Ice cream franchise Ben & Jerry's has launched a Random Acts of Kindness campaign, which is seeing its mascot cow 'Woody' giving out free ice cream, hugs and shoe shines.
According to Mumbrella, the campaign will run in Sydney and Melbourne until the weekend and is also asking the public to nominate a friend's act of kindness, for their chance to win a year's supply of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
]]>For most of the last decade, as the sector enjoyed explosive growth, the franchisors held the power – and were prepared to use it.
But in the last 12 months, the franchisees have tried to take the power back.
From Smart Company: Conflict can occur in any relationship, and franchising is no different.
Franchisees seek to grow profitable businesses in their relationship with the franchisor, and franchisors seek to maximise their market coverage in their relationship with franchisees.
Both parties are drawn to the relationship for different reasons.
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From Franchise.net.au: Sergio's Cake Shops has signed up its first two franchisees with plans to open Sydney outlets early in 2012 in Marrickville and the Western suburbs."Phil is enthusiastic and passionate about our brand and someone who we believe is going to be a great franchisee.
"We are delighted that he has come on board in these early days of franchising."
The second franchise outlet will be opened by Penny and George Stefanou who are searching for an appropriate site.
Penny Stefanou said
"I can't wait to get started, we are so excited about our decision to buy a Sergio's Cake Shop franchise and are so looking forward to having our own store up running."
]]>However, the backlash from franchisors themselves has continued, with the Franchise Council of Australia telling its members that the bill goes "way beyond" the reach of powers given to small business commissioners in other states.
]]>Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers was voted the best franchise for 2011 in the topfranchise awards, making it the winner for the fourth consecutive year.
It was followed by Mister Minit, Mortgage Choice, Kwik Kopy and Mr Rental. Snap-on Tools, Anytime Fitness, Snooze, Gutter-Vac and Signwave rounded out the top 10.
From StartUpSmart: Ice cream and smoothie franchise Baskin-Robbins has flagged regional areas across Queensland, NSW and WA as the focus of its next growth phase, ramping up its recruitment drive for franchisees.
Late last year the US-based brand announced it was on the hunt for new franchisees as part of its new owners’ expansion in Australia following the collapse of former parent company Allied Brands.
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From InternationalBusinessTimes: Franchising is set to overtake manufacturing in terms of employment numbers within 10 years, according to Brian Keen founder and director of How To Franchise Simply.
Recent treasury modeling has suggested that the number of jobs in employment in manufacturing is expected to shrink by 17 per cent this decade, wiping out 170,000 jobs.
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From FranchiseNet: Thebestof, a UK marketing franchise which works to promote local businesses, has arrived on Australian shores establishing itself in Victoria, Queensland and NSW.
Australian CEO, Max Collins, said Thebestof works with local enterprise to promote their business in their local area.
"Each franchisee champions and promotes the best businesses and events in each local area, using a variety of offline and online marketing elements. It also engages with local people and gives them a voice," Collins said.
Read full article and Listen to Nigel Botterill, founder of Thebestof franchise
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From International News: SensaSlim Australia has responded in a very public way to a jockey who used its product to lose weight and took legal action.