Brooklyn Brothers offers an authentic modern American diner experience  Brooklyn Brothers, the authentic modern American diner experience South Africans have long been waiting for, has arrived. With their speciality being buffalo style chicken wings and the stores creative Brooklyn, New York inspired theme, accompanied by a touch of modern décor, and urban fittings, customers can now look forward to a dining experience unlike any other in the South African market.  The brainchild of Fournews, whose other brands include Krispy Kreme Donuts SA, News Cafe , Moyo , Smooch , Café Fino and Go! , Brooklyn Brothers offers an informal and trendy raw urban eating experience that delivers real value for money. The first Brooklyn Brothers has just opened its doors in the Bedford Centre, Bedfordview. Fournews Marketing Support Specialist, Varina Singh says at least another five more stores will open around Gauteng before the end of the year. “There’s nothing quite like this being offe

What influences cause property values to increase Why investing in property is the best way to go?  When you buy your first home the usual motivation is to acquire your own property, rather than paying someone else's bond and of course you then have your independence. Most youngsters seek freedom from living at home and having to abide by family household rules. “The very idea of buying their own home is exciting and they often do not realise what a wonderful investment they are making. This is the start of their financial independence” Craig Hutchison, CEO of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa stated. According to the FNB House Price Index, the average house price for April 2015 rose 5.0% year-on-year. Despite the nominal house price inflation slowdown, however, recent months' house prices continue to grow positively in real terms, when adjusted for CPI inflation. Due to the slower house price growth, this creates opportunities for the lower income buyers as the pric

How to Seal that BEE Deal In South Africa, as in the rest of the world, business shareholders focus on annual returns and dividends. For companies in South Africa, being B-BBEE-compliant makes a significant difference when it comes to growth and success. When implemented well, BEE can support job creation, global competitiveness and economic growth. It can also reduce the burden on entrepreneurs and assist in creating a more skilled workforce.   The Broad-Based BEE Codes of Good Practice are legally binding on all State and State-owned entities, so when it comes to choosing suppliers, granting licences or making concessions, all government (and an increasing number of public) businesses require their suppliers to be B-BBEE compliant. Israel Noko, CEO of NPI Governance Consulting says, “Being B-BBEE compliant has knock-on effects. For example, businesses with high B-BBEE ratings may be preferred suppliers because their score helps to improve the score of the companies making us

Under-insuring your business has major repercussions Companies throw the dice by cancelling or not renewing their insurance. Businesses that choose to cut down on insurance cover to save costs are playing a risky game more akin to gambling than good business practice, according to Gerald Juma, Corporate and Business Insurance Regional Manager at Standard Bank. South Africa’s economy is struggling to eke out anything over 2% growth, while inflation has dropped below 4% – a four-year low. The slow conditions are placing pressure on businesses to cut back on costs – and insurance is often one of the first expenses to face the chop.  “In terms of priority, companies need to ensure the lights stay on and that there is electricity, for example, but this shouldn’t mean insurance is a lower priority,” says Mr Juma. Without adequate insurance coverage, a company could never financially recover if a fire were to raze it to the ground, for instance. “Instead of cutting insurance, compan

Tip Box: Characteristics of a franchisee Owning a franchise is one of the ways  one could be a business owner. Franchising comes with a tried and tested business recipe, along with having the support and backing of a franchisor. “It takes a special kind of person to be a franchisee.  A franchisee is an individual with a burning desire to succeed in a business,” says Morne Cronje, Head of FNB Franchise.  Cronje says that there are a number of characteristics of a franchisee one should  explore.  Ability to adapt As a franchisee, you need to absorb new concepts quickly. Remember that your business comes from a franchisor’s blueprint. So if your franchisor makes a decision for the business, it will affect you and you need to adapt to the necessary changes.  A positive outlook Cronje says that the future for franchising is positive, even though the economy is slowing down, but you have to go about things in the right way. Firstly, the days of buying into the right brand and expe

The sky’s the limit for career-minded staff at The Fish & Chip Co. Sibusisiwe Dube Sibusisiwe Dube’s rapid rise from cashier to store manager is proof that The Fish & Chip Co . offers ambitious staff members a genuine opportunity to advance their careers. Sibusisiwe joined the Mooikloof Village store in Pretoria East as a cashier in 2011, and in just four months she was running the entire store. “The Fish & Chip Co. team encouraged me to better myself and as soon as I realised that with hard work and determination I could become a manager, so I gave it my all,” she says. “I’m very proud of the position I now hold. I want to continue to improve myself and I’m currently studying towards a Diploma in Marketing Management. One day I aim to own my own franchise.” Dube believes the most important aspect of being a manager is keeping both customers and employees happy. She’s achieving this balance with her excellent communication skills and by showing respect to everyo

Major franchise holder makes the transition from Scooters Pizza to Domino’s Pizza Sheldon Williams Major Scooters Pizza franchise holder, Sheldon Williams, has converted nine of his 16 Scooters Pizza stores to Domino’s Pizza outlets. His other five stores are expected to convert next month, and the last two conversions are set for later this year. This project is part of the nationwide conversion of all Scooters Pizza and St Elmo’s pizzerias to Domino’s Pizza being implemented by Master Franchisee, Taste Holdings, in its bid to position Domino’s Pizza as the number one pizza company in sub-Saharan Africa.  Williams, who bought his first two Scooters Pizza outlets in partnership with his wife, Lisa in December 2006, says his own personal goal is to see Domino’s Pizza become the number one pizza offering in every neighbourhood he trades in.   “We’ve primarily grown our footprint in the industry by acquiring existing stores at premium rates,” he explains. “We saw an opportunit

Sandwich Baron unveils new Banting-friendly menu choices Always reflecting the latest food trends in the local market, Sandwich Baron has now unveiled its new banting-friendly meals, prepared especially for the increasing number of customers who are following this low-carb, gluten free, high fat lifestyle. South Africa’s well-loved sandwich store is now offering its customers a range of healthy meals that will help them stick to their meal plan.  The five new meal choices have been introduced at all 50 Sandwich Baron stores nationwide. Now on offer, is a banting breakfast box comprising two boiled eggs, two rashers of bacon, two cocktail pork sausages and two tomato slices with garlic and herbs at R30; a banting lunch box made up of a roasted quarter chicken served with avocado and sliced boiled eggs at R37; 500 ml of leak and sweet potato soup at R27; a banting omelette filled with cheese, avocado and bacon, with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil at R47;

Trade Finance is pivotal for South’s Africa’s economic growth prospects How Collateralised Trade Finance can help Michael Naidoo In the South African economy, much like many other developing countries’ economies, the importance of the manufacturing, mining and agriculture sectors cannot be underestimated as key factors to help build budding economies. As these industries can be credit-intensive, Collateralised Trade Finance (CTF) can offer unique and tailor-made solutions to counter possible financial constraints.  Michael Naidoo, CEO of FNB Specialised Finance says, “CTF involves the financing of commodities, goods and products being exported, imported, bought or sold locally and internationally. It provides structured trade finance and innovative risk-hedging solutions for traders, importers and exporters, merchants buyers and sellers, intermediaries and agents.” Cross border trade involves multiple risks and CTF structures and transfers the risks associated with trade f

How to choose a franchise Morné Cronje You’ve taken a huge step in deciding that you want to have your own franchise, now you need to decide what type of franchise you want to invest in. “It’s a serious decision to take on a franchise, and just because you’re buying into an existing business, it doesn’t mean that it’ll be a success,” says Morné Cronje, FNB Head of franchising. There are a number of factors to consider before embarking on this journey. What are your dreams and goals Owning a franchise is a perfect opportunity to find something that matches your dreams and goals. They can explore the dreams you hope to accomplish through franchise ownership and determine your skills and preferences so that the companies you investigate match well with your passion and interests.  Do your research: is there a demand for the franchise Speak to franchisors and franchisees that were and are currently in the business. They will be best equipped to tell you what the current lan

The New Entrepreneur A practical marketing guide for growing your business now. The world today is filled with opportunities and people are redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur. Whether it is successfully launching a breakthrough idea, identifying a gap in the market to buy a franchise or existing business, or establishing a consulting or advisory services business, today’s NEW entrepreneurs share a passion to pursue a business of their own. We all have an entrepreneur somewhere inside us. Do you have the desire to exercise your entrepreneurial spirit, but are unsure how to take that first step? Then The New Entrepreneur is for you… If you are already a business owner, you may benefit from its practical tips and the many insights shared by other successful entrepreneurs. This practical marketing guide reveals the strategies that entrepreneurs, who have built sustainable businesses, have implemented to overcome their business and personal challenges. Gain insights

SA Franchise Warehouse Funding Solutions The SA Franchise Warehouse funding initiatives in association with funding partners, sefa , Kagiso Trust and The Jobs Fund (administered by Business Partners ) is aimed at assisting would-be franchisees whose own cash or collateral contribution does not meet commercial funding criteria. Would-be franchisees with an own contribution equal to 25 percent of the total set-up costs will be able to apply, provided all other qualifying criteria are met and that applicants have successfully completed the SA Franchise Warehouse Small Business Management Training course. This course in not a mere formality and candidates are trained and assessed on their aptitude and ability to acquire and implement the skills necessary to own and operate their own business. Funding is only available for franchise business systems that have been accredited by SA Franchise Warehouse in terms of the requirements of the participating funders. It is important to r