In The News 
Free workplace advice for FANZ members 17th August 2021
14 July 2021 – Strategic partnership to deliver free workplace advice to FANZ members
Rapid escalation for NZ economy - Westpac 16th August 2021
17 August 2021 – The latest Economic Overview from Westpac suggests that, while the New Zealand economy has been charging ahead and built up a head of steam, it faces some growing pains and Covid-related uncertainties for a bit longer
Retail spend up in July 16th August 2021
17 August 2021 - New figures show that retail spending in New Zealand reached $5.2 billion in July 2021 – up 1.6 percent on the previous month, and up 3.8 percent over July 2020, although some categories fared better than others
Building big business 10th August 2021
Green Acres and Hire-A-Hubby launch game changer for managers and entrepreneurs
Buying a mobile franchise 3rd August 2021
Thinking of buying a mobile franchise or a man-in-a-van business? Here are some questions to ask
Prospa lends full allocation to support Kiwi small businesses 2nd August 2021
2 August 2021 – Prospa has exceeded expectations by lending its total government allocation under the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme to SMEs across New Zealand
Smith&Smith buys the Exceed franchise 2nd August 2021
2 August 2021 - Vehicle glass repair and replacement company Smith&Smith has acquired Exceed, the nationwide window and door hardware repair franchise.
New chair, vice-chair for FANZ 26th July 2021
26 July 2021 – Franchise Association’s new leaders share a wealth of experience from different sectors of franchising
Book on McDonald's and the black community wins Pulitzer 23rd July 2021
A new account of the complicated role the fast-food industry plays in African-American communities has been awarded the USA's top prize for journalism. Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America, by Marcia Chatelain, is 'a portrait of race and capitalism that masterfully illustrates how the fight for civil rights has been intertwined with the fate of Black businesses.'
The book looks at the black community as franchisees as well as customers, explains Jennifer Jennifer Szalai of the New York Times. 'This isn't just a story of exploitation or, conversely, empowerment; it's a cautionary tale about relying on the private sector to provide what the public needs, and how promises of real economic development invariably come up short. . . . Franchise is a serious work of history. . . . [Chatelain's] sense of perspective gives this important book an empathetic core as well as analytical breadth, as she draws a crucial distinction between individuals actors, who often get subjected to so much scrutiny and second-guessing, and larger systems, which rarely get subjected to enough.'
Karla Strand of Ms. Magazine calls it, 'An impeccably researched examination of McDonald's and how the franchise was once intended as a path to economic freedom in Black communities. A fascinating, overlooked perspective on a US institution.'
Receiving one of the top prizes in journalism is sure to draw more attention to the company's relationships with the black community in the USA.
Peers rally around flood-stricken franchisee 23rd July 2021
Fellow franchisees and suppliers have come to the aid of an immigrant family who lost their belongings in the West Coast floods
Free workplace advice for FANZ members 14th July 2021
14 July 2021 – Strategic partnership to deliver free workplace advice to FANZ members
Seven tips for getting your customers to scan in 8th July 2021
July 2021 - As Covid scares continue, with Wellington the latest to suffer restrictions, encouraging customers to scan in continues to be vital to protect people and businesses. Here's some good advice on making it easy.
How can buying a franchise change your life? 27th June 2021
How can buying a franchise help you to achieve the goals you have for yourself and your family?
Owning your own business is about more than money or lifestyle. For some people, it’s about getting a better education for their children, or living how or where they want. For others, it’s about healthy living, overcoming setbacks or investing for a financially-secure future.
To find out more, we talked to four franchisees in two very well-established New Zealand franchises – CrestClean, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and Rodney Wayne, which has been franchising for over 30 years.
Hospitality businesses starting to bounce back - Xero 24th June 2021
The hospitality industry is bouncing back and May was its strongest month since the start of the pandemic, the latest small business insights report from Xero says.
Sales in hospitality grew an adjusted 7.5 per cent in May 2021 while retail grew most at 8.8 per cent and construction grew 7.6 per cent.
'After months of negative results, the hospitality industry has started to see an upswing,' Xero managing director for New Zealand & Pacific Islands, Craig Hudson said.
But Wellington’s restrictions back to alert level 2 would send a shiver through the industry, Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said.
Australia to require disclosure documents to be made public 31st May 2021
May 2021 - Australia is to establish a mandatory Franchise Disclosure Registry from 2022, raising concerns about commercial confidentiality. Jason Gehrke reports
Survey highlights resilience and optimism of small business owners 31st May 2021
31 May 2021 – A new study has given insight into the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the small business sector in New Zealand. Almost 60 percent feel that their business is more resilient and sustainable today
Side hustle - a part-time business or a passive investment? 29th May 2021
Can a franchise be a part-time business or a passive investment?
Google ‘side hustle’ and you’ll get lots of links to ‘Make $$$ in your spare time!’ – some genuine, many dodgy or unrealistic. The best-known ones are Uber or Airbnb, where you use an existing asset to generate extra income. But what if that doesn’t appeal – or you want something with greater potential? Can a franchise be a part-time business or a passive investment? Here are some options, with pros and cons.
Domino's apologises after franchisee's relative leaks jobseeker details 24th May 2021
25 May 2021 - The actions of the former employee of a Domino's franchisee who leaked job seekers' information on Instagram, along with mocking comments, have been condemned by the franchise.
A Domino’s New Zealand spokeswoman said the company unreservedly apologised to anyone affected by the privacy breach and it would take appropriate steps to address the matter after a thorough investigation. According to Stuff, the Instagram account belonged to a relative of a multi-unit franchisee, who until recently had worked at one of their three local stores.
According to Netsafe, the former employee's actions may constitute a breach of the Harmful Digital Communications Act or the Privacy Act.
New master franchisee award announced 20th May 2021
20 May 2021 - A new category has been added to the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards this year to recognise the work done by regional master franchisees, who work at a local level to help recruit, train and support their own team of franchisees within a larger system.
Find out more about the Awards.
Awards Categories
Franchise event in Christchurch 13th May 2021
14 May 2021 - The Franchise Association is running a Twilight Event in Christchurch on Wednesday June 2nd. Franchisees, franchisors and local franchise support teams are all warmly invited, whether FANZ members or not. This is a great opportunity to network with others in the franchise sector in Canterbury in a relaxed atmosphere. There is no charge, and drinks and nibbles will be provided courtesy of sponsors Westpac and Harmans Lawyers.
LATEST – Lease dispute mediation scheme still available 10th May 2021
11 May 2021 – The Ministry of Justice has advised that the Dispute Resolution Scheme aimed at helping resolve commercial lease disputes arising from Covid-19 is still available, but that eligibility will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Burger King NZ sold for $30 million 6th May 2021
The troubled Burger King NZ operation was sold to the Tahua Capital investment group for $30.48 million, it has been revealed. Tahua already owns the New Zealand Starbucks master licence, which it bought in 2018.
According to receiver Brendon Gibson’s report the secured creditors of Burger King, including ANZ, ASB and Rabobank, were owed more than $50 million. The banks supported the receiver's compromise deal, and had agreed to share half of any sale proceeds over $30m if the company was sold as a going concern.
All Burger King outlets in New Zealand are owned by the master licensee, with no individual franchisees affected. Five company-owned stores were closed when the company went into receivership in April 2020.
Lockdown lease disputes – recent decisions provide hope 6th May 2021
UPDATED 11 May 2021 – With some landlord/tenant disputes continuing to cause distress, two recent decisions involving hospitality businesses offer hope to tenants. Paul Turner and Scott Goodwin provide some background and look at the implications.
2021 Franchise Awards open for entry 4th May 2021
May 2021 – After a year off, the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards are back for 2021 in a new format which makes entry easier and more attractive than ever.
Small business bouncing back, says Xero 4th May 2021
Xero's new Small Business Index shows that the small business sector is performing better than average. The index rose 17 points to 122 in March, up 16 percent from February, and all four sub-metrics of sales, jobs, time to be paid and wages improved during March. It was the second month the index was above 100, indicating that overall small business had made a solid start to 2021, Xero said.
New Zealand Natural back in Kiwi ownership 21st April 2021
14 April 2021 - Graeme and Harry Hart's family food business Walter & Wild has bought Emerald Foods Group for an undisclosed amount. The company, which includes the New Zealand Natural franchise, has been owned by a Hong Kong-based entity since 2015.
The business includes premium ice cream brands New Zealand Natural, Killinchy Gold, Zilch and Chateau, along with the licence to operate the Movenpick brand in New Zealand. Walter & Wild's portfolio also includes Hubbard's, Gregg's, Aunt Betty's, I Love Food, Hansells and Alfa One.
McDonald’s reveals impressive NZ shopping list 9th April 2021
9 April 2020 - McDonald’s New Zealand has revealed it spent $156.9 million on ingredients ordered from New Zealand’s primary industries in 2020. A further $222.5 million of produce was exported, bringing the total spent with Kiwi producers by McDonald’s to $379.4 million.
Climate Action Toolbox helps smaller businesses cut carbon emissions 30th March 2021
31 March 2021 - The Sustainable Business Network has created a free, comprehensive toolbox to help smaller businesses act on the climate.
Customers to get the credit for new franchisees 24th March 2021
25 March 2021 – Mobile franchise Harrisons is offering an incentive to customers to help find new franchisees
Housing policy to boost business ownership? 24th March 2021
24 March 2021 – Broker says housing policy could make buying a business a more attractive option for investors - but how many will do it?
Preview: Franchise Conference 2021 1st March 2021
The National Franchise Conference focuses on prospering in a changing world
More Taco Bell stores planned for NZ 25th February 2021
Restaurant Brands is planning to open 10 new Taco Bell stores in New Zealand and Australia in the coming year. There are already three outlets here, all company-owned. Restaurant Brands has not announced any plans to franchise them after turning in a positive result in its latest annual report.
While five weeks of lockdown cost the company $40m in sales, once alert levels shifted, sales were strong particularly for the company's KFC and Carl's Jr. brands. Same store sales for the full year were up 5.3 per cent.
Economic Overview - mixed blessings 16th February 2021
16 February 2021 - Despite a sharp bounce-back in economic activitity, growth will probably be subdued this year. Expect a wider economic lift-off when the border re-opens, says Westpac in its latest Economic Overview
Franchise survey: what a difference a year makes 15th February 2021
16 February 2021 – The first Franchising Confidence Index survey since January 2020 shows that franchisors and specialist service providers are feeling much more confident about the year ahead. Although the survey was conducted just before the current rise in Alert Levels, it compares well with the survey from January 2020 when Covid-19 was still a distant cloud on the horizon.
Covid-19 financial support for businesses - updated 15th February 2021
19 February 2021 - In December 2020, the Government announced the support that would be available to New Zealand businesses in the event of a resurgence of Covid-19. Given the current change in Alert Levels, here's an update from the team at Franchise Accountants.
Auckland businesses can register for travel 14th February 2021
15 February 2021 - Businesses inside the Auckland Alert Level Boundary can register online for travel documents allowing workers to cross boundaries
Franchise calls for changes to sick leave extension 5th February 2021
February 2021 - Supermarket franchise group Foodstuffs has expressed concerns about the planned increase to sick leave, saying that costs to businesses could double and it was unlikely that businesses will recoup these costs in productivity gains.
The company's Government relations head Melissa Hodd suggested Parliament’s Education and Workforce select committee should instead consider recommending an increase in the minimum entitlement to seven or eight days. It should also consider reverting back to a five-day minimum entitlement after the Covid crisis, she said.
Another suggestion put forward by Foodstuffs was that the Government should consider sticking to a five-day minimum entitlement while raising the cap on the amount of sick leave employees are legally entitled to carry forward from year to year from 20 days, to 25 or 30 days.
Coffee franchise launches collagen product 28th January 2021
28 January 2021 – Columbus Coffee cafés across New Zealand are launching collagen creamer as an option for wellbeing-conscious customers
Report finds demand for businesses outstrips supply 26th January 2021
January 2021 – A new report from ABC Business Sales suggests that the current business sales market is experiencing a significant gap between supply and demand, leading to increased prices. This could make greenfield franchise opportunities more attractive.
Calls for Covid scanner use to prevent more lockdowns 14th January 2021
Small businesses fearing they wouldn't survive another lockdown are calling for greater pressure on customers to make use of the Covid-19 tracer app now, rather than waiting for another community outbreak. The virulent new strains have already caused further lockdowns in many countries, and rapid tracing would be vital to the prevention of a new outbreak here. However, use of the tracer app among Kiwis has dropped off alarmingly, with many saying they will start using it again only if there is a new outbreak - by which time it will be too late.
In a Stuff article, First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson said that the risk of not signing in to businesses is the “cataclysmic” shutting down of everything again.
“We’ve already seen what a second lockdown did to Auckland ... it was heart-wrenching to see the impact that had on businesses, the confidence of staff, and consumers.”
Wilkinson said scanning “peer pressure” should be encouraged, and political leaders needed to be actively scanning by example, and assigning scan “champions” to sectors.
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