franchising council of australia (fca)
Australian franchised businesses positive
about 2022
Business is looking up in 2022 according to many of the more than 1000 individual businesses representing 83 franchise systems in the first national survey of Australian franchisees. The Australian Franchisee Survey conducted by FRANdata for the Franchise Council of Australia confirms that a growing number of franchised businesses saw an income turnaround in the closing months of 2021 and further improvement is expected over the next six months. Almost half (49%) of respondents expected better trading performance in 2022. The most optimistic industries included convenience stores, retail food outlets, retail stores, pet services and home services. Thirty six percent (36%) anticipated conditions to remain “about the same”. 14 business franchise MAGAZINE
Mary Aldred is the CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia, the peak body for the nation’s $155 billion franchise sector. Mary commenced in the role in April 2018, bringing with her extensive experience across government, industry and the corporate sectors. As CEO, Mary has led the FCA in developing and delivering strategic priorities to strengthen the FCA’s role as an effective peak business organisation and advocate for a complaint, sustainable and profitable franchise sector. Franchise Council of Australia: Phone: 03 9508 0888 | Email: info@franchise.org.au | Web: www.franchise.org.au
The “Risk of Further Government Lockdowns” was identified as the greatest challenge for the next twelve months at 57%. This was closely followed by “Finding Staff” (56%) and “The Financial Performance of my Business” (53%). More than 70% of respondents indicated they hoped to increase employment numbers over the coming twelve months. Thirty percent of these businesses hoped to employ an additional 2-4 people, 21% an additional 5-
25 people and 3% more than 25 people. Eighty (80%) per cent of respondents found their franchisors supportive over the past twelve months. “The fact that a majority of survey respondents indicated they felt being part of a franchise system provided an advantage over operating an independent business shows that the franchising model provides a strong framework for small businesses,” said FCA CEO Mary Aldred.
