Overnight Success

Franchise New Zealand celebrates 30 years by winning the Service Provider of the Year Award

30 years ago, the world – and New Zealand – was a very different place. Bill Clinton was elected President of the United States, McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in China, and South Africa voted for the political reforms that would end apartheid.

In New Zealand, Jim Bolger was Prime Minister, The Exponents’ Why Does Love Do This To Me? was single of the year, David Tua reportedly said ‘O for Awesome’ on Wheel of Fortune, and Shortland Street first hit our screens, informing Dr Ropata that he was no longer in Guatemala.

The year was 1992. Notable births that year included All Blacks captain Sam Cane, Black Caps captain Tom Latham and, in May, Franchise New Zealand magazine.

How franchising has changed

Franchising back then looked very different. In total, there would have been fewer than 50 franchise brands in the whole country – a number of overseas brands, and a handful of brave home-grown pioneers such as Arano Juice, Stirling Sports, Uncles, Pit Stop and Frank Casey Suit Hire (remember them?). 30 years on, there are around 600, and New Zealand has become, per capita, the most franchised country in the world.

Since its foundation, Franchise New Zealand has provided free information about the process of choosing and buying a franchise to hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. That first issue of the magazine was followed by one of the first websites in the country in 1997. The company has since added an email newsletter, digital magazine and social media to its mix to reach over 25,000 readers per month.

Commitment to the sector

‘To mark our 30th birthday, we decided to enter the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards for only the second time and, much to our delight, we won,’ says Lorraine Lord, co-publisher with husband Simon of Franchise New Zealand media.

The prestigious Award recognises a Service Provider to the franchise sector who demonstrates a significant contribution to New Zealand franchising.

The judges said, ‘Franchise New Zealand media demonstrated an ability to adapt and grow the business, as well as an “above and beyond” level of commitment to the sector. They show true dedication to franchising, with their media providing industry profile and key marketing as well delivering return for their business. The entry contained robust information in all questions, including metrics and customer testimonials. Well done on an excellent submission.’

A win/win approach

Sally Knight, the company’s Business Development Manager says, ‘By informing and educating franchise buyers, we have helped many people to get into satisfying and successful businesses over the years – and, equally importantly, helped many more avoid making critical mistakes. We have also sponsored franchise conferences, awards, surveys and events all over the country.

‘Our passion and enthusiasm for franchising is reflected in our win/win, collaborative approach to business – an approach that we hope reflects the whole spirit of franchising at its best.

‘Our thanks to our designer Paul Donovan, our freelance writers, our suppliers, our advertisers and readers and, above all, our sponsors Westpac (who have been with us for the whole 30 years) and Franchise Accountants. It is an honour to work with you all.’