Australian Franchise News – 14-03-12
Sydney residents are increasingly interested in franchising and small business opportunities as a strong and profitable source of income as job losses continue to shake confidence in many industries across the country.
The industry generates sales turnover of approximately $128 billion per year and employs around 660,000 people nationally and the 2012 Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre March 23 – 25 is expecting a big turnout from Sydneysiders looking to start their own business.
A survey of 2011 Sydney Expo attendees found that 65 percent were interested in purchasing a franchise, 58 percent sought to start a business and 32 percent looked for other investment opportunities. Food and beverage was the most popular business type to invest in (46.2%) followed by business services (28.9%).
Respondents clearly viewed franchise ownership as a means to grow their personal wealth, with 49 percent indicating they were shopping for a business ‘to increase personal income’ and ‘securing financial future’ the next most popular answer.
Exhibition Director Gaye Murray said the 2012 Franchising and Business Opportunities Expo was a must attend event for anyone considering business ownership.
“From expert advice, opportunities to meet face-to-face with franchisors and speak with successful franchisees plus all of the great seminars and our Franchise Advice Centre, the 2012 Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo will assist you in taking the next step in owning your own business,” she said. “On top of that, entry is free for anyone who registers online, so there’s no reason not to check out what the expo has on offer.”
FCA Executive Director Steve Wright said franchised businesses were attractive options for many people in the current economic conditions.
“With several thousand jobs already slashed by major employers and more cuts on the way, thousands of skilled people are understandably considering working for themselves,” he said.
“For those people, especially those who have never operated a business before, franchising offers important business systems, recognised branding and marketing expertise that would be unavailable to independent small business owners and it’s often easier for individuals to secure bank finance when seeking to purchase a franchise as opposed to starting up their own small business.
Darryn McAuliffe, National Manager Franchise Banking for National Australia Bank said buyers should carefully consider their options when shopping for a business.
“Due diligence checks are vital and you should speak with existing franchisees in the business and get a feel for their experience as well as sitting down with the franchisor and discussing your goals and expectations.”
“You also need to be sure you are entering franchising for the right reasons and that you fully understand the lifestyle and income implications of your decision.”
“Finally you need to ensure you have adequate borrowing capacity including working capital and you should seek financial advice as soon as possible to determine what franchise options are within your price range.”
Ms Murray said the event was a unique opportunity to talk face-to-face with leading franchisors and successful franchisees across a broad range of industries and investment levels.
“The brand new ‘Franchisee Success Club Seminars’ will provide a forum for people to ask the tough questions direct to franchisees, without input from the franchisor themselves. We believe this will be a very honest representation of the leading franchise brands.”
Rounding out the Expo attendees will have the chance to discuss their potential new business opportunities with qualified specialist franchise and small business bankers and lawyers at the Expo’s ‘Franchise Advice Centre’.
The Sydney Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is on at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Friday March 23 until Sunday March 25. For more information and to register for free entry visit http://www.franchisingexpo.com.au .