Best in the West – Laser Clinics Australia’s bold new expansion plan
As Laser Clinics Australia seeks to build its brand and presence in Western Australia, a former marketing executive turned franchisee is seeking to play her part and alert customers to the quality and scope of her clinic’s service offerings.
When Aniella Leeks opened the doors to her Laser Clinics Australia clinic in late October, it was the culmination of a four-year dream to bring the award-winning franchise to Joondalup in Western Australia.
The former marketing professional and personal trainer had long admired the cosmetic treatment franchise and its success in the eastern states, after first reading about it in a BRW magazine, in a waiting room.
“When I went home I said to my husband, ‘This is something we could look at’ and I got in contact with Laser Clinics,” says Aniella, whose new clinic is one of six in Western Australia and part of a group of more than 115 clinics nationally that has in the past decade redefined the market for affordable laser hair removal, skin treatments and cosmetic injections.
“It’s been a long process to finally get a franchise. But I’ve always believed in the brand and what it stands for.”
Industry standout
Laser Clinics Australia is a leader in an industry that has seen Australians spend more than $1 billion on cosmetic treatments in each of 2016 and 2017. It was named the Franchise Council of Australia Emerging Franchisor of 2018. And, in 2018, it was ranked in the top 50 of the Smart50 Awards, and a finalist in the Top Franchise award and the Smart & Lasting awards.
The key has been building a strong brand and large client base through the supply of affordable, accessible and reliable cosmetic treatments. It is a combination that appealed to Aniella and her husband, who also own and run a successful printing franchise.
“I’ve always had an interest in health and fitness and looking and feeling good,” she says. “So Laser Clinics has been a great fit.”
She believes the West Australian market is ripe for the Laser Clinics Australia model, especially as new state laws now allow non-medical practitioners to use lasers for cosmetic procedures. The Joondalup clinic’s performance since opening late last year justifies such confidence, with a steady stream of clients taking advantage of affordable treatments that have largely been reserved for those in cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in the past. “It’s exceeded my expectations, both in terms of the results Joondalup has delivered and also in how I feel as our team and clientele grow,” Aniella says.
Strong support
Aniella has no doubt that among the factors that will make a difference for franchisees are Laser Clinics Australia’s proven systems and processes to help clinic owners with business challenges such as recruitment, training, human resources, technology and marketing. The accessibility of head-office support – and advice from other franchisees – has helped her
clinic perform well during the bedding down period, in addition to an “intense” induction and training program.
“As big as Laser Clinics is, it’s refreshing to know that if at any given point I need assistance or support I can actually contact head office. I’ve never felt that anything is too much trouble. You don’t just get lost in the system.” Another major advantage, according to Aniella, is the 50-50 partnership model between franchisee partners and the company, which means the business is financially committed to the success of all clinics.
“This type of unique partnership gave us the balance between being our own boss along with having the support of a franchise. And with Laser Clinics being so established as the market leader in the east, it was a no brainer to bring the brand to the west.”
To find out more about becoming a Laser Clinics Franchise Partner, please contact Fiona Harcourt or Liz Seeto at franchising@laserclinics.com.au or visit www.laserclinics.com.au/franchise-opportunities