Edition One Hundred and Thirty-two of The Insider

Delivering franchising news and opportunities since 2005

Hello and welcome to this edition of The Insider.

Each week we source business, franchise and finance news from across Australia and around the globe - this week's newsletter is packed with all the latest. 

Today's Feature Articles include:

~ Plus, meet the franchise which debuted

at #3 in the 2009 BRW Fast Franchise List

~ A franchise challenges families to 'think outside the box'

And:

~ Welcome to the club! - Congratulations goes to a franchise which hits 1000!

Read all about these stories, and much more of the latest in franchising news and opportunities in today's edition.

Enjoy!

From the Inside Franchising Team

ps.  If you missed our newsletter last week which included information about the Free $50,000 Franchise Giveaway

just Click here to view that edition on-line

Click here to view today's newsletter at our website

Buying:  Click here to find the latest available Franchises for Sale pages - there are hundreds of franchise locations to choose from ! 

Selling: Click here to Contact Us for more information on how Inside Franchising can help to get your Brand out into the www marketplace.

Browsing: View a full list of franchise for sale opportunities on our homepage, and for your convenience, we have included the links for all of our franchise and small business opportunities in this edition

Ecowash Mobile hits Top 3 with a bullet in BRW Fast Franchises 2009

In their first year of eligibility Australia's global waterless carwash sensation ecowash mobile has grabbed a Top 3 placing in the prestigious BRW Fast Franchises list for 2009. Starting operations in 2004, they met this year's criteria that required a recorded turnover of more than $500,000 in 2004-05. The list ranks 100 different franchise models in Australia.
 
With results independently audited and based on growth in outlets and gross revenue, ecowash boasted 105 outlets and a $7.88 million turnover in 2007-8. The gross revenue figure represents 102.96% increase in the three years to June 30, 2008. Outlets had increased 135.8% in that time.

 
"If we are not the lowest investment franchise system in the Top 100 listed, we would be close, and we’d certainly have the lowest initial investment in the Top 3."

"Our model and franchising in general is a great option for a first time business owner – it’s affordable (complete start up package from $55,000), and in our case carries the weight and credibility of an international brand. It is fantastic we debuted with a third place ranking, incredible really."
 
"Locally we are struggling to keep up with demand for our service, so there is huge potential for those who want to operate their own business for the first time. The business model is sustainable commercially, environmentally and personally offering security as well as having a positive impact on the community."
 
ecowash mobile has made huge inroads internationally, including in franchise stronghold the United States, because it had "the best return on investment" with a low initial investment and high return on investment for franchisees, he added.
 
Mary Ann O'Connell, President of franchise consultants Franwise in the US, was glowing in her praise of the Australian born franchise.

"This is a franchise that is perfect for this time at the convergence of ecological concern, financial and time constraints.  It offers a business owner a business that doesn't rely on licensed or specially trained staff and has a low cost of entry with great potential.  It is ecologically sound and provides a valuable time-saving service and is backed by a terrific team and sound operating principles."

"Their procedures and product is tenfold anything I've seen," said CEO and President of IFX Online, Dan Martin. One of America's foremost franchising identities, his company provides web-based technology solutions for over 100 US and international franchise systems including Red Rooster.
 
"In the US water conservation is the No.2 topic behind only gas prices and accessibility is a big factor over here, you cannot have a water based mobile units washing cars at buildings- they're not allowed onsite. So it allows on-site car detailing where you would not otherwise do it."
 
Currently operating in 14 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and the US, there are further markets opening up in the Middle East (Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt and Sudan in the first quarter of 2009) and expansion moves into Central America by the first quarter of this year.
 
The BRW listing follows ecowash being announced as 2008 Franchise Export of the Year by the Franchise Council of Australia last October, 2008 AMEX Best Services Retailer, NAB Top Franchise and awards in 4 categories at the Australian Business Awards during last September.

Click here for more information about the ecowash Mobile Franchise Opportunity

Business Excellence and High Flyers Awards

Mortgage Choice, Best In Mortgage and Finance Industry*, is proud to reveal its franchise network’s national winners for 2008 – an honour roll of diverse and well-deserving high achievers.

The Business Excellence Award (BEA) recipients and High Flyers (top performing franchisees in terms of value and number of loans) received accolades for their business performances in 2008 at the company’s recent National Conference, held in Sydney from 15 to 17 January.

Mortgage Choice Managing Director, Paul Lahiff said the annual National Conference is a highlight on the professional development calendar for the Mortgage Choice family and the perfect opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional business performance of franchisees.

“It was very pleasing to acknowledge the work of not only our frequent high achievers but also new faces who stepped up to the mark in 2008,” he said.

“We are very proud of the determination and endeavour of our top performing franchises. Many of these winners have accomplished set goals in building their businesses and achieved above and beyond their own expectations, as well as ours.

“We’re delighted with the efforts of all our award recipients, as they have undoubtedly demonstrated the passion, dedication and determination required to meet customer needs and be a successful mortgage broker in their local community.”

Each state BEA winner receives $1,000

while the national BEA winners and High Flyers are off to Rome in May.

National winners:

Franchise of the Year – Graham Bowling (QLD)

Multi Franchise Owner of the Year – Chris & Letitia Vitale (QLD)

Multi Operator of the Year – Graham Bowling (QLD)

Single Operator of the Year – John Kennedy (QLD)

Rookie of the Year – Gavin Hoy (NSW)

High Flyers:  Andrew & Karen Holmes (QLD), Anthony & Leah Knight (NSW), Ashley Koenig, Stephen Zamykal & Cameron Price (VIC), Chris & Letitia Vitale (QLD), Graham Bowling (QLD), Greg Campbell, Flynn Sullivan & Leith Yelland (SA), James Hasselle (QLD), Lisa Brown (NSW), Mark Boulton & Anthony Smith (VIC), Mark Ferris (WA), Matt & Linda Ireland (QLD), Matthew Holland (NSW), Michele Borg (VIC), Nick Cook (QLD), Peta Short (QLD), Peter & Denise Phillips (QLD), Richard Crommelin, Greg McQueen, Michelle Towner & Dennis Aplin (WA), Robert Walpole & Tracy Parish (NSW), Russell Passfield (QLD), Tony & Julie Schelling (NT), Tony Fornaro & Adam Bourke (QLD), Vincent Camilleri (VIC), Wendy Higgins (SA)

The company’s National Conference is a professional development event consisting of workshops, keynote speakers and roundtable sessions as well as themed evening events. The purpose of the event is to bring together franchise owners, loan consultants, Mortgage Choice group and state office staff and lenders to share ideas, develop their skills and to acknowledge company-wide achievements.

 * 2008 Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia Awards

Click here for more information about the Mortgage Choice Franchise Opportunity

ONE GIANT LEAP FOR RETAILERS, ONE SMALL STEP TOWARDS RECOVERY

Dec '08 retail growth shows stimulus package worked

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said the 3.8% percent increase in December 2008 retail turnover (seasonally adjusted) cemented the success of the Rudd Government's Economic Stimulus Package and showed signs of returning consumer confidence.

ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the seasonally adjusted retail trade growth for December (NSW - 4.9%, Vic 3.9%, Qld 3.2%, SA 2.4%, WA 2.8%, Tas 4.2%, NT 4.8%, ACT 3.0%) showed signs of returned consumer confidence after the Rudd Government's first economic stimulus package landed in bank accounts in December.

"The December retail figures are one giant leap of growth for retailers; one small step towards economic recovery. Consumers have done their job injecting the Rudd Government's first stimulus package back into the economy via retail sales. But there is more work to be done for the benefit of vital cash to flow right through supply channels.

"Contrary to various reports placing doubt on planned bonus spend, December retail trade figures indicate consumers were cashed up and willing to shop. Consumers have defied negative rhetoric and panic commentary surrounding the global financial crisis and responsibly enjoyed the gift-giving season," Evans said.

"The retail sector is the barometer of the economy and when it recovers (anticipated from the September quarter), other segments will follow three to six months later. Now is the time for all within the business community to show leadership and hold their staff and provide confidence to their employees who are the consumer market with the key to economic recovery in their wallets," Evans said.

For over 104 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA supports and represents over 5000 members throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

Inside Franchising Featured Franchise and Business Opportunities

Click on any logo below for more information and opportunities available today

For Sale and Available Now

>Click here to check out more than 750 Franchises for Sale opportunities

Click on any logo for more information and opportunities available today

Click on any logo for more information and opportunities available today

Click on any logo for more information and opportunities available today

Click on any logo for more information and opportunities available today

(business opportunity)

Click on any logo for more information and opportunities available today

"There are some predictable factors that can lead to a surge in franchise sales activity -- and many of them are pointing to a franchise boom on the horizon" *

*Click here for this story

Would you like a nice juicy novel to go with that sandwich?

The Dymocks Group has purchased 80% of the Healthy Habits sandwich group and announced its expansion plans for the HH group into current Dymocks territories including include NSW, New Zealand and Hong Kong.

Katherine Sampson (Healthy Habits founder) remains a 20% stakeholder and will stay on as MD.

Click here for the full story

________________

Woolworths looks set to be the next big player in the hardware sector.  With merger talks with Mitre 10 going nowhere, Woolies is looking to take on Australia’s big boy of hardware, Bunnings (which currently holds 16% of the $38billion hardware market).

Click here for the full story

________________

Brumby's - Thinking outside the (lunch)box

Australian families looking to give their kids an advantage in the classroom should look to their lunch box to help their kids grow and stay focused at school, Brumby’s Bakery said.

“At Brumby’s, quality and freshness are key attributes of our bread. We’ve been ‘on a roll’ baking a range of fresh, healthy and delicious lunches and snacks for Aussie families for over 30 years.

“All Brumby’s bread is preservative 282 free, which means children are healthier, happier and in the best frame of mind to learn. Preservative 282 is an additive used in bread to help it last longer on the shelf, but it’s also been linked to behavioural problems in children. At Brumby’s all our bread is baked fresh daily, so we don’t need preservative 282.”

Click here for more information about the Brumby's Bakery Franchise Opportunity

________________

ACCC NEWS

The Chairman of the ACCC, Graeme Samuel, advises prospective franchisees to do their homework before entering into a franchise agreement.

For further information about the Franchising Code of Conduct and publications click here to visit the ACCC’s franchising webpage or contact the ACCC Info Centre on 1300 302 502.

Interested in all the latest news from the ACCC?

> Click here to visit the ACCC News Centre.

Congratulations to Anytime Fitness which opened its 1,000th Club!  Founded in 2002, Anytime Fitness now has clubs operating in the US, Canada and right here in Australia, serving nearly 600,000 members. 

Click here for the full story

Click here for more information about the Anytime Fitness Franchise Opportunity

________________

Harvey Norman's Gerry Harvey has told AAP of plans to close up to 10 underperforming stores in the second half of 2009.    

The closure of all 5 Harvey Norman OFIS stores was today added to the list of closures.

Click here for the full story

________________

Eagle Boys Pizza has undergone one of the most significant changes in its 22 year history with the launch of a $7 million twelve month campaign to revitalize its iconic pink logo and unveil a new range of bigger, better pizzas.

Click here to contact us for more information

________________

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

Just some of the Franchise Expos and Conventions happening around the globe throughout 2009

The Franchise Conference, London

Franchise Expo Paris

Franchise Convention India

Miami Franchise Expo

South Africa Franchise Expo

Thai Franchise and SME Expo

China Franchise Expo

National Franchise Convention '09 - Perth

Inside Franchising Google Search Success

Find www.insidefranchising.com.au

on the first page for searches with

Key word: "Franchising"

Key phrase: "Franchise for Sale"

with prospective franchisees looking for information on opportunities available, now is the time to get your advertising organised

Click here to Contact Us for more information on our economical all-inclusive advertising package and how Inside Franchising can help you to get your Brand out into the www marketplace.

_________________________________________________________________________________

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 one of the logos included in this newsletter.

Do you have News for us or are you interested in advertising with us?

Please click here to contact us about having your

article published

www.insidefranchising.com.au

There is always a lot to see and do !

Would you like to advertise with Inside Franchising?
Send all enquiries to:
webmaster@insidefranchising.com.au

*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. Inside Franchising does not endorse specific franchises.  See our disclaimer for full information.

NEWSLETTER EDITION 132 - FIRST PUBLISHED 5 FEBRUARY 2009

PHOTOCREDIT FOTOSEARCH