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what’snew!
LOCAL OWNERS BACK ERINA’S FUTURE AS NEW BATTERY WORLD FRANCHISE PARTNER
Erina locals Deana and Kent Carr announced they have taken over as new owners of Battery World at 202 The Entrance Road following an extensive evaluation by the couple into the potential of the franchise to create jobs and adequately service the area.
The purchase of an existing store during the height of the pandemic was not a deterrent and both said they were excited to become more involved in the local community. Kent has previous franchise experience, having been a part of the Jim’s Group for four years, and is excited to take on a completely different business on the central coast. “I’ve worked in the franchise industry for four years, so I know a thing or two about culture and brand quality. I’ve heard only good things about Battery World and after considerable research and discussions about our options, we love the Battery World approach due to its brand culture and high quality of products and services offered,” he said.
Kent said they wanted to get more involved in the community by supporting local sport. “Battery World is proud to sponsor Gosford Hockey Club and we’re keen to consider how to get more involved in the community. Battery World’s General Manager Johnny Kennedy said he was proud to see the increased confidence in the Battery World brand and investment in strengthening local community engagement. “Even through all the uncertainty it’s exciting to see our local stores backed by local owners,” Mr Kennedy said.
www.batteryworld.com.au
LIFESTYLE PLANS ANNOUNCES GLOBAL EXPANSION
The Lifesize Plans Group have announced plans to expand their franchise business model across the world.
Lifesize Plans, the revolutionary company that brings building plans to life, is on a growth trajectory on an international scale. The Australianborn tech start-up recently opened the doors to its brand-new state of the art location in Auburn, Sydney and is expected to launch flagship sites in countries like the United States, UK, Europe, Canada and South Africa.
The group has commercialised the world’s first-ever patented full-scale home walkthrough technology, which is revolutionising the design and construction industries, helping architects, interior designers, builders and the real estate industry. James Hickey, CEO of Lifesize Plans explains that, “Lifesize Plans is ready to expand into new markets and we believe that - with the help and vision of our investors and partners - that our quality franchise business offer will attract huge potential and will succeed around the globe.” The Lifesize Plans franchise opportunity is an exclusive chance for business-minded individuals or teams to join the future of design and experience developing a world-class business model that’s been tried and tested by experts in their field. The group has identified key areas for growth and are looking for the right people to take their first-class walkthrough technology to new heights. Franchise owners will take the guesswork out for thousands of design projects, by providing a collaboration space with exceptional customer service to a growing list of empowered clients around the world.
www.lifesizeplans.com
JAX TYRES & AUTO VIDEO VEHICLE CHECKS EXTENDED TO NSW
JAX Tyres & Auto, one of Australia’s most respected tyre retailers and mechanical service providers, has announced that its industry-first program offering remote video vehicle checks is now also available to NSW customers.
The rollout extension of the JAX Video Vehicle Checks occurs after successfully implementing the initiative for Melbourne customers in 2020, to offer peace of mind for those who were concerned about vehicle maintenance during Stage four lockdowns at the time.
While JAX Tyres & Auto continues regular operations as a government-legislated essential service, this form of remote customer service is now available across NSW and Victoria for customers who want to exercise utmost caution to safeguard their health, live in close proximity to vulnerable members of the community, are under stay-at-home restrictions or otherwise require a convenient initial vehicle check.
“It’s certainly been a strange and stressful time in recent memory, so we understand that many of our customers are seeking support and surety on top of the ease and convenience that our core services provide. The JAX Video Vehicle Checks combine the best capabilities of our digital platform and knowledge of our store teams, so all of our customers, regardless of their circumstances, can get the expert help they need,” said CEO and Executive Director of JAX Tyres & Auto Steve Grossrieder. NSW and Victorian-based drivers can book and access JAX Video Vehicle checks via the webchat to SMS functionality on JAX Tyres & Auto’s website. Customers will then be connected with a qualified JAX Tyres & Auto technician who will conduct remote visual inspections and provide one-on-one expert mechanical and tyre advice and information.
www.jax.com.au
BANJO’S BAKERY RAISE THE DOUGH WITH OFFICIAL RELAUNCH OF MOBILE APP
Flaunting a complete redesign of the user interface to create a simplified and cleaner aesthetic, Banjo’s have created a seamless user experience to take customers from order to check out as simple as A to B.
The app has received 35,000 downloads and counting, with tech-savvy young adults between the ages of 25-44 most likely to use the digital ordering service and Brisbane seeing the biggest uptake to date. The first-to-market bakery ordering app first launched in November last year as part of the national franchisor’s strategy to modernise their customer experience and increase contactless purchase and pay options to respond to the ongoing impacts of COVID19. The application is free to download and includes fan-favourite features such as skip the queue ordering, VIP points system, order favourites saved, pay-in-advance, and 50 per cent off your first order using the app. Banjo’s Bakery Café CEO and Managing Director, Jessica Saxby, said the updated application would continue to ‘wow’ customers and make ordering their favourite products and coffee simpler than ever. “We know Banjo’s Bakery Café customers are regularly on-to-go, so taking on customer feedback since the initial app roll-out has been hugely helpful in building a user experience tailored to everyone from our regulars to a first-time customer,” said Ms Saxby. “Our team hope that the Ordering App can save parents a few minutes on the morning school route, create more valuable time during an office worker’s lunchbreak or make party potluck contributions a little bit easier,” she said.
what’snew!
POOLWERX ACHIEVES MOST SUCCESSFUL FINANCIAL YEAR ON RECORD!
In extremely heartening news for Australasia’s largest pool and spa maintenance Poolwerx, the business has announced its most successful financial results of its 29-year history.
Despite the testing retail environment, turnover was 10 per cent above forecast for FY21, with Poolwerx’ 124 retail stores performing particularly well, recording a sales uplift of 12 per cent year on year.
Overall, the business saw nine per cent growth year on year with a total of five new retail stores opening across NSW, WA and QLD and a further five independent stores acquired under the Poolwerx brand. The strong FY21 results reflect a surge of Australians investing in their own backyards whilst affected by the pandemic, generating a home servicing industry boom. Poolwerx Chief Operating Officer, Nic Brill said the COVID-fuelled growth in home services had seen the brand’s recession-resilient franchise model thrive.
“With people spending more time at home than ever before, we saw our client’s priorities shift towards investing in their homes and backyards,” said Mr Brill. “The broader pool industry were the recipients of this home cocooning trend throughout 2020 and into 2021, and it’s great to see our network of small family businesses generate incredible results and come out on top in these uncertain times.
“We have also invested in providing increased support mechanisms for our franchise partners, such as additional training, new product offerings and enhancing our systems and process to help franchise partners throughout the pandemic and these will remain in place moving forward.”
www.poolwerx.com.au
LOLLIPOP’S BRAND THRIVING WITH THREE PLAYLANDS SOLD
Lollipop’s is swiftly growing their brand across Australia, confirming thrilling new stores sold to passionate and dedicated franchisees in Ellenbrook, Bentley, and Fremantle in Western Australia. The state has proven to be a thriving location for the brand and has not been stirred by the lockdowns experienced by the Eastern Seaboard.
One of the key components for a profitable playland is the initial site selection. They complete a full demographic analysis to ensure franchisees have the best chance of success.
Lollipop’s Playland and Cafe is an established franchise network across Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, and the business has made a strong name for itself in the indoor recreation industry. Since 1993, they have been getting over 10 million children active through play. The brand implements brightly coloured uniforms, bubbly personalities, a professional environment, to maximise children’s fun and to encourage repeat visits. Children’s play centres are part of a rapidly growing industry, where franchisees will be working towards a high level of return that will be rewarded via a successful and profitable business. Territories are currently available for potential franchisees in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and South Australia. Enquire today to find out more.
www.dcstrategy.com/franchisor/lollipops/
NURSE NEXT DOOR LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE
Two and a half years ago Amber Biesse and Matt Fitton launched Nurse Next Door in Australia after discovering the Canadian based home care brand while living in Vancouver.
“With a core purpose of Making Lives Better and favourable market conditions in the home care space, we felt like this was absolutely the right brand and the right time to bring this franchise system to Australia,” says Amber.
Whilst many of Nurse Next Door Franchise Partners come to the business with no formal clinical qualifications, one new initiative Nurse Next Door have just launched is the Frontline to Franchisee model. Recognising that regional Australia is experiencing a shortage of quality service providers, particularly in the disability sector, Amber says there are a large number of extraordinarily passionate nurses in those areas who would love to have the opportunity to operate their own business and make a difference in their community. “Often financing the initial franchise fee can be a limiting factor. We’re assisting by financing those initial costs, subject to certain criteria. We think it’s a game changer for supporting home care nurses in regional areas.”
“The rate of growth has exceeded our expectations and proven that Nurse Next Door’s world class systems, bold branding and clear purpose are attracting high calibre franchisees. We have opened 20 locations throughout Victoria, QLD andNSW over the last 18 months, with Canberra being the most recent location tolaunch.”
“Success breeds success, and this is certainly what we are currently experiencing. We’re excited for the future of both Nurse Next Door and home care in Australia.”
www.nursenextdoorfranchise.com.au
ZAMBRERO’S 50 MILLION REASONS TO FEEL GOOD
The rapid growth of the highly successful Zambrero QSR franchise has achieved another major goal, hitting the milestone 50 Million Meals donated to helping end world hunger.
Every burrito or bowl purchased at Zambrero sees a meal donated to someone in need through its Plate 4 Plate initiative. Plate 4 Plate has been at the heart of Zambrero’s approach since its inception in 2005. Founder Dr Sam Prince opened his first Zambrero restaurant in his hometown of Canberra when he was a 21-year-old medical student wanting to serve good food that did good. His vision is now global with Zambrero now in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States with more than 215 restaurants. Each has an in-restaurant counter clocking up in real time the number of burritos and bowls sold and, in turn, the number of meals donated. Zambrero partners with Rise Against Hunger globally and additionally Foodbank in Australia to achieve its mission of ending world hunger. “Achieving the 50 Million Meal milestone overnight is largely due to the passion, enthusiasm and commitment of our Franchise partners and our people who have made sure that we reached it despite the multiple challenges presented as a result of COVID restrictions and shut-downs,” said CEO of Zambrero Australia Matthew Kenny. “This reflects the drive, success and growth of our franchise partners in selling 50 million burritos and bowls to help us reach the 50 Million Meals milestone earlier than we anticipated.”
