Business Franchise November/December 17 Feature: Health, Beauty & Fitness Franchising

VOL 12 ISSUE 01 nov/dec 2017

booming beauty business

attracts mother and daughter team

Health, Fitness & Beauty:

big business business health check Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 33

Resources at your fingertips!

CURRENT TITLES INCLUDE: Business FRANCHISE Australia and New Zealand magazine The Magazine for Franchisees, Bi-monthly publication The Australian and New Zealand Business FRANCHISOR magazine The Magazine for Franchisors, Quarterly publication Australian and New Zealand Business FRANCHISE DIRECTORY Annual publication The FRANCHISE GUIDE Annual publication CGB’s website also provides an additional advertising and information format and complements our publications.

www.businessfranchiseaustralia.com.au

34 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

Contents

40

On the Cover Image: Laser Clinics Australia

38 Cover story: Booming Beauty Business attracts

Mother and Daughter Team | Laser Clinics Australia

50

40 Feature editorial: Health, Fitness & Beauty - BIG Business 46 Expert Advice: Business Health Check

Ian Watt, Westpac

36 What’s New! Feature news 44 Snapshot: Just Cuts 45 KX Pilates 49 Hairhouse Warehouse

56

50 Franchisor in Depth: Listen To Your Body 53 endota spa 54 Profile: UniqueLaser 56 Expert Advice: Why investing in a franchise is the right balance

of risk and safety

Andrew Simmons, Vision Personal Training

60 Franchisor in Depth: Matt Fiddes Martial Arts

60

63 Franchise Picks: BodyOlogy | Core9 | Fitness Enhancement

Personal Training

64 Franchise Picks: X-Golf A regular of Business Franchise Magazine, our special supplement in franchising showcases a different industry each issue To share your specific expert industry advice or to feature your franchise in the next issue, please contact: Kathleen Lennox, Sales & Marketing Manager Phone: 03 9787 8077 Email: kathleen@cgbpublishing.com.au

Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 35

what’snew!

Vision Personal Training announce key executive appointment She will be responsible for continuing to grow the profile of the brand, and position it for expansion both within Australia and internationally.

Part of a growing network of 60 Vision Personal Training studios across Australia and New Zealand, Rebecca Carson says she is excited to build the brand profile for Vision, a renowned company in the growing health and wellness industry.

Vision Personal Training, Australia’s leading personal training franchisors, recently announced the key executive appointment of Rebecca Carson as the new Head of Marketing.

“I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness and I am thrilled to join Vision Personal Training and work with leaders in this space. In an industry which is often overly superficial, Vision is a unique authentic voice made up of trainers who really strive to change their clients’ lives,” says Rebecca.

Rebecca has 17 years in FMCG specialising in Food, chiefly with Campbell Arnott’s.

Following a director’s role of the Savory portfolio and the country’s biggest biscuit brand Shapes, she pursued her passion for creating healthy food and moved to work at Freedom Foods as GM Marketing and Commercial.

Established by renowned fitness leader and CEO Andrew Simmons in 1999, Vision is on a mission to transform lives, providing a holistic approach to both exercise and nutrition which helps clients achieve real results.

“Our business is founded on transforming people’s lives through education, motivation and inspiration and I’m delighted to welcome Rebecca on board to help further support us in this mission. As we continue to grow and evolve, Rebecca is already proving an invaluable asset to the team,” says Andrew.

JUST CUTS STYLISTS CELEBRATE 200 SALONS Here’s what Just Cuts Stylists had to say about the flashback celebrations…

“This is amazing. It takes me back to my generation!”

“Our Team loves the caps – the bright colours are so pretty!”

“You can really feel the positivity in the Team. It’s boosted everyone’s morale!”

“We love it and would definitely like more dress up fun!”

“This is such a huge milestone for our brand and we couldn’t be prouder. This is really about celebrating our loyal Clients and tireless Franchise Owners and Stylists who we couldn’t have done this without,”, says Just Cuts CEO and Founder, Denis McFadden. “And we’d also like to thank our first ever Franchise Owners, Leigh-Anne and Greg Brosens who opened Just Cuts Engadine, NSW, in 1990 and still own the salon today!

After 27 years of franchising and 200 salons across Australia and New Zealand, celebrations took place in all Just Cuts Australian and New Zealand salons in September.

Kicking it back to the year Just Cuts began – 1990 –Stylists sported custom made, retro Just Cuts visors, a fashion that was all the rage in the nineties, plus big hair to boot to create a unique and exciting visit for all Clients who walked through the salon doors.

36 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

“Australians have grown up with Just Cuts, visiting as children for our complimentary baby’s first haircut. And these very Clients now bring their own kids in! There’s no doubt we’re in the business for the long haul”, he added. “It’s a far cry from our humble beginnings as a salon run out of a garage in the Sutherland Shire before our first official salon opened in 1990!”

Just Cuts is proudly Australian owned, is the largest and most successful hairdressing company in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 3,000 qualified hairdressers across Australia and New Zealand.

MyFirstGym to fill the gap in children’s fitness market Australia’s newest kids’ fitness concept, MyFirstGym has opened its doors in Brisbane, Hawthorne backed by an aggressive growth strategy that will see the New Zealand born brand expand rapidly over the coming year.

Identifying an untapped market for a commercial children’s fitness service, the innovative MyFirstGym concept aims to curb the growing rate of childhood obesity in Australia, and educate parents on the importance of getting kids moving from an early age.

MyFirstGym caters for kids aged 7 months to 13 years, with curriculum-based and specialty classes like ninja warrior, martial arts, gymnastics, boot camp, athletics, dance and yoga, enhanced by the innovative kids wearable technology system MyMovementBuddy.

Developed in-house, the MyMovementBuddy system allows parents to track their child’s movement via a platform and app that they can use on their computer or device.

Movement is tracked by a wristband worn by the child and children’s movement score is displayed on screen during their class. Each MyMovementBuddy band keeps working outside of the gym, encouraging children

to clock up their point score. MyFirstGym CEO, Dan Newton said the idea was to gamify movement and use children’s love for technology, to spur on a love for fitness.

“Every kid loves to play on an iPhone, or an iPad. We’ve integrated this with exercise to get kids addicted to a different kind of ‘game’, one where they can move their bodies in a healthy way. We hope that MyMovementBuddy can

bring Australia one step closer to beating the growing childhood obesity epidemic,” Mr Newton said.

Family run and owned, Alliance Wellness Group, has an extensive successful business history. Founder Leon McNeice established Goodlife Health Clubs 12 years ago, and has developed several fitness concepts since.

Australian Skin Clinics appoint new CEO Mr Waite joins Australian Skin Clinics with 17 years of management experience in franchised consumer brands.

As the company prepares for strong growth, with Ella Rouge salons beginning to transition to Australian Skin Clinics in the coming months. Mr Waite stated he’s excited to be part of such a rapidly growing organisation.

Looking to make 2017 its year for growth, leading national medi-aesthetics company Australian Skin Clinics have appointed Kevin Waite to the role of CEO to help the already 59-store strong franchise expand its operations across the nation.

“I’m very pleased to be joining the Australian Skin Clinics team,” he said. “I’ve seen just how far the company has come in recent years and I’m looking forward to being part of the planned growth as the business moves into a new era of progression and development.”

Established in 1996 and founded on the Gold Coast, the company has achieved rapid expansion due to its successful business model and growing consumer demand for its services.

Now making moves to expand further into New South Wales and having launched their first clinic in Western Australia, the appointment of Mr Waite could not come at a better time. Director of Hairhouse Warehouse and Australian Skin Clinics, Gavin Nixon, said the company’s excited to bring someone in with such extensive franchise experience.

“We are thrilled to have appointed Kevin as the new CEO for Australian Skin Clinics and we see his appointment as a great step forward for the business and its franchises,” Mr Nixon said.

“Kevin’s experience is second to none when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of how to run a franchising model and with how rapidly Australian Skin Clinics is expanding, it’s great to have someone on board who can bring a breath of new experience and skills to the table,” said Mr Nixon.

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FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

c ov er sto ry: l as er c l i n i c s aust r a l i a

Booming beauty business attracts mother and daughter team Melinda Olive and her daughter Maddison Dargel are relishing the chance to work in the fast-growing cosmetic treatments sector.

Together, they have opened a new clinic in Central Queensland with Laser Clinics Australia, joining 85 clinics across the country and the largest business of its type in the world. In this Q&A, they explain how it has changed their lives.

Maddison, you were an accountant before joining Laser Clinics Australia. Why did you make the switch?

“I was working hard and got into a rut doing similar work day in, day out, for six years.

I’d just had enough of it. I felt it was time

38 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

for a change and I really wanted to work for myself and control my own future. So when an opportunity came up to open a new LCA clinic in the Stockland Shopping Centre Rockhampton, I decided to go for it.”

Had you previously been aware of the cosmetic treatments sector and LCA? “Yes, I used to travel to Brisbane for my laser hair removal and skincare treatments because it was cheaper than getting it done in Rockhampton. I guess that’s what first opened my eyes to the prospect of opening a clinic. I figured if I was having trouble finding affordable cosmetic treatments in my city, other people were probably having the same issue. It’s one of the reasons that LCA clinics have been so successful since opening in regional areas such as Rockhampton and Townsville – there has been this pent-up demand for treatments but very few local service providers.”

“I was nervous at first, but I was amazed how easy it was to pick it up. The great thing with LCA is that head office has so much experience after opening so many other clinics, and all the training and support you receive makes the early phase of running the business relatively easy. During the opening period, the National Training Manager and Franchise On-Boarding Manager were on site to assist. And if there is an issue with finance, technology, marketing, HR – you name it – I know support will be available.

The other big plus is that the other LCA franchisees are willing and able to tell us about their experiences and help out. It’s like a big family.”

Speaking of family, what’s it like working as a mum-anddaughter team?

“We are very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. Already having a good relationship between us makes our work life much easier. I wouldn’t want to be on this journey with anyone else. Having my Mum by my side as we tackle the challenges and joys of running our own business is phenomenal.”

Melinda, the business has been running for some months now.

Are you still on good terms with your daughter?

“Actually, it’s brought us even closer together. I’m loving the chance to help Maddison get started in her own business and it’s given me a new lease of life in the business world, too. It’s been a perfect scenario for both of us. LCA is making our relationship stronger and we are learning so much from each other.”

The Rockhampton clinic is part of a network of 85 LCA clinics around the nation.

How is it performing?

“It’s been an amazing success so far, but we are not really surprised. The cosmetic treatments sector is booming – and that’s been our experience in Rockhampton as well. We’ve been inundated with calls and bookings. People love the fact that they can just drive a few minutes to get all their laser hair removal done, or cosmetic injections and other skincare treatments. They have commented that it’s great that LCA has made these treatments accessible to people in regional towns. On the back of the success

of the Rocky and Townsville clinics, LCA is exploring its options to open clinics in other regional areas and I’m sure the positive response from customers will be just the same in those towns.”

Maddison, tell us about the application process to open a clinic with LCA. “We had to apply through head office and had multiple interviews, including going to Sydney and look through other clinics.

The process can take a while and head office really tests its potential franchisees, but we see that as a positive thing because we know we’ll be part of a strong team that is successful. We also drew comfort from the fact that LCA has a policy of paying the franchisee working in the business a salary of $100,000 from day one, which really provides security for my family and the business.”

Having an accounting background must be an advantage for you.

“That’s true, but having said that running an LCA franchise is a good option for a wide range of people with different skills.

The beauty of this business, pardon the pun, is that it attracts a diverse set of businessminded people who can draw on the LCA model to fill in any knowledge and skills gaps. I’m sure that’s one of the key reasons that LCA has grown so quickly in the past decade.”

Maddison, what’s the best thing about running an LCA clinic and working together with Melinda?

“Every morning you wake up knowing you will go into the clinic and enjoy being there. The team of therapists we have are inspirational and work so well together. We all bounce off each other and working with them makes ‘working’ a breeze. It’s also lovely to see the smiles on our clients’ faces after they have had a treatment with us at LCA Rockhampton. To know that we are bringing these amazing services to the people of Rockhampton, at an affordable price, makes us so happy and proud to be a part of the LCA team. Each day we are thankful for the opportunity we have been given and the team of people we get to work with at LCA, both in our clinic and at head office.”

For more information on how you could be part of the fast-growing cosmetic treatments industry with Laser Clinics Australia, please email Liz Seeto at franchising@laserclinics.com.au. www.laserclinics.com.au/franchiseopportunities

“I really see this as a leadership role” Michael Makris explains why opening a Laser Clinics Australia clinic in the Southland Shopping Centre in Melbourne is the best business move he has ever made.

How is the Southland LCA clinic performing?

“It’s had strong results from day one and I’m really enjoying the chance to expand our male and female client base. I believe there is a growing role for males in the cosmetic treatments industry. I really see this as a leadership role – helping staff, looking after the financials and being heavily involved in recruitment and marketing.”

You can also draw from the experience of your brother-in-law, Vitanos Vitanopoulos, who owns the LCA Northland clinic. How has this helped you?

“Well, together we have a good balance of skills because I have experience in the fitness industry and Vitanos comes from a management background in the corporate sector. So we have a blend of business and client-service skills – and it’s great to be able to strengthen our family relationship through work at the same time.”

How did you first get involved with LCA? “A couple of years ago I was looking for a career change after working in the fitness industry for 15 years. I’d heard about LCA’s 50-50 franchising partnership model, which means you get a salary but also an even share of the business. Under such a model, you know that head office is invested in the clinic and it gives me a lot of security getting a wage, especially having a young family.”

What are your goals from here?

“I want to keep growing the clinic. This industry is developing so quickly and I’m really excited to be part of a franchise that is attracting such successful male and female franchisees.”

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FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

Given that you did not come from an aesthetics industry background, how difficult has it been to get up to speed on laser hair removal, injectables, and skincare treatments?

FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

Health, Fitness & Beauty:

BIG Business

40 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

Health, fitness and beauty franchises are attractive businesses that are guaranteed to make you feel good!

Whether you simply want to join these booming industries for the financial returns or you enjoy a healthy lifestyle and keeping fit, then look no further than franchising to provide you with a multitude of exciting business opportunities.

Franchising has proven to be a fantastic format for successful businesses across these growth areas. People are becoming more aware of the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and have the desire to take better care of themselves than ever before.

The health, fitness and beauty industry covers an enormous choice of businesses, ranging from gyms to spas, to hairdressers and a wide range of beauty services including nails, hair removal, and male grooming.

Hairhouse Warehouse feature on our Front Cover this issue. Australia’s leading hair & beauty brand, has huge plans for the next few years to expand with 20 new stores planned to be opened around the country. If you’re interested in joining this world class team during this exciting phase, see more on page ???.

Keeping in shape, being healthy and wellgroomed can make you feel vibrant and attractive, on the inside and out. Fit and healthy people radiate happiness, selfconfidence and vitality. Likewise, owning a customer-focused franchise that helps to promote a sense of wellbeing and happiness can be just as rewarding, not to mention lucrative!

Expanding waistlines The number of people who are overweight in Australia continues to rise according to the Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

The Institute has found that almost two in three Australian adults were overweight or obese in 2014-15. Twenty-eight per cent of Australian adults are classed as obese in 2014-15, an increase from 19 per cent in 1995. Also outlined within the survey was the fact that one in four Australian children, aged between 2-17 were overweight or obese in 2014-15.

Fifty-two per cent of Australian adults were not sufficiently active in 2014-15, although this has decreased from 56 per cent in 201112. With these staggering figures, it’s no

“The number of people who are overweight in Australia continues to rise according to the Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.”

wonder that fitness and wellbeing franchises have experienced rapid growth over recent times.

Focusing both mind and body to develop life skills, Matt Fiddes Martial Arts Schools provide children and adults with programmes to help lose weight; improving both their self-respect and physical abilities.

They also learn self-defence in a fun, safe environment., while developing the selfconfidence, character and ability to succeed in a competitive world.

Improving your bottom line One such franchise, showcased within this feature is Listen To Your Body (LTYB).

Established in 2004, LTYB has proven progressive systems, high level franchisee support and strong goals of member results and Franchisee Profitability. LTYB sessions are individually programmed to drive 90%+ retention rates across all studios and build a strong local fitness community.

Many franchised gyms, in varying formats, have experienced similar success in recent years.

In recent years, franchised gyms have experienced outstanding success as people become more and more aware of the

importance staying active and looking after their physical wellbeing.

Added to the mix are 24 hour gyms – catered specifically for our busy lives, single sex gyms and more - and you have a sector of franchising that has boomed across the country and the world.

Check out the figures A report released by IBISWorld states Australian fitness industry revenue of $2.9 billion and estimated to reach, over the next five years, $3.4 billion. Australians are expected to spend: • about $1.7 billion on gyms and personal training; • about $380 million on weight-loss services; • about $292 million on dietary supplements; and • about $121 million on surgery.

The Australian Fitness Industry Report 2012 (by Deloitte Access Economics for Fitness Australia) highlights some key statistics: • Among Australians, aerobics, fitness or gym workouts are now the second most popular physical recreational activity after walking.

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• Having a loyal customer base. It is important for a salon to build up a base of satisfied clients, to ensure repeat visits and attract new customers through good wordof-mouth.

• Ability to control stock on hand.

Controlling stock levels, particularly haircare and beauty products, is important to maintain the liquidity and cashflow of the business.

• Superior financial management and debt management. Financial and business management skills are vital to ensure cashflow and the survival of the salon.

• Access to highly-skilled workforce. A salon depends on the skill of its hairdressers and/or beauticians. Maintaining and updating skills is important to stay abreast of new hair styles and beauty treatments.

“Added to the mix are 24 hour gyms – catered specifically for our busy lives, single sex gyms and more - and you have a sector of franchising that has boomed across the country and the world.”

• Over four million Australians participate in fitness industry activities.

• Users are typically female (42 per cent) and younger (25-34 years).

now may be the right time to build your own business based on a tried and tested successful formula offered by a franchise.

• Marketing of differentiated services.

Salons can move away from price based only competition by offering quality, value-added and higher priced services.

Offering a fixed franchising fee, with flexible finance options and ongoing support, Just Cuts™ have recently announced a kiosk option, with only 49 sites available Australiawide. This is in addition to their hairdressing network of outlets, that service over 90,000 clients each week.

An alternative approach Alternative health therapies are also becoming increasingly popular among people searching for alternatives to prescription medicine, which has resulted in an increase in the popularity and use of herbal remedies in recent years.

Big business

On our Feature Front Cover are Laser Clinics Australia, Australia’s most experienced provider of laser hair removal, cosmetic injections and skin treatments, with over 85 locations. Believing that affordable, non-surgical cosmetic treatments should be available to everyone, Laser Clinics Australia help all clients look and feel great about themselves. Read more about this awardwinning franchise on page ???.

The beauty business is big business. These days, people are spending more money on beauty than ever before, and the industry is constantly growing and evolving.

According to an IBISWorld report (Hairdressing, Beauty Salons Market Research Report) key success factors for operators in the industry include:

Women have always loved to be pampered and preened, and now with ‘man-scaping’ rising in popularity it’s men too who like to be buffed and waxed – not just their cars!

• Having links with local health professionals. Beauty salons can benefit from client referrals from local doctors and dermatologists.

Just about every aspect of the beauty industry is covered by franchising. From teeth whitening to cosmetics, hairdressing, manicures and pedicures, massages, waxing, tanning, and all the beauty products to keep you looking great, there’s a business opportunity out there for you.

• Use of specialist equipment or facilities.

Having specialist equipment enables salons to provide value-added, higherpriced services.

According to the Australian Trade Commission; “The Australian natural (complementary) healthcare industry has domestic sales of over $1 billion per year.

Market research shows that the popularity of natural healthcare products is increasing with a growth rate of seven per cent year on year. Three-quarters of Australians, including 92 per cent of women aged 2024, take at least one dietary supplement and a quarter of the population visit complementary healthcare practitioners each year.

• Proximity to key markets. It is an advantage to be located in a high profile, preferably wealthy area with significant passing pedestrian traffic and easy parking.

The Australian industry continues to grow to meet these requirements. Already attuned to alternative approaches to health, discerning baby boomers (Australia’s largest population group) increasingly demand greater choice

• The biggest increase in users was from the 45-54 year age group.

• Looking forward, participation will continue to increase exponentially with total demand increasing to 7.15 million users by 2020.

Perhaps you have been a beauty therapist working out of a salon for many years;

42 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

Financial figures showed the sector, which includes Chinese medicine, acupuncture and other therapies to grow by around six per cent per annum over the next five years.

and adopt a preventative healthcare approach to maintaining healthier lives. In Australia, the fastest growth areas are nutritional oils, men’s health and eye health.

Making the right choice The decision to purchase a franchise is no doubt a difficult one, and with so many successful offerings out there on the market, how do you decide which one is right for you?

Passion for the industry is an obvious must. Franchisors are looking for people who are passionate about what they will be committing a large part of their lives to. If you already love to spend time at the gym, enjoy exercising and living a healthy lifestyle, then that passion for the industry will be a great backbone for building a successful business.

Becoming a franchisee could be a great step towards improving your lifestyle. Once you’ve done the hard yards in establishing the business it could give you more opportunity for flexibility to work around family life, or other commitments.

Once you have an amount in mind, you can begin to shop around. You will be able to narrow down your search, but don’t rush. If you get to your shortlist, it is time to direct all your attention to the franchise system and the franchisor.

Know your franchisor The franchisor holds the key. The management system, the operational procedures, the leasing agreements, the contracts, and the fees have been generated by the franchisor. Check the franchisors background – is it solid? Meet with him or her. Do they seem to be a person of integrity?

Do they answer all of your questions openly and honestly? Do they invite you to do your own investigations into the company?

Are they eager for you to talk to existing franchisees?

If at any point you feel pushed, rushed, bullied or even ignored by the franchisor – it

is time to consider walking away. Hopefully though, the franchisor will be professional, honest and open.

The next step is to meet with existing franchisees. While it’s fine to have all the manuals in place and have the franchisor tell you how great and successful the business may be, it’s the franchisees that have the real story. Visit them in their place of business, ask questions, and ask their employees if they enjoy working there.

The hard work begins!

Once you have made the decision to purchase your franchise then the hard work really begins, and that’s where your passion and drive to succeed will be vitally important.

So if being healthy, looking great or keeping fit is something that will get you out of bed every day, ready to work hard at growing your business then perhaps a franchise from one of these exciting growth areas is the one for you!

Is the price right?

Once you have made the decision about which industry is right for you, the next step is working out whether you can actually afford it!

You must then get with your franchise banker and put together a realistic sum of money you can afford to put into this new venture. This will most likely weed out some systems quite quickly – as the larger, more well-known fitness names come with a hefty price tag. They are strong, tried and tested and have proven success stories – but you must truly be able to afford to buy into them.

Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 43

FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

“Becoming a franchisee could be a great step towards improving your lifestyle, it could give you more opportunity for flexibility to work around family life or other commitments.”

FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

s n a ps h ot: J ust Cu ts

Celebrating an Australian success story

200 salons and 27 years in the business and New Zealand overnight and will be able to support 3,000 Just Cuts Stylists and 100,000 Clients per week with a better end-to-end solution. It’s all about quality and value for the Just Cuts community,” she added.

What makes Just Cuts so different to other franchise systems? With Just Cuts, your royalty is a transparent, fixed, flat fee, so your earning potential is never restricted.

Experts agree that franchise businesses have a better chance of success than independent small businesses. The reason is simple – with a franchise like Just Cuts, you’re partnering with a well renowned brand and retail product offering, in addition to being provided with all the systems and processes you need to drive your business to success. When you join the Just Cuts Owner community, you’re never on your own!

In 2017, Just Cuts celebrates 27 years of franchising. Just Cuts number one opened in 1990 in the suburb of Engadine, NSW, and in July 2017, Just Cuts number 200 celebrated its Grand Opening all the way on the other side of Australia in Mandurah, WA.

possible to serve 100,000 Clients per week and make the dream of owning your own small business a reality. It all becomes possible thanks to 100+ Franchise Owners and 3,000 Just Cuts Stylists.

Although Just Cuts Engadine and Just Cuts Mandurah are separated by 3,985 km, 27 years and 199 other Just Cuts salons across Australia and New Zealand, it’s the same systems and processes that have made it

“We wanted to add value to the investment Just Cuts Franchise Owners have in the business,” says Just Cuts General Manager, Amber Turnbull. “We have increased the buying power for 200 salons across Australia

Just Cuts CEO and Founder Denis McFadden is celebrating a lot these days… and with good reason. In addition to celebrating the big 200 achievement, four years after launching their haircare brand, JUSTICE Professional, McFadden now stands in their new custom-built, 400pallet capacity warehouse and international distribution centre, having completely outgrown their previous warehousing space.

It’s a far cry from starting with zero sales and just 14 products in the range.

44 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

Turn your dreams into reality with Just Cuts. Why? Because we truly believe that the success of the brand comes down to our network of Franchise Owners – that’s why we make things easy, convenient and simple for you.

You’re not only joining a highly successful business – you’re joining a group of talented Franchise Owners and Academy Team Members whose Team spirit and enthusiasm is infectious. You’ll come to think of Just Cuts as a second family. Add this to the lifestyle and business benefits you’ll receive and you’ll see why buying into Just Cuts will be the smartest investment decision you’ll ever make.

To get more information about joining the Just Cuts team, contact Luke Manning on: 0439 130 499 bdm@justcuts.com www.justcuts.com/franchising

JOIN AUSTRALIA’S LEADING BOUTIQUE PILATES BRAND. Franchise Opportunities Now Available.

KX Pilates was established in 2010, and opened 6 Corporate Owned sites before starting to Franchise in 2013; there are now 42 studios across Australia.

Going from strength to strength, and recently winning the NextGen in Franchising award in Australia for 2017, we are committed to delivering an exceptional KX experience.

Join us, as we strive to find passionate and business savvy individuals who are looking for a lifestyle change and wanting to own their own business. KX Pilates offers you the opportunity to start a new journey: –

Become your own boss without having to brave the business world on your own.

–

Help people to achieve their fitness goals.

–

Embrace the ideology of work-life balance.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, and you’re motivated by health and fitness, then we want to hear from you!

Get in touch E: franchising@kx.com.au | W: kxpilates.com.au/franchising | P: (03) 9510 8941

DEFINE YOURSELF.

FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

e x pert a dv i c e

Business health check

how your bank can partner with you “Where there are difficulties in matching the inflow and outflow of cash, identifying what can be retained in the business to give a convenient ‘breathing space’ should be considered.”

The following is a series of ‘health check questions or prompters’ to help you consider each of these three key areas and undertake a self-assessment of your business’s current performance.

Ian Watt | Senior Business Development Manager - Franchising, NSW & ACT | retail & business banking, Westpac

Cash opportunities

Not surprisingly there are some relatively simple ways business owners can consider to boost their business’s performance and their banker is often well placed to provide guidance and be a sounding board.

The following business health check is a short guide to help focus on key areas of cash, profitability and management, and to help you identify areas for focus within your business.

Fit for today, fit for tomorrow is a good catch cry…

It’s important to understand the key drivers of performance to give your business the best chance of long-term success. In the current environment, every business will be questioning what they need to do in order to stay successful. But what are the key questions you should be asking?

We have experience of working with many many businesses, each with different financial needs, and we have found that many of the problems affecting business performance fall into one, or a combination, of the following areas: • Cash

The way a business manages cash in the short term is an essential part of ensuring long-term success. Cash-related issues are one of the most common reasons for most businesses experiencing financial problems.

No matter what type or size of business you have, it pays to make your cash work as hard as possible.

It’s important to operate tight cash management – stopping the unnecessary outflow of cash from the business and taking advantage of any available surplus. Where there are difficulties in matching the inflow and outflow of cash, identifying what can be retained in the business to give a convenient ‘breathing space’ should be considered. This will give time to assess the options available and, if required, to secure a long-term finance solution.

• Profitability

The key principles of cash management are as follows:

• Management

• Cash is ‘king’:

46 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

Have you tried to free any ‘trapped’ cash (eg, in other non-productive assets)?

Have you asked the shareholders or other investors to support the business through an injection of cash?

Have you reviewed your capital expenditure policy to remove any non-essential spending?

(Are there any loss-making units/outlets that can be closed? (Note that this is often cash negative in the short term due to redundancy and other exit costs etc.)

It’s important to understand the profitability of your business so you can identify what’s working well and what’s not, so you can make informed decisions.

Profitability Short-term cash problems will often be caused by underlying profitability issues in the medium to longer term. A particular part of the business may be under performing and so it’s important to identify problem areas and make informed decisions.

Once you have analysed the profitability in detail, it may be necessary to refocus on core business activities in order to return to profitability. When analysing each activity, consideration should be given to: • Sales strategy • Margin improvements • Cost reductions Get closer to the cash, understand the cashflow, take greater control and improve your ability to forecast your cash accurately • Communication and predictability: Open dialogue is essential to maintain the confidence of the bank and other stakeholders • Accountability: Implement actions that have been agreed and monitor them closely to ensure that you deliver what everyone is expecting Consider the following questions and prompters and discuss with your banker…

Do you prepare a short-term cashflow?

Do you have a track record of forecasting accurately?

Have you tried to negotiate extended terms with creditors? (If you have a good trading record, they may agree – but ensure you keep to any revised terms).

Are your debtor/creditor days or stock turn as good as your competitors or the industry norm?

Do you have any restrictions on the number of people who can make purchases or make payments? (To enable tighter control of cash, it may be worth centralising controls for cash management, invoicing, purchasing, authorising payments etc).

Are you collecting your debts as quickly and efficiently as possible? (Consider early settlement discounts and issuing invoices earlier. Switching to invoice discounting or factoring may make it possible to release more cash from your debtors).

Do you focus sufficient effort on dealing with disputed debts so they are settled and collected as quickly as possible?

Have you asked any key customers to pay earlier – even if only for a certain period of time?

Can you operate on lower inventory levels

• Management information and key performance indicators (KPI’s) Consider the following questions and prompters to identify any profitability issues for your business and discuss with your banker.

Do you understand the profitability of each part of your business?

Are all of your business units/outlets making profits and performing well?

Are you implementing a plan to turn around or close underperforming units/outlets?

Do you understand and compare your trading performance to your competitors/ peer group?

Do you know your profitability by product, service or customer?

Do you review the price you charge for your products or services on a regular basis?

Do you have a good monitoring system? Do your systems tell you exactly which products

Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 47

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and have you considered liquidating stock to raise cash?

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e x pert a dv i c e

“It’s important to understand the key drivers of performance to give your business the best chance of long-term success.” or services are selling as soon as possible after the sale takes place?

Do you continually and carefully monitor all your costs?

Do you regularly review and seek opportunities to reduce costs?

Are your management information and KPI’s sufficient to enable you to make fully informed/timely decisions about the future of the business?

Is the business careful/prudent with its expenditure?

It is generally accepted that management strength is key to running a successful business. There are various ways of assessing people or management.

Management It is vital to have a strong management team. Successful businesses normally expect top management to display the following attributes: • Motivation • Leadership • Commitment • Energy • Ability to measure results • Ability to set objectives • Delegation • Adaptability • Organisational skills • Communication skills • Ability to develop people, including themselves.

A helpful list of some of the key questions and prompters relevant to most types of business are: Is the management structure and functional expertise appropriate for the size and complexity of your business?

Is there balance within management’s approach in terms of level of participation and authority?

Does management have the necessary communication skills both internally and externally?

Are there effective/fully involved non-

executives perhaps and/or a board of management?

Is management information and the way it is used adequate for the business?

Is management receptive to outside advice from say advisors, consultants and bankers (as necessary)?

Is management information on time and relevant?

Especially for a family business, is there sufficient depth of experience, external influence and challenge in key roles?

Does management have knowledge of the forces affecting their industry/market and do they react to these effectively? Is there evidence of say new service initiatives?

Does the senior team adequately contribute to and understand the strategy? Is it communicated to all staff? Is it regularly reviewed?

Does management have a business plan to achieve the vision and is it appropriate for the size/type of business? Is it sufficiently task focused? Is actual performance compared to the plan?

Have they analysed the risks? What if there is a shortfall in sales? Have they considered applying sensitivity analysis to their budget?

Is there a balance between optimism and realism?

Succession issues can be a problem. Has the business considered and planned for these issues?

Is management committed to the company and delivering the plan?

While this may seem a long list of questions and prompters, there are many more that your banker would be willing and interested to discuss with you – a true banking partnership lays a solid foundation for mutually beneficial outcomes for all to be achieved.

Ian Watt is the Senior Business Development Manager - Franchising, NSW & ACT at Westpac. He specialises in the franchise sector, working closely and assisting many franchise brands grow and maintain their network. He holds a Bachelor of Business degree and is a qualified CPA.

Has management got a mix of experience, including managing a company going through a major change or uncertain times?

Westpac continues its long-term commitment to franchising in Australia through a national network of franchise specialist business bankers who are able to deal with the specific needs of the franchise sector.

Does management have the necessary tenacity/ability to take tough decisions to turn the business around if needed?

Contact Ian at: ianwatt@westpac.com.au www.westpac.com.au

Have past plans/budgets been achieved?

Are they open and co-operative with their bank when discussing and addressing the issues they face?

48 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

READY TO OWN YOUR FUTURE? When it’s your own business, there’s no limit to the amount that you take home.

With franchising opportunities now available, it makes sense to join our world class team.

ENQUIRE TODAY (03) 9234 2200 | franchising@hairhousewarehouse.com.au www.hairhousefranchising.com.au Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 49

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L i sten To Yo ur B o dy

PASSION, COMMITMENT & PROFESSIONALISM Available now at LTYB

Premium health and fitness studio, Listen To Your Body (LTYB) aim to improve the health and fitness of all ages within the local community.

A PILOT MODEL

Each member can train by appointment, where a Personal Trainer coaches them through a workout specific to their personal goals – an exclusive aspect of LTYB. In a 12-member session, 12 completely different personally tailored workouts could be happening.

Noticing that many DIY new gym members struggle through their workouts, Ben knew that a Personal Trainer should be able to coach multiple people at one time whilst giving personalised instruction based on their fitness levels, injuries, motivation and goals. There was only one simple catch: they had to count their own reps.

Providing the highest level of quality service, each studio provides a comfortable and non-intimidating environment that allows members to enjoy exercise, regardless of their current fitness level or age.

In 2008, after growing from just one to a team of 15 one-on-one personal trainers, founder Ben Fletcher had the realisation that there was an easier way to be more profitable, offer job security for Personal Trainers, and still provide an outstanding service with an affordable rate to clients.

Ben worked hard to perfect his new system.

Consulting his business coach, other fitness professionals, and his large network of Personal Trainers already working with

50 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

LTYB, he opened the first LTYB studio in Strathmore in 2008.

Ben says, “Strathmore was a concept store; a pilot model to see if my vision would work as there were not any other fitness businesses attempting this model. Most fitness businesses offer a group fitness concept, personal training or gym memberships, LTYB was a brand-new offering to the marketplace.

“Fast forward six months and the pilot studio was pumping. There were huge sales, 90 per cent plus month-on-month retention rates, triple hourly income and low payroll rates, with just one trainer in the studio at a time.”

Two years after successful trading in Strathmore, LTYB began the process of replicating the successful format across multiple sites.

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“LTYB look for franchisees who have a passion for health and fitness and want to make a difference to members’ lives.”

“My vision was always to roll this out Australia-wide and I knew the franchise format was the best way to do this,” says Ben. So, in 2012, Ben employed a consultancy firm and specialist franchise lawyer and set about creating a successful franchise model.

“In 2013, we opened a pilot franchise studio which was used as a testing ground to prove the franchise concept was viable and now LTYB have 11 franchises with 10 studios operating in Victoria and Queensland with expansion and recruitment plans for South Australia and West Australia by late 2017/2018,” says Ben.

DO YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR HEALTH? LTYB look for franchisees who have a passion for health and fitness and want to make a difference to members’ lives. But, they prefer their franchisees to have minimal experience when joining. This allows the franchisee to train and develop the LTYB way.

Within the fitness industry, there are three predominant models. Firstly, there are gym models - suited to a DIY member.

Those members need to be self-motivated, disciplined and educated to get results.

Secondly are Group Fitness models - usually there is one set program for the class and everyone follows that program with potentially small variances and then thirdly, there is the Personal Training model which

is fantastic for results, however not everyone can afford $4000 to $8000 a year to maximise the services of a Personal Trainer.

With LTYB, there are two different operational models available, both with varying levels of involvement on the Personal Training delivery and management of the business.

Some LTYB studios are owned by franchisees who are not Personal Trainers but very business minded, still having a passion for health, fitness and a drive to change members’ lives. Other LTYB franchisees are hands-on, offering the Personal Training delivery and managing the business in between sessions or employing a business manager to assist in the back-office responsibilities and membership sales.

According to Ben, “Our only non-negotiable selection criteria is that franchisees need to believe in the model and believe in health and fitness.

“Our model is $55 per week unlimited and that gives our members a Personal Trainer to guide them through the workout. There are only 12 members per session, no mirrors, no heavy weights, no lock in contracts, no joining fee, easy exits and a high-level service model.”

Franchisee Andrew from Strathmore explained what attracted him to the LTYB business model.

“I loved the uniqueness of the business model which I hadn’t experienced before at any other gym or fitness studio. I was fortunate to work in a LTYB before buying a franchise, so I understood the positive culture of members, staff and franchisees.

“By working in the business, the easy-to-run efficient systems gave me the belief that I could be successful. Last month we hit a new record of memberships sales and conducted close to 3000 workouts which was super rewarding.

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L i sten To Yo ur B o dy

“With LTYB, there are two different operational models available, both with varying levels of involvement on the Personal Training delivery and management of the business.” continue to generate leads. The responsibility is ours to engage in our local community, however the support and skill development from Head Office to do this is invaluable.

“It is also great to know the Head Office support team are always just a call or email away for any business support. They usually get back to me within an hour and always offer great advice and direction.

“Lastly, I will comment that the team of LTYB Head Office are always developing new systems to improve our business efficiency and are dynamic in the way they run the franchise network.”

This dynamism from Ben and the team at LTYB Head Office has seen a new website, online print platform and online Operations Manual launched in the last 12 months, along with a successful completion of a rebrand, all while moving ahead with the national expansion plan into Queensland.

Inducting nine new franchisees into the network over the last year has proven a busy time but Ben and the team are looking forward to the next 12 months. With new studios to be opened in South Australia and more in Queensland, now is the perfect time to jump on board.

“The final factor that convinced me to buy a franchise is the commitment to continuous development. Ben, the franchisor, has been in the PT industry since 2001 and he continues to step up the standards.”

A SUPPORTIVE FRANCHISOR LTYB offer both initial and ongoing support:

Phase One – Start-up Support LTYB support the initial start-up phase with site selection assistance, lease negotiations and town planning support. Once the site is ready to be opened help is also given with negotiating supplier discounts, open memberships at any studio, unlimited field site visits and training sessions.

A Franchisee Induction Program is provided along with IT set up, staff recruitment and training, accounting support if required and the engagement of a dedicated Marketing Team to successfully launch the studio, utilising an 88-checkpoint system

Phase Two – Ongoing Support

ARE YOU LTYB SUITABLE?

Once the studio has successfully launched, a dedicated Field Coach is on hand to assist with monthly onsite Business Health checks, along with loaded marketing support to assist franchisees to get 100 members within the first three months.

Ben is looking for people who are hardworking, fit, healthy, owner-operators, team players and most importantly, willing to follow and support the LTYB systems.

Regular communications include weekly online updates and monthly franchise meetings. Third party training and development is available along with in-house new system implementation training as required.

Franchisees can also utilise the online Operations Manual and Print and Marketing Creative Platforms.

1. Do you want to change people’s lives?

2. Are you a health and fitness role model?

3. Are you willing to follow the systems?

4. Are you a team player?

5. Are you willing to work long hard hours to become a success?

6. Do you want to be a role model in your community?

7. Do you want to challenge yourself?

Franchisees also get together at the annual LTYB Franchise Conference, to learn new techniques, improve skills, build business relationships and have fun.

If you feel confident that you can answer yes to the seven questions above, then Ben would love to hear from you today.

Franchisee Laurie from East Keilor says, “The Head Office team has been a huge help for our lead generation and marketing support. The National Plan is comprehensive and gives us the confidence that we can

For more information contact Ben:

52 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

0409 438 286 or 03 9331 5673 ben@listentoyourbody.com.au www.listentoyourbody.com.au/ franchising

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u n i q ue las er

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY:

Fresh & New

It was whilst working overseas in a large corporate strategy firm that Sarah Oram, Founder and Managing Director of Unique Laser clinics came across a superior technology for laser hair removal.

“Europe is so much more advanced than Australia for laser hair removal, I did my research on the Australian beauty market and realised that the technology I had come across barely existed here so I secured exclusive rights to it in Australia,” Sarah says.

“We have also created a strong organisational culture that is centred around changing people’s lives, not just those of our clients, but also our franchisees. We want franchisees to enjoy building their own business and community profile.”

Unique Laser is now franchising with plans to open 40 clinics over the next four years.

“We have two corporate clinics and have just celebrated the opening of our first franchise,” says Sarah.

The non-surgical aesthetic market is booming in Australia, with Australians spending approximately $1 billion in 2015, up from $773 million in 2012 and this trend is set to continue. In addition, Australia’s per capita spend on non-surgical cosmetic treatments is the among the highest in the world. The potential market is enormous as women and increasingly men between 15 to 65 years are seeking to delay and reverse the signs of ageing. “Males are our fastest growing customer base,” says Sarah.

Unique Laser is a fresh, new offering in the aesthetic sector. Up until now, potential business owners have needed $600,000 - $900,000 to own 100 per cent of the business, however Unique Laser has developed a unique business model. With an initial investment required ranging from between $100,000 to $450,000, it allows people to own their own business for half that cost. Sarah adds, “I identified that most people who have the skills to be successful in this business did not necessarily have the capital to own 100 per cent of the business.

So, I put my corporate strategy hat on and came up with a business model that is accessible to a lot of people.”

Seeing the huge opportunity, Sarah left her corporate career and set about researching and adding complementary treatments.

“Cosmetic injections and advanced skin treatments is a hugely growing market as treatments become mainstream and technology advances. We are committed to upholding the highest standards in the cosmetic industry as set by the Australian Medical Board and have partnered with Australia’s leading cosmetic doctors to ensure we do so,” says Sarah.

Unique Laser has secured exclusive rights to the newest, fastest lasers in the world for hair removal. These lasers have impressive benefits to franchisees in terms of profitability and results for clients. Their branding and marketing strategy also sets Unique Laser apart from competitors, with beautiful clinics and an inviting retail space.

“In an industry where laser clinics tend to look the same, our clinic design really draws people into our space, which are located in high traffic retail areas.

Over several years, Sarah and her team of medical and skin experts have developed a winning business model. This involves providing the highest quality laser hair removal, cosmetic injections and advanced skin treatments at affordable prices.

“We have also created a strong organisational culture that is centred around changing people’s lives, not just those of our clients, but also our franchisees. We want franchisees to enjoy building their own business and community profile, and we

54 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

provide franchisees with all the support to do this,” says Sarah.

Unique Laser is seeking people from a range of career backgrounds and life experiences to join their growth story. No beauty experience is necessary. They are looking to partner with people who want to be their own boss and take control of their lives, and are able to lead and motivate staff to achieve goals.

Contact Sarah by email for further information at: franchising@unique-laser.com.au

UNIQUE LASER IS REVOLUTIONISING THE BOOMING AESTHETIC INDUSTRY

FRANCHISING

NOW

Have you noticed that all laser clinics look the same?

Unique Laser is different. Very Different. s Unique business model that reduces initial investment and increases profitability s Investment required $100k-$450k – up to half that of competitors s Exclusive rights to superior technology s Different branding s Excellent training, support and medical supervision Do not invest in another laser franchise before speaking to us.

Contact: Sarah Oram 0439 094 068 franchising@unique-laser.com.au www.unique-laser.com.au Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 55

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e x pert a dv i c e

Why investing in a franchise is the right balance of risk and safety Ultimately if you want a successful business, my advice is stick to understanding your own ‘why’ and follow it. When your work is linked to your life’s purpose you have the luxury of never working a day in your life.

If you are thinking about undergoing change, ask yourself why the change is important. Will this change add value to your customer’s life, or is it self-serving?

For example, if a potential franchise owner approaches me and tells me that they are tossing up between investing in either a Vision studio or a fast food franchise I immediately let them know that Vision will not be the best route for them.

We are designed for individuals who are passionate about improving the lives of everyday Australians and reducing the prevalence of lifestyle diseases.

Analyse the framework

Andrew Simmons, Founder and Managing Director of Vision Personal Training explains why investing in a franchise is a great way to become your own boss and is substantially less risky than going it alone.

Firstly, when considering which franchise to buy into, make sure it’s in an industry you’re passionate about and that it’s the right company within that industry.

Choosing the right franchise

Once you have done your research, I recommend looking within and reflecting on your own personal goals and assessing whether or not they align with the company’s. Follow your moral compass and don’t get swept up in the trends.

Buying into a franchise is a great option for those looking to change career paths, become their own boss or simply want to be part of a supportive network.

Investing in a franchise is not a decision that should be made lightly. I implore all those interested to really do your research on the company and its people. What do they stand for? Do you feel you share the same goals?

Ensure you meet with them face to face to sense if you have a connection.

Find your own purpose

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With 20 years of experience Vision have invested a lot of time and passion trialling and testing various business processes and procedures. The end result is a fine tuned business framework, available to all those who come on board as franchise owners. The investment we’ve made into finding the best model for our industry and demographic would not be feasible for a studio operating outside of a franchise network.

In order to operate a successful business, whether it be in a franchise system or otherwise, your processes and systems have to be premium. At Vision, our industry leading processes, all designed for specific purposes in the business, are readily available to franchise owners in the network.

Support from above Franchises are appealing if you want the reduced risk of a proven model while still

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“I learnt early on just how important it is to create opportunities for career growth in order to retain the right employees.”

Andrew Simmons | Founder and Managing Director Vision Personal Training

being your own boss. The success of Vision Personal Training rests on this idea.

Successful franchise systems invest in policies and procedures to ensure their success. As a franchisee, you get access to those resources so you can seamlessly step in and run the business.

You also get access to support and inspiration from head office and fellow franchisees, group buying power, structured marketing campaigns and staff retention and satisfaction initiatives.

Looking to the future is a key part of any business plan. Your company’s brand positioning and reputation are made stronger by a solid franchise, which has a positive impact if you’re planning on exiting the business down the track.

The next steps So what do you need to ask yourself before taking the next step? It’s all about goals, roles, investment and skills.

• In terms of your goals, have you got a clear idea of your purpose? Do you want to make money? Make a difference in the lives of those you serve? Spend more time at home or with family or become an entrepreneur?

• What role do you want to play in your business? Do you want to take a back seat and hire staff to manage the business? Do you want to adopt an owner/operator role and be directly involved in running the business?

• How much can you invest? Initial setup costs can vary greatly, from less than $20,000 to more than $1million depending on the business model. Your initial investment is hugely important, but so is considering your return on investment - not just financially, but also the investment of your energy and time.

• Do you have the required business skills? Having specific technical expertise in any industry is important, however having basic business knowledge, the right attitude and the dedication to succeed are equally important. Effective leadership and a passion for sales and marketing are critical success factors.

“Having specific technical expertise in any industry is important, however having basic business knowledge, the right attitude and the dedication to succeed are equally important.”

Once you’ve found your passion and investigated your skills, how do you choose the right franchise? Look for values, support, and success.

• Does the organisation share your values? Some franchises are all about money, others about the cause they serve.

There’s no right or wrong answer, but shared purpose means a better fit, and more rewarding work.

• Does the organisation have strong support systems? You’re buying into a proven business model, so make sure there’s enough training on offer to ensure you can effectively implement the systems.

Look for a good balance between face to face, online and telephone support and training.

A great head office franchise should be genuinely interested in your success and encourage you to speak to existing franchisees. After all, some of your greatest learnings will come from those who are successfully running the system.

• Is there a focus on current franchisee success? Some franchise groups focus mainly on expansion. But the best franchise groups invest in growing the success of those already operating.

Find out if your franchise group runs specialised programs for underperforming franchises and commits to existing store profitability as well as new store growth.

Last but definitely not least, take time to understand the Franchise Agreement and Disclosure Document.

This is essential when considering a franchise opportunity. All too often, new franchisees make the mistake of simply forwarding the documents to their solicitor for review, rather than taking the time to read and understand them. This can lead to conflict down the track if the expected standards of the franchisor aren’t met.

• Is there current or past litigation between the franchisor and its franchisees? This may highlight either a level of dissatisfaction with the system,

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e x pert a dv i c e

“Once you have done your research, I recommend looking within and reflecting on your own personal goals and assessing whether or not they align with the company’s. Follow your moral compass and don’t get swept up in the trends.”

or indicate that the franchisor is serious about maintaining standards within the system.

• Do you understand the fees? Fee structures should be clear and easy to read.

Make sure you understand what’s required before committing.

• What’s the number of franchises opened, closed or terminated? The disclosure document should provide the contact details of current and former franchisees which will help you make a more informed decision about the opportunity.

The Vision difference I learnt early on just how important it is to create opportunities for career growth in order to retain the right employees. It goes without saying that in a franchise network, employees have a lot more opportunities to grow their career.

In the case of Vision, many employees start out as a personal trainer, but when they are taken through the initial mentor program that we run in every studio, they are introduced to all available avenues and encouraged to think about where they want to be career-wise, in the short and long term.

Personal trainers have the opportunity to progress to master trainers, studio managers,

franchise owners, multiple franchise owners, as well as positions in the headquarters team such as Head of PT Operations, General Manager. Through every employee’s unique career path, we are there to direct them to and support them through the tertiary education and training required to take the next step.

The most valuable area of business Vision values and invests in above all else is its people. We know that if we didn’t have quality drivers behind the wheel, we wouldn’t get anywhere fast. Because we’ve always invested in our people our business growth is almost all together organic and has stemmed from word of mouth referral from those who either work in or are clients of the business. 24 studios out of the current 60, were established by PTs or their contacts, who worked at the original studio.

Another benefit of being in a franchise network is being able to be a part of something bigger than an independently owned and operated store or studio couldn’t achieve on its own. For the franchisees in Vision, they’re proud to be part of a network that has transformed over 50,000 lives in the last 10 years, with our proven, scientific approach to weight loss. Claims like this are inspirational for employees and attractive to potential clients.

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Franchises have the ability to create something unique when compared to competing bodies within the market. With the backing of our franchise owners, Vision has the capacity to constantly improve the processes in place to ensure we keep delivering.

To conclude, my key piece of advice is to take your time and do your research. Dig deep inside your mind, and ask yourself the important questions before you embark on what is likely to be one of the biggest, and hopefully, most rewarding projects in your life.

Andrew Simmons (B.Sp.Sc) is the Founder and Managing Director of Vision Personal Training. He is highly respected in the Health and Fitness Industry, being inducted into the Fitness Australia Roll of Honour in 2013.

The first Vision Personal Training studio was established in 2001. Vision is now the largest Australian owned franchised network of Personal Training studios with 58 locations in Australia and New Zealand. www.visionpt.com.au/franchise/ franchise-opportunities/

Next issue we showcase

Retail - Dream Big! on-sale

Friday 5th January 2018

Do you have visions of owning your own quaint little shop in the local village, or a big name coffee house in the flash shopping centre in the city?

Then look no further than Business Franchise magazine to provide you with a multitude of exciting business opportunities.

If you would like to showcase your franchise within this popular feature, contact Kathleen Lennox on 03 9787 8077 to discuss advertising opportunities available.

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M att Fi d d es M art i al A rt s

How to change lives, starting with yours!

Stepping into a franchise isn’t an easy decision, but it can be when you are doing it for the right reasons. Choosing the right fit is paramount. It has to work for you and your lifestyle. But what if you could not only improve your own health, wellbeing and lifestyle but also dramatically improve the lives of others?

It can be done.

Matt Fiddes programs (Martial arts, dance, Pilates and more exciting programs to come) have been a driving force in transforming

60 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

HITTING AUSTRALIAN SHORES Mr Ryan Canavan, Head of Sales and Marketing brought Matt Fiddes Martial Arts to Australia ten years ago and now operates three schools across the Sunshine Coast, QLD. It was never a difficult choice for Ryan, “It’s all about the kids. It’s incredibly rewarding and I am very grateful for that.”

the lives of kids, parents and instructors for decades across the globe and can give you the skills to get back in control of a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life.

Matt Fiddes instructors love what they do.

They have purpose, passion and a truly healthy, balanced lifestyle. This not only benefits themselves, but also the kids they teach, their families and those around them. Matt Fiddes group is a unique ‘family-feel’ company that has created a tremendous ripple effect, benefiting the broader community that will last long into the future. The future of the wellness industry is also very healthy, and the figures are staggering. However, this company has bigger goals of helping everyday people; and it starts with one simple step. Matt Fiddes believes that “surrounding yourself with like-minded people” is the key. If you want to bring about a healthier and more balanced life, look to those who have already achieved it.

IN THE BEGINNING Matt Fiddes Martial Arts has been an internationally recognised brand for over 20 years. Matt Fiddes was just 16 years old when he opened his first school, he was not only young and ambitious but also a pioneer - one of the first people in the UK to make martial arts professional. Within just two years he had over 1000 members, a solid business foundation, and has since proven he knows how to “follow the blueprint to success”. From celebrity body guard, acting roles to countless personal trials and tribulations, Matt from a young age has experienced a full life. It is his unique experiences, failures, ambition and focus that has led to his success. Through the Martial Arts schools, instructors have been able to change countless number of lives from adults

to kids across the globe. Matt Fiddes has built an empire of over 700 schools in the UK and worldwide and is also branching out into Pilates, dance, and performing arts.

The brand continues to grow stronger every year. With brand recognition more powerful now than ever before thanks to social media platforms, joining a reputable brand with proven success couldn’t be more timely.

There is great potential to unlock a better life balance, to reward yourself and others. Now is the time to get your mojo back!

THE MEANING OF LIFE… The king of mojo, and Australia’s very own living treasure is Dr Karl Kruszelnicki.

Australians have entrusted him to provide informative, scientific, well researched data on everything from climate change, to belly button fluff, to the meaning of life. He has always done what he loved and found a way to make it his priority regardless of any hardships. Dr Karl strongly believes that “Life tends to get meaning by what you do”. The turning point for Dr Karl came when he was diagnosing a child suffering from pneumonia. Even though the child’s condition was treatable, for the parents, he knew it was much deeper than a simple diagnosis. He recognised the need for how he could change people’s perception for a brighter and more positive mindset. He recalls, “I knew that what I wanted to do was liberate people to what holds them back”.

It’s not just the message that you deliver but the way in which you can change someone perception which can really turn people’s lives around. This gave his life meaning. This is how he changes lives and inspires others.

By giving your life real meaning and reward you can also not only change your life but others around you. What a legacy to leave.

Every time he looks at the kids’ faces he is reminded of the positive changes he is making. He has managed to create an enviable lifestyle. “It doesn’t take away from your family life, if anything it enhances it.

You have more time, more fulfilment, more energy to give to them. You do what you love as a job and give back to the community.

You see the rewards.”

Martial Arts is centred around giving and Ryan knows only too well what that means.

At just 16 years of age in his spare time he would teach kids martial arts, earning less than a cup of coffee a class, but the rewards were far greater. “To have parents thank you is a feeling you just don’t get as a young person. You don’t usually get the opportunity to give back, until you are old enough to realise what it means. But in Martial Arts your job is to give. You give knowledge, harness people’s strengths, and change lives.”

Even though the reputation Matt Fiddes has was built on martial arts, it has developed into so much more. It allows you the flexibility to play to your individual strengths. What brings so many people non-martial artists - to the group, other than the lifestyle, is the variety of programs it offers under its banner. They encourage people from all backgrounds, whether it’s a passion for fitness and health, people looking for an added extra income stream or aspiring teachers, whether you simply did a few classes as a kid, or want to do something fulfilling and meet like-minded people, there is something for everyone in the Matt Fiddes family.

From day one you can be confident that you are receiving comprehensive training and continuous support every step of the way.

Speaking with team members and franchise owners in the group it is clear that they all have one skill in common - enthusiasm. This is a trait that glows brightly within the Matt Fiddes network and one that resonates in every dealing with them.

Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 61

FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

“Matt Fiddes group is a unique ‘family-feel’ company that has created a tremendous ripple effect, benefiting the broader community that will last long into the future.”

FE ATUR E : h e a lt h, b e au t y & fi t n ess

M att Fi d d es M art i al A rt s

“Some have a goal of helping 10,000 kids and others aim to get a high five from the shy newcomer. Whatever the goal, the martial arts instructors at Matt Fiddes are making a difference.” no background in martial arts but now she’s great at it and loves it.”

The business structure has been set up to replica all that martial arts embraces; integrity, respect, healthy body and mind.

The support systems in place have been tried and tested to ensure you stay focused. “It keeps me very motivated,” Richard agrees, loving the high fives and smiling faces he is greeted with each day.

An extensive support system and team work wonders but ultimately, it’s clear what motivates these instructors. “The most rewarding aspect is the kids. That’s what it all comes down to. The difference that we see in them over a small amount of time we share is just fantastic,” says Richard, “These kids are our future leaders and it’s impressive that we can make an impact at such a young age, so they can be better people as they grow up.”

Ryan explains, “I know in my heart that if anyone spent a week in my life, or any of our teams, they’d be hooked on what we get to experience each day. I’ve not missed an important moment in my children’s lives as a result of the freedom owning a franchise brings. Just wanting a better life isn’t enough to guarantee one, which is why it takes a certain personality type to succeed in what we do. There are so many perfect people out there, they just don’t know we exist yet.”

From Instructor and Leadership Courses to life skills and motivational coaching to complete business skills courses, Matt Fiddes offers it all. Every aspect has been taken care of so you understand what capacity you need, for what capacity you want to achieve.

it one step at a time. “I’m doing it as a slow cross over, so I don’t have any apprehensions at all.”

Richard explains that the training from Head Office is varied and consistent so that each location is run to the same program.

Whether it is conducted as group chats, weekly meetings or seminars, the team are never more than a phone call away.

TRANSFORMATIONS

“The whole team at Matt Fiddes are fantastic. They go out of their way to help you, it’s a phenomenal support network.”

Richard contributes the success of Matt Fiddes to keeping their finger on the pulse of what works and what franchisees need.

“Matt Fiddes are constantly evolving and that’s what makes them so successful. They have a unique blend of martial arts, they are a family and it just works.” Richard is already seeing the benefits not only in himself, his work but also his own family.

Franchisee owner Richard Watterson has turned his life around. Heading towards the threat of a heart attack due to being over worked and highly stressed, he knew something needed to change. Richard is making a gradual transition from his current work to his ultimate goal of becoming a full-time instructor so he set about doing

He says the transformation in his wife has also been significant. Originally, she joined in a support and administrative role but soon ventured out of her comfort zone. “Her confidence has gone astronomically forward since we started, to the point where she is now taking classes herself. There’s no way she would’ve done that 12 months ago. She had

It mirrors the values of martial arts through providing achievable goals that you set.

62 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

Whether it’s a casual Sunday night training session, or the electric atmosphere of a grading event, the instructors, parents and kids are all there to support one another.

Richard, like all the other instructors loves seeing the kids getting out there and enjoying themselves. It’s a combination of support, respect, brand confidence and family that make the team at Matt Fiddes so unique. “There is a really close network, we train hard together and then we get out there and enjoy life. We have a really good time.”

There are endless success stories of current MF Group franchise owners and instructors making a real difference every day. Some have a goal of helping 10,000 kids and others aim to get a high five from the shy newcomer. Whatever the goal, the martial arts instructors at Matt Fiddes are making a difference. At the end of the day they are not only enhancing their own lives but are there to help shape future generations, empowering them with skills and choices that will benefit a broader community.

Enhancing your own life is a great start, enhancing others is simply life transforming.

View our programs today on our website or to become part of the team, contact our friendly team today via: 1800 840 403 info@mattfiddes.com.au. www.mattfiddes.com

eR F x pert A N CHISE adv PIC i c e KS

FEATURED Franchise

FEATURED Franchise

FEATURED Franchise

BODYOLOGY

Core9

✓ Already an established business owner? ✓ Got a spare room? ✓ Like to increase revenue by 6 figures +? ✓ ROI within first year! ✓ Full support + training!

CORE9 is one of the most highly recognised and disruptive workouts in Australia and has a very strict and stealth approach to the brands expansion. Unlike traditional models Core9 has a unique formula for success and the brand’s deep-seated purpose from its founders are unparalleled and are the reason why the robust clubs outperform its class.

THE LEADERS IN INNOVATION HAVE DONE IT AGAIN! BodyOlogy’s brand new Satellite Model is about to transform Australian businesses. If you are in beauty, hair, pharmaceutical, physio, fitness, medical or any industry similar, the BodyOlogy Satellite Store is the perfect investment for you.

BodyOlogy are the undoubted leaders in the weight loss industry in Australia, offering 21st century exclusive technology to spot reduce, build lean muscle, tighten, tone and much more.

We base our business on a results driven model where clients lose 4-8 cm in just 45 minutes, proven throughout 7 existing clinics.

We have the credibility of the Australian Government TGA, who have given our machines Class 1 Medical accreditation.

From $88k you can add this state of the art franchise model to your existing business within 8 weeks.

Increase your revenue without the usual hassles –we take care of all bookings, enquiries and marketing, which exposes your existing business and a whole new clientele!

Phone: 1300 FABABS (1300 322 227) www.bodyologyweightloss.com.au www.bodyologyfranchising.com.au/ store-in-store

Co-Founder Craig Arnold says, “Despite our growth we endeavour to make sure each franchisee is carefully selected and their values align with the brand.

There are a lot of great options out there to choose from but to constantly create the standard and to continually set the benchmark within the industry we take a no BS approach towards our selection criteria, which is vital to the success of our clubs and critical to our franchise growth.”

The innovative exercise plan has taken the healthy living industry by storm in recent months attracting busy people with its ultra-effective 9 checkpoints, 31 minutes, ‘no excuses’ policy.

Combining three fat-busting exercises – gymnastics, kickboxing and tried and tested military techniques- the workouts target all areas of the body with elite performance training to burn fat, sculpt muscles and kick body confidence into high gear.

Fitness Enhancement Personal Training Our average client spends $5,000 with us and many have spent over $30,000!

Our 100% private Studio and Mobile Personal Training franchises cost a fraction of the price of other fitness franchises yet return so much per client for your investment. Plus, you get to spend your days training amazing clients, making friends, changing lives and doing what you love!

We offer a ready-made business with amazing head office support, CRM booking systems, training, marketing, staffing, clients, and all equipment and uniforms for as little as $29,900!

We even take your new enquiries for you on 1800 PT for U so you never miss a call.

Established in 1999, Fitness Enhancement is Australia’s is one of Australia’s largest Personal Training companies. We currently have more franchise territories available in all states and provide a $1000 a week client guarantee.

Personal Training qualifications are available for $3000 with your franchise for the right person.

If you’re passionate about health and fitness and love to help others, enquire now!

For more information contact: Serious applicants need only apply: Craig on 041714917.

Franchise@core9.com.au

Phone: 1800 PT for U / 1800 783 678 Email: franchise@fitnessenhancement.com Web: www.fitnessenhancement.com/franchise

Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand 63

eR F x pert A N CHISE adv PIC i c e KS

FEATURED Franchise

CELEBRATING OUR 11TH YEAR of the AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND BUSINESS FRANCHISE GUIDE The Franchise Guide is an annual handbook for potential franchisees and is a source of guidance and information from some of the most respected names in the industry.

Distributed across Australia and New Zealand, the Guide is sold in main and independent bookstores as well as digitally through Apple and Android apps.

X-Golf X-Golf’s state of the art indoor golf entertainment centres offer players unparalleled accuracy and realism.

The unique combination of virtual reality gaming and hospitality in a relaxed, social environment offers something to all players regardless of their age or skill levels. Our centres provide a variety of gameplay options including casual, weekly leagues, lessons and competitions making them a popular destination for corporate, family and social events.

Our franchise business system offers opportunities throughout Australasia, with locations currently in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, The Gold Coast and Christchurch (NZ). Following a proven and supported model, X-Golf provides an exciting business opportunity for those interested in setting up a new venture in a unique, non-saturated and developing sporting industry.

Our induction and training programs cover the essential operations, marketing, financial, IT, purchasing and customer management systems required to ensure you have all the tools and knowledge to run a successful, profitable business.

The team at X-Golf are always keen to discuss opportunities with enthusiastic and hardworking partners who are eager to join our expanding network and earn an excellent return as a successful business owner.

Providing a step-by-step guide, each chapter in the book is authored by an industry expert and answers the most common questions posed by the potential franchisee with suggested ideas and advice.

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NOW aging buying, man n franchise Your key to ow ur g from yo and profitin LAWYERS

MADGWICKS

See inside for

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FR AN C H IS R IG H T N O W AVAI LA BL E

- 159 -

• Up to date and relevant information • A must read for potential franchisees • Distributed by the Franchise Council of Australia • Eleventh year running • Distributed at major tradeshows and conventions • Available at selected banks and libraries • Can be purchased via our website www.businessfranchiseaustralia.com.au • Also available as a fully downloadable copy from Apple and Android.

For further information, please contact Mark Wilkinson, National Sales & Marketing Manager 0428 524 382, sales@xgolf.com.au or visit www.xgolf.com.au.

64 Business Franchise Australia and New Zealand

www.businessfranchiseaustralia.com.au