In The News 
Helping franchisees #1 – Home Services 9th April 2020
A special series looking at how franchisors are helping their franchisees during lockdown. In this first case study, we talk to V.I.P. Home Services
Listen to RNZ interview about franchising 6th April 2020
Franchising employs more than 120 thousand people, and 74,000 are permanent full time workers. RNZ's Kathryn Ryan talks about the situation of franchisors and franchisees with Callum Floyd, chair of the Franchise Association, Brad Jacobs, who owns and operates The Coffee Club in New Zealand, and franchisee Joe Southon, who owns and operates two Carpet Court stores and the Floor Store in Thorndon. Listen here.
BBC says NZ in top 5 countries to bounce back 6th April 2020
FANZ lobbies Government re. landlords' attitudes 3rd April 2020
3 April 2020 -The Franchise Association has issued an open letter to Government regarding the attitudes taken by some landlords, especially mall owners, towards leases and rents during the current crisis. The letter urges the Government to grant some form of rent relief to all tenants of commercial leases, noting that the Australian Government has already taken action. Read the letter here.
"We are receiving regular reports that even the largest and highest profile shopping centre landlords, who have charged very high rent for years, are threatening legal action for unpaid rent as soon as the next day after the rent was due.
Many franchisees have no ability to generate income while their premises are inaccessible. They are simply unable to afford to pay. In a very short period of time, this will lead to mass cancellations of leases and loss of businesses as well as other assets owned personally by franchisees, such as the family home.
In some cases, the franchisor holds all head leases and then sub-leases to franchises. The refusal of landlords to negotiate will also lead to the closure of some key New Zealand franchised brands with an enormous cost to the thousands of families who rely on their franchisees’ businesses for employment.
We acknowledge that landlords are also victims of this crisis and many have responded well to the call to share loss between themselves and their tenants. However, we are gravely concerned about the behaviour of some who have generated healthy profits for years and whose attitude to this situation affects a very wide range and number of tenant businesses."
Do what you love 2nd April 2020
Relief for businesses - summary 2nd April 2020
22 April 2020 - Michael Bright of Gaze Burt provides an updated summary with links of where to get up-to-date and accurate information about the relief available for businesses
Wage Subsidy - free employer's guide from Franchise Accountants 30th March 2020
In response to overwhelming demand for information and support on the Wage Subsidy, Franchise Accountants has prepared a resource which outlines how employers treat the Wage Subsidy and related matters. This guide answers a lot of questions and covers off some practical examples and tips. Download your copy of the guide here.
Latest economic update 19th March 2020
Tips for working from home 12th March 2020
13 March 2020 – As health concerns mean more people choose or are required to work from home, Greg Nathan of the Franchise Relationships Institute offers some advice to help you stay connected
Westpac update on economic impact of virus 10th March 2020
Westpac has updated the forecasts in its latest Quarterly Economic Overview as the impact of Coronavirus grows around the world. It says the New Zealand Government is in a good position to weather this storm and that any disruption should be temporary. Read the update here.
"It is important to remember, though, that this is a temporary disruption to economic activity, not a new long-run trajectory for the economy. We anticipate a period of above-normal GDP growth after the worst of the virus-related disruptions have passed, as the economy returns to a normal level of economic activity, catch-up production to restore depleted inventories occurs, and even-lower interest rates stimulate asset prices. We are currently assuming that the recovery phase will begin in the second half of this year, although we will update that timing as we learn more about how the virus is playing out."
New York franchise expo now October 9th March 2020
March 2020 – The US Commercial Service is inviting NZ franchisors and investors to the International Franchise Expo in October
Financial Year End Checklist 6th March 2020
6 March 2020 - Helpful hints from Franchise Accountants for the Financial Year End
Franchise Conference postponed 25th February 2020
19 March - The 2020 National Franchise Conference has been postponed
Franchise offers free coffee to reduce waste 24th February 2020
25 February 2020 – Night ‘n Day runs Free Coffee February to keep single-use cups from New Zealand’s bins
Franchise events around the country 18th February 2020
When China sneezes – economic overview 18th February 2020
19 February 2020 – The latest Quarterly Economic Overview from Westpac suggests that the Coronavirus outbreak has the potential to throw the New Zealand economy off its stride
'Zero tolerance' for franchisees who breach employment law 17th February 2020
Super Liquor has again taken a hard line on a franchisee found guilty of exploiting staff by terminating the agreements of a multi-unit operator with 15 South Island bottle stores.
Super Liquor Holdings chief executive Campbell McMahon said the Labour Inspectorate's most recent investigation into Nekita Enterprises had identified employment breaches "across multiple stores, over a number of years, affecting a number of staff".
The investigation found that Nekita Enterprises:
- Failed to pay staff the minimum wage.
- Required employees to "pay a premium" by paying the correct hourly rate and then forcing them to pay it back.
- Kept inaccurate wages and time and leave records.
As a result, SuperLiquor said the company had "materially" breached the terms of its franchise agreements, resulting in their termination, effective immediately. "There is no place in the Super Liquor franchise community for this kind of behaviour and we are on public record as having declared zero tolerance for fundamental breaches of employment law," Mr McMahon said.
DB calls for liquor store owners who exploit staff to lose licences
SME Help Day - Christchurch 3rd February 2020
February 2020 – A free day of seminars from Westpac will help Canterbury businesses grow
Calculating annual holiday payment rates 3rd February 2020
With so many holidays at the start of the year, and the Labour Inspectorate targeting non-compliant franchisees, it's important that franchisees ensure they are calculating employees' holiday pay correctly. Here's a handy guide from Employment New Zealand.
Dream Doors founder’s next chapter 3rd February 2020
February 2020 – Kitchen renovation franchise Dream Doors is gearing up to change the world
TASTY - latest trends in food franchising 29th January 2020
Food and franchising go together like fish and chips, but the market’s changing faster than ever. Simon Lord looks at some of the latest trends that you should consider if you’re thinking of buying a franchise
Seminar with author of ‘My Dear Franchisees’ 28th January 2020
January 2020 – A half-day seminar next month is aimed at helping franchisors resolve relationship issues
Auckland seminars – Maximise franchisee engagement 27th January 2020
January 2020 – Two workshops being held in Auckland in February will help New Zealand franchisors and their leadership teams engage better with their franchisees and build stronger networks. Additional workshops deal with recruitment, underperformance and resales
New year? New start! How franchising can help 21st January 2020
Ready for a change? Is it time to get into a business of your own? Is a franchise a good option? What do you need to do first?
Franchise survey - help required from franchisors 10th December 2019
30 March 2020 - Owing to the Covid-19 lockdown, the 2020 Survey of Franchising has been suspended until further notice
2020 seminars – improving franchise performance 10th December 2019
Four training programmes being held in May/June 2023 are designed to address the needs of the owners and managers of franchise systems, field managers and support office staff
Time to quit your job? 8th December 2019
Here are 9 good reasons to start your own business – and 5 good reasons not to
20 years – 2 million parcels for Fastway franchisee 5th December 2019
Auckland courier driver and business owner Kwong Lui has reached a major milestone. The 61 year old moved his 2 millionth parcel, 20 years after moving from Hong Kong to New Zealand.
New tool to help company directors 22nd November 2019
23 November 2019 – The Companies Office has launched a new resource for owners of growing small businesses to help them navigate the move into business director responsibilities
Economy showing signs of spring 19th November 2019
20 November 2019 - Having endured the chill winds of a slowdown, Westpac’s economists say signs of spring are emerging. Data suggests we are past the worst of it
Payroll problems could cost millions 19th November 2019
19 November 2019 – McDonald’s has agreed to backdate miscalculated holiday pay for 10 years under an agreement with the Labour Inspectorate. It’s just one of many organisations, including the Police, that have been confused by complex legislation
NZ Franchise Awards 2019 RESULTS 9th November 2019
9 November 2019 – Getting it right first time is what franchising is all about - and Pukeko Rental Managers did exactly that with a stunning new entrant win as Supreme Franchise System of the Year. The Coffee Club’s Sarith Thong repeated the feat as the new Supreme Franchisee of the Year
Franchise banker honoured 9th November 2019
9 November 2019 – Daniel Cloete of Westpac has been awarded Life Membership of the Franchise Association in a ceremony at the 25th annual New Zealand Franchise Awards
Franchising worth $1.75 trillion globally 4th November 2019
5 November 2019 - Franchising contributes 2.7% to the economies of the 47 member countries of the World Franchise Council (WFC), as announced at its summit, held over five days in Abu Dhabi
Australian Franchise Awards – 2019 Results 27th October 2019
25 October 2019 – San Churro enjoyed the sweet taste of victory in this year’s Australian franchise awards
International recognition for NZ franchise lawyer 25th October 2019
25 October 2019 – New Zealand gains first Certified Franchise Executive under international programme
Confidence down – better to come? 23rd October 2019
24 October 2019 – Things will look worse before they look better, says an economist, but the latest survey suggests franchisors are not yet convinced
Super Liquor welcomes record $200,000 Employment Court fine for former franchisees 21st October 2019
22 October 2019 – An Employment Court ruling which has seen two former franchisees fined for serious employment law breaches has been applauded by the franchisor, which says it has no tolerance for abuse of legal obligations
Franchise your business – free seminars throughout NZ 16th October 2019
17 October 2019 – Could your business go national or even international? Find out more about franchising and licensing at these free seminars
Franchise Awards – finalists announced 10th October 2019
11 October 2019 – Who will win the 2019 Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards?
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