in Cranbourne. The Federal Magistrates’ Court has fined the chain $30,000 for deliberately underpaying 10 casual staff members, some as young as 15, at the Cranbourne Centro Shopping Centre outlet. .... [more]
30/10/08
Franchising inquiry snubs Perth. A parliamentary inquiry set up to investigate franchising has snubbed Perth, disappointing WA business people who had hoped to air their grievances. .... [more]
29/10/08
Franchise offers low risk and it's secure. Whether it's salads, sports gear, hamburgers or home loans, the franchise offers many benefits to both the franchisee and the consumer. .... [more]
29/10/08
Franchising takes a positive position. The franchising industry is battening down the hatches to withstand the expected downturn in Australian economic fortunes, but remains guardedly optimistic about weathering a recession. .... [more]
25/10/08
How franchises can survive global gloom. A cry for help could be the best way to save a business from trouble, writes Keeli Cambourne. Even before the credit crunch, small businesses were having to look at creative ways of recouping costs. .... [more]
25/10/08
Bon Levi imprisoned for 10 months following ACCC action for contempt of court. The Federal Court of Australia today sentenced Mr Bon Levi, one of Australia's most notorious conmen, to 10 months' imprisonment, with 6 months suspended, after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission successfully prosecuted him for five counts of contempt of court. .... [more]
24/10/08
Bakers Delight rewarded for being good sports. Bakers Delight’s sports commuity program has earned it the Media Campaign of the Year award in the 2008 MYOB Excellence in Fanchising Awards. .... [more]
23/10/08
Pack & Send honour boosts expansion plan. Australia’s leading retail freight and logistics company, Pack & Send, was awarded equal runner up at the 2008 International Franchisor of the Year Award, held in Singapore. .... [more]
22/10/08
Teamwork helps to lick the doomsayers. In tough economic times, the power of a franchise can bring sweet success, writes Keeli Cambourne. The global financial crisis may have many businesses rethinking their future but for franchises there is a positive side to the dire economic circumstances. .... [more]
22/10/08
Ecowash mobile named No1 Aussie export franchise. Aussie-born franchise ecowash mobile has just been announced as the Top Franchise Export for 2008 by the Franchise Council of Australia. .... [more]
22/10/08
Franchise sector continues to flourish. The franchising sector has continued its strong growth in the past two years according to the results of the Franchise Australia 2008 Survey revealed at the sectors leading annual conference - the National Franchise Convention. .... [more]
22/10/08
Gerry Harvey says retailers are suffering. Gerry Harvey, the country's biggest electronics and furniture retailer, says October sales have been "very difficult" as the slowdown in retail spending continues to eat into margins. .... [more]
22/10/08
Franchisors prepare for worst. The franchising industry is battening down the hatches to withstand the expected downturn in Australian economic fortunes, but remains guardedly optimistic about weathering a recession. .... [more]
20/10/08
Survey reveals drop in franchising disputes as franchising inquiry continues. A new survey of Australia’s $130 billion franchise sector has shown disputes between franchisees and franchisors have declined, with just 2% of Australia’s franchisees classified as being in dispute. .... [more]
17/10/08
Allphones agrees to ACCC restrictions. Allphones Retail has pledged to the Federal Court to better inform franchisees - and not prevent them from selling their franchises - after an ACCC appeal to the Federal Court. .... [more]
14/10/08
Franchises brace for the downturn. Franchisors say they are preparing for the inevitable economic downturn by cutting costs and reviewing spending, but argue they are better suited to survive than other small businesses. .... [more]
13/10/08
Harvey plans back-up if GE cuts back finance. Gerry Harvey has flagged that he will crank up the retailer's in-house finance arm if troubled US conglomerate GE scales back its finance business. .... [more]
13/10/08
Souvlaki Hut top franchise. A Melbourne Greek restaurant chain with under 20 outlets is at the top of a survey measuring the satisfaction level of Australian franchisees, according to market research group, 10 Thousand Feet. .... [more]
10/10/08
Lord Mayor's Young CEO finalists announced. Four of Brisbane’s top bosses have been named finalists in this year’s Lord Mayor’s Young CEO of the Year award. .... [more]
9/10/08
Franchisors warned: open books. Based on recent meetings with the Federal government and the ACCC in relation to the current Federal inquiry into franchising it appears one of the more likely end outcomes will be increased powers to the ACCC. .... [more]
8/10/08
INTEREST: Marketing the key to survival for small business. Tumbling shares and global economic uncertainty. They need not be a problem - in fact, today's economic uncertainty could be a business opportunity. .... [more]
6/10/08
Old make way for new in the chain. The franchise industry is likely to go through a huge ownership shake-out over the next 12 to 18 months and will require a large surge in capital, the head of an advice group says. .... [more]
4/10/08
Harvey Norman to slash ad budget by up to $60m. Harvey Norman boss Gerry Harvey has indicated cuts to the company's total advertising and marketing budget may be as high as $60 million a year -- potentially having a major impact on the already struggling media ad market. .... [more]
2/10/08
Fast food chain ties up with DDB. Fast food chain McDonald's has consolidated its $65 million advertising account with DDB, dumping rival agency Leo Burnett from its Happy Meals and charities advertising. The move follows the company's decision to merge its Australian and New Zealand marketing departments. .... [more]
1/10/08
NightOwl franchise moves into Victoria. Queensland's NightOwl convenience store franchise is making a push into Victoria, the home-base of the phenomenally successful 7-Eleven. .... [more]
29/9/08
High Court give its ruling on franchise agreement. A High Court decision in franchising dispute Master Education Services v Ketchell has gone a long way to provide certainty to franchisors and franchisees. .... [more]
26/9/08
Franchising the globe. Domestic franchise success may have entrepreneurs dreaming of world domination, but there is more to international franchising than letting the royalties roll in. .... [more]
25/9/08
Go in with eyes open and Understand potential pitfalls before buying into a franchise. Buying into a franchise could be risker than you think with experts suggesting setting up shop is a big mistake for some. .... [more]
25/9/08
Franchising facing shakeout. The franchise industry is likely to go through a huge ownership shakeout over the next 12 to 18 months and will require a large surge in capital, says the head of a major advice group. .... [more]
19/9/08
Franchise Council hits back at critics. The Franchise Council of Australia has urged members to “push back” against claims of franchisor abuse aired in Federal Parliament last week. .... [more]
15/9/08
Franchising inquiry told of franchisor abuses, dispute resolution problems. The Federal Government’s franchising inquiry has received submissions from more than 15 angry franchisees, alleging unconscionable conduct, misappropriation of franchisee fees, inadequate disclosure and dishsonest behaviour. .... [more]
12/9/08
Franchising at a crossroads. Barely days after the High Court handed-down its decision in the Ketchell case, the franchise sector faces renewed political pressure for increased legislation from Federal Parliament itself. .... [more]
10/9/08
Allphones appeals deceit finding. Mobile phone retailer Allphones has appealed against a Federal Court finding that it engaged in "calculated dishonesty" and "continuing deceit" by withholding commission payments to its franchisees. .... [more]
4/9/08
Ikea tips its hand with new megastore. The Swedish retail giant Ikea is poised to expand its presence in Sydney with a new flagship store on a controversial former tip in Tempe, adjacent to the airport. .... [more]
4/9/08
Franchising a safe haven in tough times. Be it a pizza chain, a gardening service, an accounting group or a string of furniture shops, members of the franchising sector are in a favourable position to ride out tough economic conditions, according to chartered accountants PKF. .... [more]
3/9/08
Franchisors cheer High Court ruling. Just as big retailers such as Coles and Woolies are being targeted by the Rudd Government to possibly rein in their power over smaller rivals, the High Court has delivered a decision to protect franchisors from aggrieved franchisees. .... [more]
3/9/08
Franchise loophole closed. A High Court decision last week has been hailed as a landmark for the franchising industry. The decision on the Ketchell case means that a loophole, which possibly allowed franchisees to quit their franchising agreements on technicality if they could argue a breach of the Code, has now been closed. .... [more]
1/9/08
Hire a Hubby turns on mapping intelligence. Hire a Hubby has redefined its franchise territories using geospatial mapping software to introduce what it calls a more ‘plausible’ fee structure. .... [more]
1/9/08
Inquiry takes new look at franchising issues. The Joint Parliament Committee on Corporations and Financial Services has begun its inquiry into the Franchising Code of Conduct, with the chairman, Bernie Ripoll, emphasising that the committee is approaching the task "with a broad brief and an open mind". .... [more]
29/8/08
Victorian convenience store battle to heat up. NightOwl Convenience, Australia’s sixth largest convenience store franchise, is anticipated to open their Mornington store in September this year, as they look to embark on a Victorian expansion. .... [more]
29/8/08
Ketchell decision resolves the biggest issue in franchising “in 30 years”. The Franchise Council of Australia’s decision to fund the Ketchell case was vindicated yesterday when the High Court overturned a legal precedent that had created uncertainty across the sector. .... [more]
28/8/08
Mr Rental: emerging franchise, emerging threat. Queensland-based appliance rental brand Mr Rental has begun an aggressive incursion into Sydney. The campaign is supported by television advertisements and is aimed at taking targeted consumers away from the traditional retailer. .... [more]
26/8/08
Regional winners named in MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards. Regional finals were held in the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards this week, organised by the Franchise Council of Australia. .... [more]
23/8/08
Mrs Fields bankruptcy 'won't affect Australia'. Mrs Fields – Famous Brands in the United States is about to file for bankruptcy as part of their financial restructuring. But Andrew Benefield, MD of Australian franchisee Mrs Fields Australia (Cookies Australia Pty Ltd) says the local operation will continue trading with no impact to the Australian franchise, its stores or employees. .... [more]
22/8/08
Domino's profit up 29.6% on strong sales. Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd has boosted its annual profit by 29.6 per cent after generating strong sales growth across the group, particularly in Europe. .... [more]
20/8/08
SA franchising looks strong. The franchising sector is in a favourable position to ride out tougher economic conditions, chartered accountants PKF say. .... [more]
18/8/08
The Eagle Boys rise. Australia's third biggest pizza chain, Eagle Boys Pizza, increased full year sales by 21.9 per cent as the company increased the number of stores and eyes further expansion. .... [more]
18/8/08
Mums get the balance right. Combing work and motherhood is a tricky business. Keeli Cambourne talks to two women who have found how to make it work. .... [more]
16/8/08
McDonald's to open new stores despite economic doubts. McDonald's Australian arm is rolling ahead with plans to increase the number of its stores to around 800 from 767 despite a slump in the economy, but it plans to offer more budget-conscious choices on its menu boards to fit households' tighter spending habits. .... [more]
16/8/08
Churning: The dark side of franchising. Few topics provoke greater debate in the franchise sector than the issue of churning. It is a hugely controversial issue that has the capacity to draw strong responses from both franchisors and franchisees alike, though from entirely different perspectives. .... [more]
12/8/08
PwC acquires franchise consultancy. PricewaterhouseCoopers yesterday announced the acquisition of franchise consultancy, Franchise Developments Management Consulting. Pioneers among franchise developers in Australia, FDMC has been assisting clients build corporate, retail and service businesses since it was founded in 1983 by Sergio Alderuccio. .... [more]
11/8/08
Bosses warned on bad language. The Workplace Ombudsman says Australia's bosses have been put on notice, that the "f-word" has no place in workplace negotiations, after the Federal Magistrate's Court this week fined a Donut King franchisee $12,000 for breaches of the Workplace Relations Act. .... [more]
8/8/08
Retail chain wants to buy parts of Bill Express. Convenience retail chain 7-Eleven Stores is considering buying parts of Bill Express, which appointed an administrator in early July. The privately owned 7-Eleven has an exclusive option with administrator PPB to look at the assets of Bill Express and related companies. .... [more]
8/8/08
Lenard’s no chicken when it comes to change. With a new private equity investor on board, and big changes to its business model and product range in the pipeline, the challenges facing chicken franchise Lenard’s are far from paltry. .... [more]
1/8/08
Starbucks closes 61 stores in Australia. Starbucks will close more than two-thirds of its 84 stores in Australia by the end of the week under a cost-cutting plan announced Tuesday that will put almost 700 people out of work. .... [more]
29/7/08
Franchise boss hands over reins. Franchising entrepreneur Richard Hamood has sold his interests in the franchise chain he introduced to South Australia. The former master franchisee for Lenards in SA and the Northern Territory has sold his business back to the Queensland-based parent company. .... [more]
28/7/08
You'll get a reputation. The first franchisee satisfaction survey reveals reputation is important when it comes to attracting and training fresh blood. .... [more]
28/7/08
Franchisors 'need to act like banks'. Franchisors need to act more like banks by providing early and ongoing support and advice to their franchisees, particularly those that appear to be sailing on choppy financial waters, a business advisory company says. .... [more]
25/7/08
Fantastic acquires Dare Gallery's assets. Fantastic Holdings Ltd will re-establish Dare Gallery Furniture Pty Ltd after it acquired certain assets and liabilities from the administrator of the furniture company. .... [more]
24/7/08
ACCC launches unconscionable conduct action against franchisor. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched legal action against franchisor Seal-A-Fridge and its director Nigel Rooney, alleging the company engaged in unconscionable conduct towards its franchisees. .... [more]
23/7/08
Eagle Boys swoop on Pizza Haven. Eagle Boys Pizza has sliced further into the Australian takeaway food market with the acquisition of the country's fourth-largest pizza chain Pizza Haven Australia. .... [more]
18/7/08
Hand franchises to watchdog. Investing in a franchise business should be treated like investing in any other business and come under the scrutiny of the corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, a franchisee lobby group says. .... [more]
14/7/08
BOQ writes off franchise loans. Most of the loans from Bank of Queensland to owner-operators of its franchised branches in Sydney appear to be impaired, and the bank appears to be increasingly willing to write off some of those loans. .... [more]
14/7/08
Retail Food sees profit up at least 116% Food brand manager and franchisor Retail Food Group Ltd (RFG) expects its full year profit to rise by at least 116 per cent, following its acquisition of the popular Brumby's Bakeries and Michel's Patisserie franchises. .... [more]
10/7/08
RFG completes Donut King deal in China. Food brand manager and franchisor Retail Food Group Ltd (RFG) has finalised the terms of an agreement with Shanghai-based Mak Brands Ltd to expand its Donut King franchise into China. .... [more]
4/7/08
Kleins, the Titanic, and lessons for us all. The collapse of Kleins and several other insolvencies of both small and large franchisors so far this year has thrown the issue of franchisor failure into a rarely illuminated spotlight. .... [more]
2/7/08
Business prefers mediation to lawyers. Victoria’s Small Business Commissioner says his office has seen a sharp increase in the number of franchise and business-to-business disputes being brought to it for resolution. .... [more]
2/7/08
 |
| | |
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.
|
|
