





f r a n c h i s e n e t w o r k n o w
f o r t h e l o w c o s t
i n v e s t m e n t o f $ 8 5 , 0 0 0 + G S T



f r a n c h i s e n e t w o r k n o w
f o r t h e l o w c o s t
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Step into a fully supported system with structured training, operational guidance, and marketing resources everything you need to hit the ground running
Leverage a well-loved Australian brand built on decades of loyalty and trust from generations of families here and across the world.
Backed By
When you join the GymbaROO franchise network, you become part of the prestigious Belgravia Group, built to support children’s movement across Australia and internationally.
We are part of the Belgravia Group which is a privately-owned group of companies that was first established in 1990 by Geoff Lord.
Operate in flexible centres with minimal setup costs while delivering meaningful outcomes for families in your community.
Secure your own dedicated area and grow a loyal customer base without local competition from other franchisees.
Ready for a conversation?
Call the team on 0488 026 456 now for an obligation-free conversation
Or scan the QR code to download the free information pack.
and NEW
19, IssUe 6, 2025
n the cover: senior helpers australia radbury. colin@cgbpublishing.com
“ This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the safest, highest-quality in-home care to seniors across Australia, while also helping to address the caregiver shortage by creating meaningful job opportunities.”
Vikki bradbury. vikki@cgbpublishing.com.au
ed I tor I a L depart M ent: editor@cgbpublishing.com.au
sa L es & M arket I ng M anager: annie bradbury. annie@cgbpublishing.com.au
prod U ct I on: production@cgbpublishing.com.au
acco U nts: accounts@cgbpublishing.com.au
desIgn: Michelle Quinn. michelle@cgbpublishing.com
cgb pUbLIshIng po boX 17 pomona, QueenslanD 4568 tel: (07) 5485 2704 www.businessfranchiseaustralia.com.au www.businessfranchisemagazine.co.nz
to sUbscrIbe: www.businessfranchiseaustralia.com.au or www.isubscribe.com.au
t he information and contents in this publication are believed by the publisher to be true, correct and accurate but no independent investigation has been undertaken. accordingly the publisher does not represent or warrant that the information and contents are true, correct or accurate and recommends that each reader seek appropriate professional advice, guidance and direction before acting or relying on all information contained herein. opinions expressed in the articles contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. t he publication is sold subject to the terms and conditions that it shall not be copied in whole or part, resold, hired out, without the express permission of the publisher.
I always try and bring the latest on developments in franchising and in this issue, we have several great articles starting with our Front Cover and Cover story, Senior Helpers Australia, we meet Kylie Hamilton and Jonathan Jeynes who wanted care that allowed older Australians and people living with disabilities to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes, with dignity, independence, and full control over their care. You can read their story on page 12.
o ur e xperts this issue cover some great topics on everything franchising. phil chaplin is the ceo at cfi finance group and in this issue explains the top 5 reasons business loans get rejected and helps us to understand how to avoid them. h elen Kay founder of rise legal discusses how crucial it is to ensure your intellectual property, particularly your trademarks and protected. nina francesca, founder of franchise Growth academy, explains how an often-overlooked area is buyer franchise education, not franchisor-led training after someone joins a brand, but real education before they’ve even decided if franchising is right for them. t his is just a sample so turn to the contents page to find more expert advice
and some of our franchises featured such as, inXpress and Dr t int & Wrap.
o ur Main feature this issue is food and franchising and the choices available are quite astounding, we start the feature with r obert toth of s anicki l awyers who has some interesting thoughts and figures on the Qsr / food industry. tony Meredith, founder of tony Meredith coaching goes beyond the counter and helps us to understand what is needed to be successful with a food franchise. l auren clement of Your brand true n orth shares the secret sauce of franchise success. We also have further great advice from Kristie b ooker from imagine collective and our r esident e xpert for n ew Zealand stewart Germann. again, turn to the contents page to check out more on this topic and some great articles on franchise systems such as, chargrill charlies, Gaga, t he coffee club, Zarraffas, Gelatissimo etc.
finally, don’t forget to check out our a-Z franchise listing directory with all the best franchise opportunities available right now.
until next time, enjoy the read.
Vikki Bradbury Publisher
22 The Checklist Group: the franchise Growth partner behind some of the Most successful launches
28 Motto Motto: accelerates national e xpansion With three new franchise Grants
32 Muzz Buzz: from first Job to franchise owner
18 Elise Balsillie: franchisees Who Win Don’t Wing it
24 Phil Chaplin: top 5 reasons franchise business loans Get rejected – and how to avoid them
30 Helen Kay: Why every franchisor needs a robust trademark strategy
60 Angela Allen: Getting it right
62 Roger Dickeson: buying a franchise? take Your time, Make the choice that is right for You
66 Tereza Murray: scaling Your business Doesn’t Mean selling out, it Means Getting smarter
InXpress: accelerates Growth
20 Daniel Murray: Why empathy is a strategic leadership tool
28 Donna McGeorge: the Key to redesigning Your Day to Work with You, not against You
58 Nina Francesca: Why franchise education should start before the enquiry
26 Dr Tint & Wrap: arrives in australia
68 Franchising Expo: franchise e xpo Melbourne
38 Gaga: filling Your cup with unconventional attitude
42 Chargrill Charlies: first Queensland franchisee turns passion into business Franchisor In depth
48 The Coffee Club: unveils nostalgic new Direction
46 Gelatissimo: e xclusive: $50k regional incentive package
56 Zarraffas: Doubles Down in rocky with new Drive thru site
34 Robert Toth: food & franchising
40 Tony Meredith: beyond the counter: What it really takes to succeed in a food franchise
44 Lauren Clement: the secret sauce of franchise success
50 Kristie Booker: scaling beyond three locations
54 Stewart Germann: trending franchise systems
Auntie Anne’s is accelerating its Australian expansion, focusing on high-traffic transport hubs and entertainment venues. Its first local branch opened at Westfield Parramatta, which connects to Sydney’s fourth busiest train station. A second outlet is set to open in the Queen Victoria Building near Town Hall Station.
t he brand suits busy urban areas due to its appeal to on-the-go consumers, said Yu-Jin lee, principal director at Jay united h oldings, auntie anne’s master franchisee in australia.
e arlier this year, Goto foods—auntie anne’s parent company— outlined a global strategy to introduce compact urban formats to nontraditional venues like airports and travel plazas.
lee noted australia’s strong sporting culture as another opportunity.
“We want to cater a product for events and sports arenas—it’s ideal for that market,” he said.
steven Yang, senior vice president and apac managing director at Goto foods, added that australia has long been viewed as a key growth market. o ther Goto brands, including cinnabon and Jamba, already operate in the region through separate partners.
lee also sees demand for a savoury snack brand that isn’t centered around sweetness or fried chicken—two dominant themes in australia.
founded in 1988 in a pennsylvania farmers market, auntie anne’s is known for hand-rolled, freshly baked pretzels. its australian menu features classics like pretzels, pretzel dogs, and nuggets.
“We’re already collecting feedback and assessing local preferences,” said Yang. “ e xpect seasonal items, regional twists, and possible collaborations that resonate locally while staying true to our brand.”
auntie anne’s plans to open five locations across australia in the next 12 months.
tDa Tax Depreciation has proudly launched Australia’s first-ever tax depreciation franchising opportunity, marking a major milestone in the industry.
The first franchise has officially opened its doors in Hurstville, NSW, bringing TDA’s trusted expertise directly to the local community. Residents of Hurstville can now benefit from TDA’s renowned on-the-ground service, known for its precision and reliability in maximizing property depreciation benefits.
t Da is rapidly expanding and will soon welcome more franchisees across the country. t his growth is fueled by the company’s strong brand reputation, proven success, and forward-thinking expansion strategy. t Da is actively seeking motivated individuals who share a passion for success, a commitment to relationship-building, and a drive to grow their own thriving business within the tax depreciation sector.
i deal franchisees are personable, disciplined, detail-oriented, and possess high integrity. t hey should also have an entrepreneurial mindset, excellent communication skills, and a strong sense of accountability. t hese qualities ensure franchisees can effectively embed themselves within their local communities, foster valuable referral relationships, manage sales processes, and carry out site inspections with the appropriate training.
Joining t Da tax Depreciation means becoming part of an innovative and supportive network, with access to comprehensive training and resources. franchisees don’t need specific prior qualifications but must be eager to learn and committed to delivering exceptional client service. t his opportunity offers a unique chance to be at the forefront of a growing industry, backed by the trusted t Da brand and its legacy of excellence. www.tdaqs.com.au
As colder months continue to challenge motivation and physical activity levels across the country, Fitstop is launching a renewed focus on habit-building, community connection, and movementbased resilience to support its members through winter.
Known for its team training model and locally-owned franchise network, fitstop is positioning itself as a practical antidote to winter hibernation - using a blend of coaching expertise, community-first programming, and targeted seasonal initiatives to keep australians active.
fitstop’s Winter approach is grounded in actionable lifestyle shifts designed to help members stay consistent, even as temperatures drop. With practical content such as “ h ow to stay energised t his Winter” and “Why Winter is the b est t ime to build a fitness habit”, the brand is leveraging expert guidance from its trainers to equip everyday australians with low-barrier, results-driven routines.
While winter often brings a drop in energy and motivation, fitstop is turning the season into an opportunity for members to reset,
refocus, and recommit to their fitness journey. b y reinforcing the value of small, consistent actions, the brand is helping individuals build physical and mental resilience - no matter the forecast.
a s group training continues to gain traction across the anZ fitness landscape, fitstop’s winter push underscores the power of consistency, camaraderie, and community-driven results.
In its largest acquisition to date, Poolwerx – Australia’s leading pool and spa maintenance network – has acquired JC Pools Services, significantly expanding its residential and commercial footprint across Brisbane.
t he deal includes two retail outlets and their service areas, bringing 4,000 new clients into the poolwerx network and adding multi-million dollar commercial contracts to its portfolio. b oth locations will be rebranded under the poolwerx name.
J c pools owner Jamie h olmes will join poolwerx’s support centre in a commercial role, ensuring continuity and expertise. his wife and co-owner, c arolyn h olmes,
along with many existing staff, will remain, providing seamless service during the transition.
“ t his deal represents more than just growth,” said poolwerx ceo nic brill.
“ it reflects a broader industry trend— experienced independents seeking scale and stability. We’re proud to help them preserve their legacy and grow within our network.”
t he acquisition will see collaboration with franchise partners richard Kelly (poolwerx Mt Gravatt) and emily and Geoff straub (poolwerx Yeronga), who will support the transition and integration of J c pools’ client base.
“ t his is more than an acquisition—it’s a shared commitment to raising the standard of pool care in brisbane,” said r ichard Kelly. “We’re honoured to serve J c pools’ loyal clients and build on their community values.”
a full refurbishment of J c pools’ c annon hill site (now poolwerx) will be completed by 31 o ctober 2025, with fairfield to follow.
poolwerx is always searching for opportunities for growth and expansion. o ver our tenure, we’ve successfully transitioned a number of independent businesses, integrating them into the poolwerx family and fostering their continued success.
This month, JAX Tyres & Auto Toowoomba franchise owners, Steve and Jenni Berlin, are proudly celebrating 15 years of delivering trusted automotive and tyre services to the local community.
since opening in 2010, the business has expanded significantly, driven by consistent service and a loyal customer base, with husband and wife duo steve and Jenni at the helm the entire period. t heir ability to anticipate and respond to changing customer needs, particularly the rise in demand for 4WD servicing and off-road expertise, has been key to their success.
Ja X tyres & auto toowoomba franchisee, steve b erlin, says, “ r eaching this 15-year milestone is an exciting moment for the whole team. We’ve worked hard to build a strong, supportive culture with some of our staff sticking with us for over 10 years. We’re incredibly grateful for the support over the years and look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of service for many more to come.”
today, around 50% of the business is dedicated to mechanical work, alongside tyres. t his shift reflects the team’s commitment to innovation, ensuring they meet the changing needs of customers, while delivering a high standard of care and expertise.
steve and Jenni support a range of community initiatives to strengthen their connection to the local area and its people, including:
• Toowoomba City Golf Club - donating $200 each Friday night to support rotating local charities.
• Sponsor the Harristown State High School basketball team.
• Ole Blue 4WD community events, contributing prizes and giveaways.
Ja X tyres & auto toowoomba franchisee Jenni b erlin says, “Giving back has always been important to us. We live here, work here, and supporting the people around us is a big part of who we are.”
g rill’D enters the retail space
Grill’d, the brand behind Australia’s favourite healthy burgers, is entering the retail space for the first time with a new range of premium burger patties landing exclusively in Coles supermarkets nationwide from August 6, 2025.
t he move marks a significant milestone for the business, expanding Grill’d beyond its 174-strong restaurant network and into aussie home kitchens. t he new range includes 100% australian grass-fed beef patties — hormone-free, antibiotic-free and gluten-free — starting at just $8. t hree products will launch in coles’ meat section and online: Grill’d signature b eef burgers (2-pack and 4-pack) and Grill’d premium Wagyu burgers with c aramelised o nion (2-pack).
t he launch responds to growing consumer demand for convenient, restaurant-quality meals at home. r ecent coles research revealed that over half of australians are interested in recreating restaurant or takeaway meals in their own kitchens, with “familiar taste” a key driver of choice.
Grill’d founder and Managing Director simon crowe said the move marks a new chapter for the brand: “ for over two decades, aussies have loved coming into Grill’d for burgers that taste good and do good. n ow, we’re bringing that experience into their homes.”
in addition to flavour and convenience, the partnership also carries Grill’d’s ongoing commitment to community impact. every pack sold will include a ‘ local Matters’ token, with $10,000 in donations to be directed toward coles community partners this month, as voted by customers.
t he retail range is the first step in a broader expansion strategy for Grill’d, with further innovation and growth on the horizon.
Australia’s franchising community is gearing up for the National Franchise Convention 2025 (NFC25), returning to Melbourne from 19–21 October. With the theme Leading the Way, this year’s convention is shaping up to be one of the FCA’s most dynamic and impactful yet.
t he franchise council of australia (fca) has built a program that speaks directly to
the realities and opportunities of modern franchising. across three days, delegates will hear from leaders inside and outside the sector – including ambassador the h on. Joe ockey (ret), former Qantas pilot richard respigny, and amazon’s Jess Modini –with nine keynote addresses and 17 panel sessions designed to energise, inform and challenge attendees.
fca ceo Jay Westbury says nfc 25 showcases “the resilience, innovation and leadership that continue to drive franchising forward.” it’s a critical forum for connection and professional development at a time of rapid change.
t he convention also places significant emphasis on recognising excellence. t he
Gala Dinner will once again celebrate the newest certified franchise e xecutives (cfe s) and induct another respected leader into the fca hall of fame – honouring those who have shaped the future of franchising. for franchisors, franchisees, and suppliers alike, nfc 25 offers unmatched access to insights, ideas, and inspiration.
t he fca says its investment in delivering a nationally significant event like nfc 25 reflects its leadership role and commitment to members. “Whether you’re building a brand, leading a network, or just starting out, nfc is where the australian franchising sector meets, learns, and leads,” Jay says.
Right at Home Australia proudly welcomes four new franchises: Northern Territory, Goldfields Grampians Murray, Geelong, and Newcastle Toronto. The new owners recently completed the intensive two-week RightStart™ training, equipping them with skills in care management, HR, marketing, compliance, and more.
N ORTHERN T ERRITORY
lyle and s onia Mackay, the first franchisees in the nt, bring years of experience delivering care under the nD is and DVa s onia is a seasoned r egistered nurse, while lyle has served in community leadership roles including president of nt rugby league. t hey aim to deliver compassionate,
culturally sensitive care that promotes independence and dignity.
G OLDFIELDS G RAMPIANS Mu RRAY
tamara and andrew sproull lead this territory. tamara, a nurse with 25+ years of critical care and health management experience, is passionate about building strong, empathetic teams. inspired by caring for her father with alzheimer’s, she seeks to deliver “old-fashioned care” that values trust, respect, and quality of life.
G EELONG
edwina hill and l acey McKenna, both r egistered nurses, co-own right at h ome Geelong. With over 20 years of combined
experience, they share a vision to provide personalised, professional care to older australians and individuals with disabilities. t heir values—respect, empathy, and continuity of care—guide their mission.
N EWCASTLE T ORONTO
Michael l aetsch brings eight years of aged care experience to his new role. starting as a care worker, he progressed to department manager. passionate about mentoring and leadership, Michael chose r ight at h ome for its values. fluent in Japanese and newly married, he looks forward to building his business and serving the community.
“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the safest, highestquality in-home care to seniors across Australia, while also helping to address the caregiver shortage by creating meaningful job opportunities,”
“Our passionate franchise owners and dedicated teams go above and beyond every day to transform the home care experience for seniors. This honour reflects their dedication to delivering unparalleled personalised care and companionship in their local communities.”
The story of Senior Helpers Far North Queensland (SHFNQ) begins in September 2019 — not in a corporate boardroom, but in the heart of a family home in Cairns. Kylie Hamilton and her partner in business, Jonathan Jeynes, faced a challenge close to many Australians’ hearts: finding the right
in-home care for their loved ones.
They wanted care that allowed older Australians and people living with disabilities to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes, with dignity, independence, and full control over their care. They also wanted a business model with strong systems, compliance, and industry-leading standards.
That search led them to Senior Helpers, a mission-driven franchise brand with the governance, policies, and processes to deliver care at the highest level.
Starting under the company name 2 Families Cairns Pty Ltd, operations began in Kylie’s living room. The early days were hands-on and all-consuming: the couple ran payroll, marketing, rostering, care coordination, and even transport services, all while building a small but passionate team of six care staff. From there, they moved to a small Anderson Street office, then expanded to a larger Mulgrave Road location, adding a satellite office in Innisfail.
SHFNQ’s growth was deliberate and strategic. The leadership team invested in professional partnerships with experts like Trinity Advisory and implemented Pumpkin Plan Training with business coach Rod
Sherrington, focusing on steady growth, robust business planning, and continuous improvement.
By early 2024, the team seized an opportunity to purchase a small Cairns-based care business with Aged Care Accreditation and NDIS approval. This acquisition not only strengthened SHFNQ’s service offering and compliance credentials but also brought on two non-executive directors with deep aged care and clinical governance expertise.
Senior Helpers is an internationally recognised home care franchise, founded in the US in 2002 and operating in Australia since 2011. By 2024, the Master Franchise in Australia was up for sale.
Kylie and Jonathan saw an opportunity to take their proven success story nationwide. In May 2024, they purchased the Master Franchise rights for Senior Helpers Australia.
In just over a year, they have grown the network from 13 franchisees to 30, with more territories in the pipeline. As Master Franchise Owners, they now provide the systems, training, marketing, and operational support to help other franchise owners
replicate their success — whether they’re in metropolitan Sydney or remote Western Australia.
In an industry where demand is growing rapidly due to Australia’s ageing population,
Senior Helpers has built a reputation for exceptional, personalised in-home care.
Franchise owners benefit from:
• Proven Care Programs – including Senior Gems® Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (developed with dementia care expert Teepa Snow) and a Parkinson’s
“ In an industry where demand is growing rapidly due to Australia’s ageing population, Senior Helpers has built a reputation for exceptional, personalised in-home care.”
Care Program (in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation Centres of Excellence).
• Full Compliance Support – guidance on meeting aged care standards, NDIS requirements, and industry reforms.
• Comprehensive Training – proven training platform for staff, care partners and owners covering everything from infection control, hand hygiene, influenza prevention, and more.
• Operational Excellence – robust systems for rostering, billing, client management, and staff onboarding.
• Marketing Power – local and national campaigns, plus an established brand trusted worldwide.
One of Kylie’s guiding principles is: “It takes a village to raise children, but it takes a horde of specialists to build and maintain a successful company.”
Senior Helpers Australia’s support network is second to none. Franchise owners have training with experts in HR, accounting, compliance, and marketing. This means they can focus on building client relationships and delivering care; while knowing they have specialists backing them up in every key business area.
While the systems and processes are important, the true differentiator is the human side of the business. Senior Helpers’ non-clinical Consumer Directed Care (CDC) model ensures clients choose the services they want, when and how they want them.
This approach, combined with deep community connections, creates loyalty and trust. Franchisees are encouraged to embed themselves locally — partnering with First Nations health services, supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and hosting free information sessions to help families navigate My Aged Care.
Staff are treated like family, with flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and recognition programs that build morale and retention — because happy staff deliver better care.
the Franchise opportunity
Senior Helpers offers a premier franchise model for compassionate entrepreneurs ready to make a difference while building a profitable business.
Why join Senior Helpers Australia?
• Established Global Brand –internationally recognised and trusted.
• Proven Business Model – structured for growth and efficiency.
• Exclusive Territories – secure your own defined market.
• Growing Demand – driven by demographic trends and preference for inhome care.
• Comprehensive Support – from startup to daily operations.
Investment at a glance
• Working Capital & Setup: Additional investment required for office and staffing.
• Startup Timeline: Most franchisees launch within a few months of signing.
• Available Territories: Prime metropolitan and regional locations nationwide.
• Passion for quality care and community impact.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset.
• Healthcare or business experience helpful but not essential — full training provided.
For Kylie and Jonathan, the journey from a living room start-up to national Master Franchisors has been defined by vision, persistence, and the right people.
“We have nothing to sell but our reputation for providing great service. Our clients have a choice — and they choose us,” says Jonathan.
Now, they are inviting like-minded entrepreneurs to join the Senior Helpers family and help shape the future of in-home care in Australia.
Franchise opportunities with Senior Helpers Australia are available now. For a detailed investment guide and available territories, contact Franchise Wisely and start your journey towards owning a business that combines financial success with meaningful community impact.
Jonathan Jeynes - With close to 2 decades of experience in the care sector, Jonathan has dedicated his career to supporting others and improving the quality of life for older people. He began his journey in the united Kingdom as a support worker, where he developed a strong foundation in frontline care and a deep appreciation for compassion, empathy, and respect when working with vulnerable individuals.
After relocating to Australia, Jonathan continued his work in aged care and progressed into leadership and management roles. For more than a decade, he has successfully managed teams, overseen service delivery, and ensured that care meets both regulatory requirements and the personal needs of clients. His leadership approach emphasises creating positive workplace cultures and empowering staff, recognising that a motivated and valued workforce is essential to delivering exceptional outcomes.
Jonathan’s management experience has provided him with extensive knowledge of the complexities of aged care, from navigating policy and compliance to adapting to the evolving expectations of clients and families. Today, as a Director of Senior Helpers, Jonathan combines his frontline experience with strategic leadership, continuing his lifelong commitment to person-centred care and making a meaningful difference in his community.
Kylie h amilton - Born and raised in Cairns, Kylie brings more than 20 years of administration and business management expertise to her role as an owner of Senior Helpers Far North Queensland and Senior Helpers Australia. Her career began in the Australian Army Reserve, where she developed discipline, resilience, and strong organisational skills that have guided her professional journey.
After her time in the Army Reserve, Kylie moved into administration roles within the travel and mining industries. Working in these fast-paced and highly regulated environments, she refined her skills in operations, compliance, and client services. Known for her ability to adapt quickly and implement efficient systems, she became a trusted professional who consistently delivered reliable outcomes.
Kylie’s strong community ties and passion for supporting others inspired her transition into aged care leadership. Today, as one of the owners of Senior Helpers, she is dedicated to ensuring seniors and people living with disabilities receive high-quality care delivered with dignity and respect. Her background in administration, combined with her commitment to people and community, makes her a driving force in creating compassionate, reliable, and client-focused services that truly enhance quality of life.
In any industry, true strength is best measured by its people. It’s measured in the passion of a small business owner serving their local community, the innovation of a support manager driving their network forward, and the vision of leaders who dedicate their careers to lifting the entire sector.
a testament to the power of a franchise model built on a foundation of compassion, integrity, and a relentless focus on making a genuine difference in people's lives. They exemplify how franchising can deliver not just economic returns, but essential social outcomes.
The inaugural Franchise Industry Awards (FIA), held in a glittering ceremony in Sydney on June 25th, were created for one central purpose: to find and celebrate the heroes of franchising. After a rigorous, independent judging process and months of anticipation, we finally had the chance to put these champions in the spotlight they so richly deserve. The night was a powerful statement about the excellence, resilience, and profound sense of community that defines franchising in Australia.
At the pinnacle of our celebration was the crowning of the inaugural Franchisor of the Year, an award sponsored by Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers that represents the highest standard of business operation, franchisee support, and strategic vision.
Of course, a franchisor is only as strong as its network of franchisees, the business owners on the front line every day. The Franchisee of the Year awards recognise these incredible operators. The award for Franchisee of the Year - Multi-Unit, sponsored by Norton Rose Fulbright, was won by the formidable Charles Batt of Mail Boxes Etc. Charles’s success showcases the immense potential for growth and scalability within a franchise system. Building a successful multi-unit operation requires not just business acumen, but exceptional leadership, an unwavering commitment to brand standards, and the ability to empower multiple teams across different locations. Charles is a hero not just for his commercial success, but for proving what’s possible through dedication and strategic expansion.
This prestigious title was awarded to Nurse Next Door Home Care Services. In a sector as vital and sensitive as home care, Nurse Next Door has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to its franchisees and the communities they serve. Their victory is
In the Franchisee of the Year - Single Unit category, sponsored by Access Offshoring, we celebrated the heart and soul of local business. This award was taken out by Sally and Steve Kacsics of Muffin Break Toormina. Their achievement highlights the vital role that single-unit franchisees play in their local communities. They are often the face of the brand, building personal relationships with customers and creating a hub of local activity. Sally and Steve represent the thousands of
s napshot o F winners
franchisor of the year
Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
franchisee of the year - multi-unit
Charles Batt of Mail Boxes Etc.
franchisee of the year - single unit
Sally and Steve Kacsics of Muffin Break Toormina.
outstanding contribution by an individual to franchising
Jan Timms of Get Smart Services Pty Ltd.
franchise woman of the year
Caitlin Macumber from Plus Fitness
Carrara and Southport
franchisees across Australia who pour their heart into their business, demonstrating that success is built one customer, one coffee, and one connection at a time.
Some heroes are defined by a lifetime of dedication. The coveted award for Outstanding Contribution by an Individual to Franchising, sponsored by Quest, was won by the truly deserving Jan Timms of Get Smart Services Pty Ltd. This award recognises an individual whose efforts have had a lasting and significant impact on the franchising sector as a whole. Jan’s work has helped shape the industry, support countless professionals on their own journeys, and champion the values of ethical, successful franchising. She is a titan of our industry, and we are all beneficiaries of her enduring legacy.
The awards also rightly recognised the rising stars and diverse leaders who are shaping the future of our sector. The Franchise Woman of the Year award, sponsored by ANZ, was won by the inspiring Caitlin Macumber from Plus Fitness Carrara and Southport. Caitlin’s victory is a powerful reminder of the incredible female leadership within franchising. Her success in a competitive market demonstrates innovation, business savvy, and a deep commitment to her members' health and wellbeing.
The heroism in our sector is found at every level. It’s in the support office, where dedicated managers work behind the scenes to ensure franchisees have the tools they need to succeed. We celebrated these heroes through our People Awards, recognising individuals like Catherine Holloway of Foodco Group as Franchise Field Manager of the Year, Jason Robson from Bakers Delight as Franchise Manager of the Year, Ari Nalbandian from Schnitz as Franchise Finance Manager of the Year, and Megan Dehass from Concept Eight as Franchise Marketing Manager of the Year. These individuals are the essential link, the support system, and the strategic drivers who empower the entire network.
These awards, independently judged and highly coveted, are a clear demonstration of the value our industry places on excellence and compliance. They are also a critical part of our broader advocacy. As we continue our dialogue with the government about the future of our industry’s regulation, these winners stand as clear evidence. They show a sector that is mature, responsible, and worthy of the co-regulatory model we are proposing, a model that fosters excellence from within, rather than imposing it from without. Celebrating our heroes is paramount. So is protecting the environment in which they operate. That work takes us directly to the halls of power.
As the 48th Parliament of Australia sat for the first time in late July, I was in Canberra for a full schedule of meetings. We met with new and re-elected members and senators from across the political spectrum to ensure the voice of franchising is heard as the government’s legislative agenda takes shape. These meetings are the first step in a critical new chapter of advocacy on behalf of our members, so the people who make the laws understand the immense contribution our sector makes, and the support it needs to continue building businesses and creating heroes in every corner of Australia.
about Jay westbury:
CEO Jay Westbury brings over two decades of experience in leading peak industry bodies, including his previous roles as CEO of Retail Drinks Australia (formerly Australian Liquor Stores Association) and the Australian Travel Industry Association (formerly Australian Federation of Travel Agents). Both sectors have close ties to franchising, giving Jay a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this industry.
The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is the peak industry body for franchising in Australia, representing both franchisors and franchisees. With a rich history spanning four decades, the FCA is committed to promoting excellence, best practices, and innovation in the franchising sector. As a national voice on franchising, the FCA advocates for the interests of its members and works collaboratively to ensure the growth and success of franchising in Australia.
Phone: 03 9508 0888
Email: info@franchise.org.au
Web: www.franchise.org.au
There is a lot said by innovation, agility and disruption in business, however in franchising, consistency is the real superpower. It is the invisible thread that connects every franchise to their customers, their brand and their long-term success.
Customers today are more connected and informed than ever. Whether they are walking into a store, booking a service online or engaging via social media, they are expecting a smooth, consistent and professional experience. Every interaction shapes how your business and the wider brand are perceived. That’s why even small inconsistencies, such as a delayed reply or a missed confirmation, may have a bigger impact than we often realise.
So, how do you, as a franchise, deliver that kind of experience at scale, day after day, without burning yourself out or becoming overly reliant on head office?
The answer lies in smart systems, clear expectations and practical digital tools, in order to build confidence, capability and customer loyalty from the ground up.
Let’s start with the inaccurate common myth that systemisation kills the human touch.
What systems do is create the space for personality. When your core processes, such as booking, quoting, confirming appointments or collecting reviews are streamlined and templated, your franchise gets to show up where it counts the mostconnecting with your customers, solving problems and building relationships.
For example, an automated follow-up message does not have to be robotic. Done well, it can reflect your tone of voice, reinforce your brand values and show that you authentically care about the customer. Something as simple as a templated thank-you message sent after a service call, can make a customer feel seen and valued, especially when a request for feedback follows it.
These small, yet significant touchpoints, repeated consistently, build something powerful – trust.
Creating a digital operations playbook is one of the smartest investments a franchisee can make. Think of it as your business-in-a-box - a set of clear and repeatable processes for how your team answers enquiries, responds to complaints, manages jobs or even asks for a Google review.
This is all about creating clarity where you are building a system that trains new team members faster, reduces room for error and allows anyone in your business to step into a role and know what success and efficiency looks like.
It also sets a clear standard across shifts and staff. Whether it’s the weekend casual or your longest-serving technician, every customer should feel like they are getting the same level of care. And that only happens when there is a documented process in place, not when service delivery lives in one person’s head.
From front line to feedback –listening and responding in real time
One of the most underused assets in franchise operations is real-time customer feedback. It is those everyday interactions, including comments on social media, star ratings on review sites or a quiet remark to one of your team members.
When you begin collecting and analysing feedback in one central place, clear patterns start to emerge. You might find that one service consistently earns praise, while another could benefit from attention or support. These insights allow you to refine your processes, coach your team more effectively and strengthen your overall offering, removing the guesswork from continuous improvement.
Even more powerful than collecting feedback is responding to it promptly, especially when it’s not entirely positive. A thoughtful, timely reply that takes ownership and offers a genuine solution can turn a potentially negative experience into an opportunity to build trust. In many cases, it not only restores confidence but also brings the customer back.
One common misconception among franchisees is that brand consistency sits solely with head office. In reality, it’s just
As Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand, Elise Balsillie leads teams across customer channels, helping businesses streamline operations, embrace technology and grow with confidence through digital transformation.
With more than 25 years of experience in media, education and technology, including two decades at Thryv, Elise is passionate about empowering small businesses and delivering solutions that provide them a competitive edge. Under her leadership, Thryv has been recognized as an ‘Employer of Choice’ for two consecutive years, reflecting her commitment to people and culture.
“ As a franchisee, success doesn’t come from doing everything - it comes from doing the most important things well, time and time again. With the right systems supporting you, delivering consistent excellence becomes not just achievable, but sustainable.”
as much your responsibility, because to your local customers, you are the brand. Customers don’t return to businesses that feel unpredictable, especially in a franchise. Digital tools can help here. Schedule regular social media posts using pre-approved assets. Create a library of responses to common questions that your team can personalise. While these are small elements, they do compound over time.
Consistency in this lens means being recognisable, reliable and trusted.
If you have ever hesitated to embrace systems out of concern that they will strip away your individuality, it’s worth reframing their role. Well-designed systems don’t turn your business into a replica; they create the structure that allows you to grow with confidence, clarity, and consistency. They allow you to spend less time fixing
avoidable mistakes and more time leading your team, deepening customer relationships and exploring new opportunities. They make delegation possible. They reduce burnout. And they give you back the mental space to think strategically, not just reactively.
Franchisees who embrace repeatable and digital processes don’t just run smoother operations; they are also more confident. Their teams are more engaged. And their customers come back, not because they are dazzled by gimmicks, but because they trust what they will get every single time.
Consistency is about delivering value in a way that builds trust, loyalty and growth.
As a franchisee, success doesn’t come from doing everything - it comes from doing the most important things well, time and time again. With the right systems supporting you, delivering consistent excellence becomes not just achievable, but sustainable. v
Many years ago in my strategic management consulting days, I was tasked by a C suite leader to investigate how an acquisition had been valued. In hindsight, the team had significantly overvalued the business and the CFO wanted to understand what we could learn for future deals.
Amongst other causes, I found a calculation error that inflated the price. When I raised it, the team lead insisted I call it an 'input variation', not an error. The CFO wasn’t impressed. With some ferocity he told me to call it what it is: We stuffed up. Call it an error! This was a great lesson, but also highlighted a common frustration for senior executives everywhere: Why don’t they people admit their mistakes?
My initial assumption was that taking blame makes them look bad and they don’t like criticism. That pointed the finger at ego - and sure, ego plays a role - but is that the whole story? This assumption might be true sometimes, but it’s a pretty useless perspective if I wanted to create more transparent and open cultures across diverse teams. It got me thinking: What else might be true?
assumptions: Fast, flippant and often flawed
As humans, we naturally use assumptions to navigate the world. Assumptions are fast and convenient, but rarely perfect. Judging others as "egotistical" might feel satisfying, but it offers little use if we need to influence change. If I said to someone who I wanted to be more transparent, “Hey, you. Stop being so egotistical.” I suspect it may backfire.
As leaders, we need to understand, motivate and influence large, diverse groups. Not everyone who hides a mistake has a massive ego. I didn’t hide my report card as a kid because of my arrogance. This
is where empathy and perspective taking become more than a nice-to-have, soft skills. If we want to be a leader worth following we need the capabilities to really understand what drives people. To know why people do what they do.
Sadly, many papers written on empathy focus on why it is important, but not how to apply it. This is why as a speaker and trainer on empathy, I developed a Perspective Taking Tool to make empathy practical. Here is how it works: Write the behaviour you're trying to understand in a box in the middle of a sheet of paper: “People not owning their errors.”
Then, to the left, brainstorm rational reasons for this behaviour, for example:
• Didn’t know it was an error worth talking about.
• Unsure of how to speak about issues.
• Don’t have the capacity to fix or redo the work.
• Had no idea an error was made in the first place.
• Don’t know who they should speak to.
Whether or not you find these compelling reasons or not doesn't matter. The point is to get outside your own narrow perspective and consider what might be driving others. Next, to the right of the box consider potential emotional drivers:
• Fear of losing their job.
• Embarrassment of making mistakes in front of peers.
• Arrogance or egotistical beliefs.
• Concern for the impact it will have on others.
• Guilt or shame about making the mistake.
In this list, you can already see a diversity of drivers ranging from arrogance at one end to fear and shame at the other. Again, these may not drive you - but this is not about you, it is about understanding others. Imagine accusing someone of being an egotistical jerk when they are already burdened with guilt heavy on their shoulders.
We can also examine maro-structural or policy drivers: regulatory scrutiny, hierarchical reporting lines, internal competition, reward structures and punitive rules. Consider cultural drivers: avoidant cultures that fear conflict, aggressive cultures that blame and ostracise failures, or the ‘only good news’ cultures that sweep issues under the rug. Finally, social influences - the
reactions and perceptions of peers, customers and especially managers. How a manager reacts to the first issue raised sends a strong message to everyone on what they should do when the next mistakes happen.
Stepping back, there are many reasons people don’t take ownership of mistakes and it may be more than one. Being right though is not the point. The goal isn’t to land on the reason or accept the behaviour as inevitable. Errors will occur and we need to address them - but with more empathy for people, we are better placed to lead and influence change.
This is the power of empathy. It isn’t a softskill, it is challenging. It isn’t being nice, it is seeking understanding. Empathy is the ability to explore diverse human behaviours with curiosity rather than judgement. To break out of assumptions in search of more. Empathy helps us build teams, organisations and communities with more trust, connection and commitment.
In a world where algorithms are being deployed rapidly to automate decisions, reinforce biases and accelerate our judgemental nature, it will be those who develop and embed empathy as a strategic capability that will create sustainable competitive advantage. Empathy is no longer a ‘nice to have’; in our modern world, it is amongst the most valued human skills we have left.
about Daniel murray: Daniel Murray, author of The Empathy Gap, is a sought-after keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who helps senior leaders and their teams unlock performance by leading with empathy, building trust and fostering a high-performance culture. His work blends behavioural science, emotional intelligence and leadership strategy to build more connected, resilient and committed teams.
For more information, visit danielmurray.au
In the world of franchising, your brand is only as strong as your ability to grow it, consistently, predictably, and profitably. And while most franchisors focus heavily on operations and training, far too many underestimate what really drives momentum at the local level: marketing systems that scale.
That’s where The Checklist Group (TCG) comes in.
TCG isn’t just another marketing agency. It’s a growth engine built for service-based
franchises, specialising in pre-launch hype, high-converting content, and loyalty-driven retention systems. With a growing track record of successful international launches and franchise expansions, TCG is quickly becoming the go-to marketing partner for franchise brands ready to dominate their category.
Laura Ridley is the powerhouse founder behind The Checklist Group, where she founded it back in 2019. With a deep background in content strategy, brand building, Sales Conversion and digital execution, Laura’s approach goes far beyond ads, she builds systems that drive sales, build loyalty, and create unstoppable momentum from the ground up.
“ TCG isn’t just another marketing agency. It’s a growth engine built for service-based franchises, specialising in prelaunch hype, high-converting content, and loyalty-driven retention systems.”
Franchise recruitment Marketing
Franchise growth starts with the right people, and TCG knows how to attract them.
Franchise recruitment isn’t just about ads; it’s about telling a story that sells the opportunity. Through tailored digital campaigns, high-converting funnels, and content that builds authority, The Checklist Group helps franchisors:
• Create professional information packs, recruitment videos, and landing pages
• Launch paid ad campaigns on Meta, Google, and LinkedIn targeting ideal franchisee profiles
• Use Scroll Stopper content to generate attention and build brand credibility
• Build nurture sequences (email, SMS, retargeting) that convert interest into enquiries
• Track every step with performance dashboards and CRM integration
Location pre-Launch & grand opening Marketing
Once a franchisee signs on, the next critical step is getting them busy, fast.
The Checklist Group provides a full Launch Accelerator System to help franchisees generate leads, build awareness, and make sales from Day 1. This includes:
• Scroll Stopper branded content packs customised for the new location
• Hyper-localised Meta and Google ad campaigns
• Lead capture landing pages and booking funnels
• Founding member or early bird campaign strategy
• Email & SMS nurture flows designed to convert leads into bookings
• Launch calendar, countdown posts, and hype campaigns
This approach has been successfully used across gym franchises, tutoring centres, and beauty service brands.
c ase stUdy: success tutoring hQ
Success Tutoring partnered with TCG to create a marketing model that could be rolled out across new franchisees fast. Through a combination of localised advertising, Scroll Stopper content, and automated nurture systems, they were able to:
• Franchise Growth from 12 sites to over 120 territory sites sold in just 12 months
• Consistently generates over 450+ Leads per month, with prospects interested in becoming a franchisee.
• Provide a 12 week pre-sale campaigns, where franchisees were guaranteed to be profitable from day 1 before opening.
• Enrol students before the location even opened its doors
• Provide an ongoing strategy to ensure locations were able to double their launch results within 12 months.
c ase stUdy: UbX boxing and strength
TCG has been a preferred supplier for over 6 years with UBX boxing and strength. This year in 2025, they were able to launch one of their small regional town with over 230 members before opening.
• UGC-based content featuring coaches, clients, and local stories
• Paid Ad Pre-Sale Strategy that generated consistent lead generation
• Sales Coaching and Organic Marketing Support to ensure they were supported and turning leads into paying customers.
post-Launch retention & recurring revenue — powered by subscripter
TCG doesn’t just help franchises launch, they help them last.
Ridley, is in the processes of launching and developing, Subscripter. This is is the next evolution of TCG’s growth ecosystem. It’s a loyalty and membership platform that allows franchises to:
• Sell subscription-based services (like weekly tutoring, monthly gym access, prepaid beauty bundles, coffee subscriptions in cafes) to increase recurring revenue within small to medium-sized businesses.
• Reward loyalty with an internal and external credit system turning it into a lead generation machine.
• Track engagement and usage across franchise locations
• Build retention campaigns based on real customer behaviour
• Offer cross-brand loyalty rewards between Subscripter-powered businesses (Yes that’s right! You can create a membership with you favourite referral business!)
For franchisors, Subscripter provides a network-wide dashboard, helping you:
• Monitor member performance by location
• Improve customer LTV and reduce churn
• Increase monthly recurring revenue (MRR)
• Add an attractive value proposition to your franchise opportunity
Why Franchisors trust the checklist group
TCG was built with franchisors in mind, not just marketers, but strategic partners who understand how to grow a brand from the ground up.
What makes tcg different?
• Specialists in franchising, we don’t guess, we build systems that work across networks
• Proven content engine Scroll Stopper content that’s battle-tested in the field
• Full-funnel support from recruitment, to launch, to loyalty and retention
• White-glove service built-for-you campaigns and launch playbooks
• Results-first focus every campaign is tracked, reported, and refined
• We like to move fast, and are an extension of your team - not just a service. We actually explain to you whats working, and build strategies together.
Final thoughts: ready to expand smarter?
If you’re planning to launch new sites, recruit new franchisees, or increase performance across your existing network, don’t leave it to chance. Leave it to a system.
The Checklist Group helps franchisors go from scattered efforts to structured growth, with content that connects, campaigns that convert, and tools that scale.
Book a Strategy Call with The Checklist Group to see how our Franchise Expansion Package can support your growth goals.
Register Interest in Subscripter to be first in line for the loyalty platform built for modern franchises and service based businesses.
The Checklist Group. We don’t just do marketing. We build growth machines.
Head to www.thechecklistgroup.com to book a call, or email laura@thechecklistgroup.com
@thechecklistgroup @subscripter
You’re building on a proven model, with brand recognition and established systems. You’re looking at premises, thinking about how your team might come together—and you can already feel what opening day will be like.
But, even successful franchisees can face unexpected hurdles when applying for finance. Whether you’re looking to acquire your first franchise, expand to a second location, or perhaps just upgrade some equipment, understanding why loans are commonly declined (and how to avoid it) is essential.
So, let’s make sure your next loan application doesn’t end with a burst bubble. Below
I’ll unpack five common reasons franchise finance applications are rejected—and what
you can do to improve your chances of getting that big green “Approved” stamp!
Lenders want to see that any debt you take on is part of a well-considered plan—not a ‘band-aid’ fix. Vague explanations like “contribute to setup costs”, or “additional working capital” don’t give lenders much comfort. This can make lenders hesitant and increase the risk of a decline.
How to avoid it:
• Be specific: “We’re applying for $120,000. 75% of the funds will be used to fund some new kitchen equipment, and the balance to refurbish our main seating area as part of a strategic brand refresh. The new equipment will allow us to offer additional menu items and help us increase revenue by 15%.”
• Use figures: If you’re a startup then be sure
to show the lender a clear financial forecast, otherwise clearly explain the expected revenue outcomes. If the loan is refinancing an existing debt or replacing a recurring cost, be sure to highlight that.
• Tie the loan purpose to your overall business strategy!
In the modern finance world lenders will typically assess both your personal and business credit history. And of course, if you’re just getting started, your personal credit history is really all there is for them to go on! Even with strong franchisor backing, a poor credit record is a big red flag. Late payments, payment defaults, and other adverse history can leave deep and longlasting footprints on your credit file.
Some common flags
• Pay ment defaults – particularly for life or business essentials, or where those defaults are not quickly rectified.
• High levels of debt or enquiry –particularly from lenders that indicate financial stress (such as payday lenders).
The credit assessor is reaching for his red stamp in a big hurry…
How to avoid it:
• Ensure critical payments are always made on time, and don’t fall into the trap of thinking ‘it’s OK to delay’. Lenders want to see you pay your bills on-time, every-time!
• Review your credit reports early—both personal and any existing business entities.
• Settle old debts and avoid unnecessary credit applications in the lead-up to applying.
Franchise businesses often require more complex documentation. Lenders want to understand not just your financials, but also the franchise agreement, business plan, and how you’ll manage your obligations.
Frequent issues include:
• Applying in the wrong legal entity or being unclear about your business structure.
• Missing business plans—or ones that haven’t been tailored to the specific franchise or market—can hurt your chances.
• Financial forecasts that are missing critical components or are wildly unrealistic.
• Incomplete disclosure documents.
OK, we know where this is going…
How to avoid it:
• Gather all necessary documents early: business plans, financial forecasts, franchise agreement, franchisor disclosure statements.
• Make sure your business name is correct (and the same) across all your important documents, from premises lease to franchise agreement.
• Be ready to explain your business operations, competitive advantage, and loc al market context.
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business— and lenders scrutinise it closely. Even if your business is turning a profit, uneven cash flow (due to seasonality, rising costs, or
Phil chaplin the Chief Executive Officer of the CFI Finance Group, a specialist finance company servicing the franchise, accommodation, and fitness sectors as well as small businesses more broadly across Australia and New Zealand.
Phil has over 20 years’ experience in providing finance to businesses across Australia and New Zealand and has managed finance companies in the private and banking sectors, he is a former chair of the Equipment Finance division of AFIA.
underperformance) can make a loan seem
Here’s an example:
A café franchise in a holiday-heavy coastal town might do 60% of its revenue between November and February—but show lean months outside that window. Your lender wants to know that you’ll still be able to make your payments in those quieter months, if they’re not sure then they’re not going to say ‘yes’…
How to avoid it:
• If your business has seasonal swings, explain how you manage them—whether that’s through staffing, supplier terms, or off-peak promotions.
• Use an accounting system or reports that allow you to show month-by-month turnover and show that you understand the timing of your revenue.
Franchise owners often underestimate how many finance options exist—and choosing the wrong one might lead to rejection or perhaps worse (like repayments that strain your business).
Examples of mismatches:
• Using an unsecured loan for long-term equipment that would be better suited to asset finance.
• Seeking a term-loan to cover short term cash-flow needs such as seasonality, and then paying interest for money you don’t need.
How to avoid it:
• Talk to a specialist in franchise finance— preferably one who understands your industry segment.
• Compare product types: secured vs unsecured, fixed vs variable, term loan vs overdraft, etc.
• Match the loan term to the asset’s useful life—for example, a fit-out or equipment loan should typically align with the expected number of years you’ll use those assets.
bonus tip: Leverage your Franchisor relationship
Lenders often take confidence from strong franchise systems. If you’re part of a wellknown or proven brand, make that front and centre. Some lenders even have pre-approved franchise lists (accredited franchise networks), which can streamline the process.
Here’s some ways to use this to your advantage:
• Include franchisor training details, support systems, and brand reputation in your application.
• If possible, supply benchmarking data showing average turnover or success rates across the network or from other similar stores.
• If your franchisor has referred you to a specific lender or broker, that’s often a strong signal.
Franchise businesses can be attractive to lenders but that doesn’t mean your loan approval is guaranteed. Understanding the common pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them can significantly improve your funding approval chances.
Before you apply, ask yourself:
• Can I clearly explain how the funds will be used?
• Is there a black mark on my credit history that I could fix or explain?
• Is my paperwork ready, complete, and accurate?
• Do my financials or forecasts show I can repay the loan?
• Am I applying for the right type of loan?
And remember, if you’re unsure on any of these, you’re not alone. It’s ok to seek some expert advice before applying for finance— and it often makes all the difference. So make sure you speak to your franchisor, lean on your accountant, and work with a finance expert who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of franchising to help you get that big green tick of approval! v
There’s nothing quite like the buzz of walking away from a boring day-job and stepping into a new business where you are the actual owner. The thrill of owning your own business has excited countless thousands of people seeking to build something for themselves and their family. But making that move also comes with the obligation to work hard to ensure it is successful. And this is something that puts off some people.
But what if your new business was not just a chance to be the boss, but also comes with an exclusive territory and excellent profit margins in the auto aftermarket industry? Well, this is what a Dr Tint & Wrap franchise offers aspiring new small business owners.
A very successful New Zealand car window tinting company, and franchisor, Dr Tint & Wrap is coming to Australia, and brand-new franchises are currently available in Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Dr Tint & Wrap franchises represent an outstanding opportunity for aspiring bosses to start their own business in the booming window tinting and vehicle wrapping market. To make sure each new Dr Tint franchisee gets off to a solid and successful start, Dr Tint & Wrap provides one of the most comprehensive training programs available. Car window tinting demands a critical eye for detail and a commitment to delivering value to each and every customer. Dr Tint’s technicians ensure that new franchisees are fully skilled and knowledgeable in the work as they embark on their new venture.
This training, which lasts three months and extends to a full year, is based on the extensive experience of the Dr Tint & Wrap team who have refined the training and support for franchisees to a standard that is the envy of the trade.
Not only will you start your new business fully trained and confident, but you will be able to buy your stock at industry-best prices helping you be profitable from the start. This is something that many independent start-ups find difficult to achieve, but which Dr Tint has addressed by being well established in the field and by being able to buy on behalf of all the franchisees in the Dr Tint & Wrap network.
The other thing about a Dr Tint & Wrap franchise is that its services are not confined to just car window tinting and wrapping. Window glass tinting, especially in hot climates, is becoming more and more popular for homes and offices, and the Dr Tint tinting applications apply to this market as well. Just as with a car window tint, windows in a home
or office benefit greatly from tinting to reduce glare and heat, plus it is the ideal way to enhance privacy and security in increasingly crowded urban spaces.
Now, in 2025, this successful New Zealand company is expanding and coming to Queensland. Franchised territories in Brisbane and Gold Coast will be announced shortly. Each new franchisee invests in a fully set-up, ready-to-go business that not only provides that incredible satisfaction of independent self-employment but does so in a way that anyone with a desire for owning their own business can step into with confidence and with full backing of the Dr Tint & Wrap company.
You don’t need any previous experience to become a window tinting professional. Dr Tint & Wrap will teach you everything you need to know. To see if a Dr Tint & Wrap franchise in Queensland is right for you, call Dr Tint’s Australian representative for a confidential discussion.
Call or email Colin Crawford at WFD Consulting Group on 0425 838 800 or ccrawford@franchisedevelopments.com.au
Your own Business
• Dr Tint & Wrap branded workshop
• Fitted out, stocked and ready to go
Full Training
• Comprehensive, on the job training
• Technical and skills-based under supervision
Buying power
• Buy film stock and materials at best prices
• As part of the Dr Tint & Wrap group advertising and marketing
• Proven advertising that works
• Handled for you by the Franchisor
Dr Tint & Wrap is a leading professional window tinting service provider. Established in New Zealand Dr Tint & Wrap is now arriving in Australia.
Dr Tint & Wrap specialises in car window tinting and glass window tinting for homes and office buildings. They also provide vinyl wrapping for cars and commercial vehicles.
Dr Tint & Wrap outlets are locally owned and operated. Our franchisees operate under our proven business systems that include technical training and support, marketing and online advertising.
Dr Tint & Wrap Australia now offers outstanding opportunities for people seeking genuine selfemployment to join our network and share in our prosperity.
“ In my work with executive teams and support professionals across industries, I see it time and time again: smart, capable people running at full speed but constantly playing catch-up. The problem isn’t effort, it’s structure which means a better day doesn’t require hustle; it requires a redesign.”
about Donna mcg eorg e: Donna McGeorge is a productivity expert and best-selling author of The First 2 Hours. She helps leaders and teams make work work through practical strategies that reclaim time and sharpen impact. Her new book, Red Brick Thinking, will be released in November. Learn more at www.donnamcgeorge.com.
The alarm goes off, and you’re already behind. Before your feet hit the floor, your brain is ticking through your first meeting, unread emails, and that presentation you promised would be ready by lunch. You skim messages on your phone while making breakfast. By 9:00 a.m., you’re already running on fumes. Sound familiar?
Most of us aren’t disorganised or lazy, we’re just trapped in a system that was never designed with our best work in mind. We’ve been so busy trying to keep up that we haven’t stopped to ask “Is the way I’m working actually working?”
In my work with executive teams and support professionals across industries, I see it time and time again: smart, capable people running at full speed but constantly playing catch-up. The problem isn’t effort, it’s structure which means a better day doesn’t require hustle; it requires a redesign.
For executive assistants, the ripple effect of a well-designed day extends beyond your own desk. When you protect time, reduce noise, and eliminate unnecessary friction, you’re not just improving your workflow, you’re elevating the leader you support.
That person relies on you not just to manage logistics, but to create clarity and headspace. Whether it’s shielding them from low-value interruptions or restructuring meetings to be sharper and shorter, your ability to work with the rhythm of the day directly influences their capacity to lead. Subtraction is a professional advantage.
The way most modern workdays are structured is a legacy of outdated thinking. Full calendars, constant accessibility, and
back-to-back meetings have become badges of honour. This is an environment where productivity shrivels.
We keep layering on tools, hacks, and processes, thinking they’ll save us, when really we’re just adding weight. This default of addition where we pile on more meetings, more responsibilities, more everything rarely includes the question, “What could I remove?”
Our energy and focus aren’t infinite. Science shows that our mental clarity peaks in the morning, yet most people spend that time triaging emails or sitting in status meetings. It’s no wonder we feel drained before lunch.
The most powerful shift you can make is to align your day with your natural energy rhythms.
Start with the first two hours. This is your most potent time for proactive, high-impact work. Use it for thinking, creating, planning, not scrolling or scrambling.
The rest of the day flows in four energy zones:
• Proactive (First 2 Hours): Deep work, decision-making, strategic tasks.
• Reactive (Next 2): Meetings, collaboration, feedback.
• Active (Mid-Afternoon): Admin, loweffort tasks, emails.
• Preactive (Late Afternoon): Planning tomorrow, reflecting, closing loops.
This rhythm isn’t a rigid formula, however by tuning into it, you stop burning energy where it’s wasted and start using it where it counts.
Reclaiming time starts not with better scheduling, but with better subtracting. These could be the outdated systems, unnecessary meetings, and invisible expectations we carry without question. Some are small: a weekly call that’s outlived its usefulness. Others are big: entire roles or routines we’ve outgrown.
What would happen if you removed them?
• Cancel or shorten meetings that don’t add value.
• Let go of perfection in tasks that simply need to be done, not done exquisitely.
• Say no without guilt by using a simple values filter: Does this align with what matters right now?
This is how we create space and capacity, not just in your calendar, but in your mind.
Micro-edits that make a macro difference
Redesigning your day doesn’t require a revolution. Sometimes the smallest edits deliver the biggest impact:
• Block your first two hours each day and protect them like gold. You don’t need to fill them — you need to defend them.
• Create a meeting-free morning each week to give yourself space for focused work or creative thinking.
• Replace 60-minute meetings with 25-minute sprints — focused, fast, and respectful of everyone’s time.
• Audit your calendar monthly and ask: What can I remove, reduce, or reschedule?
These aren’t radical moves but they’re real and they add up.
The most game-changing productivity tool you’ll ever find isn’t an app or a planner, it’s agency. The ability to choose, to say no, to redesign the way you work with intention.
You don’t need a crisis to take control of your time. You don’t need a new job or a three-day retreat. You just need one moment of clarity and the willingness to ask: “What can I let go of today that my future self will thank me for?”
Productivity is about doing what matters, when it matters, and having the courage to stop doing what doesn’t.
You’ve got the tools, now give yourself permission. v
Turning a successful business into a franchise is an exciting step. But before rolling out your brand across multiple locations, it’s crucial to ensure your intellectual property (IP) — particularly your trademarks — is properly protected.
Without a robust trademark strategy, you risk losing control of your brand, facing costly disputes, and undermining the very foundation of your franchise network.
In my work with franchisors, I often see businesses focus on operations and growth while overlooking trademark protection. Learn from their mistakes and see how to get it right.
protect your domain name before someone else does Your website is often the first touchpoint for potential franchisees and customers. Yet many franchisors don’t think about trademarking their name to secure their domain name.
Registering a domain name doesn’t give you exclusive rights to use it. If someone trademarks your brand or a similar name, you could be forced to surrender your domain. To avoid this, it’s best practice to align your domain name, business name, and trademark — and secure your trademark early — so your brand is consistently protected across all platforms. A properly registered trademark can help you enforce your rights and stop competitors or rogue operators from misusing your name online.
practical tip: Make sure your domain name is consistent with your trademarked
is an accomplished business and franchise lawyer with over two decades of legal expertise. As the founder of Rise Legal, Helen specialises in delivering strategic and practical commercial and franchise legal solutions. Her exciting career has seen her in pivotal roles at prestigious law firms, consistently offering exceptional legal counsel. Her unique combination of hands-on experience and visionary leadership positions her as an invaluable asset in the realm of commercial law and franchise expertise, assisting franchisors and franchisees in safeguarding their business through comprehensive commercial legal support.
managing d irector | Rise legal Business l awyers | ffices: Gold coast | Perth | Sydney : 1300 064 707 | E: info@riselegal.com.au | https://riselegal.com. au
brand. If you’re expanding overseas, consider securing international domain names early to protect your global presence.
The well-known “UGG” brand story is a cautionary tale for all businesses. An Australian business popularised the use of “ugg” boots, but failed to secure international trademarks for the name. An overseas company trademarked “UGG” in key markets, taking control of the brand outside Australia.
The lesson for franchisors? If you don’t secure your trademarks — especially in markets you plan to expand into — someone else can. This can leave you locked out of your own brand overseas or facing costly legal battles to reclaim it.
Key takeaway:
Trademark registration isn’t just about protecting your current territory. If you have plans to grow nationally or internationally, act early to protect your brand in those jurisdictions.
“Don’t let your brand become someone else’s asset — trademark it before you scale.”
Why your business needs a trademark – especially as a Franchisor
Your trademark is the cornerstone of your franchise. It allows franchisees to trade under your brand, gives you the power to enforce consistent standards, and protects your goodwill. Without one, your entire system is vulnerable.
When we work with franchisors, the first step is to address their trademarks. The trademarks are disclosed to all franchisees in the mandatory disclosure document, and they expect you to have your brand locked away with a suitable trademark to protect their investment. Your trademark doesn’t just protect your name —it safeguards the goodwill you’ve worked hard to build. It also creates a tangible business asset that can increase the value of your franchise network,
making your business more attractive to buyers or investors.
If you don’t have a trademark, you risk:
• Losing control of your brand to competitors or franchisees.
• Infringement disputes that cost time, money, and reputation.
• Difficulty expanding your franchise nationally or internationally.
• Losing franchisees you have spent ages recruiting.
practical tip: Register your trademarks in all relevant classes. This ensures your protection covers not just your core product or service but also related areas you may expand into.
Is your business name trademarkable?
Ma ny business owners assume that registering a business name with ASIC gives them ownership. It doesn’t. ASIC registration only allows you to trade under that name — it doesn’t prevent others from using it.
A trademark, on the other hand, gives you the exclusive right to use that name for your goods or services. When assessing trademarkability, avoid generic or descriptive names. Avoid names that simply describe your location or service (like “Sydney Car Wash”) as they are difficult to protect. Also remember that trademark protection is limited to the classes you register in — owning the trademark in one class doesn’t stop someone using the same name in another industry.
practical tip: Conduct a trademark search before committing to your brand. It’s cheaper to tweak a name now than to rebrand after a legal challenge.
Your logo is more than just a design — it’s a valuable asset. But not all logos can be trademarked. If your logo uses common shapes or generic imagery, it may be difficult to protect.
When creating a franchise-ready logo, aim
for something unique and memorable. Before settling on a design, conduct searches to ensure your logo isn’t too similar to existing ones otherwise, your application could be rejected, or worse, you could unknowingly infringe on someone else’s rights. This not only increases your chances of securing trademark protection but also strengthens your brand identity in a competitive market.
practical tip: Avoid using stock images or overused symbols in your logo. Instead, work with a designer who understands trademark requirements.
Restrictive covenants (restraints of trade) in franchise agreements are vital — but they only work if your trademark is enforceable. Without proper trademark protection, it’s harder to stop ex-franchisees from competing under a similar name or leveraging your brand reputation.
practical tip: Combine strong trademarks with well-drafted restraint clauses in your franchise agreements. This two-pronged approach safeguards your brand long after a franchisee leaves your network.
Franchising without a robust trademark strategy is like building on sand. Your trademarks — your name, logo, and other brand assets — are what franchisees are really buying into. They deserve the same level of attention as your operations manual or disclosure documents.
If you’re preparing to franchise or already operating without proper trademark protections in place, now is the time to act.
Next steps:
• Audit your current IP assets.
• Secure trademark protection for your name, logo, and domain.
• Review your franchise agreements to ensure they align with your trademark rights.
At Rise Legal, we specialise in helping franchisors protect and grow their brands. With fixed fees, plain-English advice, and fast turnaround times, we make it easy for you to secure your most valuable assets and expand with confidence.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified commercial lawyer for personalised advice related to your specific circumstances. Individual liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
B eyond the Counter: what it really takes to succeed in a food franchise
s C aling B eyond 3 lo C ations: addressing F ran C hise C hallenges with smart strategies
the se C ret sau C e o F F ran C hise su CC ess are you getting eeaten alive by the competition?
About 17 years ago I published an article headed “How many pizzas can one country eat ?” due to over saturation of pizza franchises in Australia at that time.
Since then, I could have written a similar article about our oversupply of ice cream and yoghurt, burgers, coffee and chocolate and more recently Bubble Tea franchises to name a few.
On the other hand, where would we be without food and franchising... hungry !
Many things have changed in the hospitality sector over the last five years with changes in our governments migration policies, free trade agreements, tariff wars, wars and cost of living issues.
Despite all this we continue to see great activity in the franchise sector and greater interest from overseas franchise systems.
The QSR / fast food sector continues to be one of the most successful sectors in franchising. Even with some casualties when one door closes, another cafe opens and from adversity there is great opportunity !
Qsr- what is it?
We hear the phrase constantly, but what does it actually mean? Quick Service Restaurants (fast food outlets) focus on giving
customers quick, convenient, and affordable meals focusing on speed of service, counter service or drive-thru options. They are the McDonald's, Boost Juice, Hungry Jack’s, Gong Cha and Guzman y Gomez style brands.
QSR’s differ to fast food casual restaurants where they are encouraged to dine in and wait for their meal.
The key challenges for QSR franchisees continue to be oversupply in certain sectors, occupancy costs (rents) and wage costs. Consumers are also more health conscious and want to see sustainability initiatives from franchise systems.
The key marker for success is still consistency in food delivery, speed, digital ordering and the ability to package up meals to be cost effective.
What’s happening in food and franchising in 2025?
Here are some interesting numbers (source IBIS World):
• The franchise market size is around $201 bn and only increased around 1.7% in 2025
• The Fast Food and takeaway sector contribute around $29.7 bn in that sector
• This sector has grown by 2.9% in 2025.
• The next 5 years projection is that there will be slow growth.
Franchised businesses pre covid were slow and steady, helped by rising disposable income and positive consumer sentiment. Since then, there have been cost of living pressures, wars, supply chain issues, and increased operational and supply costs have made it difficult for business and affected consumer confidence. The increased costs have also impacted on profit.
The bigger franchise systems such as Metcash, Harvey Norman, Subway, Dominos, and McDonalds have been able to absorb this negative impact and adapt to the changed conditions and consumer trends whereas many smaller franchise systems have not had the same resilience.
Australia is a multicultural society, embracing foods from many countries from noodles to pappadums, pasta to sushi, kebabs to gyros, burgers to pho and this diversity in offering has encouraged many overseas franchisors to enter the Australian market.
recent Franchise war stories –too many burgers not enough population?
There will always be some franchise systems that fail in our market and usually you can identify why they failed due to inadequate
research or oversupply, or their product and service offer just didn’t stack up with their competitors.
Carl Jr which had grand plans to enter the Australian market and compete with our established burger chains but failed to gain traction. There are a number of reasons why they found it hard to enter into the market here, despite their success overseas.
Now Wendy’s has sought to re-enter the market with new owners, and it will be interesting to see how they track going forward.
For franchisees the key take out from the above is ”choose wisely” as even though it may be a new and exciting franchise opportunity taking up a new franchise brand carries greater risk than taking up an existing brand.
Taking up a franchise and then watching the brand exit the market is disheartening and will crystallise a loss so choose carefully and seek advice before you take up a new franchise opportunity.
The key issues for overseas system coming to Australia are understanding our consumer tastes which differ from say the US or the UK as well as our planning costs and delays and wages and occupancy costs all of which mean you have to carefully assess if the franchise will be viable in the Australian market even if highly successful overseas. This is more so as the new code requires that the franchisors give the franchisees a reasonable opportunity to make a return on their investment.
should I buy an existing franchise or go into a new ‘greenfield” site?
The benefit of buying an existing franchise business, is from day one you have revenue coming in which means you need less working capital for the first 12 months of operation.
In this case, as you are buying a going concern so generally the cost to get into an existing franchise will be higher than if you are set up a greenfield site.
If you are looking to buy an existing franchise business the key things to be aware of would be:
• The Lease – who holds the lease is it the Franchisor or will you be the head tenant? what term is left on the lease if any existing site and is there an option. Does the lease term align with the franchise term? – Are the annual rent increases fixed or to CPI?
Robert toth is Special Counsel and Franchise Specialist at Sanicki Lawyers with over 35 years of experience in franchise, licensing and distribution law.
Robert is also an Accredited Commercial Law Specialist and regularly publishes articles on franchising in Australia and overseas journals and acts for a number of overseas, local and master franchisors and acts in dispute resolution and mediations.
Named by global law experts as Franchise Law Expert of the Year 2025 in Australia. contact Robert@sanickilawyers.com.au or call him on mobile 0412 67 37 57 www.sanickilawyers.com.au
(Note- many leases provided for annual CPI increases which was good for the tenant when CPI was low, however over the past 2 years the CPI has increased substantially so rent reviews to CPI now favour the landlord not the tenant!).
• The Plant and Equipment – is the existing plant and equipment fit for purpose and functional as the cost to upgrade or replace them to comply with the Franchisors operational standards could be very costly.
• Refit or rebrand – check if the franchisor or the lease requires you to refit the premises or rebrand shortly after you buy the business as that can be a substantial extra capital cost.
The benefit of establishing a “new” greenfield” site is that you will have the latest fit out, new plant and equipment and you may be able to negotiate some concessions on fees from the franchisor and also rent concessions from the landlord.
The negative in establishing a new greenfield franchise is that you need to ensure you have sufficient working capital to build the business up over that first 6 to 12 month trading period. Therefore, franchisees should weigh up each option and seek appropriate financial and legal advice.
Over the past three years we have seen an array of prospective new franchises enter the market such as international chains like Wendy's, Chuck E. Cheese, and Firehouse Subs, as well as concepts like Mr. Charlie's ("vegan McDonald's").
Other notable newcomers include Graze Craze, a charcuterie franchise, and Jollibee, a large Filipino fast-food chain. We have also seen Guzman Y Gomez significantly expand.
how many bubble teas can one country drink?
A lot it seems, also known as “Boba” a Taiwanese milk tea when you look at this sector.
The main players being Chatime (165 stores), Gong Cha (172 stores), Sharetea (130 locations) and Palgong Tea (380 stores worldwide) with more being established.
These franchises don’t just sell tea they sell a fun and immersive experience and contribute around $480 million to the franchise sector (source Ibis World) annually with around 300 businesses.
We have also seen an influx of Asian franchise brands such as Tam Jai Mixian, Banana Blossom (14 restaurants), Bing Boy (around
30 stores) and brands from Singapore, S E Asia and Japan.
Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake stores sell those unique, delectable Japanese desserts and is a great example of how to successfully take products overseas and maintain consistency with hands-on training, customised ovens, and adapting recipes with locally sourced ingredients.
going into the franchise and if it has long term appeal and it is not just a passing fad as once you are in a franchise, there is no easy exit, there are only limited options to exit the system.
Despite the challenges confronting business, there are great opportunities in the franchise sector.
We continue to see increased competition and new players in the burger segment with an increase in plant based burger chains and also some new “boutique burger” brands.
Australians continue to have a love affair with their coffee despite increased prices whether it’s from a café, a van or a hole in the wall .. provided its good coffee!
There is a myriad of franchise offerings from low cost mobile franchises such as The Coffee Guy and Xpresso Mobile Café where the investment can be from $60,000 to Hudsons Coffee, Degani and Coffee Club which require an investment from around $350,000 plus.
For new franchisees we recommend that you look at a franchise that suits your lifestyle and skill set, and one that you can see yourself doing long term as many franchises have a certain “life span” after which the franchisee will want to sell or exit.
So, ask yourself if you can see yourself for example selling BBQ chickens in 3 or 4 years. Consider your exit plan at the same time as
• Do your due diligence on the franchisor just as much as they do their due diligence on you.
• Is it a greenfield site which may be a higher risk than an existing business?
• Are you being offered an A, B or C grade site?
• Is the Franchisor big on technology, social media marketing and innovation? if not, how will they compete in the market sector they are in.
• Is the store fit out tired and due for an upgrade?
• Is the plant and equipment new or will it need replacement?
• Will you hold the lease or hold under an occupancy licence.
• What is your budget – what can you afford?
• Ensure you have adequate working capital to cover the first 6 to 12 months of operation (particularly if a new greenfield site).
• Factor in rent increases and fit out upgrades in your cash flow forecasts.
• Make sure the numbers work and you can take a salary for your effort along the way.
Above all to limit your risks and make an informed decision seek advice from a Specialist Franchise Lawyer who is a Member of the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) and get independent financial advice before you jump in !
Sanicki Lawyers have over 35 years of experience in the sector and can help you establish a compliant franchise system , advise you on master franchise rights and also advise you on your proposed new franchise opportunity. v
Australia’s crafted tea scene is booming with market worth AUD 100 million and forecasted to triple by 2034 – yet still missing a crucial ingredient: unapologetic “Attitude in a Cup”
Thailand’s runaway beverage phenomenon where Thai milk-tea heritage meets street-style swagger. From silky Honey Drops to our cloudlike Rock Salt Mousse, we turn everyday cravings into share-worthy moments.
If you’re a forward-thinking operator seeking to launch a concept that is:
• Trend-setting & aesthetically appealing beverage concept
• Offering versatile formats; and
• Superior unit economics
Contact us at:
minorfoodfranchise@minor.com https://www.minorfood.com/en/franchise/international whats is
F illing your C up with
created by new generation of entrepreneurs for new generation of consumers.
It started by the realization that most tea brands in Asia lacked true edge. Sinittara Chuenchoojit, a young graduate from Bangkok, decided not to pursue the corporate rat race, but instead started her own small business she would be proud of. Being interested in fashion and food, she chose to merge both passions, bringing to life a brand that would stand for quality, distinctive character and uncompromising service. The first GAGA was born in 2019. Although it was only a few months before the pandemic, the brand quickly became viral and known for its bold and unconventional beverages. During Covid-19 the business grew faster than any other competitors. With products that travelled well on delivery, such as famous GAGA Overload – a signature bubble milk tea – and GAGA Thai tea - known for its top quality – the number of brand’s enthusiasts increased exponentially, with dozen new stores opening within its first 24 months of existence.
“Welcome to gaga a passionate tea lover and mousse maker”
Despite the intense competition in the milk tea and Thai tea segment, GAGA established itself as a new entrant to be reckoned with - not a typical “bubble tea player”, but rather a proper lifestyle and signature beverage concept. Since its early days, to maintain brand’s edge, the team takes pride in constantly thriving to deliver exceptional (and quirky) customer service, and offering “irreplaceable deliciousness”, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients, like the famous Thai tea – one of the signature items, that comes from the best tea plantations in northern Thailand, giving it the distinctive flavor and fragrance.
Recognized as a trendsetter, GAGA stands out by the concept of “Attitude in a Cup”, emphasizing its boldness, novelty and youthfulness. These characteristics are embodied in aesthetics of product and store design, as well as fun and in engaging service style.
“Going GAGA” means infusing every cup with irresistible attitude that reflects brand’s passion for uniqueness and inspiration to live life with a positive and fearless spirit.
This “attitude” resonates with consumers –ever growing number of engaged followers makes it easy for the brand popularity to propagate. As an example, recent launch of GAGA in Indonesia has generated millions of views of organic content, created by GAGA fans via its social media.
GAGA’s unique positioning, together with instagrammable products and engaging communication, made it become highly sought after by landlords and business partners too. Adding to this versatile and trendsetting design, combined with attractive store economics, the brand is ready to conquer new markets, making a bold statement to its vision of becoming the most loved lifestyle beverage brand globally.
the journey just began
Joining forces with Minor Food Group
propelled the brand fast forward. Growing organically at double digit same store sales growth between 2020-2025, as well as through geographical expansion, the brand made inroads to new markets and is aiming to reach #150+ stores by Q4 2025, with notable growth in Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Laos. Brand new master-franchises are about to get signed in Philippines and Malaysia; with brand presence and its awareness likely to continue to multiply.
From its founding in 1978 with a single beachfront resort in Pattaya, Thailand, Minor International (‘MINT’) is today one of the largest hospitality and leisure companies in the Asia Pacific region. With over 560 hotels
& resorts, 2,669 restaurants and 267 retail trading points of sale, MINT meets the growing needs of consumers in 65 markets across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas.
Minor Food Group as part of MINT, is owner and franchisor of several renowned brands: The Pizza Company, The Coffee Club, Sizzler, Benihana, Thai Express, GAGA, Sanook Kitchen, as well as master franchise partner of Dairy Queen, Burger King, Swensen’s and Bonchon. The group operates across multiple markets out of its hubs in Thailand, China, Singapore, Australia and UAE.
With its unique experience as owner and operator of multiple F&B brands, Minor Food brings franchise support to the next level. Offering highly adaptive concepts, fully localized supply chain, creative digital and loyalty programs, together with dedicated expert team, providing end-to-end customized solutions, Minor invests more in the success of its partners than any other franchisor.
For franchise inquiries or further information please message: minorfoodfranchise@minor.com
Food is more than sustenance. It is a universal language that connects people through taste, tradition, and the shared act of eating. Across cultures, a meal can break the ice, strengthen relationships, and create a sense of belonging.
Everywhere, food shapes identity. The smell of fresh bread, the buzz of a favourite brunch spot, or the comfort of a familiar takeaway all add character to a community. Dining is never just about what is on the plate. It is an experience that helps us explore, celebrate, and unwind.
This connection explains why food franchises endure, even in tough markets. They combine the comfort of trusted flavours with the structure of a proven business model, offering both commercial stability and community impact.
Having coached and consulted franchise owners across Australia, I have seen firsthand that winning in this industry requires much more than a menu that sells. The difference
lies in leadership, mindset, and a deliberate approach to building long-term resilience. In food franchising, great food might bring customers through the door, but it is the business behind the counter that keeps them coming back.
People step into food franchising for many reasons. For some, it is the dream of being their own boss. For others, it is the perceived security of joining a proven model. Many see it as a shortcut to success, believing they can skip the hard work of developing a product, marketing strategy, or operational system from scratch.
The reality is different, as a franchise will not run itself. The systems may be in place, but outcomes depend entirely on how well you execute them. Franchise ownership means long hours, leading a team, managing customers, solving problems under pressure, and keeping sales flowing.
A franchise is a framework, not a guarantee. The brand sets the stage, but you make the show.
One of the most common misconceptions in franchising is that buying into the system guarantees success. It does not.
Franchises give you a map, but you still have to do the driving. That means showing up consistently, trusting the processes, and ensuring your team does the same. Too many franchisees pick and choose which systems to follow or try to “improve” them before mastering the basics. That rarely ends well. Franchisors invest years, even decades, into refining their models. The best-performing franchisees respect that investment, implement the system with discipline, and execute with excellence. But even then, the system is not everything. Leadership is the real make-or-break factor.
The best franchisees are leaders, not just operators. They understand that their people are the frontline, as they’re greeting customers, making the product, solving
problems. If the team is disengaged, undertrained, or misaligned, the business suffers.
Great franchisees create cultures of accountability, positivity, and performance. They invest in training, lead by example, and make their team feel valued. They do not just manage shifts. They develop people.
In my work with franchise owners, I have seen four traits consistently drive results:
• Ownership: Take full responsibility for every outcome. No excuses. No blame.
• Coachability: Stay open to feedback, adapt quickly, and keep learning.
• Intentional Action: Make every decision with purpose. High standards drive momentum.
• Culture Building: Your energy sets the tone. A motivated, aligned team multiplies results.
I have watched franchisees with the worst locations outperform their prime-site peers because they had these traits. Meanwhile, others in high-traffic areas underperformed due to poor leadership and reactive thinking.
sales: your daily nonnegotiable
In food franchising, sales must be active. Opening the doors and turning on the grill is not enough. Customers need a reason to walk in, stay, and return. That reason starts with you.
Sales in this industry are driven by energy, consistency, and genuine connection. Know your locals. Run offers that matter to them. Train your team to upsell naturally. Make every customer feel like a regular. Build visibility both online and on the ground. Never assume the brand name will do all the work.
In addition, top franchisees know their numbers inside out, and they use this data to make smart decisions and to guide their team’s focus.
At its core, sales success is not just about tactics. It is about the mindset you bring every single day.
Final takeaway: are you ready?
If you are considering a food franchise, do not just review the menu or branding. Ask yourself:
• Do I have the resilience to handle pressure, setbacks, and uncertainty?
• Will I show up every day with energy my team can believe in?
• Am I committed to growing myself as much as the business?
tony meredith is a Business Coach and founder of Tony Meredith Coaching. He works closely with franchisors and franchisees in all sectors to help them step off the tools and into true leadership. With more than 25 years of experience in business, sales, and team development, Tony empowers franchise owners to build highperforming, people-first businesses that grow through reputation, trust, and strategic leadership. info@tonymeredithcoaching.com.au https://tonymeredithcoaching.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-meredith-coach/ https://www.facebook.com/tonymeredithcoaching
“ Great franchisees create cultures of accountability, positivity, and performance. They invest in training, lead by example, and make their team feel valued. They do not just manage shifts. They develop people.”
Franchising is not a shortcut. It is a commitment to lead, to sell, to build, and to grow. The food is the product, but you are the engine.
This industry rewards those who take ownership, lead with purpose, and stay in the game when others quit. You do not need
to have it all figured out, but you must be willing to do the work, learn fast, and keep showing up.
If that sounds like you, it might be time to step behind the counter. The framework is there. What you do with it is up to you. v
“ Avalon and her husband, professional footballer Jack McRae, have long been fans of the iconic Sydney-born brand. In fact, Chargrill Charlie’s was the location of their very first date.”
For Avalon McRae, becoming Queensland’s first Chargrill Charlie’s franchisee is more than a business venture, it’s a personal dream come true.
Five weeks into the brand’s 14-week franchise training program, the former HR executive is fully immersed in the experience.
“Charlie’s has around 150 recipes, even though it’s a quick service restaurant, so there’s a lot to learn,” she says.
Avalon and her husband, professional footballer Jack McRae, have long been fans of the iconic Sydney-born brand. In fact, Chargrill Charlie’s was the location of their very first date.
“We lived in Rose Bay and loved the brand.
I always said I’d love to own a Chargrill Charlie’s one day,” she says.
When the family relocated to Brisbane for Jack’s football career, they settled in New Farm, a vibrant suburb that reminded them of their old neighbourhood. But one thing was missing.
“There was no local chicken shop. I immediately thought it would be a brilliant addition.”
After discovering that Chargrill Charlie’s was franchising under the Craveable Brands portfolio, Avalon jumped online and booked an interview, without even telling Jack.
“He was excited when I told him. He’s got a couple of years left in his playing career, so we’re already thinking ahead. This felt like the right next step for our family.”
Their first discovery call confirmed an available opportunity in New Farm and they were the only local applicants.
“That just felt like a sign,” Avalon says.
The application process included a visit to the head office in Sydney. Even during Jack’s demanding footy season, they made time for the trip.
“Meeting the CEO sealed the deal for us. We felt completely aligned with the values and vision of the brand.”
By December, they were formally offered the New Farm location, and Avalon began training two months later.
Training for Real-World Success
Chargrill Charlie’s franchise training is
thorough and practical, combining in-store experience with online coursework.
“From week five, we started online sessions with other Craveable franchisees. The structure is layered, what you learn online, you apply the next day in-store. It’s a really effective model.”
While Jack prepares to take a more active role in the future, for now, Avalon is leading the charge.
“It’s week five and I’m doing it solo. I’ve had to be away from my son, but my mum’s in Brisbane helping out. He knows I’m on a special mission for the family,” she laughs.
During this intensive period, Avalon has leaned on the support and guidance of the Craveable Brands team.
“The support has been amazing, from operations to marketing, and especially the CEO. You don’t feel like you’re doing this alone.”
The New Farm site is currently being converted into a fully fitted-out restaurant, with the Craveable project team overseeing the build.
Meanwhile, Avalon is focused on team recruitment.
“I’ve already hired my chef, he’s training two days a week and will be full-time a month before we open. I’ve also started hiring for senior roles, so they can travel to Sydney and train with me before launch.”
She’s strategic about the rollout.
“ When you’re opening a business, there’s so much to get your head around. With Craveable, the foundations are there. That allows me to channel my energy into building a high-performing team.”
“You can adjust your labour model later, but you can’t make up for a poor start. I want the team to hit the ground running.”
The marketing team is helping develop a local media campaign, building buzz with teaser ads and press coverage in the lead-up to opening.
The Power of the Franchise Model
While Avalon has strong people skills and leadership experience, she acknowledges that the franchise framework gives her the confidence to succeed.
“I know how to build and motivate a team, but I wouldn’t know where to start with inventory or pricing. With a franchise, I can focus on what I’m good at and rely on the brand’s proven systems for the rest.”
She sees this as one of the biggest advantages of franchising, especially for first-time business owners.
“When you’re opening a business, there’s so much to get your head around. With Craveable, the foundations are there. That allows me to channel my energy into building a high-performing team.”
Avalon says it wasn’t the category that drew her in, it was the brand.
“I’m a foodie, and Chargrill Charlie’s speaks to how I like to eat. It’s fresh, honest food. As a mum, if I don’t feel like cooking dinner, I’d feel good about picking up a meal from Charlie’s.”
She adds that the alignment with her values made the decision to invest an easy one.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to own a business I genuinely believe in and have the full backing of a trusted brand.”
For Avalon and Jack, Chargrill Charlie’s represents more than just chicken. it’s a shared future.
“This is a dream we’ve built together. The franchise model has given us the tools to make it real.” v
In the fiercely competitive food and beverage market, a recognisable brand and a proven system are just the starting point. To start cooking with gas, you have to master the art of local marketing. If you’re relying on the brand to attract customers without actively building your local presence, you risk being EEATen alive by the competition.
EEAT is Google’s algorithm that determines the quality and relevance of a website, and more importantly, it’s how customers decide who to trust. It stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. While it’s an expectation that franchise owners should understand marketing, it’s the least likely skill set franchisees bring to the table. Great franchisors provide a clear recipe for success in the business, and offering bite-sized, actionable steps that make local marketing palatable and compelling is a vital part of that process.
What Is eeat and how does It relate to a Food & beverage Franchise?
EEAT isn’t just about search engine rankings; it’s about building a robust and resilient brand at a local level. For a food and beverage franchise, EEAT is the foundation of your reputation and the key to attracting ideal customers and team members.
• Experience: This is about delivering on your brand promise. It’s the taste of your food, the quality of your coffee, and the atmosphere of your store. It’s the entire menu, not just a taste of what might be. Franchisees need to deliver experiences that bring people back, creating a positive word-of-mouth reputation that extends far beyond the brand’s national or global standing.
• Expertise: This is the in-depth knowledge your team has about your products and services. It’s the barista who can recommend the perfect coffee blend or the server who knows the ingredients in every dish. This expertise builds credibility and reinforces that you are a quality brand with quality offerings. It’s a key factor in building the valuable ‘know, like, and trust’ factor that customers seek.
• Authoritativeness: This is your brand’s reputation as a go-to authority in your local community. It’s the public recognition of your quality. Winning awards is a powerful way to build this authority. Displaying awards from organisations like the Australian Small Businesses Champion and the Franchise Association Awards
everywhere - from your store to your social media - signals to customers that you are a brand they can trust and rely on to deliver.
• Trustworthiness: This is arguably the most crucial element of EEAT. It’s the trust you build with your community through consistent quality, positive customer interactions, and transparent communication. One of the most effective ways to build trustworthiness is by encouraging and managing online reviews. A QR code on the counter, at the table, or on a pizza box can make it easy for customers to share their positive experiences. When a poor review does come in, responding quickly and positively shows that you care and are committed to customer satisfaction. Building a steady stream of positive reviews helps to bury the bad ones and solidify your reputation.
While the allure of a recognised franchise brand and proven system remains strong, franchisees must be proactive marketers. Franchisors need to create marketing plans that are simple to follow and campaigns that are easy to implement. It’s about spoon-feeding the information and making it effortless for franchisees to participate. This proactive approach helps your business become a standout success. The goal is to develop opportunities for people to experience the brand locally.
Hello Harry, with 18 stores across Australia, understands this perfectly. For them, local area marketing is all about community
engagement and involvement. Development Agent Deb Fife explains that they have a 12-month marketing calendar that all stores follow, making it easy for franchisees to take action. This calendar includes “sponsoring sports clubs, schools, community groups, volunteering & providing gifting, prizes, vouchers.” This community connection is what builds their brand reputation and creates opportunities for people to experience the brand.
To ensure consistency in this experience, Hello Harry provides extensive training. Head office offers five weeks of training, with one week dedicated to business training, followed by two weeks on-site, with quarterly on-site reviews. This ensures that the frontline team is consistently delivering on the brand promises.
Franchisees can’t rely solely on the head office to do everything for them. The brand’s national reputation gives people a taste of the experience they might have in store, but the local experience is the entire menu. Franchisees must have delectable offerings that match the brand on their menu, and they need to be able to deliver on them, creating experiences that bring people back. This includes tailoring marketing efforts for maximum impact by understanding the local audience.
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“ EEAT isn’t just about search engine rankings; it’s about building a robust and resilient brand at a local level. For a food and beverage franchise, EEAT is the foundation of your reputation and the key to attracting ideal customers and team members.”
Miguelitios Ice Cream, a brand with a 23-year history and 600 stores globally, supports its franchisees through a centrally managed social media strategy. President Michelle Aman explains that HQ’s team creates targeted campaigns using “geotargeting and highly targeted trending topics, plus utilising the credibility of brand ambassadors.” This ‘branding by association’ and leveraging of well-known celebrity figures helps the franchise brand tap into search and build credibility. Dawg Boys, a brand launched in 2021 with eight sites, places a heavy emphasis on building trust through its local marketing. Chris Rishi from Dawg Boys describes their strategy as an “age-old tactic often found in traditional F&B.” He says the company trains its teams to serve with a smile, “approaching people on the street with a highly personalised invitation to come inside the restaurant.” They then seat people instead of solely driving take-away, believing that people are drawn to the busiest restaurant as “that’s a sign it’s good.” This intensive training approach, with four of the six weeks spent in-store and monthly on-site audits, ensures that the service skillset is deeply embedded in the company culture.
The goal is to provide franchisees with a recipe to follow, including bite-sized marketing activities that are compelling and palatable, not overwhelming gluttony. By engaging in tactical local marketing, you can build a reputation of trust and authority that extends far beyond your national brand.
• Develop a simple, actionable marketing calendar that your team can follow.
• Provide comprehensive training on both business operations and the importance of customer service.
• Make it easy for customers to leave reviews, sharing their experience with you on social media, and train your teams on how to respond positively to all feedback.
• Encourage your team to get involved in their local communities through sponsorships and events.
• Utilise tools like geotargeting and automated local marketing and social media platforms to connect with local audiences.
By encouraging locals to taste test your brand and ensuring that your team can deliver on the expected service, you’ll build the trust and authority that’s essential for long-term sustainable growth. v
Gelatissimo is making it easier than ever to scoop success in regional Australia with a limitedtime $50K Regional Incentive Package. If you’ve ever dreamed of bringing award- winning gelato to your hometown, now’s your chance. Be the local hero and get a $50,000 head start to open your very own Gelatissimo store in a thriving regional community.
Premium gelato brand Gelatissimo is turning its focus to regional Australia, following consistent performance across long-standing non-metro locations including Wagga Wagga (19 years), Toowoomba (13 years), Mackay (12 years), and Rockhampton (9 years).
These stores have built strong community connections and proven that premium gelato has a place beyond the big cities.
Gelatissimo has revealed that its regional stores are not only thriving but consistently outperforming expectations, highlighting a clear appetite for high-quality, handcrafted gelato in smaller communities.
“Regional towns are showing incredible enthusiasm for the Gelatissimo brand,” said Anthony Shina, Chief Development Officer at Gelatissimo. “In places like Wagga, Toowoomba, and Rockhampton, we’ve seen customers embrace our gelato in a big way, whether it’s a treat after dinner, a weekend ritual, or just a feel-good moment in the middle of the day.”
Elena Lee, Franchise Partner in Wagga Wagga added, “People in regional towns love quality, and Gelatissimo delivers just that. In Wagga, we’re more than just a gelato store; we’re a gathering spot. The lower competition and strong community vibe make it the perfect environment to thrive as a business owner.”
With 57 stores nationally and a growing international presence, Gelatissimo has recently focused on urban precincts and shopping centres with 10 new stores
successfully opened in the last 12 months. But recent data tells a new story especially in Gelatissimo regional stores: Australians in regional areas are hungry for premium food experiences, and they’re choosing brands that deliver them with heart and consistency.
“What we’re seeing is that regional customers don’t want second best,” Shina added. “They want the same premium experience and exciting flavours you’d get in a major city, and Gelatissimo delivers that. In fact, our regional stores are performing better than the average annual sales across our Metro network accordingly to the last 12 months of sales.”
Gary Wilson, Franchise Partner in Toowoomba, agrees: “We’re successful
because we’ve made that connection with the community. We’ve become a meeting place in the city.”
Backed by a proven franchise model and an award-winning brand offering over 50 gelato flavours made fresh in-store, Gelatissimo is now actively looking for franchise partners in untapped regional centres across the country.
“If you’re passionate about business and want to bring a smile to your community every day, there’s never been a better time to join the Gelatissimo family,” said Shina. This is a limited time offer for franchise partners for new stores in regional Australia.
Enquire today at: franchising@gelatissimo.com.au
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Australia’s leading home-grown café network, The Coffee Club, has unveiled a dynamic new rebrand that honours its rich heritage as an icon of Australian coffee culture, while boldly reimagining itself for a new era.
This refreshed identity champions a distinctive ‘nowstalgic’ personality – a vibrant fusion of the old and the new – that infuses every aspect of the brand.
The new look and feel reflects The Coffee Club’s spirit as a classic Australian café – relaxed, inclusive and authentically welcoming – that was born in 1989 when two friends were looking to keep their conversation going over a coffee. Drawing
inspiration from the 80s and infused with modern design cues, the new brand identity spans logo, fonts, colours, pillars, tone of voice – and a complete digital refresh.
Nikki Price, General Manager, Marketing and Product explains that deep research into customer needs and behaviour has shaped the rebrand. “We’re listening to what customers want – a welcoming space that is unique to their preferences and tastes – and evolving in a way that honours our past as a trusted and loved Australian brand, while staying relevant.” “The rebrand celebrates our Australian spirit, nostalgic legacy and ongoing evolution, and ‘The Club for Everyone’ campaign brings this home in a fun and personal way that connects with customers.”
Alongside the design revival come playful touches. There are retro additions to its range of Toasties, including the Tuna Melt, Chicken Schnitzel, Bolognese and Mushroom Toasties, all packed with old-school flavours, built on traditional thick-cut white bread and served with a side of crisps. Spiders also make a come-back, in raspberry or passionfruit flavours – an homage to The Coffee Club’s past.
Beverage innovation also keeps pace with changing preferences, this time featuring Dubai-inspired additions like Choc Pistachio and Pistachio Cloud Iced Lattes. A pioneer in beverage trends, The Coffee Club was the first major café chain in Australia to introduce matcha nationwide and has introduced a
host of limited-time coffee-based drinks this year, including the Coconut Cloud Latte, Blueberry Iced Latte, and Cracking Latte.
This ongoing innovation meets rising demand for unique beverages, particularly among younger customers and solidifies The Coffee Club’s leadership in the café space.
The first campaign to support and celebrate the rebrand is ‘The Club For Everyone’, which is being brought to life across its cafés nationwide. Highlighting inclusivity and broad appeal, the campaign emphasises The
Coffee Club’s evolution as a welcoming space for everyone, every day.
The campaign shines a light on what makes a club truly special – the different people, tastes and moments that come together at The Coffee Club daily. Whether customers prefer their morning coffee with a soy-vanilla twist, or they’re craving a come-back favourite like a Toastie or a Spider, or they’re sneaking in after work for a slice of cake – there is something for everyone, anytime.
The campaign also includes a series of playful weekly offers, that celebrate individuality and unique flavours, and are only available through The Club’s free app. Members are notified of the rotating ‘secret menu’ items each week, including Maple Bacon Pancakes, Chip Toasties and a Milkshake & Fries combo. Individuality is further celebrated with free alternative milks, complimentary burger pickles, double Hollandaise sauce on the flagship Eggs Benny, and crustfree Toasties – all designed to connect with customers in memorable ways and demonstrate the brand as The Club for Everyone.
The rebrand is the next chapter of The Coffee Club’s transformation, which began in 2024 with a major refurbishment program and the introduction of three new store formats tailored to the needs of each community. In the past 52 weeks, 52 stores have been refurbished with plans to reach 80 upgraded stores by the end of 2025. Recent refurbishments include Adelaide Terrace (WA), Bribie Island (QLD), and Empire Rockhampton (QLD).
In addition to refurbishments, a number of new cafés are expected to open by the end of the year, including in Noranda, Perth. The new Noranda store will open on Wednesday 1st October, celebrating with a Free Coffee Friday and a Super Saturday launch with $2 Brekkie Buns from 10am-2pm, games, prizes and children’s face painting. “This is just the start of The Coffee Club’s transformation – there is more brewing, and more to look forward to,” says Ms Price.
For more information and to join The Club, please visit thecoffeeclub.com.au.
Let me introduce myself: I'm Kristie Booker, founder of Imagine Collective and an experienced leader in helping food and beverage brands grow from their earliest days to thriving national and international operations.
Working with some of Australia's most ambitious brands has shown me that serving up success in franchising takes more than passion and a dash of good luck—it requires robust systems, fresh thinking, and the right people around the table. I've found that the recipe for sustainable growth is as much about attention to detail as it is about vision, and I've spent my career helping businesses get the ingredients just right.
Expanding a franchise is no small task. Once businesses move past three locations, the complexities begin to accumulate rapidly. From guiding young brands in their infancy to supporting established groups as they open new venues around the world, my focus has always been on giving businesses the strategy, support, and collaborative energy needed to succeed at every stage of growth.
Collaboration sits at the core of everything we do at Imagine Collective. I started this company because I believe that great brands are built by bringing together top talent—founders, chefs, operations managers, marketers, and sector experts—each contributing their unique skills and creativity. At Imagine Collective, we roll up our sleeves and get involved—helping brands tackle realworld challenges, streamline their day-to-day operations, and put practical systems in place that unlock growth and protect what makes each business special.
brands from First Ideas to national rollout
Whether you're an early-stage business developing your first menu or an established brand ready for national or international expansion, we work side by side with clients through every step. Whether early-stage businesses are fine-tuning their first menu or established brands are embarking on national or international expansion, we work handin-hand with clients at every stage. Whether you're launching a new concept, refining your operations, or looking to grow into new markets, Imagine Collective exists to give you the tools, support, and strategy you need to thrive—without losing sight of your brand's heart.
key challenges for Qsr Franchises (and how We tackle them)
Working with QSR businesses across Australia, we consistently see a familiar set of hurdles that can threaten growth and profitability:
• Rising Labour Costs: Inefficient rostering and unclear team structures lead to bloated wage bills.
• COGS Blowouts: Weak supplier deals, and a lack of tight SKU control push up food costs.
• Operational Wastage: Inconsistent prep systems and poor forecasting cause unnecessary waste.
• Confusing P&Ls: Many brands encounter scaling roadblocks at site 3, site 10, or site 20, and struggle to understand why profits aren't increasing.
• Risky Site Selection: Too many companies rely on gut feel, not data, when choosing their next location—resulting in costly mistakes.
At Imagine Collective, we roll up our sleeves and work alongside brands to tackle the challenges they face head-on. Our whole team pulls together, figuring out the best systems and operations to implement, reviewing data to support smart decisionmaking. Or even implementing new ways to collect information to drive further growth. With a practical, on-hand approach, our clients love working with us. By leveraging the support, they need to excel in their business growth.
our holistic approach: everything Under one roof
We partner with ambitious brands to offer hands-on support and practical solutions that boost operational excellence and strengthen your brand from the inside out. Here's how we do it:
• Venue Consulting: We overhaul back-ofhouse and front-of-house systems, redesign roles, and streamline workflows for consistency and efficiency.
• Brand Representation: We proudly share your story with key partners and audiences, ensuring your brand stays authentic even as you grow.
• Product Sourcing: We help build and renegotiate pantry lists, manage SKUs, and nurture supplier relationships for better costs and fresher offerings.
From initial strategy to national rollout, we're standing firm alongside you—guiding each step with practical, commercial insight.
Today's most successful QSR brands rely on hard data, not hunches. Embracing digital
POS systems like Square equips our clients with real-time insights about peak sales periods, enabling them to roster accurately and avoid shortages during data-proven rushes. Our labour reviews often reveal opportunities to trim wage costs by up to 15%—with zero dip in customer experience.
We also prepare you for contractor negotiations and tender processes—breaking down expenses, benchmarking quality, and arming you with the facts you need—no more being blindsided by hidden costs or subpar service contracts.
Site selection is both an art and a science. We use data-backed market mapping, foot traffic analysis, and demographic insights to inform every placement—from Olympic precincts in Brisbane to bustling city centres or promising suburban opportunities. As you develop your growth strategy, we assist in building the franchise infrastructure (manuals, training, systems) tailored to your ideal model— whether company-owned, franchise, license, or hybrid.
Menu development isn't just about taste—it's about deliverability, cost, and performance.
We partner with brands to re-engineer menus for ease of execution, negotiate smarter with suppliers, streamline prep, and identify highmargin stars that boost your bottom line.
Modern consumers and stakeholders expect brands to take sustainability seriously. We guide companies through transitioning from surface-level eco gestures to meaningful, operationally-integrated sustainability programs. From reducing energy use and waste to setting supplier and menu standards, our frameworks set QSRs up to meet 2030 goals and future-proof their reputation.
Imagine Collective's strength comes from dedicated QSR experts you'd usually only find in top executive roles. Joel and Matt are seasoned leaders with deep roots in the quickservice restaurant sector:
• Joel Chrystal (Culinary & Hospitality Innovation): With decades of hands-on QSR experience, Joel is a systems thinker whose talent for menu engineering and streamlined back-of-house operations consistently elevates speed, quality, and cost control. He's renowned for aligning menu development wit h operational
realities, ensuring every new offering is both delicious and executable at scale.
• Matt Conroy (Operations & Strategy): Matt has a reputation for turning around underperforming QSR venues and building high-performing teams. His background spans compliance, profitability, and developing rock-solid systems that withstand the pressures of rapid growth and multi-site management. Matt's strategic, people-first style drives lasting improvements in culture and performance across entire networks.
Together, Joel and Matt serve as your "plugin" QSR operations team—delivering proven expertise without the commitment of fulltime hires and giving your brand an edge in an increasingly competitive market.
While most of Imagine Collective's clients prefer to remain anonymous—something we fully respect and protect with strict NDAs— we're still able to share some highlights of what we've achieved together. This commitment to privacy allows us to work quietly and effectively behind the scenes, focusing on meaningful results rather than publicity, and fostering the trust our clients count on.
Imagine Collective has supported brands to:
• Develop franchise-ready SOPs for nationwide rollouts.
• Restructure kitchen ops, cut wage costs, and enhance service speed.
• Rebuild supply chains and negotiate better deals, saving hundreds of thousands every year.
• Guide early-stage brands from single-site launches to multi-site stability.
• Support Olympic-focused placement strategies and U.S. market entries, including major juice and smoothie QSR launches.
Imagine Collective is equipped to support brands looking to expand into the U.S. and international markets. Our experience goes beyond local growth—we've guided clients through the complex challenges of overseas expansion, from building detailed operating manuals to managing supplier relationships and rolling out training programs tailored for new regions. This ensures that no matter the location, brands can deliver a consistent, high-quality customer experience. With a proven record in navigating market entry strategies and operational rollouts abroad, we're ready to help your brand succeed on a global stage.
You don't always need a long-term exec to unlock growth. Our "borrow the ops manager" service parachutes in the skills required—from menu troubleshooting to rapid training, overseeing launches, and untangling challenging systems—so founders and operators can keep their eye on the strategy, not get buried in the weeds.
The QSR industry—and the wider hospitality world—are now shaped by global trends that move faster than ever before, bringing fresh opportunities but also new challenges that demand a nimble, thoughtful response. Helping brands adapt and rise above these shifts is my job and one of my greatest joys, but here's what really matters: At the heart of food and hospitality is connection. People drive this industry, and every menu, every meal, is a chance to spark joy, build memories, and create
moments that keep customers coming back. Your impact goes far beyond a great P&L or perfect kitchen systems; it's in the satisfaction of your team, the smiles across the counter, and the sense of belonging you foster with each bite served.
If you take away one thing from this, let it be this: scaling a food brand isn't just about rapid growth or hitting bigger numbers. It's about building something meaningful, memorable, and lasting—crafting experiences that matter to customers, teams, and communities. That's what makes this
work important, and that's what makes it worth doing.
Are you an Aussie franchise owner ready to give your business a boost? Borrow some of the best operations managers in the market and instantly level up your systems, team culture, and profits— without the commitment of a full-time hire. Visit www.imaginecollective. net to see how Imagine Collective can help you scale smarter, faster, and more sustainably.
Franchise New Zealand’s magazine and website features a section called “Popular Searches” which highlights six types of franchise systems:
• Coffee & Café
• Home-based
• White Collar
• Cleaning
• Building, Renovation & Maintenance
• Food
The food industry consistently remains one of the most popular categories, with many international food franchisors setting their sights on New Zealand. Why is that? Farrah Rose, Head of International Development at The Franchising Centre in the UK and a member of the British Franchise Association, notes that “my recent visit to this wonderful
country revealed that New Zealand is one of the most sophisticated, discerning, and welldeveloped franchise markets in the world.”
I would also add that we’re passionate about food and love exploring new flavours from all over the globe.
For franchises in Australia and New Zealand that serve or process food, maintaining high standards of hygiene and staying current with employment laws is crucial. Franchisors must stay informed and offer clear guidance to their franchisees. Notable food franchises that come to mind include McDonald’s, Taco Bell and Subway.
Food safety is very important, and health grades can make or break a restaurant. In New Zealand there are four statutes which govern the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Food Safety Responsibilities, and these are:
• Food Act 2014
• Animal Products Act 1999
• Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997
• Wine Act 2003
All food businesses, including restaurants and cafes with an alcohol licence, have to be registered under the Food Act and any business which is not registered commits an offence and is liable for infringement fees.
The laws not only apply to traditional restaurants but also extend to early childhood education centres that provide food, processors of nuts, seeds, and coffee beans, as well as manufacturers of food for vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly. Under these regulations, higher-risk businesses are required to have a written food safety plan in place. The Act defines “safety” as a condition where food, in relation to its intended use, is unlikely to cause illness, injury, or harm to human health or public safety.
Stewart Germann founded Stewart Germann Law Office (SGL) in 1993 as a boutique law firm at Auckland, New Zealand, specialising in franchising, licensing and business law.
Stewart has over 40 years’ experience in franchising law and acts for franchisors in New Zealand, Australia, USA and the UK. SGL also acts for franchisees and provides legal advice. Stewart has spoken at franchising conferences in New Zealand, Australia, Italy, South Korea and USA and he was on the Board of the Supplier Forum of the International Franchise Association (“IFA”) for 6 years until March 2007.
Email: stewart@germann.co.nz | web: www.germann.co.nz
association, peaceful assembly, and thought. Franchisors and franchisees, particularly those employing staff, must be fully aware of LGBT rights and ensure these rights are respected at all times. Any infringement of these rights could constitute sexual harassment. For transgender individuals, it is solely their choice whether to disclose their gender identity, as a person's sex or gender identity has no bearing on their ability to perform a job. There are very limited situations in which it may be legal to hire a specific gender for a role, but even in these cases, transgender individuals may need to provide evidence of their sex.
In New Zealand, tipping in cafes and restaurants is not the norm and generally occurs only for exceptional service. When it does happen, tips are usually around 10% of the bill.
Local authorities are responsible for assessing and grading food establishments, and franchisors must remain aware of the Food Hygiene Regulations of 1974.
Interestingly, food licenses are graded on a scale from A to E, with no “C” grade. Establishments are either above or below average when it comes to food safety standards. The grading system is as follows: A (High), B (Good), D (Poor), and E (Unsatisfactory).
It is crucial to understand that in New Zealand, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBT) individuals have the same rights as everyone else. The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and, by extension, gender identity or expression. Although instances of discrimination still occur, significant progress has been made in protecting the rights of sexual and gender minorities. Key human rights related to sexual orientation and gender identity include the right to be free from discrimination, the right to be recognized as a person before the law, and the right to life, liberty, and security. Other rights include protection from arbitrary detention, the right to a fair trial, an adequate standard of living (including decent work and housing), access to education and healthcare, protection from medical abuse, participation in public and cultural life, and the right to freedom of expression,
In New Zealand, many employment agreements grant employers the right to randomly test employees for illicit drug use with consent. For businesses involved in food preparation or customer-facing services, it is crucial that employees maintain a drug-free status.
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 classifies illegal substances based on their level of risk. The key categories are:
• Class A (High risk): Methamphetamine, magic mushrooms, cocaine, heroin, LSD
• Class B (Moderate to High risk): Cannabis oil, hashish, morphine, opium, ecstasy, amphetamines
• Class C (Moderate risk): Cannabis plants, cannabis seeds, codeine
It is illegal to use, possess, cultivate, or traffic-controlled drugs. Penalties for youth offenders (under 17) are less severe than for adults (17 and over). The most serious offence is trafficking, which includes manufacturing, distributing, or selling illegal drugs. If drugs are found in the workplace, employers should involve the police, and an employee could be dismissed depending upon the employment contract. While employers are not obligated to provide support, some larger organizations include it in their drug testing policies.
Tips are considered taxable income and must be reported by employees on their annual income tax return. Although tips are often given in cash and "under the table," the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has clarified that all tips are subject to taxation, whether directly handed to employees or collected in tip jars.
If tips are electronically added to the bill, they should be distributed to employees. If not, the business is liable for GST on those amounts.
Additionally, businesses can levy a 15% surcharge on public holidays to cover the increased cost of staff wages. While many establishments do, others like Lonestar choose not to add this surcharge.
Franchise systems in New Zealand that fall under the laws mentioned above include well-known brands such as Bird on a Wire, Burger Fuel, Columbus Coffee and The Coffee Club. Both New Zealand and Australia also host franchises like Bakers Delight, Brumby’s Bakery, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, and Jamaica Blue. There are also some exciting new entrants on the horizon such as Dear Deers Coffee Roasting Bar, where you can watch your coffee being roasted fresh, and Broke Boy Taco offering American-style tacos.
As franchisors and franchisees operate under a unified brand, it is crucial for everyone involved to understand the laws that govern their operations. Negative publicity for one franchisee can affect the reputation of the entire brand. In the food industry, the regulations I have outlined are particularly important, and ignorance of the law is never an acceptable defence. As such, franchisors must ensure that their franchisees are not only aware of these laws but also consistently adhere to them in their daily operations. v
Building on the success of the Gracemere store which opened in April, Zarraffa’s Coffee is expanding its footprint in the region just three months on, brewing up the specialty coffee retailer’s third location in Rockhampton.
Conveniently located on the thoroughfare of George Street, the new site will offer all the benefits of Zarraffa’s innovative drive thru model as a full-service store, aiming to cater to the growing demand for premium quality coffee and customer service in Central Queensland.
At the helm are passionate franchisees, Madyson McCall and partner Lachlan Beirne, who also own and operate the Gracemere store.
Both backed by longstanding seasoned franchisees and mentors, Terry and Jeanette Bambury and Ben Old – who collectively own and operate seven stores across the group.
After managing the Caloundra and Currimundi locations on the Sunshine Coast for four years, Madyson relocated her young family up north to pursue the dream of owning their own store as part of Zarraffa’s Manager Program – a structured pathway designed to support existing managers in the group with the opportunity to own their own store.
“When we first opened Gracemere, it was about building a new life and getting to know the community and our new customers,” said Madyson.
“Now, just three months on, we feel like Rocky locals as we expand the brand’s footprint in the area with the opening of Rockhampton South. The next step in growing that connection to the community –we’re here to stay.”
The standalone drive thru is situated in a central location, surrounded by high-traffic retail precincts and existing quick service restaurants, offering greater visibility and accessibility for commuters and locals alike.
Rockhampton South boasts a larger format site combining the speed and convenience of the brand’s innovative drive thru model, with
the comfort of an internal café setting for those who prefer to dine in.
“This latest iteration of the model represents the next evolution of our drive thru network – adapting our footprint to suit the needs of each unique community. We’re not a one size fits all approach, and this allows us to be nimbler with site selection,” said Zarraffa’s Coffee CEO Marnie Sheldon.
“This store has prime positioning and further demonstrates the brand’s strategy to expand beyond traditional formats and into high visibility and high convenience corridors across the state and into new markets.”
“Madyson and Lachlan continue to prove themselves as standout franchisees who are giving it their all, and the rapid growth from Gracemere to Rockhampton South is a testament to their dedication, leadership and community focus – we look forward to watching their impact on the local coffee scene.”
The new store will feature Zarraffa’s renowned range of signature coffee blends, along with a selection of delicious food options, including the brand’s new freshly baked in store range, breakfast items, and savoury snacks to complement the coffee experience.
Familiar faces from the Gracemere store will transition into leadership positions at Rockhampton South, with the addition of up to 30 new jobs contributing to the local economy and providing more opportunities for locals.
“It’s been an incredible journey so far, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the team members who show up every day and help build something meaningful in our store for our community. That’s what this brand is all about,” added Madyson.
As part of the commitment to support local, Madyson plans to engage local trades to assist in maintaining the standards of their stores and will continue to invest in local area marketing initiatives, including sponsoring regional sports teams and community clubs.
Leading the way in retail coffee innovation, Zarraffa’s strategic growth strategy is currently in play, with the Aussie-owned specialty coffee company’s sights set on expanding to over 200 sites nationally in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Zarraffa’s Coffee Rockhampton South is located at Tenancy 2, 65 George Street, Rockhampton City, QLD 4700.
Opening hours: 4:30am – 8:00pm, 7 days a week.
For more information about Zarraffa’s Coffee visit www.zarraffas.com
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES:
• Taree
• Port Macquarie
• Country VIC
• Country SA
• Albany, WA
• Tasmania
• Bathurst
Are you looking to make a meaningful life change for the better?
Secure your family’s future with Right at Home Australia and make a difference in your community, whilst building a business in the thriving and dynamic home care industry. You’ll enjoy the freedom to grow your own business, with the full support of a quality, national home care brand delivering domestic support, personal care, skilled nursing, and allied health services.
The foundation of becoming a successful Right at Home business owner is a deep passion for looking after people and a commitment to providing high-quality care. You do not
have to have previous home or health care experience. We provide you with the necessary training to ensure your services are delivered at the highest standard.
The home care market is guaranteed to grow for the next 20 years. The entry costs and overheads are very low compared with most businesses.
With 59 established offices, Right at Home Australia has available territories in regional New South Wales, regional Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and regional Western Australia.
Call us on 1300 363 802 or email franchise@rightathome.com.au to discuss your home care franchise opportunity today.
“ When franchisors encourage potential franchisees to learn before they apply, they enhance both the recruitment journey and the quality of their selection process.”
In franchising we spend a lot of time perfecting systems, marketing our brand and building recruitment pipelines. But one area often overlooked is buyer franchise education, not franchisor-led training after someone joins a brand, but real education before they’ve even decided if franchising is right for them.
Too often, prospective franchisees enter the process excited by the idea of business ownership but without a clear understanding of what franchising actually involves. As someone who’s built a franchise brand from the ground up and worked inside some of
the biggest systems in Australia, I’ve seen this pattern repeat over and over again. We assume interest equals readiness, but that’s rarely the case.
At Franchise Growth Academy, we launched the Franchise Buyer Program to shift that mindset. Instead of leading with brand promotion or financials, we focus on helping potential franchisees understand the business model itself, their own motivations and what they need to know to make a well-informed decision.
Because the truth is, most franchise buyers don’t need a sales pitch, they need genuine guidance and understanding.
the gap between curiosity and commitment
Franchising offers a powerful business
model, but it’s not the right fit for everyone. While many people are drawn to the idea of being their own boss, running a franchise still requires structure, responsibility and a willingness to work within someone else’s system.
This is where we see the biggest disconnect. A lead may be excited by the brand and feel inspired by success stories, but if they haven’t taken the time to assess their own goals, expectations and readiness, they can invest their time, effort and money into something that doesn’t suit them long term.
Franchise buyer education helps close that gap. It gives potential franchisees the chance to slow down, learn the fundamentals and determine if this is truly the right path for them. When we equip them with a thorough understanding of franchising early, they become more confident, realistic and committed to the process.
The Franchise Buyer Program doesn’t just benefit future franchisees, it also improves the franchisor’s recruitment process. When someone understands what it really means to be a franchisee, the conversation shifts. Discovery calls become more focused, timelines shorten and both parties can spend more time on alignment rather than explanation. They are no longer evaluating franchising in general, they’re now evaluating you.
This shift creates a stronger foundation for trust and transparency. It also results in better conversions because the lead is moving forward with clarity rather than hesitation. And for franchisors, that clarity on the buyer’s side leads to stronger outcomes, not just at the point of sale but long after.
We’ve seen this firsthand. Franchisors who incorporate the program into their recruitment funnel report improved enquiry quality, better cultural fit and less time wasted on misaligned leads. When buyers are given space to self-assess, they’re far more likely to move forward for the right reasons and stay committed through the early stages of business ownership.
One of the biggest mistakes in franchise recruitment is assuming that onboarding will cover everything. But if the franchisee isn’t entering with the right expectations, no amount of onboarding can make up for a decision made in confusion or haste.
That’s why we believe franchise education
should be embedded before the formal application stage. By introducing the Franchise Buyer Program during the recruitment funnel, a lead is empowered to ask better questions and understand what’s expected of them. This doesn’t just make life easier for the franchisor, it sets the tone for a stronger relationship from day one.
By educating future franchisees on topics like business mindset, operational involvement, industry fit and financial readiness, we help them make better decisions. And in doing so, we help franchisors build stronger, more sustainable networks.
When franchisors encourage potential franchisees to learn before they apply, they enhance both the recruitment journey and the quality of their selection process.
In the long run, it’s far more valuable to nurture serious buyers than to waste time with a large volume of unqualified leads. Educated buyers will respect your process, engage more meaningfully and be better aligned with your offer. They’ll also be better prepared to understand what’s expected of them as a franchisee and what they can expect in return from the franchisor.
Franchise recruitment shouldn’t be about convincing someone to join your brand. It should be about finding the right people who truly understand what they’re investing in. They are becoming business partners in a well-supported model, so it’s essential they’re aligned with your values, prepared for their responsibilities and confident in the opportunity ahead.
Education is the bridge between interest and commitment. And when we invest in that early, we don’t just help buyers, we strengthen our franchise systems from the inside out. v
Nina Francesca is the Founder of Franchise Growth Academy, a coaching and support platform for business owners, franchisors and future franchisees. After franchising her own brand and working inside some of Australia’s largest franchise systems, she created a suite of programs designed to help business owners convert, franchisors grow and buyers make informed decisions.
ATO Assistant Commissioner
Angela Allen talks about how the ATO is supporting small businesses to get it right and stay on track.
In late 2024, we launched ‘Getting it right’, a campaign designed to support small businesses do just that: get it right, from the start. We know most small businesses want to do the right thing, so to better support them and their advisers, we are being transparent about what behaviours are drawing our attention.
Each quarter, we highlight specific focus areas where small businesses make mistakes, are being opportunistic or deliberately doing the wrong thing on an ongoing basis. By being clear about what we’re targeting and clear about the consequences of doing the wrong thing, we want to help you get it right.
Find out more about the ATO’s focus areas at ato.gov.au/sbfocusareas
We want to help businesses in property and construction understand their tax and super obligations and report correctly. Common mistakes we are seeing include not reporting all income, misclassifying property development income, overclaiming expenses and GST credits, and failing to register for GST.
To stay on track, businesses need to report all assessable income, including anything deposited into private accounts that’s linked to business activity, and correctly apportion expenses used for both business and private purposes. With a renewed focus on this industry, we may contact you to better understand your circumstances, request you make an amendment or conduct an audit if something doesn’t add up.
We’re currently keeping a close eye on contractors who don’t report all their income. Under the Taxable Payments Reporting System (TPRS), businesses must report
payments made to contractors providing construction, IT, cleaning, road freight, courier, and security services.
That means if you’re a contractor providing any of these services, we already know what you earned and we’re matching it against your tax return. If something’s missing, you may receive a prompt from us asking you to amend your return. If you ignore our prompt you could be looking at penalties and interest, or even an audit. The good news? The ATO’s pre-filling service makes it easy to get it right.
Take Brayden* for example, a carpenter who operates his business as a sole trader. As he provides building and construction services, the building contractors that Brayden provides carpentry services for must report the payments they make to him during the income year.
In the 2024 income year, Brayden didn’t use the pre-filled TPAR amounts for his tax return, which resulted in him not including all his contractor payments in his reported income. On review, the error was identified, and his 2024 assessment was amended to include the missing income.
is an Assistant Commissioner in the Small Business line at the Australian Taxation Office. She is an advocate for small business and continues to influence the end-to-end experience, prioritising education and transparency to help owners get things right from the start. Angela collaborates with other small business advocates, industry partners and government agencies to improve small business experience and digital services. Angela is passionate about investing in people, developing, and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow and inspiring others to reach their full potential.
information technology consultants, engineers, construction workers or medical practitioners.
Your income is classified as PSI when more than 50% of it is earned for your personal efforts or skills, rather than being generated by the use of assets, the sale of goods, or from a business structure.
For example, if you’re a consultant and you charge $1,000 for a training session, $900 of which is for your expertise, then all of the income would be classified as PSI. However, if you’re a builder and charge $15,000 to renovate a bathroom, and materials for the renovation cost you $9,000, this is not PSI as less than 50% of the income is for your personal labour.
If you earn PSI, the first thing you’ll need to do is work through the PSI rules and work out if they apply to your income. To do this, you need to self-assess if you’re a personal services business (PSB) in the year that you received the PSI.
To establish good habits you can:
• Use digital tools and business software to streamline your processes and improve efficiency
• Keep accurate and complete records all year round - good record keeping makes tax time easier and helps you stay on top of your tax and super obligations
• Get the right advice from trusted sources, like your registered tax professional or the ATO website
• Lodge and pay your tax in full and on time - if you’re worried you won’t be able to lodge and pay, contact your registered tax professional or visit the ATO website before the due date to find out what support options are available, and
• Set aside GST, pay as you go (PAYG) withholding and super from your cash flow, so you have the funds available when it’s time to pay.
Next year when Brayden is completing his tax return, he can review and accept the pre-filled TPAR amounts, which will auto fill into his tax return. This will make it easier for him to ensure he has included all his contractor payments in his income.
Changing your GST reporting cycle to monthly could be beneficial to your business. Monthly reporting means smaller, more manageable payments, so you can better track your cash flow and make more informed decisions and forecasts from month to month. It’ll also better align with your other regular business processes like invoicing, reconciling figures and paying suppliers, making it easier to stay organised and on top of your obligations.
You can earn personal services income (PSI) in almost any industry, trade, or profession, directly as a sole trader, or through another entity such as a company, partnership or trust. Common examples include but are not limited to financial professionals,
You can self-assess as a PSB if you meet either of the following:
• the ‘results test’ for at least 75% of your PSI - the results test is one of four personal services business (PSB) tests that taxpayers earning personal services income (PSI) can use to self-assess as a PSB
• one of the other PSB tests, and less than 80% of your PSI is from the same entity and its associates.
If you qualify as a PSB, the PSI rules will not apply to the PSI you received in that income year. Remember, even if you’re a PSB, you still need to report PSI in your tax return and keep certain records.
If you’re not a PSB, then the PSI rules apply and will affect how you report PSI and the deductions you can claim.
Find out more at ato.gov.au/PSI
establish good business habits
We know most businesses try to report correctly but understand mistakes can happen. Establishing good habits will give your business its best chance of success.
Find out more about good business habits at ato.gov.au/sbhabits
We have a range of tools and services to help small businesses get it right and stay on track:
• Tax Time toolkit for small businessfilled with useful information, guides, calculators, learning resources and other support and services
• Essentials to strengthen your small business - free, self-paced courses designed for all stages of business, and
• Small business newsroom – stay up to date with the latest tax and super info.
You can access these resources at ato.gov.au/SBsupport
Running a small business is serious business, and we’re here to help. With the right tools, habits and support, you can stay on track and focus on what you do best. For detailed advice that’s relevant to you and your specific situation, visit ato.gov.au or speak with your registered tax professional.
*This is a fictional name used for illustrative purposes.
There are many reasons why people choose to buy a franchise. It could be a desire to break away from a dull or dead-end job. Or to move away from being told what to do to making your own decisions as a business owner and manager. Another reason might be to build something substantial and meaningful for yourself and your family. Or to express yourself in creative ways or find enjoyment in an outdoors or customer service setting. A franchise business can be all these things, and more.
Whatever your motivation, it is important to balance your desires, impulsive or otherwise, with a careful and practical approach in selecting the franchise business that is right for you.
You already know your own strengths and skills, but take the time to also check out the strengths and support systems of the franchises on offer and narrow your selection down to franchise companies that tick all the boxes for genuine franchisee support.
After all, a franchise is a two-way relationship. As a franchisee, you are bringing your ambition, drive, commitment and money to a new small business. The franchise company is bringing a successful business model, a proven and simple-to-operate system and support to you and all its other franchisees.
In assessing which franchise to buy, do your careful due diligence and in particular, look for the following, as a minimum.
The Franchise Code requires that franchisors provide an up-to-date Disclosure Document about the franchise. The disclosure document lists current and past franchisees. You are entitled to, and encouraged, to contact other franchisees and check whether their experiences of the franchisor and the business generally is the same as the promises made.
If the franchise you are considering requires you to purchase stock, equipment or other supplies from the franchisor, or a nominated supplier, check that your purchase prices are competitive with what else is available in the market. Ideally, as a franchisee, you should be buying at better prices than you would be if you were an independent business. That is, the franchisor should be using its purchasing power to buy better and to then pass on these better prices to its franchisees.
Whatever the type of business, you will need to be inducted into it by the franchisor. This typically means the franchisor will provide you with a comprehensive training program at the commencement of your franchise. In other words, part of what you are buying is access and induction into their experience and the specific know-how of their franchise group. Ask about what this entails and satisfy yourself that you will be able to ‘hit the ground running’. Almost every business involves ongoing updates and refinements. Check that your franchisor has an effective program of ongoing training so that you are able to maximise your place in a competitive world.
Roger d ickeson is an experienced franchising professional and has worked in the sector as a consultant, adviser and business planner for over 30 years. Roger’s specialty is business development for small to medium enterprises and as a strategist in the franchising, licensing and capital raising fields.
As a regular writer and commentator on small business and franchising topics, Roger seeks to inform, educate and challenge ideas in the increasingly complex, but exciting and rewarding world of business franchising.
“ You already know your own strengths and skills, but take the time to also check out the strengths and support systems of the franchises on offer and narrow your selection down to franchise companies that tick all the boxes for genuine franchisee support.”
The best franchise systems are those where the franchisor manages the ongoing marketing and advertising for the group. Yes, sometimes, local area advertising by individual franchisees is desirable and effective, but generally centralised marketing, initiated by the franchisor, benefits the franchisees the best. This is particularly so where marketing involves online sales and e-commerce promotions from a single brand website. In your investigations into your franchise of choice ask about what marketing support is provided, how it works and what your financial contributions, if any, will be.
An important reason for buying a franchise is that you are not going it alone. You are part of a group of other franchisees and each of you will benefit from the experiences of each other and most importantly, the regular
communication and support you all receive from the franchisor. This may be in the form of regular updates, new ideas, competitive information and just general on-call support with the inevitable day-to-day operating snags and problems. A franchisor who can demonstrate a genuine and practical system of franchisee support is an essential box to tick when selecting your new franchise.
Take the time to learn about and fully understand exactly what your franchisor provides all of its franchisees and do this as part of your investigative due diligence. Ask questions, talk to other franchisees, do your own sums and even prepare your own business plan. You will then be in the best position to make a choice that supports that initial drive and motivation that started you on this path to owning your own business as a franchisee. v
InXpress: expanding horizons, empowering Franchisees
InXpress is a franchise business operating in the transport and logistics industry, offering a unique opportunity for individuals to invest in a scalable, future-ready business model. Our local franchise owners benefit from a simple, tech-enabled platform that makes it easy to build a strong, sustainable business in a booming industry. We partner with select carriers, and InXpress provides value-added services for business customers via local
franchisee engagement and user-friendly software. This powerful combination ensures that our franchisees can deliver exceptional service and unlock significant earning potential while building long-term value in their investment.
With over 26 years of global freight expertise, 16 of those in Australia, InXpress has carved out a reputation as a trusted name in logistics. Powered by our proprietary Webship+ platform and long-standing relationships with global giants like DHL, FedEx, UPS,
and domestic mainstays like StarTrack and TNT, InXpress has long been a leader in the international express space.
But we’re not a business to rest on our laurels.
Recognising a critical market shift and increasing demand from our franchise network and customers for broader domestic freight options, including palletised and full truckload (FTL) freight, we made a bold move. In early 2024, InXpress successfully integrated 16+ new domestic carriers, revolutionising the freight experience for franchisees and customers alike.
a game- changing shift for the InXpress network
Historically, the InXpress model excelled in express courier services, especially with cartons and satchels. However, we saw a growing need for a more robust solution in the heavier-weight domestic freight space. Customers were seeking an end-to-end partner that could handle everything from an envelope to a full truckload. Without it, our franchisees were leaving significant revenue on the table.
The integration of these 16+ carriers addressed this head-on and we embedded these carrier options seamlessly into the InXpress model, offering our network expanded reach, new revenue streams, and a way to service customers more comprehensively than ever before.
The results speak for themselves:
• Over $3.7 million in additional revenue
• 27,000+ extra shipments in under 12 months
• Increased customer retention and wallet share
• New enterprise-level clients secured by franchisees worth up to $250,000 annually
This domestic expansion complements our already powerful international offering. InXpress franchisees now have access to a comprehensive, all-in-one solution, streamlined through Webship+ that allows them to manage international express,
domestic express, pallet, and FTL freight with ease.
For prospective franchisees, this means faster market entry, a broader customer base to serve, and multiple revenue channels from day one.
It also means:
• A powerful competitive edge in an increasingly crowded logistics space
• Ongoing support and training to capitalise on the new carrier range
• A model that continues to evolve and scale, without increasing overheads
Building on this success, InXpress is now launching a similar expansion across New Zealand. We’re starting with the implementation of 6+ domestic carriers, giving NZ franchisees the tools to match the results seen in Australia. With early interest already strong and demand high, our New Zealand network is poised for its next big growth phase.
If you’re considering joining the InXpress network, there’s never been a better time.
We’ve taken a proven model and expanded its potential, without increasing complexity for our franchisees. By combining international express dominance with a new domestic freight powerhouse offering, InXpress now provides a true full-service logistics model tailored for small business success.
Whether you’re new to franchising or looking for your next investment opportunity, InXpress offers:
• A scalable, tech-enabled business model
• Strong carrier relationships and exclusive rates
• Full operational support and training
• Access to enterprise clients and highmargin services
• Now, broader freight solutions than ever before
InXpress: More Carriers. More Capability. More Profit Potential.
With a strong network, a rapidly growing domestic portfolio, and global backing, InXpress is transforming how small, medium and large businesses access freight—and how franchisees build wealth.
Now is your time to join the movement. Visit inxpress.com.au/franchiseopportunities to learn more.
CAling your buS ine SS doe S n’t me An S elling out, it me An S getting S m Arter
For most small business owners and franchisors, growth is the goal. Yet there remains a widespread concern: does scaling up mean sacrificing the personal service, values, and unique identity that define your business?
This tension is understandable. Staff shortages and high turnover rates are putting unprecedented pressure on small operators and franchise networks alike.
After 20 years in franchising and business growth, I’ve seen the same cycle repeat itself. Too many founders try to grow by working harder instead of smarter. Without systems in place, business owners can burn out, compromise quality, and lose what made their business special.
The key is replacing hustle with structure, a move that enables long-term growth while preserving the human touch.
structure doesn’t dilute your culture, it protects it
A common misconception among business owners is that introducing systems and formal growth models, like franchising
or CorAlliance, will dilute the brand’s individuality or stifle its agility. In reality, it’s the opposite.
From operations and training to customer experience, systems allow small businesses to grow without compromising service or culture.
The numbers speak for themselves: while the average employee stays in a role for just 18-months, franchisees typically remain with a brand for an average of eight years1. I’ve seen that this kind of commitment creates a ripple effect across customer satisfaction, team cohesion, and long-term profitability. These figures reflect the power of alignment and accountability. Franchisees are invested in the success of the brand, they think like owners, not employees. That alignment and accountability is what drives longevity.
staff turnover is one of the greatest threats to growth
One of the most difficult pain points I’m noticing in scaling a small business is high employee churn, and it’s getting worse. In Australia, the average business is losing more than one in every seven employees each year, with a national turnover rate of 14% as of late 2024
In some sectors like hospitality, that number skyrockets to over 40%3, meaning nearly half the workforce could be turning over annually. This constant cycle of hiring and training is putting major pressure on time, money and team morale.
Every time you lose a team member, you’re not just losing skills, you’re losing momentum. Replacing them costs time, money, and morale. In this environment, retention isn’t just a HR challenge, it’s a critical growth imperative.
In my experience, poor onboarding, lack of systems, and limited career progression are among the top drivers of turnover. Growth models such as franchising and CorAlliance are designed to tackle these problems, helping businesses embed processes that support operators, scale operations, and deliver consistency.
Beyond systems, one piece of advice I share regularly with business owners is to build their operations with the end in mind. That means designing operations with scale, succession, and even saleability in mind.
You don’t have to be planning to sell tomorrow. But when you design your business with a 10-year exit plan in mind,
you’re forced to build systems, document knowledge, and think strategically about succession.
Whether it’s through franchising, licensing, or the more collaborative CorAlliance model, the goal is the same: create a business that is profitable, scalable, and sustainable, without losing your soul.
For small business owners and franchisors looking to grow sustainably without compromising their core values, my advice centres around three key strategies:
1. Delegate what you don’t need to do yourself
It’s easy for founders to fall into the trap of thinking they need to be across every detail to maintain control. As your business grows, you simply cannot focus on strategy, leadership, or long-term vision if you’re still chasing invoices, scheduling meetings, or managing every staff query.
Whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant, investing in professional bookkeeping, or empowering your internal managers to take the lead in specific areas, delegation allows you to work on your business, not just in it.
2. Automate the repetitive tasks
Consistency is the cornerstone of brand trust, especially in a franchise or multisite model. But this doesn’t need to come
ereza murray is a leading Franchise and Business Consultant with over 20 years of experience in the franchising industry as both a consultant and franchisor, along with a track record of success running some of Australia and New Zealand’s most well-known brands (franchised and independent). With a background spanning over 30 years in business development across B2B and B2C, Tereza works with businesses ranging from start-ups to established companies ready for serious growth.
from manual repetition. Automation is your best friend when it comes to scaling without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
Think about the tasks that happen over and over in your business, like onboarding new staff, sending client reminders, following up after a sale, or collecting feedback. If a process happens regularly, it’s worth systemising or automating.
3. Personalise where it counts
Businesses miss the mark when they try to scale everything, including the elements that actually build emotional connection. The most successful operators understand what to automate, and what to hold sacred.
That could be something as small as remembering an important client milestone or personally replying to thoughtful feedback. In a world of chatbots and templated emails, the businesses that show genuine care and attention will always stand out.
Consequently, the old narrative that growth inevitably compromises authenticity no longer holds. Across Australia and New Zealand, I’ve had the privilege to witness businesses prove that with the right mindset and structures, it’s possible to expand without sacrificing what makes you unique.
It’s time for small business owners to stop firefighting and start future-proofing. Whether you’re thinking about franchising, licensing, or simply tightening up your current model and operations, this is an opportunity to rethink growth as a strategic, structured process – one that positions you to lead your industry with integrity and lasting impact.
About the Citations
1 https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/ why-is-tenure-so-important-to-franchisee-satisfaction-andrecruitment/
2. https://www.ahri.com.au/resources/hr-research/ahri-quarterlyaustralian-work-outlook-march-2025
3. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/jobs/job-mobility/ latest-release
The Melbourne Franchising Expo, a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial calendar for more than 30 years, once again cemented its reputation as the go-to hub for aspiring business owners and industry leaders.
Held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre in August, the event brought together a dynamic mix of franchisors, advisors, and ambitious entrepreneurs eager to explore opportunities. Visitors flocked to the show, engaging with a diverse mix of exhibitors spanning food, retail, education, health, services, and technology. Among the well-known names were CouriersPlease, Craveable Brands, Foodco Group, Gong Cha, Hello Harry The Burger Joint, Kitset Assembly Services, Kumon, Mail Boxes Etc. (Australia), Miguelitos Icecream, OSAN Ability, Plus Fitness, SolBowl, and Tax Store.
Diversity was again a standout, with established leaders exhibiting alongside exciting first-time participants including Big
2026 d iary dates:
brisbane: 21-22 March
sydney: 30-31 May
Melbourne: 1-2 august
Bowl Kitchen, Durk’s Cafe + Eatery, Garage Force Australia, Redspot Car Rentals, Royal Stacks, and Running Pot—giving visitors an unmatched opportunity to weigh up triedand-tested systems alongside exciting new concepts, all under one roof.
The aisles buzzed with activity as visitors took advantage of the chance to meet franchisors face-to-face, ask real questions, and gain insights from those already succeeding in the sector. The vibrant atmosphere reinforced the Expo’s reputation as the must-attend event for anyone considering franchising as their next move.
A standout feature of the Melbourne Franchising Expo was the free seminar program, which drew capacity audiences across both days. Expert presenters delivered practical, real-world advice on everything from financing and legal considerations to building strong franchisee–franchisor relationships.
Highlights included engaging ‘Conversations with Franchisees’ panels presented by the Franchise Council of Australia, giving attendees firsthand stories from those running successful businesses. Thoughtprovoking sessions such as ‘Is Franchising Right for You?’ also proved especially popular for those at the beginning of their journey.
Another well-attended session, ‘Financing Your Franchise’ presented by Peter White from FRANdata, broke down the essential steps and financial questions every prospective franchisee should ask. Drawing on decades of industry data and bank partnerships, White equipped attendees
with the financial mindset and tools needed to make informed, confident investment decisions.
These sessions provided visitors with valuable knowledge, actionable strategies, and the confidence to take their next step in business ownership.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Melinda Cunningham, Sales Manager, commented: “Melbourne delivered an outstanding show this year. The aisles were busy from the moment doors opened, and the feedback from both exhibitors and visitors has been fantastic. There’s clearly strong appetite for franchising in Victoria, and it was exciting to see so many serious conversations happening on the floor.”
With its combination of trusted brands, innovative newcomers, and expert guidance, the Melbourne Franchising Expo once again underscored the strength and diversity of the franchising sector — proving why it remains the must-attend event for anyone ready to take the leap into business ownership. Looking forward, the Expo continues to nurture industry growth and exploration. As plans for 2026 take shape, businesses interested in exhibiting are encouraged to secure their spot early. The franchise sector’s vibrant future will again be on display at the Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne expos in 2026.
For more details, contact Melinda Cunningham, Sales Manager, on 03 9999 5464 or email melinda@specialisedevents.com.au.
For more information, visit www.franchisingexpo.com.au, and mark your diaries for the upcoming events.
> Bigger floorplans
> Expanded visitor promotion
> New theatres on show floor
> Stand bookings now open
Brisbane 21–22 March 2026
Sydney 30–31 May 2026
Melbourne 1–2 August 2026
Jason Gehrke is the Director of the Franchise Advisory Centre and has been involved in franchising for more than 30 years at franchisee, franchisor and advisor level. He advises both existing and potential franchisors and franchisees, and conducts regular education courses for franchisors in Australia and overseas.
He has been awarded for his franchise achievements, and publishes Franchise News, Australia’s only fortnightly electronic news bulletin on franchising issues. www.franchiseadvice.com.au
The first fines for failing to update a franchisor’s profile on the Australian Franchise Disclosure Register have been issued to pawnbroking chain Cash Converters and travel agency group MTA, according to an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) statement.
The fines, issued as infringement notices by the ACCC under the Franchising Code of Conduct, cost each brand $16,500, and serve as a warning to franchisors to update their profile on the Register each year.
The ACCC allege that Cash Converters and MTA each failed to meet their obligation to annually update or confirm franchisor information on the Franchise Disclosure
Register as required by the Franchising Code of Conduct. The ACCC said that failure to maintain up to date information on the Register undermines transparency for prospective franchisees and the reliability and integrity of the Register.
Following the recent fines issued by the ACCC against franchisors Cash Converts and MTA for failing to update their profiles on the Franchise Disclosure Register, the Franchise Advisory Centre reviewed the Register in late June and discovered 24%, or 496 out of 2,073 listings are shown as out of date.
Franchisors are required to review and update their listings on the Disclosure Register
annually, similar to the annual obligation to update Disclosure Documents.
Entities with Disclosure Register listings showing as “Out of Date” range from very small to very large networks (some of which include household names) from across Australia and even high-profile international brands. Some out of date listings also include master franchisees, but whose parent brands are also listed and show as current. Some small franchise businesses may also have ceased to operate and not yet been removed from the Register.
Since 15 November 2022 it has been mandatory for entities that offer franchise agreements in Australia to be listed on the Franchise Disclosure Register, including franchisors and master franchisees. However the Register is not a definitive list of franchise brands, as multiple entities (eg. master franchisees) utilising the same brand are required to be registered. Out of the 2,073 listings on the Register currently, it is estimated that these represent a total of 1,200 unique franchise brands operating in Australia.
Franchisors should urgently review their Disclosure Register listings to confirm they are current and up to date, or otherwise risk a $16,500 fine.
Mercedes-Benz dealers in Australia have lost the appeal they filed in 2024 against a judgement handed down in 2023 which found in favour of Mercedes-Benz Australia Pacific, according to a media report.
In 2023, the Federal Court dismissed a class action lawsuit brought against Mercedes-Benz Germany by more than 80% of Australian Mercedes dealers in a 567-page ruling that found the auto franchisor was within its rights to switch its business model from a franchise arrangement in which franchisees owned their stock and could negotiate prices with customers, to an agency model in which the vehicles for sale are owned by the manufacturer, prices are non-negotiable, and agents (formerly dealers) sell the vehicles on a commission basis. The presiding judge in the original case, Justice Beach, found that the dealers’ claims failed on fundamental issues of law resulting in 36 of the 38 MercedesBenz franchisees who launched the action to appeal the decision.
In his ruling, Justice Beach described the case as “forensically complex although legally straightforward,” stating that further consideration needs to be given to the
Franchising Code of Conduct. The Full Court rejected the dealers’ appeal, finding that dealers had not been misled about the agency move and that Mercedes-Benz had not engaged in unconscionable conduct. A spokesperson for the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has expressed the industry’s disappointment in the ruling, reiterating Justice Beach’s sentiments around the Franchising Code and calling on the Federal Government to implement election promises to protect franchisees against unfair contract terms and unfair trading practices.
The initial case finding and subsequent upholding on appeal is expected to set an important precedent for future franchisee/ franchisor litigation.
Union beats fast food giant in sa wages case
McDonald’s has been ordered by a full bench of the Fair Work Commission to negotiate pay and wage conditions for workers in South Australian franchises with the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), according to a media report.
The ruling is a major win for the SDA as a test case to use Labor’s new multi-employer agreement laws to bring franchised businesses to the negotiating table. The South Australian decision impacts 5,000 workers and 18 franchisees in the state, but if the SDA secures a multi-employer deal it will then be able to extend the ruling to the remainder of McDonald’s outlets across the country. Multi-employer deals can be achieved through agreement or arbitration.
The Fair Work ruling will also potentially facilitate unions to force non-unionised franchises into bargaining without first securing the majority of the workforce. Franchises without collective agreements which may be impacted by the ruling and its implications include retail and fast-food businesses many of which employ low-paid workers, and hotel chains and restaurant groups with low levels of union membership.
Mr potato founders go to ground as brand collapses
The influencer founders of collapsed food brand Mr Potato have failed to respond to media inquiries or reply to messages from their former staff and are reported to be on a road trip around Australia as their business went into liquidation according to a news coverage.
Workers employed by former Miss World entrant Jess Davis and professional
basketball player Tyson Hoffman are owed outstanding wages, and are reported to have never been paid their mandatory employer superannuation contributions. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) successfully applied on July 4 to liquidate the company over a $151,000 tax debt.
Mr Potato was founded in Glenelg, South Australia in 2018, and grew to 13 outlets. In 2023, the business owners claimed to have plans to open 40-50 locations that year alone, and had 600 franchise applications at the time.
However franchisees that have closed claimed they never made a profit, had to sell their homes to support their businesses, and in some cases, ultimately went bankrupt. The last two Queensland locations closed in February this year, and the brand’s final store was trading sporadically as funds ran dry to pay suppliers until closing permanently at the end of June. Staff in a WhatsApp group with Hoffman claimed they were owed overdue wages despite repeated requests for payment, and eventually ceased receiving replies altogether.
Meanwhile the founders announced earlier this year that they were taking a Mr Potato food truck on an Australia-wide road trip to raise money for charity, and were last known to be in Alice Springs in June according to Mr Potato’s Facebook page.
No mention of the closure of its franchise outlets or the brand’s liquidation is made on the Facebook page, meanwhile the Mr Potato website is no longer accessible. In a previous statement to media in response to the closure of franchised stores, Hoffman appeared to blame franchisees by claiming that factors including personal, family and health challenges can lead to business failure, but did not comment on the viability of the business model or the subsequent closure of Mr Potato’s company-owned store.
Shares in listed company Bapcor, the parent company of auto aftermarket franchises including Autobarn, Midas and Autopro, has suffered a 28% fall in its share price in just one day following the announcement of $50 million in balance sheet writedowns, according to a media report.
Three directors of the company simultaneously resigned with the announcement, which also warned of weaker future earnings with net profit after tax for the F25 year expected to be between $31 million and $34 million, down from an
annual profit of $126 million four years ago.
Shares in the business dove 28% to $3.69. Bapcor was the target of a private equity takeover offer last year which valued the business at $5.40 per share for a capital value $500 million greater than its current value. Bapcor has closed or relocated 45 sites in the past year, which led to additional costs.
Domino’s Pizza Enterprises (DPE) chairman Jack Cowin wants to see faster decisions and improvements in store performance as the network following the resignation of CEO Mark van Dyck who announced his departure after less than eight months in the role, according to a media report.
Cowin, who is 83 years old and the largest single shareholder of Domino’s, is also the owner of fast food chain Hungry Jack’s (which is not named after Cowin), and is a former pioneer of KFC in Australia.
DPE’s share price rose to more than $150 during the height of the pandemic as demand for food home-delivery spiked, but has since retreated to less than $20 per share as demand has softened, profits declined and writedowns have impacted the business. Cowin is the confident of the business’ future but is now focused on closing unprofitable stores opened during the pandemic, and improving the food offer rather than primarily competing with other fast food chains based on Dominos’ technology platform.
A 60-year-old Sydney operator of a Mad Mex Mexican food outlet in Sydney has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay a total of $305,000 for the sexual harassment of a young international student who worked in his outlet, according to a media report.
Sher “Sonny” Khan was found to have harassed the young woman while she worked at the chain’s Sydney Norwest location in early 2023. The harassment was alleged to include inquiring about the sexual activities of the worker, showing the worker pornography and sex toys, as well as some physical contact.
The court ordered Khan to pay the worker $160,000 in damages, plus aggravated damages and an additional $130,000 for past and future lost earnings. The $160,000 damages amount set a new record for a sexual harassment case, which previously peaked at $140,000. v
Impressu are Trusted Printers in the Franchise and Network industry.
When you work with Impressu you know you’re working with Australia’s most knowledgeable team of printing experts for retail, franchise and branch network printing. Impressu partners with many of the country’s leading franchise networks including Domino’s, Michael Hill Jeweller, Highgrove Bathrooms, TJM, Eyecare Plus, Fitstop and more.
We deliver a complete range of print, kitting, storage and distribution services for these brands in Australia, New Zealand, and as far away as Canada. Every week Impressu prints more than 2.5 million posters, brochures, letterbox leaflets, point of sale items just for these brands.
For franchise and network businesses aiming to attract customers, our point-of-sale printing solutions are the perfect choice. At Impressu, we collaborate with you as a strategic partner to ensure your brand is accurately represented and your store presence is impactful.
P 07 3817 6200 Contact Sheena Davis E marketing@impressu.com.au W www.impressu.com.au
We
• Purchase
• Preparing
• Franchise
• Franchise
• Advising
• Commercial
• australian & international trade Marks
• intellectual property l icence & transfer agreements
• creation of franchise systems
• r eview and advice on franchise Documentation
• business purchases and sales
• commercial leases
• Distribution & supply agreements
• shareholders agreements
• business structuring
sr@ippartnership.com.au
Whatever your annual turnover, the transaction fees charged by your bank or other provider put an unnecessary strain on your business.
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aramex
level 9, 491 Kent street, sydney, nsW 2000 email: (au) recruitment.au@aramex.com (nZ) recruitment.nz@aramex.com Website: www.aramex.com.au www.aramex.co.nz
chargrill charlie’s
level 12, 12 help street, chatswood, nsW, 2067 email: qsrhfranchising@craveablebrands.com Website: www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-chargrill-charlies
chicKen treat
level 12, 12 help street, chatswood, nsW, 2067 email: qsrhfranchising@craveablebrands.com Website: www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-chicken-treat
Dr tint & wrap pty ltD brisbane, Queensland ph: 03 9999 5488 email: ccrawford@franchisedevelopments.com.au Website: www.drtint.au
gymbaroo
l4/102 albert road, south Melbourne Vic 3205 ph: 0488 026 456 email: alexandra@gymbaroo.com.au Website: https://www.gymbaroo.com.au/franchise/
inxpress
level 5/116 adelaide street, brisbane QlD 4509 ph: 1300 469 765 email: Kellie.cranch@inxpress.com Website: au.inxpress.com, nz.inxpress.com
Keep it mooVin’
9 bay street southport QlD 4215 ph: 1800 854 080 email: sales@keepitmoovin.com.au Website: https://keepitmoovin.com.au/
Kumon eDucation
po box 5363, West chatswood, nsW 1515 ph: 02 9467 2200 email: info-au@kumon.com.au Website: kumoninstructors.com.au/franchise
mobile app city, pty. ltD.
level 1, 162 Grand boulevard, Joondalup, Wa 6027 ph: +61 8 6385 8052 Website: Mobileappcity.com
myhome
104 auburn rd, hawthorn, Victoria, 3122 ph: 0455 589 448 email: franchising@myhomeclean.com.au Website: https://myhomefranchise.com.au/business-franchise/
oporto
level 12, 12 help street, chatswood, nsW, 2067 email: qsrhfranchising@craveablebrands.com Website: www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-oporto
pacK & senD
unit 3c Mfive business park, 1 Moorebank ave, Moorebank, nsW 2170 phone: 0447 711 353 email: francise@packsend.co.nz & franchise@packsend.com.au Website: www.packsend.co.nz & www.packsend.com.au
petbarn mobile Dogwash (formerly city farmers Dogwash)
Quarter one, level 2, 1 epping road, north ryde, nsW 2113 ph: 0402 902 620 email: scott.mcintosh@cityfarmers.com.au Website: www.petbarn.com.au/mobiledogwash
poolwerx
10 camford st, Milton QlD 4064 ph: +61 7 3173 7300 free call au 1800 245 447 free call nZ: 0800 543 419 email: Joinourteam@poolwerx.com.au Website: www.poolwerx.com.au/franchising
reD rooster
level 12, 12 help street, chatswood, nsW, 2067 email: qsrhfranchising@craveablebrands.com Website: www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-red-rooster
right at home
unit 4, 16-36 nile street, Woollongabba QlD 4102 phone: 07 3177 9906 email: daryl.s@rightathome.com.au Website: https://rightathomefranchise.com.au
senior helpers australia
163 sheridan street, cairns, QlD, 4870 phone: 07 4281 6816 email: kchamilton@seniorhelpers.com.au Website: https://seniorhelpers.com.au/
snap- on tools
po box 6077, blacktown nsW 2148 ph: aus: 1800 762 766 nZ: 0800 762 766 email: sota.franchise@snapon.com Website: www.snapontools.com.au
soul origin
580 parramatta rd, petersham, 2049 ph: 0439 611 962
email: Karlas@soulorigin.com.au Website: https://www.soulorigin.com.au/
stagecoach performing arts
12th floor, export house, Wolsey Walk, Woking, surrey Gu21 6QX ph: +44 (0)1483 247 400 email: franchiserecruitment@stagecoach.global Website: australia.stagecoachfranchise.com
sushi sushi level 2, 545 blackburn road, Mount Waverley Vic 3149 ph: 0404 231 661
email: franchising@sushisushi.com.au Website: https://www.sushisushi.com.au/
ara M e X
put yourself in the driver’s seat of success when you join aramex, a leading global provider of transport, logistics and courier services. in australia and n ew Zealand, more than 1,000 courier franchisees and 46 regional franchisees benefit from the award-winning aramex franchise system that has been honed by more than 40 years of success.
aramex offers courier franchisees the training,
Gourmet food at its best - since 1989. at chargrill charlie’s, we’ve been serving up homestyle cooking that brings people together; families, friends, and communities. What began as a humble kitchen feeding those closest to us has grown into a beloved brand with 24 stores across sydney and Melbourne. a nd we’re just getting started, with bold plans to double our footprint over the next three years and exciting expansion into the Queensland market.
When you step into chargrill charlie’s, you’re more than a customer, you’re family. t hat philosophy extends to our loyal customers, our dedicated staff, and our valued franchise partners. We’re built on genuine relationships, an unwavering work ethic,
ch I cken t reat at chicken treat, we’re on a mission to share our craveworthy chicken with more people across the country. Whether it’s our golden, crispy fried chicken or our juicy, slow-roasted rotisserie, we serve up the best of both worlds, making it deliciously hard for our loyal customers to choose.
proudly australian and founded in 1976, chicken treat is a true Wa icon, with over 64 stores across the state. n ow, we’re taking things to the next level. With an ambitious growth strategy underway, we’re expanding through new store openings, modern refurbishments,
d r tI nt & Wrap p ty Ltd
Dr t int & Wrap is a specialist window tinting and car wrapping business established in 2018. o riginally from n ew Zealand, Dr t int & Wrap is now in australia with franchises available in Queensland. s ervices include car window tinting, home and office glass tinting, car and truck vinyl wraps, paint protection and ceramic coatings for surface protection.
a s a franchise, Dr t int & Wrap offers business owners an exclusive territory, a fully set up workshop premises, best buying prices for vinyl film and coatings, extensive on-the job training, ongoing on-call support and
Gymbaroo is australia’s most popular and successful parent-child education program, with more than 60 centres across the country. We’re looking for new franchisees to join our rapdily growing community of successful business owners.
franchising with Gymba roo offers the flexibility to balance your personal life and entrepreneurial aspirations, all while enjoying the profitability of a thriving business that fosters a genuine sense of community. i t’s a chance to make a positive impact
support and technology they need to run their own rewarding franchise business in their local communities. n o prior experience is needed. find out more and apply to join the network that delivers.
for more information contact:
aus: recruitment.au@aramex.com www.aramex.com.au
nZ: r ecruitment.nz@aramex.com www.aramex.co.nz
and a passionate team that keeps people coming back. i t’s no wonder we’ve earned our place as australia’s most extraordinary chicken shop. We stay true to what we do best: creating delicious, wholesome food made from scratch daily using real ingredients and a whole lot of love. We don’t follow fleeting trends, we honour tradition with thoughtful, crafted meals that feel like home.
a s a chargrill charlie’s franchise partner, you’ll have the backing of craveable b rands—home to chicken treat, o porto and r ed r ooster—with 600+ restaurants and 180 experts supporting your success.
www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-chargrill-charlies
and exciting menu innovations, all while staying focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience. after more than 40 years of satisfying chicken cravings, the demand is growing—and we’re looking for passionate franchise partners to help us meet it.
a s a chicken treat franchise partner, you’ll be backed by craveable b rands, the force behind chargrill charlie’s, o porto and r ed r ooster. With a network of over 600 restaurants and 180 industry experts, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-chicken-treat
centralized marketing with an emphasis on social media and on-line promotions.
Dr t int & Wrap franchise owners have an eye for detail, enjoy working on cars and take pride in a job well done. customer service is a high priority and so excellent customer rapport is a key to success. t his is a great business opportunity with an expanding market. contact us today and secure your location in b risbane or Gold coast for 2026.
for more information please contact colin crawford at: ccrawford@franchisedevelopments.com.au or visit www.drtint.au
on young lives and your own entrepreneurial journey simultaneously.
part of the b elgravia Group, Gymbaroo -Kindy roo franchisees have the benefit of running a small business backed by a national network. t he b elgravia Group prides itself on developing proven business systems, providing step-by-step guidance for new franchise partners and offering premium ongoing support to help you achieve success. Whenever you need help or advice, all you need to do is reach out and our expert team will be there to guide you.
https://www.gymbaroo.com.au/franchise/
I nXpress
inXpress is a global leader in shipping and logistics, offering tailored freight solutions to businesses of all sizes.
a s a trusted third-party logistics provider (3pl), we leverage strong partnerships with major carriers— including D hl , fede x, tnt, ups, startrack, and other domestic providers, to deliver competitive shipping rates with exceptional customer service.
o ur cutting-edge technology platform simplifies the shipping process, allowing businesses to book
Keep i t M ooV in is a small removals and same-day delivery service based in australia that specializes in workplace relocations, white goods transportation, and furniture transportation. t he business guarantees dependable, on-demand transportation with complete public liability insurance through its expanding network of owner-operator drivers.
customers may easily scan, schedule, and receive their deliveries using their special Q r code same-day delivery system. additionally, Keep i t M ooV in offers
k UM on edUcatI on
Kumon is a unique franchise opportunity for you to make a positive difference for children in your community, while building a rewarding and profitable small business.
t hrough Kumon franchise ownership, you will instruct students through the Kumon Mathematics and english programmes, create individualised study plans for each student, assign the worksheets they are ready to learn next, and support students to develop self-learning ability through study at the centre and at home. You will also provide parents with regular progress updates.
Mobile app city (M ac ) is an mobile app and digital marketing agency that operates with a partner license model (like a franchise but without the downside of a franchise).
t his enables us to empower entrepreneurs (just like you) to establish your own mobile app and digital marketing agency business - so that you can provide a whole range of high-
and manage their freight with ease. Whether it’s domestic or international shipping, our innovative solutions help companies streamline logistics, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. With a commitment to personalised support and industry-leading technology, inXpress empowers businesses to take control of their shipping needs with confidence. for more information contact Kellie cranch at: phone: 1300 469 765 email: Kellie.cranch@inxpress.com au.inxpress.com, nz.inxpress.com
licensed area opportunities for those looking to join australia’s fastest-growing small removalist network, backed by 24/7 call center support and Google advertising.
t hroughout australia, Keep i t M ooV in offers effective and reasonably priced solutions for everything from a single item pickup to a complete office transfer.
for more informarion: phone: 1800 854 080 email: sales@keepitmoovin.com.au Website: https://keepitmoovin.com.au/
You will draw out the potential of each of your students. t hey will develop confidence, a daily study habit, and a high level of mathematics and reading ability. a s a Kumon franchisee, this is how you will make a difference in the lives of your students, every day.
Join us to make a difference for children in your local community!
for details and to register, visit https://www.kumonfranchise.com.au/ o r, contact our recruitment team at: info-au@kumon.com.au.
demand technologies to business owners, without needing any technical knowledge. You’ll make both upfront income and ongoing passive income with each client.
full training and continual, ongoing support, no royalty fees.
for more info contact r ichard Giannini at: phone: +61 8 6385 8052 Web: Mobileappcity.com
MyhoM e
for over 15 years, My h ome has stood alone as the premium home cleaning business in the australian market, revolutionising the industry with its highly systemized and digitally-led management franchise.
t his is an exceptional management franchise opportunity, a turn-key business with huge potential. My h ome offers its owners an unprecedented work life balance and more time for the things they value most.
With a low-cost entry, extensive centralised support, including central call centres, and digital innovations, empowering owners to manage much of their business from a mobile or tablet.
My h ome owners are not cleaners, they come from various backgrounds and are skilled individuals who efficiently manage and cultivate thriving residential cleaning enterprises.
t hey aspire to run their own businesses while benefiting from the experience and proven framework offered by My h ome’s established model.
My h ome are now awarding a limited number of management franchises covering Melbourne’s finest suburbs. i f you aspire to a work life balance with great financial rewards, take the first step by visiting https://myhomefranchise. com.au/business-franchise/.
oporto
o porto is one of australia’s most recognisable quick-service restaurant brands, bringing the vibrant flavours of portuguese-inspired flame-grilled chicken and burgers to customers across the country. With its upbeat, contemporary branding, and vibrant, modern menu, o porto has carved a unique space in the Qsr industry, standing out as the home of portuguese inspired flavours.
r ight now, o porto is in a period of rapid growth, with a network of 212 restaurants across australia and forecasted to grow to 250+ in next 3 years. o porto is driven by strong customer demand and a relentless
b e part of the petbarn Mobile Dogwash franchise system with all the support that comes with it, it allows you to concentrate on your business;
Work your own hours
Group marketing power to support your business
• Managed website including optimized search engine
Join Poolwerx to build your business dream.
b enefit from our 30+ years of experience, including comprehensive training, marketing, technology and robust business systems; no prior experience is needed.
t he pool industry is resilient and in demand, with poolwerx australasia sales reaching $170.1 million in f Y 2022-2023.
enjoy multiple revenue streams and a scalable business model. choose from new mobile businesses starting at $90K + G st + van* or acquire an established franchise
r ed r ooster is one of australia’s most iconic food franchises, blending over 50 years of experience with modern tastes and customer-centric technology. With a network of 325 stores across australia, r ed r ooster has become a household name.
founded in the 1970’s and australian owned, it’s a roast and fried chicken franchise offering vast opportunities for aspiring franchise partners. for generations, australians have turned to r ed r ooster to satisfy their chicken cravings.
a s australia’s first and favourite chicken shop, and the only fast-food company that truly specialises in both roast and
r I ght at hoM e
right at home is australia’s leading provider of quality support at home and in-home care. our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve™ ensuring the right care, right at home™.
right at home was one of the first companies to enter in-home aged care and is now a global industry leader. We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, older australians, and adults living with a disability including nDis participants.
With 53 established offices and counting, right at home has available territories in regional new south Wales including the
focus on fresh, flavoursome portuguese inspired food. australians can’t get enough of our signature portuguese flame-grilled chicken, and burgers, including the iconic b ondi b urger and we need more passionate franchise partners to help us expand into key locations across the country.
o porto is a proud member of craveable b rands, alongside chargrill charlie’s, chicken treat and r ed r ooster, supported by a dedicated team ready to help franchise partners succeed. Join us and be part of the o porto legacy, delicious food, a fun experience, and the chance to make a real difference! www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-oporto
with multiple vans and a retail outlet serving residential and commercial clients. independent retailers can also elevate their business and join the poolwerx family. partner with an award-winning business – poolwerx is australasia’s largest and most trusted pool and spa maintenance network. We put people first! for more information go to: www.poolwerx.com.au/franchising or call au 1800 245 447 or nZ 0800 543 419 * leasing or financing options are available for an l DV Van G10 from $35K + Gst
fried chicken, we have earned a special place in the hearts of aussie customers. b ut while our history is built on tradition, our future is driven by innovation and customer demand.
r ed r ooster’s parent company, craveable b rands, operates more than 580 restaurants with 13,000 employees across four chicken brands, serving over 1 million customers weekly. o ur franchise partners benefit from our customer focused approach and innovative technology, including online delivery, app-led services, catering, and contactless service. When you join craveable b rands, you’ll have a team of experts by your side, supporting you every step of the way.
www.craveablebrands.com/franchising-red-rooster
new south Wales north coast, regional Victoria, Melbourne, adelaide, regional south australia, northern territory, and tasmania.
if you are passionate about supporting the most vulnerable members of your community, our caregiving management franchise system is an incredible opportunity to own your own business. right at home’s quality systems and processes provide a framework to launch your business in the highly regulated home care industry.
We are the right people, providing the right care, the right Way, for the right reasons.
sen I or h e Lpers aUstraLIa at senior h elpers australia, we are committed to enriching lives through compassionate, personalised care. since launching in 2011, we’ve proudly supported thousands of older australians and people living with disabilities, enabling them to live independently and with dignity in their own home. o ur services are built on trust, respect, and compatibility – matching clients with skilled, dedicated support workers who truly understand their needs. a s a franchisee, you’ll be joining a
snap-on tools australia & n ew Zealand leads the way in innovation to providing technicians, engineers and other professional tool users the gold standard in tools, tool storage, equipment, diagnostics, repairs information and management systems.
snap-on tools continues to grow and perform with a network of over 180 franchisees across australia and n ew Zealand.
so UL or I g I n
s oul o rigin is not just a brand; it is a friend to aussie food lovers. b ack in 2011, they set out on a mission, to shake up the fast-food industry and create a space where people could grab food that is not just quick but also fresh, wholesome, and delicious. n ow, with 150 stores across the country, they have become the go-to spot for foodies looking for quality food on the go. a nd guess what? t hey are just getting started. s oul o rigin has set its sights on further expansion and innovation. t heir commitment to providing healthy,
s tagecoach per For MI ng arts
at stagecoach performing a rts we are all about performance – on stage, in life and in business. We are here to inspire children and provide them with the confidence to be themselves.
t he demand for extra-curricular performing arts opportunities for children continues to increase. stagecoach’s unique model of running three disciplines (singing, dancing and acting) simultaneously, means its franchisees are well placed to capitalise on this demand. stagecoach developed educational framework which
australia’s Iconic sushi brand — a Franchise o pportunity Like no o ther for over 25 years, sushi sushi has set the standard for premium, handcrafted sushi in australia. With more than 170 stores nationwide, our brand is trusted for its exceptional quality, contemporary store design, and industry-leading food safety.
o ur franchise partners are the foundation of our growth. We offer a proven business model, robust training, and ongoing operational and marketing support to help
nationally recognised brand with a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and heartfelt service.
o ur proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing operational support empower franchise partners to build rewarding, community -focused businesses in a rapidly growing sector. Whether it’s companionship, personal care, or specialised support, s enior h elpers is dedicated to delivering exceptional in-home services that make a meaningful impact. Join us and help shape the future of care across australia –one home, one family and one community at a time.
https://seniorhelpers.com.au/
We are a complete retail mobile showroom that brings high quality tools and equipment to customers at their place of work. o ur highly targeted marketing techniques promotes our snap-on tools brand so it reaches your customers. e ach month, we develop specials to give customers a reason to buy immediately.
With extensive training and ongoing support,
Join the world’s largest tool franchise and drive your own success
www.snapontools.com.au
fresh food will continue to inspire changes in the fast-food industry. a s they grow, they bring with them a promise that nutritious food should be accessible to all.
take the next step and join a food and coffee franchise with s oul o rigin!
for more information contact: Karla shand 0439 611 962
Karlas @soulorigin.com.au https://www.soulorigin.com.au/
is pinned around skills development for each stage of learning. stagecoach enriches the lives of 60,000 students worldwide, each week.
a s a stagecoach franchisee, you are responsible for driving and growing your business and managing a team of talented teachers. You will not be required to teach any classes yourself, but our model actively encourages you to put your own stamp on the creative process. from marketing to recruiting and retaining teachers, stagecoach will provide you with the guidance and support you need, when you need it. australia.stagecoachfranchise.com
owner-operators thrive in shopping centres, travel precincts, local and regional communities.
Whether you’re an experienced hospitality professional or an ambitious entrepreneur ready to step into business ownership, you’ll benefit from the strength of an established brand and a dedicated support network. at sushi sushi, we believe real food brings people together — and real opportunities create lasting success.
Join us and own a business customers love, backed by a brand that’s fresh, iconic, and built to grow! Discover your future with sushi sushi.
“MyHome offers limitless potential to help you achieve your dreams”
Nicole Ramos, Owner –
MyHome Malvern East
“I couldn’t have made a better decision.”
Alex
Looking to start your own business? Combine your people and management skills with MyHome’s world leading systems, technology, support and premium brand to carve out a lucrative slice of a 5.4 billion-dollar market in your own location with a MyHome management franchise.
Looking to start your own business? Combine your hard work and excellent people skills with MyHome’s world leading systems, technology, support and premium brand to carve out a lucrative slice of a 5.4 billion-dollar market in your own location with a MyHome management franchise.
With high margins, low overheads, consistent recurring income, great cashflow and high demand - MyHome’s proven business model will help you create the business you’ve always dreamt of, enjoying high-income with regular working hours, lifestyle flexibility AND you’ll be building a valuable asset in the process
With high margins, low overheads, consistent recurring income, great cashflow and high demand - MyHome’s proven business model will help you create the business you’ve always dreamt of, enjoying high-income with regular working hours, lifestyle flexibility AND you’ll be building a valuable asset in the process.
If you have what it takes to be a motivated and proactive owner-manager you’ll be able to build a fantastic business of your own (with our help) and enjoy executive earnings without the stress, hassle and commute.
If you have what it takes to be a motivated and proactive owner-manager you’ll be able to build a fantastic business of your own (with our help) and enjoy executive earnings without the stress, hassle and commute.
ENQUIRE NOW To find out more about the MyHome management franchise and how it could be the perfect business opportunity for you, visit www.myhomefranchise.com.au/BFM-Alex
Or scan the QR code for instant access.
ENQUIRE NOW To find out more about the MyHome management franchise and how it could be the perfect business opportunity for you, visit www.myhomefranchise.com.au/BFM-mar Or scan the QR code for instant access
Request your information pack now to discover what sets MyHome apart, and how becoming a MyHome Owner Manager gives you executive earnings without the stress, long hours and commute. Visit www.myhomefranchise.com.au/BFM-mar Or scan the QR