FRANCHISING IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT THE ABSA FRANCHISE BUSINESS FESTIVAL

Says Dumisani Bengu, Head: Franchise Africa at Absa, “Though we are in tough economic times, there are several sub-sectors of franchising that are projected to show substantial growth in 2017. Franchising is one sector that has consistently shown its resilience by performing well and this trend is expected to continue in 2017. Absa is committed to supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs in South Africa and we encourage South Africans to look for alternative business models that will help them achieve financial success.”

The Absa Franchise Business Festival attracted close to 5,000 visitors who came not only to explore business and franchise opportunities, but to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle flavour of the expo offering a food street market, fun activities for the kids and live entertainment featuring amongst others Tebogo Louw, Terra Cox and Cunning Brad. Exhibitors were hard at work promoting their opportunities to would-be business owners and reported strong leads which they hope to translate into new franchisees in the coming months. 

FASA’s FRANCHISE CONVENTION 

The Franchise Convention, also graciously sponsored by Absa, brought together successful franchisors and the sector’s top experts who, in concurrent sessions, tackled a wide range of issues pertinent to the current state of franchising. 

The convention opened with a presentation by journalist and broadcaster, Chris Gibbons, following which delegates could then choose from 42 speakers who shared their secrets to success, offering guidance on a wide range of subjects from franchise operations and relationships to site selection, growth, international expansion, finance and funding, legal issues, marketing, and technology. The day’s programme concluded with a political overview on the state of the nation from political analyst and futurist, Daniel Silke. 

FASA’S Awards for Excellence in Franchising, sponsored by Sanlam, honoured those franchise brands that have shown resilience and growth in these trying times, and recognised the efforts of business owners in growing the economy and contributing to job creation. Says Kobus Engelbrecht, Marketing Head of Sanlam Business Market, “We recognise that business ownership is a lonely road to travel and recognition for a job well done is rare. As the franchising industry is very important to the South African economy, and therefore to us, we are very proud to sponsor the 2017 FASA Franchise Awards”.

Addressing the finalists at the awards ceremony, FASA Chairman Tony Da Fonseca emphasised that in spite of the ongoing recession, franchising as a business format continues to prove its resilience, offering franchisees a better chance of surviving the ups and downs. 

Says FASA’s Executive Director, Vera Valasis, “The FASA Awards is the industry’s way of acknowledging the franchisors and franchisees who are still climbing the ladder of franchise success. This year’s franchise entrants reflect the pockets of excellence found across a range of business categories.” 

Winner of the prestigious Franchisor of the Year award, Car Service City, is proof that the automotive services industry has benefited from motorists repairing rather than replacing cars. The growth of their brand is reflected in their good reputation and their accountability to their customers, franchisees and employees. Runners up were Kauai and Sorbet.

Franchisee of the Year top achiever, Madelein van Staden of Placecol Skin Care Clinic in Pretoria, believes in the classic ‘lipstick effect theory’ that, in economically challenging times, consumers (and in this case women) may tighten their belts in some areas, but will still spend on beauty treatments and products to boost their morale and stay positive. Runners up were Kalai Moodley of Perfect 10, Ballito and Jaco Uys of Roman’s Pizza, Groblersdal.

Newcomer Franchisor of the Year frontrunner Body20 is testament to the growth of the health and body culture sector. With their innovative EMS fitness system, Body20 helps time-strapped people get the equivalent of five conventional weight training sessions in just 20 minutes. Runners up were Sherpa Kids and RocoMamas.

In line with FASA’s commitment to encouraging growth in BEE franchisors and franchisees, the Franchisor: Leading Developer of Emerging Entrepreneurs award went to Hot Dog Café, a pioneer in developing government funding programmes that nurture entrepreneurial ownership, skills transfer and job creation. Runners up were Choprop and Sherpa Kids.

Walking away with the Job Creator of the Year award, Sorbet employs 2,400 people in their 177 outlets, many of whom trained through the Sorbet Empowerment Foundation, an upliftment programme committed to building skills and job creation. Runners up were Car Service City and Hot Dog Café.

In today’s difficult trading environment and with fast-moving social media trends, marketing requires lateral thinking. As the winner of the Brand Builder of the Year award, health food brand Kauai hit the target by partnering with Discovery Vitality and Discovery Insure through rewards programmes, apps and newsletters. Runners up were Perfect 10 and Placecol.

The Field Service Consultant award recognises the central role that field service consultants play in mentoring and monitoring the operations of franchisees. Nanou N’sa of Hot Dog Café took top honours in this category, winning a trip to the 2018 International Franchise Association’s Convention held in the USA. Runners up were Navin Sawnarain of John Dory’s and Eric McDermott of RocoMamas.