The franchise ‘economy’ in 2014   The South African franchise industry has evolved to become a substantial contributor to the local economy. Recent reports indicated that South African companies dominated the latest World Economic Forum (WEF) global growth companies list, with six local businesses named the most dynamic in terms of growth in the continent.  Morne Cronje, FNB Head of Franchising explains that “Africa is fast becoming a dynamic business hub. The calibre of franchise brands in South Africa penetrating the rest of the African continent is remarkable. Together we need to find innovative ways of integrating business efforts that will ensure that there is greater diversification in the business sector. This will not only contribute to the economy but also encourage business partnerships on all levels.” He adds that “we need to continually network and create dialogue in the industry. The annual FNB Franchise Leadership Summit (FLS) does just this. It provides ...

Successful franchise brand shares tips on how to succeed in the industry  Bronwyn Oliveira Profitable franchisees have several things in common such as leadership skills, reliability, people and skills.  Bronwyn Oliveira, brand manager of Maxi’s, the franchisor of a nationwide chain of family restaurants, shares some insights on how to makes a success of your restaurant franchise.   Have you got a positive attitude to life and business? Are you the kind of person who is focused and motivated? Can you work hard and demonstrate to those under you that hard work can achieve positive results? If so, then franchising is possibly for you.  In order for your franchised store to succeed, it solely depends on you! Although most franchises have a business model that is in place, it does not mean that you are guaranteed success, the only thing that guarantees you success is attitude.  The following traits are those of a successful franchisee:  1. Leader...

Scooters Pizza’s Whizzkid Week supports Youth Month With South Africa focused on celebrating Youth Month, Scooters Pizza has joined in the fun once again by hosting their annual WhizzKid Week – proving that making pizza really is child’s play! Sean Lilley, Marketing Manager of Scooters Pizza, provides some insights on this initiative. “Whizzkid Week ran from 16 to 21 June this year and has been an essential part of Scooters Pizza since 2001. Whizzkid Week forms part of Scooters Pizza’s ongoing commitment to sharing our pizza passion, as well as educating and uplifting the children in our franchisees' local communities.” As part of the celebrations, Scooters Pizza invited local schools to pack away their books and put on their aprons for a day.  The concept is simple - the children come into their local store, where they learn a bit about the exciting history of pizza, before being taken on a working tour of the backstage areas of the stores. This is where they learn...

Siphiwe Tshabalala Shabba Talks About Striking The Balance In Business In business, balance is everything. Aside from ensuring that your accounts balance, making sure that your business and the other activities that fill up your daily life are also balanced is crucial. This is especially true in franchising. While there are many franchisees who commit their time solely to their franchised business, there are others who continue to work their ‘normal day job’ and manage their franchise from the side lines. This is certainly the case for Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Siphiwe Tshabalala, who is also a brand ambassador for The Fish & Chip Co., as well as a multiple store owner. Here is an insider look into how he scores in business. While many people immediately associate Siphiwe, or Shabba as he is affectionately known by fans, with either Kaizer Chiefs, Bafana Bafana or the scorer of the first goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Shabba balances more than a soccer ball in his profe...

Customer experience key Striving to make a good and lasting impression with your customers is the goal of every business. According to the Ernst & Young Global Consumer Banking Survey, customer needs are evolving but the basic requirements remain stable.  The survey explains that the modern customer is not satisfied with dedicated banking hours and wants a 24/7 banking service. This move is to simplify communication and transparency in how banks communicate with their customers Organisations are realising that there is a need for efficient customer service. Delivering good customer service on a regular basis can contribute to loyal and satisfied customers of your brand. “Helping customers make the right financial decisions is important to us. Our innovative culture and passion for excellence facilitates a healthy and authentic relationship with our customers. We constantly review and enhance our business processes to improve our customer experience,” says Zak Sival...