By Sonia Shwabsky, CEO of Kwik Kopy Australia.
Regional Australia has always offered unique economic opportunities for business growth, and as we continue to see these areas change and thrive, these benefits are only set to increase. According to Regional Capitals Australia (RCS), regional communities currently account for around 40% of the total national economic output. Ensuring these areas continue to succeed is not only vital to the maintenance of regional communities, but also has an ongoing stabilising effect on the wider Australian economy. Expansion into these areas, therefore not only benefits the businesses, but also benefits the region and wider economy.
Regional Australia is home to one third of Australia’s employment opportunities and many areas are growing at similar rates to capital cities (Regional Australia Institute), indicating there is an opportunity for investment and business expansion. This positive impact is only increased when it comes to businesses within the franchise industry. We have seen immense benefits from Kwik Kopy Australia expanding into regional areas for both the individual franchise owners and our network as whole. These benefits often include:
- Lower operating costs
- Higher profit margins from less competition
- Stronger community loyalty
These ongoing effects have acted as a major driver for Kwik Kopy’s ambitions to expand and grow in Australia’s regional areas.
Community involvement has always been a major factor for Kwik Kopy franchisees, and our ability to engage with locals has influenced the longevity of our business. The sense of community in regional areas is unmatched, only heightening this advantage. Often, our regional franchises are owned and operated by locals, meaning they already have a sense of trust from the community, which only increases as we provide a strong support system with a wealth of knowledge and experience.
This sense of community loyalty also expands to a business-to-business (B2B) aspect as well. The relationship built between our Kwik Kopy franchisees and the businesses in their surrounding local areas is essential to their success. This is something regional franchisees particularly benefit from – being able to gain and maintain the trust of surrounding businesses and thus create a loyal customer base.
Expansion into these regional areas however, does not come without its challenges, which is why it’s essential we have a thought out strategy that is malleable into every community. Within our regional strategy, we also look at existing businesses in the print industry within these communities that may be struggling or do not have an exit strategy, and gauge their interest in becoming a franchise. This includes providing the tools and systems needed to get their business back on track and be set up as a successful Kwik Kopy centre. We continue to support our franchisees throughout their entire business journey, ensuring they’re never left in isolation and always have an experienced network to rely on.
In order to successfully operate in regional areas, it is vital to understand the consumer behaviour of those living and working in the areas. These can vastly differ from the patterns and trends of their city counterparts. Gone is the misconception that regional Australia consumers are two steps behind the cities, and instead there is a new demand for uniquely tailored businesses that specifically address the communities in these regional areas. One of the biggest changemakers for regional businesses is the importance of loyalty, according to recent news from AdNews. With fewer options to ‘shop around’ in these regional areas, customers are more likely to stay loyal to a shop once they find something they like. Growing this trust and loyalty within a region is vital for the long term success of your business.
Individualisation and personalisation is also vital to the success of franchisees, especially in regional areas. This not only allows each franchise to differentiate itself, but also means they’re tailored specifically to accommodate the nearby area and thus attract their respective customer base. This individualisation for our regional franchisees also exemplifies our business anchor of “Your Business, Our Purpose.” This notion highlights the role Kwik Kopy plays in allowing their franchisees to become their own unique and successful business, whilst still simultaneously contributing toward the overall mission of Kwik Kopy Australia.
As we enter 2025, the new year can bring fresh career aspirations and a renewed desire to embark on a new professional journey. Franchising offers the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to explore diverse industries and fields, particularly in regional areas that provide their own unique and rewarding experiences. It is especially ideal for individuals just starting their entrepreneurial journey, offering a structured framework, stability and guidance from the larger parent company.
At Kwik Kopy Australia, we view the success of every franchise as essential to the overall success of the company. That’s why we provide robust foundations for building a thriving business, from training to operational support. Once the franchise is established, we don’t step away but instead remain a dependable support network, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability. Additionally, franchising with Kwik Kopy empowers entrepreneurs to leverage our well-established brand reputation, proven business model, and extensive resources, helping them navigate challenges confidently while building a prosperous future in a competitive market.
Whether you’re looking for the first step in your entrepreneurial journey or looking to enter a different field, franchising within regional Australia holds endless opportunities for your business journey.