Interest rates are down and business confidence is up – there is no better time to explore the wide range of franchising and other business opportunities available and the best place to do that is the Brisbane Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo, held from 18-19 July at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
“The Federal budget in May offered many benefits to small businesses, and the Treasurer is encouraging Australians to ‘have a go’,” says exhibition manager Fiona Stacey. “Attending the expo in Brisbane is a great way to investigate franchising options and learn more about this exciting and dynamic sector.”
According to the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA), franchising is a successful and fast growing part of Australia's small business landscape, directly employing more than 460,000 people across an estimated 79,000 business format franchise units in 2014.
“The importance of undertaking thorough research cannot be emphasised enough to any prospective franchisee,” says Kym De Britt, general manager of the FCA. “The Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo provides a great opportunity for would-be franchisees to talk face to face with franchise systems, ask questions and discover which system might be the best fit for them.”
Stacey says the Brisbane show will feature a high number of franchises in the food and beverage industry, with exhibitors such as Lenard’s, Movenpick, New York Slice Pizzeria, La Porchetta and new player Woodfired Pizza. In addition the team from Retail Food Group (RFG) will be on hand to discuss their brands and provide information.
”RFG’s franchise systems are some of the most successful in Australia, offering high quality products, innovative store designs and exceptional customer service,” says Sarah Kidman, RFG’s national sales and leasing manager.
“With several market leaders under our stewardship, our major franchise systems are well known household names. We look forward to showcasing these leading brands to prospective franchisees, including Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, Brumby’s Bakery, Crust Gourmet Pizza, Pizza Capers, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, The Coffee Guy and Café2U.”
Kidman adds that Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie and Donut King have recently undergone ‘Project Evolution’. “We have some exciting new store designs on offer at the upcoming expos that are sure to excite potential franchisees looking for a long-lasting, highly recognisable brand with an edge.”
De Britt says food, and particularly fast food, is a strong part of the franchise industry, with food retailing comprising around 18 per cent of franchise systems in Australia, comprised of a few very large fast food franchises and a mixture of emerging systems.
“Almost everyone at one time or another has visited a franchised café or quick service restaurant, so the brands are easy to relate to,” he says. “This familiarity provides prospective franchisees with peace of mind in the stability and security of the franchise brand.”
One of the highlights of the expo will be its free seminar program, with sessions running throughout the two days of the show. The strong line-up of experienced and knowledgeable franchisors, franchisees and service providers includes keynote speakers Sara Pantaleo, CEO of La Porchetta, and Lenard Poulter, founder and CEO of Lenard’s, as well as Suzanne Jarzabkowska CEO of DC Strategy, industry consultant Brian Keen and many more.
In addition the seminars will include the FCA Franchise Success panel series, where successful franchisees and franchisors from different systems will discuss their journeys and reasons behind selecting their chosen businesses. And the Soapbox Theatre makes its Brisbane debut, giving exhibitors a platform to explain and promote their businesses.
While the free seminars, panel discussions and Soapbox Theatre are all strong drawcards, Stacey says visitors will gain most from meeting representatives from a wide range of businesses, so they can compare the opportunities on offer.
“Some visitors come with specific businesses in mind, while others are open to new ideas, in industries they had never previously considered,” she says. “That’s the magic of the expo, you never know quite what you’ll find.”
Pre-register at franchisingexpo.com.au for a discounted entry fee to this show and the Melbourne show, 21-23 August at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.