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Edition One-Hundred and Twenty-Six of the Insider

 

 Welcome

 

Hello and welcome to this week's edition of The Insider.

In today's news:

~ Great tips on how to balance your budget

~ A franchise takes an Aussie favourite to the lucrative Chinese market

and

~ The results of a very special personality test are in, and this franchise is launching its new contemporary style ... with a splash of pink for good measure!

In Quick Shots News

~ An unexpected Christmas bonus for some employees;

~ Light fingered Aussies take the cake (sometimes literally!)

and

~ Queensland Master Franchise for Sale

All of this, and much more of the latest news and opportunities from around the globe in this edition.

Enjoy!

From the Inside Franchising Team

For Sale and Available Now

>Click here to check out the new listings at our Franchises for Sale pages - there are hundreds of franchise locations to choose from ! 

You can also now see a full list of franchise for sale opportunities on our homepage

 

 

Quotable quote:

"FuelWatch is dead, it's dead - just forget about it - it's all over.”  

     Nationals Senator, Barnaby Joyce

Click here for more information

~oOo~

Have you missed a recent edition ?

> Click here for recent news about MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards - Bakers Delight - Jumping J Jays - Autobarn - Lifetime Distributors - Mortgage Choice - Worldwide Online Printing - Wendy's - Kwik Kerb - Poolwerx - Retail Food Group - Aussie Pooch Mobile - ecowash - Just Cuts - Brumby's - Howards Storage World - Donut King - bb's and much more

AUSTRALIA'S DONUT KING OPENS ITS DOORS IN CHINA

 

 

Leading Australian retail brand Donut King has opened its first outlet in Shanghai, with additional stores to open in Shanghai during the coming months.

The opening on 1 November 2008 was the result of a Master Licence Agreement between Retail Food Group and Shanghai-based Mak Brands Limited to develop and proliferate the Donut King franchise system within the People’s Republic of China.

 

Donut King opened its first outlet in Eastgarden Sydney in 1981. The Donut King system is owned by ASX-listed company Retail Food Group Limited.  Today there are more than 309 Donut King outlets operating in Australia.

                                                                                       

Retail Food Group Managing Director Tony Alford said Mak Brands Limited had plans to open at least 20 stores in China within five years, including another two stores in Shanghai prior to end December 2008, and stores in Hangzhou and Ningbo in the Yangtze River Delta.

“China represents a fantastic opportunity for the Donut King system because of the growing attraction of western food,” he said.

“Following extensive market and consumer research, Donut King products have been subtly adjusted to meet the sensibilities, taste profiles and expectations of the Chinese market while retaining the system’s signature branding and products.

“This has included reducing the sweetness of some products and adding some special Chinese flavours including green and chia to the current Donut King iced beverage range.

“Additional sites in China have already been identified by Mak Brands Limited for the other new Donut King outlets and these will help create a solid platform for the future growth of the system in that country.

“Retail Food Group is also continuing to investigate the launch of its other retail brands Brumby’s Bakery, Michel’s Patisserie and bb’s cafe in China during the next three years.”

Retail Food Group is a leading Australian retail food brand manager and franchisor. It is the franchisor and intellectual property owner of the Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie, Brumby’s Bakeries and bb’s cafe systems.

 

Click here for more information about Donut King Franchising Opportunities

 

WENDY'S - THE REVITATLISATION OF A FRANCHISE ICON

 

With 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand, Wendy’s has grown a successful franchise brand on the back of a deliciously simple strategy: give people what they want, and make it fun.

It’s an uncomplicated approach – backed by a serious, results-driven business – that has resulted in ongoing growth for almost 30 years. But the Wendy’s of today is very different from the franchise’s first store in Adelaide in 1979. And it’s about to undergo another transformation.

“The Wendy’s brand personality is absolutely central to everything we do and we’re constantly reviewing this to ensure we remain relevant to consumers,” Nicola Milne, Wendy’s CEO said.

“Just because it’s one of the best recognised brands in the marketplace does not mean that it’s impervious to challenges. And that’s why we committed to a major revitalisation of the Wendy’s brand.”

Working with Sydney-based retail design agency Juicy Design and advertising agency Clemenger BBDO Adelaide, Wendy’s undertook a thorough review of its brand personality and the way the brand was interacting with customers.

Nothing was sacrosanct – everything was up for discussion, from the brand personality and its communications right through to store design, staff uniforms and the famous pink logo.

Wendy’s management left nothing to chance, revisiting the very core of the brand’s personality.  Wendy’s has a very diverse customer base consisting of males and females of all ages but the Generation Y group (i.e. aged 14 to 28 years) is an extremely important customer group for Wendy’s.

“We needed to clearly define Wendy’s brand personality and this more contemporary personality and attitude had to relate to not only Gen Y’s but to all our customers,” Ms Milne said.

Wendy’s management also knew that more than just a focus on customer relevance was needed.

“We knew we needed to focus on being innovative given the changing needs and expectations of our customers and the market.  A significant part of that process meant we had to challenge our own preconceptions,” Ms Milne said.

“Our findings quickly led us to the outcome that we must look to engage and resonate with all our customers through a contemporary and youthful attitude.

“That led us to review and redefine the Wendy’s brand personality to link to our three key brand pillars, Tasty, Honest and Fun. Having clarified our personality and approach, the exciting challenge was to translate this through to all our brand, store and communication tools.”

First to undergo an evolution was the famous logo, which now has a more contemporary feel with the introduction of black to the brand palette. That edgier look formed the basis for a new approach to the store design and marketing.

“The new-look store is a very sophisticated yet uncluttered environment that blends the warmth of timber with a graphic approach that’s totally aligned to our personality,” Peter Lokan, Wendy’s General Manager Marketing said.

“That’s only a small part of the revitalised Wendy’s. It now not only looks contemporary, but it feels contemporary as well. It’s much more than a simple revamp. Rather, it’s a total process that has realigned the way we present and talk to all our customers.”

Redesigned point-of-sale and menu boards bring a new level of clarity to the in-store experience, while uniforms will tastefully reflect a more modern clothing culture. Advertising and online communications have also had the treatment, simplifying the offer with a refreshed tone that will appeal to customers of all ages.

What’s more, a focus on innovation has resulted in the addition of several new products, including Wendy’s delicious new Frozen Yoghurt, which is 98% fat free, and the new Wendy’s Rainbow Ice Cream which is now made with no artificial flavours or colours.

                           

While continual product development has been a cornerstone of Wendy’s success, the brand revitalisation will also ensure the products and their packaging reflect this new position. 

The brand revitalisation process hasn’t just been about ensuring that the brand appeals to its customers. It is also fundamental to Wendy’s continued success and aggressive growth strategies.

“This branding exercise will open up many new opportunities in different areas and deliver more value to our customers and franchisees,” Ms Milne said.

The new-look stores will be rolled out across the country as new outlets open and as existing stores come up for scheduled refurbishments.

Click here for more information about Wendy's Franchising Opportunities

 

HOW DOES YOUR MORTGAGE MEASURE UP?

Many Australians busily spend months getting their waistlines in shape for summer, so why not spend some of that time getting your mortgage into shape as well?

Mortgage Choice, Best in the Mortgage and Finance Industry*, encourages mortgage holders to welcome the warmer months by paying closer attention to the health of their mortgages.

Senior Corporate Affairs Manager for Mortgage Choice, Kristy Sheppard said many Australians could reap rewards by putting their mortgage under the microscope, especially those enjoying the benefits of recent rate cuts.

“Australian property owners could really benefit from getting up close and personal with their mortgage and improving their property loan repayment strategy, so they can relax and unwind a little more over the festive season,” she said.

Borrowers are encouraged to stick to a fortnightly or monthly budget while constantly reassessing their lifestyle and what they truly need to live comfortably.

“Whether you are a potential or existing property owner, developing a sound budgeting technique and paying attention to spending patterns will hold you in good stead for managing mortgage repayments until the end of the loan term,” said Ms Sheppard.

Mortgage Choice has these tips to chew over while stoking up the barbecue; tips that can help you have a happy and relaxed approach to your mortgage over the long term:

 

1.   Reassess your personal budget

Think about daily, weekly, monthly and annual costs you can remove, even seemingly insignificant costs such as takeaway coffee, snacks and knick-knacks. Track your expenses for a few weeks, noting each time you spend any amount of money. You may be shocked at where you money goes – and how quickly!

2.   Review your loans, credit cards and other debt

Visit a reputable mortgage broker along with an accountant or a financial advisor to determine whether there are ways you can pay off your mortgage, personal loans and credit cards sooner, or in a savvier manner. With the assistance of these professional resources you should have a clearer understanding of your financial situation and how best to move forward with it. Don’t forget – the aim is for you to live happily. If your spending is out of whack it could need addressing.

3.  Less really can be more

Are you in a job that doesn’t pay you what you are worth? Could you get one with better rewards? Are you driving a car when you could walk or catch public transport? Do you neglect to maintain your car and end up consuming more fuel? Do you have a rarely used boat in the garage that you could sell? Take charge of your needs, wants and spending patterns.

4.  Get a free home loan health check

The Australian mortgage market changes shape regularly. There is still competition for your mortgage out there! You may be surprised at the different choices available to you such as a loan that is more suited to your budget and needs, and potentially at a lower cost.

 

Click here for more information about Mortgage Choice Franchising Opportunities and links to their mortgage website tools

 

* 2008 Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia Awards

 

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Business and Finance news

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Unexpected Christmas Bonus for Employees

About 150 unskilled laundry workers in Sydney’s western suburbs have got an unexpected, but long-awaited Christmas bonus.  An audit of the labour hire company they work for has found the workers have been underpaid for the past seven years.  The Federal Workplace Ombudsman has successfully negotiated with the employer to back-pay the workers more than $85,000.

> Click here for more about this story


Recognising the strong economies of many regional communities, Eagle Boys has developed a new store model designed to thrive in small towns. The new model is part of the company’s robust expansion strategy which will see Eagle Boys with 400 Australian stores operating across all its store models by 2011.


   Danks an Award Winning Group

Danks Group, comprising Home Timber and Hardware, Plants Plus and Thrifty-Link Hardware, is celebrating after a fantastic 4 wins at the, with member store Bob's Home Hardware and Timber  winning the title of South Australian Hardware Retailer of the Year.

This cements a great year for the Danks Group and recognises their dedication to providing excellent customer service, product support and advice and local industry knowledge.


ACCC NEWS

ACCC stops proceedings against ABC Learning

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today announced that it has discontinued proceedings against ABC Learning Centres for breach of court enforceable undertakings.

Click here for more about this story

 

Interested in all the latest news from the ACCC?

> Click here to visit the ACCC News Centre.

Queensland Master Franchise - For Sale

Lifetime Distributors require seasoned hands on owner/operator for their Queensland Master Franchise business.

This profitable business which controls 14 franchisees, some with sub-contractors is now ready for significant and controlled expansion.

Lifetime Distributors has a well proven profitable franchise system with 18 years experience and is recognized as the industry leader in its field.

If you have the desire to be your own boss, a keen desire to succeed and the independence of owning and managing your own business then this is the role for you.

Click here for more information about

Lifetime Distributors and contact details


Light fingered Aussies top the list

Australian retail staff have the world's greatest propensity for theft from their employer, costing the industry almost $3 billion.

The second annual Global Retail Theft Barometer found Australian retailers experienced the world's highest rate of employee theft and fraud.

The illegal activity cost the sector almost $3 billion over the past 12 months.

 


The cost of employee theft or “shrinkage loss'' as it is termed in the industry, is usually passed on to consumers.

 > Click here for more details about this story


I N V I T A T I O N

The Women in Franchising (WIF) Committee in conjunction with the Qld FCA State Chapter presents a Cracker of a Christmas…..

and you’re invited!

email events@franchise.org.au

or call 1300 669 030 for more details

Ever wanted to know more about a particular franchise? How much does one cost?

Is there an opportunity available? What kind of experience is needed?

Simply visit us at Inside Franchising

to view our full list of opportunities

or click a featured franchise link below

 

Click here for more information about SIGN*A*Rama Franchising Opportunities

Click here for more information about Billboard Connection Franchising Opportunities

Click here for more information about EmbroidMe Franchising Opportunities

 

Click here for more information about

Aussie Pooch Mobile Franchising

 

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Anytime Fitness

Franchising Opportunities

 Brumby's Bakery Logo

Click here for more information about Brumby's Franchising Opportunities

 

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*The content of all news items published in this newsletter are published in good faith and are reproduced from information provided by the individual companies or their agents, the subject of said news items. News items from other publications are linked to original source.  Inside Franchising Pty Ltd takes no responsibility whatsoever for information and content being true and correct.

 

NEWSLETTER EDITION 126 - FIRST PUBLISHED 18 NOVEMBER 2008

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