Melbourne Exhibitor Highlights 22-24 August 2014

Attending the Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is the best way to meet the people behind some of Australia’s most exciting franchises. But to make the most of the show it pays to plan ahead.

Here are Exhibition Manger Fiona Stacey’s top tips on how to get the most from the Expo:

• Start off by visiting the Franchise Council of Australia stand A1 for general information about franchising.

•  Attend ‘Is Franchising Right for You?’ seminar, on daily at 11am and 2pm.

• Check the rest of the seminar program and add the sessions that most interest you to your schedule.

• Meet with a broad range of exhibitors and gain insights into the range of franchise and business opportunities.

There are over 100 exhibitors at the Expo, here is just a small taste of what’s on offer:

Aussie Home Loans – Stand C11

Aussie Home Loans forged its reputation by providing high quality, competitively priced home loans. Now its product range has expanded to include products such as insurance, credit cards and personal loans, giving retail franchises multiple income streams. A small business can be ‘big’ business with the backing of Aussie – one of Australia’s leading brands. Aussie currently has a loan book in excess of $40 billion and enjoys the loyalty of over 250,000 valued customers. Aussie has been named Mortgage Broker of the Year by Australian Banking & Finance magazine for a record seven years in a row.

Meet the team at the stand to find out more about running your own retail store, or operating a mobile mortgage broking business.

“For over 20 years, Aussie has worked hard to build the leading brand in the mortgage broking industry and the main reason for that has been our people,” says Executive Chairman John Symond. “They are critical to Aussie’s success and we want to make sure that every person considering Aussie has all of the information they need to make the right decision.”

Check it out at the show or go to www.aussie.com.au/careers

Cashflow It – Stand D26

Cashflow It is a brand new business established earlier this year to fund franchise businesses. Managing Director James Scurr says the company is the only one in Australia to focus solely on franchise finance solutions.

“Cashflow It is an equipment finance company that offers a fast and unique solution for franchisees and franchisors to access the finance they need to buy equipment or fund fit outs for their business,” he explains.

“We can also assist in funding used equipment to help facilitate the sale of a franchise and we work with franchisors on large scale equipment roll-outs to entire franchise networks.”

Cashflow It offers a fast online web based application that takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and franchisees can be approved in less than 24 hours.

For more information go to www.cashflowit.com.au

 The Chicken Rice Shop – Stand A13

Established in June 2000, The Chicken Rice Shop (TCRS) is the leading and most successful HALAL chain of chicken rice family restaurants in Malaysia. It serves authentic “grandmothers’ traditional Hainanese secret recipe chicken rice” and a special selection of local Malaysian delicacies in a modern, clean and contemporary environment.

With aggressive expansion plans, TCRS is looking for franchisees in the Australian market to complement its 70 stores in three countries. TCRS franchisees can leverage the company’s research and development capabilities, modern processes, cooking technology and high tech retail systems to establish an efficient chain of distinctive chicken rice restaurants easily and effectively. The system features professionally designed restaurant layouts, strong marketing and comprehensive franchisee training programs.

Find out more about a complete TCRS franchise package at the stand or go to www.thechickenriceshop.com/franchise 

 Dream Doors – Stand D40

This internationally proven franchise concept has been successfully working in the UK for 14 years and for the past six years in New Zealand.

The secret of the system is simply replacing the kitchen doors and benchtops, leaving the original units in place, and saving the customers thousands of dollars.

Now available in Australia, Dream Doors is currently recruiting Regional Master Franchisees for various parts of Australia. This business is ideal for partnerships or husband/wife teams who are looking for a middle-market retail opportunity providing a bespoke service to a growing market.

For more information go to www.dreamdoorskitchenfranchise.com

Flip Out – Stand A9

Flip Out Trampoline Arenas first opened in Western Sydney, and are now opening in regions and suburbs around Australia to provide healthy and awesome fun through their massive trampolines, ball games, events and more.

A huge jumping area accommodates lots of jumpers at once, and arenas are compatible with indoor or outdoor use.

See why Flip Out is hands-down the most enjoyable franchise around – meet the team and try out the trampolines at the Expo, or go to www.flipout.net.au for more information.

Franchise Fitouts Australia – Stand D17

Franchise Fitouts is an Australian-owned franchise shop-fitting company, offering total turnkey solutions to franchisors, master franchisees and franchisees.

Meet the team at the show, and enter one of the exciting competitions and you could be a winner!

Franchisors and master franchisees may enter the draw to win flights to Melbourne and accommodation for two at the luxurious five-star Crown Towers Hotel. Franchisees may also enter the draw to win one of five $100 Myer gift cards.

See how you could save money and time fitting out your dream business, meet the team at the stand or go to www.franchisefitoutsaustralia.com.au

Franchise Legal – Stand A27

Meet Franchise Legal’s team of experienced franchise advisors, who assist their clients with setting up, buying and selling franchises. 

Franchise Legal acts for over 50 franchise systems in most industries and at all stages of their development, with services and retainer custom-designed for each franchisor. The Franchise Legal team also assists franchisees through the acquisition process with essential legal advice. Special Counsel Jane Garber-Rosenzweig will present a seminar on Friday and Sunday at 3.30pm called ‘Franchising Your Business,’ specifically targeted towards new franchisors attending the expo. Find out more at www.franchiselegal.com.au   

Franchise Selection- Stand C29

Anyone new to the franchise industry would do well to speak with the experts at Franchise Selection – a group of professional franchise consultants who help others to achieve their dreams of franchise ownership.

Franchise Selection’s consultation process is a proven method of helping people identify and research franchises that present a true opportunity for success.

With so many franchise opportunities available today it is much easier to choose the wrong franchise than the right one. Franchise Selection’s team of professionals has decades of experience in franchising and currently services more than 20 franchise systems throughout Australia.

Managing Director Kevin Bugeja will be speaking on Friday (1pm) and Sunday (11.30am) as part of the free seminar program, “What to look out for when buying a franchise”.

For more information go to www.franchiseselection.com.au 

 HiDow Australia – Stand D42

HiDow Australia is the exclusive national distributor of the portable painPod medical device and accessories. As seen on Today Tonight and ACA, the painPod provides fast-acting, drug free pain relief, improving mobility and quality of life of Australian pain sufferers, using TENS/EMS technology.

National Corporate Sales Director Sue Lamb says this ‘Pain Free’ business offers excellent profits and suits people who are already in the health industry or who are looking for a proven successful business opportunity. Already 95,000 HiDow products have been sold in Australia.

And HiDow Australia offers all of the franchise benefits without any franchise fees. Experience this sought-after pain relieving medical device at HiDow’s stand, and chat with Sue Lamb and her team about how this incredible device could change your life.

For more information go to www.hidow.com.au

 

How to Franchise Simply – Stand C38

Franchise strategist and consultant Brian Keen offers workshops and expertise on the best way to grow a business by franchising.

At the show Keen will showcase a new website that offers a short questionnaire “Is your business franchise-able?” that provides a free report for prospective franchisors.

Find out more by listening to Keen’s seminar session “How to franchise your business simply, successfully and save tens of thousands of dollars – a step-by-step system that will open your eyes,” on Friday (3pm) and Saturday (10.30am).

For more information go to www.howtofranchisesimply.com.au

Indian Brothers Restaurant – Stand C18

This popular restaurant business is rapidly expanding its network across Australia, with opportunities available in excellent locations.

“The North Indian culture is more than 4500 years old and we have been preparing food using the same traditional methods all that time,” explains Raj Singh, one of the founding owners along with brother Buta Singh Bhinder. “Our craft has been perfected in a way that no other business opportunity can compete with.”

Singh says researching better ways to prepare food, enhanced methods of cooking and presentation, all culminate in a market-leading position.

“This critical element will enable us to grow the Indian Brothers chain in a sustainable way, and in a way that adds extraordinary value to each outlet within the group.”

Meet the Singh brothers plus Managing Director Steve Potter and Marketing Director Mike Fuller at the stand to find out more or go to www.indianbrothers.com.au

Jim’s Test & Tag – Stand C17

Workplace safety is the number one priority for Jim’s Test & Tag, Australia’s leading electrical test and tag organisation, which aims to ensure that no-one in Australia is electrocuted in a work-place accident.

Jim’s Test & Tag offers an intensive training programme that all franchise owners must undertake. On completion, there is support from franchise owners and the franchisor to ensure all franchisees continue to reach their goals in the short, medium and long term.

A Jim’s Test & Tag franchise ensures every success by initiating franchisees into one of the most successful Jim’s divisions. The company offers an established track record of profitable franchisees, an in-depth and structured training program and passionate, dedicated leadership.

For more information go to www.jimstestandtag.com.au/franchising

Kwik Kerb – Stand D22

Kwik Kerb is a world leader in landscape kerb machinery and a household name in many countries. With the highest quality concrete kerbing, Kwik Kerb also offers proven brand merchandising and methods of business operation.

The company’s objective is to make new business ownership as straightforward and easy as possible for its clients – meet the team at the show to see how they do it, and find out about their exciting competition to give away an entire business package to a lucky Business Franchise magazine reader. For more information go to www.kwikkerb.com.au

Open2view – Stand A38

Join a growing market sector with Australia’s real estate website and professional real estate photographic service.

Open2view.com has been delivering photographic and marketing services to Australia’s Real Estate professionals since 2004. The company has developed exclusive tools and systems that have enabled its business owners to dominate real estate photography in their area.

Open2view welcomes franchisees from a vast variety of backgrounds; but all are people who have enthusiasm and are committed to providing exceptional service. Previous photography or sales experience is an advantage but not necessary, as Open2view provides a full franchise training programme.

For more information go to www.open2view.com.au

Pack & Send – Stand A5

Visitors seeking a future-proof franchise opportunity should head straight for Pack & Send.

“The high growth in online shopping means the freight and parcel market is booming,” says CEO Michael Paul.

“That’s exciting for a brand like Pack & Send, because we have such a unique point of difference to other service providers in the marketplace. We provide a complete portfolio of packaging, freight and courier solutions.”

Paul says franchisees also have the advantage of operating from retail premises at business trading hours and have the ability to earn income from freight solutions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The eye-catching Pack & Send stand will feature informative videos displayed on large flat screen TVs, and visitors will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by Pack & Send representatives. For more information go to www.packsend.com.au

Plus Fitness 24/7 – Stand C36

Plus Fitness 24/7 is one of the fastest growing Australian-owned franchise networks, with a new franchise opening every 10 days! Co-founder Nigel Miller says the reason behind this success is that franchisees keen to join a growing and sustainable market sector of health and fitness, backed by 18 years of brand exposure and experience.

Last year the company was awarded FCA Emerging Franchisor of the Year, as well as Smart Company Franchise of the Year. Miller says that winning these awards was not just down to an exceptional growth rate, but also high levels of franchisee support and satisfaction, a consistent, innovative approach to ensuring the product is the most advanced on the market and in line with consumer demand, plus the Franchise Proposition representing exceptional value with impressive returns.

Miller adds that the Plus Fitness 24/7 team is looking forward to meeting more potential franchisees at the Expo.

“We are looking for enthusiastic people who are looking to either invest and have a managed facility, or looking for a new venture to operate,” he says. “We are also encouraging existing business owners to come and meet with us to discuss expanding their portfolio of businesses into a potential new market, leveraging their existing business experience.”

Find out more at www.plusfitness.com.au

PostNet Australia – Stand A18

This global success story is based in USA and came to Australia in 2007. The franchise combines digital printing and copying, marketing solutions, packing and shipping and private mailbox rental at its Neighbourhood Business Centres in Australia nationwide.

PostNet has a simple mission: To make it easier for Australia’s small businesses to grow by solving their marketing, branding and logistical challenges. 

“We give start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses a place they can come for advice about ways to build their brand and win more business,” says CEO Robin Lau.

“Small businesses can transform lives, and the beauty of PostNet is that by helping our franchisees succeed, we can help whole communities succeed. There’s nothing better.”

For more information go to www.postnet.com.au 

Step into Life – Stand A20

Since 1995 when founder Larry Cohen launched the first ever session in Melbourne, Step into Life has grown to be the market leader in Group Outdoor Personal Training, with over 164 franchises across Australia and New Zealand.

Its success lies in the ability to support and nurture its franchisees throughout their business life.

“We realise our best asset is our people so we’ve developed systems to support and grow your business before you even start – from marketing and advertising through to our 400 training programs for your sessions with members,” explains Cohen. “Our vision is to inspire and lead fitter and healthier communities across the globe because we know one of the key steps to happiness is good health.”

Larry Cohen will present the keynote seminar session on Saturday at 1.30, titled ‘Soaring to Success with Franchising’.

For more information go to www.stepintolife.com.au

Tutor Doctor – Stand B30

Tutor Doctor was founded in 2000 as an alternative to the “one-to-many” teaching model most extra-curricular learning centres offer, by providing a personalised one-on-one, in-home tutoring service to students. 

The company quickly grew and in 2003 turned to franchising as a way of expanding the company’s impact and meeting the vast market demand. Now with over 400 franchised territories worldwide, Tutor Doctor was listed by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the fastest growing franchise brands.

“Our franchisees have the benefit of working from home while managing a team of professional tutors that help students of all ages through our successful 1-on-1 in-home tutoring model,” says Jennifer Meyer, Franchise Development Director. “This eliminates the need for high overhead costs associated with a traditional learning centre model. We are very excited about bringing our concept to Australia where we are confident it would be a success!”

Meet Jennifer Meyer and her team at the show or go to www.tutordoctor.com

V.I.P. Home Services – Stand B32

V.I.P. Home Services began in 1972 and was the first home services business to franchise in Australia. Founded by Bill Vis, the company remains Australian owned and operated and has the same core value from the very day it started – exceptional customer service.

It is this great service, essentially treating customers like V.I.P.’s, that has enabled the company to grow into an award winning franchise system that has over 1,100 franchisees across Australasia.

At the Expo, V.I.P. Home Services will be giving all visitors to its stand the chance to win vouchers that may be redeemed for home cleaning or lawns and gardens work. In addition, V.I.P. Home Services has an exclusive ‘Show Only’ offer whereby visitors may receive up to $3,000 off the cost of a franchise business. Find out more at the stand or go to www.viphomeservices.com.au

Xpresso Mobile Café – Stand D37

Xpresso Mobile Café is Australia’s only premium mobile café service, offering a lifestyle change that is the ultimate balance between work and play! 

According to Managing Director Jonathan Payne, franchisees are generally home by 1pm after servicing their customers with Di Bella Coffee products.

The innovative Mercedes Benz mobile cafes also have the ability to showcase multiple blends of Di Bella Coffee beans and then weigh, custom grind, bag and heat seal the product for customers who have a coffee machine and just need quality beans.

“As well as weekend work with events, this is another great income stream for licensees,” Payne says.

At the Expo, Xpresso Mobile Café will have a fully functioning mobile café where visitors may sample Di Bella Coffee products.

For more information go to www.xpresso.com.au

YogaBugs – Stand D38

YogaBugs offers an exciting opportunity to join a rewarding and successful specialist children’s activity business, operating through a team of licensed instructors and instructor mangers within Australia, The UK, China and Singapore.

Business owners are trained and licensed in all of YogaBugs programs to offer classes to children from walking – 12 years, including YogaBugs’ elite results driven ‘Impact and Change’ program.

YogaBugs offers excellent ongoing training and support that will not only give the required skills, knowledge and confidence to establish a YogaBugs business, but will also inspire you to want to make a real difference to children’s lives.

Find out more about the unique programme, ‘5B45’, to fast track your business launch and quickly build a solid foundation to build on. Meet the team at the stand or go to www.yogabugs.com.au

The Melbourne Franchising & Business Opportunities Expo is on Friday 22 August – Sunday 24 August at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre 10am-5pm. Entry is $15 at the door or free with pre-registration online.

For more information go to www.franchisingexpo.com.au