There has been a great deal of change at FCA – and the organization has put plans in place to take back the Sovereignty of the Franchise Sector and get out in front of the challenges ahead. There are exciting and well-made plans in place to ensure the FCA is equipped and ready to take on the challenges ahead.
On the leadership front over the past few months there has been the appointment of a new Chair Richard Thame (Couriers Please Australia) and Amber Manning (Just Cuts) as Deputy Chair – added to this, Jay Westbury has commenced as the Council’s new CEO.
This dynamic leadership team marks a fresh approach to supporting the franchising sector and driving innovation within the industry. The tides have well and truly turned for FCA after a challenging year, and the new and reinvigorated leadership team are strongly committed to keeping the FCA relevant, responsive, and ready to meet the challenges ahead.
Helping to create a future facing franchise sector
The FCA has weathered the storm of both COVID, changes in leadership and organisational challenges coupled with the pending outcome of the Franchise Code Review, and the prospect of national licensing being considered by the commonwealth government. To ensure a transparent and orderly approach to all these pressing matters incoming CEO Jay and the leadership team have crafted a robust 100-day plan that ensures the organisation is match fit to face the future well prepared, well regarded, and ready for the challenges ahead.
As the final negotiations commence for what may be included in the new version of the Franchise Code, there are strong plans and policy options being considered as the concept of national licensing is being examined and the FCA will be very well placed to advocate strongly and firmly with a well-articulated voice with the government of the day, while at the same time paving a strong organisational foundation for a franchising sector that is inclusive and forward thinking.
The first 100-days – new CEO’s focus at FCA
As the new CEO, Jay has crafted a formidable 100-day plan that embraces all areas of the organisation to restore and guide the FCA into the future both internally and for all members, suppliers, stakeholders, and the wider franchising sector.
As a beacon in the Australian franchising industry for over 40 years, the FCA fresh approach with the 100-day plan is both transparent and inclusive – two major focuses for Jay as he guides the organisation into 2025 and beyond.
Jay’s roll out of the 100-day plan will cover the following areas:
- Staff -team & culture
- IT/Membership/Services
- Member Engagement
- Events – state and national
- Stakeholder engagement
- Board governance & constitution
- Finance / reporting / accountability
- Advocacy on franchise public policy
The FCA is in safe hands as it heads into 2025
With advocacy trips to Canberra in the works, a full suite of events and engagement activities filling the event calendar and a strong focus on getting the Franchise Code Review finalised, the coming months in the franchising sector within Australia are certainly going to be packed with opportunities for advocacy, networking, and growth.
As the dust settles from a tumultuous few months of change at the FCA, the future is bright and strong foundations have been laid to ensure the success of the FCA and that the FCA takes back the sovereignty and the voice for franchising in Australia.
About FCA CEO – Jay Westbury
CEO Jay Westbury brings over two decades of experience in leading peak industry bodies, including his previous roles as CEO of Retail Drinks Australia (formerly Australian Liquor Stores Association) and the Australian Travel Industry Association (formerly Australian Federation of Travel Agents). Both sectors have close ties to franchising, giving Jay a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this industry.